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Tag: low calorie dinner

Explore Low-Calorie Dinner Recipes
Finding tasty and nutritious low-calorie dinner recipes can be a delightful journey towards healthier eating. Whether you’re trying to shed a few pounds or simply want to maintain a balanced diet, low-calorie recipes for dinner are a great choice. In this article, we’ll delve into various options that not only satisfy your taste buds but also help you stay within your calorie goals.
Why Choose Low-Calorie Dinner Recipes?
Choosing low-calorie dinner recipes doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction; it’s a part of low calorie foods that is often followed by most diet conscious individuals. These recipes are designed to be filling, nutritious, and delicious. But what is the least calorie dinner? 

Typically, meals rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains make up low-calorie dinners that are both healthy and satisfying.
Benefits of Low-Calorie Recipes for Dinner

Weight Management: Low-calorie dinner recipes help you manage your weight effectively. Consuming fewer calories than you burn is essential for weight loss.
Nutrient Density: Many low-calorie recipes for dinner are packed with essential nutrients, ensuring you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Energy Levels: Eating healthy low-calorie dinner recipes can help maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.

What Foods Are Very Filling but Low in Calories?
When looking for low-calorie dinner recipes, it’s important to focus on foods that are filling but low in calories. Vegetables, lean proteins like tofu, and whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice are excellent choices. Additionally, soups and salads can be great low-calorie recipes for dinner as they are both satisfying and low in calories as an alternative to main course.
Low-Calorie Dinner Recipe Ideas

Grilled Vegetables Salad

A grilled vegetables salad is a classic example of a low-calorie dinner recipe. Combine mixed greens, grilled vegetables, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a delicious and filling meal. This low-calorie dinner recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

Vegetable stir-fry is another versatile and easy low-calorie dinner recipe. Use a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, and stir-fry them with a bit of olive oil and soy sauce. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a low-calorie dinner that’s both delicious and healthy.

Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a hearty and healthy low-calorie dinner recipe. Lentils are high in protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a filling meal. Add in some carrots, celery, and tomatoes, and you have a nutritious and satisfying low-calorie dinner recipe. Indian Dal are a great source of protein and are low calorie. 
What Dinner Can I Have Low in Calories?
When planning low-calorie dinner recipes, consider the components of your meal. Aim for a balance of lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Here are a few more ideas for dinner recipes low calorie:

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Quinoa stuffed peppers are a great low-calorie dinner recipe. Quinoa is a high-protein grain that pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Stuff bell peppers with cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a colorful and nutritious meal.

Baked Beans with Asparagus

Baked beans with asparagus is a simple yet elegant low-calorie dinner recipe. Beans pairs perfectly with roasted asparagus. Season with a bit of lemon juice and dill for a fresh and light low-calorie dinner.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

Zucchini noodles with pesto are an excellent low-calorie dinner recipe for pasta lovers. Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles and toss them with a light basil pesto. This dish is a great way to enjoy a classic flavor while keeping your calorie intake low.
Tips for Creating Your Own Low-Calorie Dinner Recipes

Focus on Vegetables: Vegetables are naturally low in calories and high in nutrients. Incorporate a variety of veggies into your low-calorie dinner recipes to keep your meals interesting and nutritious.
Use Lean Proteins: Choose lean proteins such as plant-based options like tofu and legumes. These options are lower in calories and higher in protein, making them perfect for low-calorie dinner recipes.
Healthy Cooking Methods: Opt for grilling, baking, steaming, or stir-frying instead of frying. These methods use less oil and help keep your low-calorie dinner recipes light and healthy.
Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Using smaller plates can help you control your portions and stay within your calorie goals.
Low Carb Recipes: Look for low carb recipes as they compliment along with low calories meals and are a great dish to try out for diet conscious individuals.

Conclusion
Incorporating low-calorie dinner recipes into your diet can help you achieve your health and fitness goals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. By focusing on nutrient-dense foods and healthy cooking methods, you can enjoy delicious and filling meals that support your overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for easy low-calorie dinner recipes or more elaborate dishes, there are plenty of options to explore. Start experimenting with these ideas and discover your favorite low-calorie dinner recipes today!
FAQ Section

What is the least calorie dinner?

The least calorie dinner typically includes a combination of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, such as a grilled vegetable salad or vegetable stir-fry.

What foods are very filling but low in calories?

Foods that are filling but low in calories include vegetables, lean proteins like tofu, whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice.

What dinner can I have that is low in calories?

You can have a variety of low-calorie dinners, such as grilled vegetable salad, vegetable stir-fry, lentil soup, quinoa stuffed peppers, baked beans with asparagus, or zucchini noodles with pesto.

How can I make my dinner low in calories?

Focus on incorporating more vegetables, using lean proteins, choosing healthy cooking methods, and controlling portion sizes to make your dinner low in calories.

Are there easy low-calorie dinner recipes?

Yes, there are many easy low-calorie dinner recipes, such as grilled vegetable salad, vegetable stir-fry, and zucchini noodles with pesto, that are quick to prepare and delicious.

Explore more recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen and discover the joy of cooking nutritious and delicious food.

  • Masala Bell Pepper Recipe

    Masala Bell Pepper Recipe

    Masala Bell Pepper

    Masala Bell Pepper (Capsicum)

    Bell pepper is also known as capsicum or shimla mirch. Masala bell pepper with great blend of spices, makes a very enjoyable side dish. This can complement any meal. Masala bell pepper can be served with roti, paratha or puries. I enjoy this with side of dal fry and plain rice.
    3.50 from 2 votes
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    Course vegan
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 medium Green bell pepper seeded and cubed in 1/2” pieces this will make about 3 cup cubed bell pepper (capsicum, shimla mirch)
    • 2 tbsp oil
    • 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds (jeera)
    • 1/8 tbsp asafetida (hing)
    • 1-1/2 tbsp coconut powder (gola)
    • 1-1/2 tbsp sesame Seed powder (til)
    • 2 tbsp teaspoons coriander powder (dhania)
    • 2 tbsp fennel seeds powder (saunf)
    • 1/2 tbsp Red Chili Powder (lal mirch)
    • 1/4 tbsp Turmeric Powder (haldi)
    • 3/4 tbsp salt
    • 1 tbsp sugar
    • 1/2 tbsp mango powder (amchoor)
    • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

    Instructions
     

    • In a small bowl mix most of the spices, coconut powder, sesame powder, coriander powder, fennel seeds powder, red chili, turmeric, salt, and sugar. Set aside.
    • In a wide frying pan heat the oil moderately over medium high heat, add cumin seeds as seeds crack add asafetida. Add bell pepper mix well lower the heat to low medium. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 3 minutes.
    • Sprinkle the spice mix. Mix it well coating all the bell pepper. Let it cook about 3-4 minutes covered, do stir in between. Cook the bell peppers until they are tender but still little crisp.
    • Turn off the heat, add the mango powder and lemon juice mix well.
    • Masala bell pepper is ready.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

     

  • Cauliflower with Yogurt Gravy

    Cauliflower with Yogurt Gravy

    Cauliflower with Yogurt Gravy

    Cauliflower with Yogurt Gravy

    Cauliflower in spiced yogurt gravy makes a very flavorful side dish. This dish is simply delicious and worth trying. You can serve this with any bread or rice.
    5 from 1 vote
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    Course curry
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cup cauliflower cut into small florets (phool gobi)
    • 3 tbsp oil
    • 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds (jeera)
    • 1/4 tbsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
    • 1/4 tbsp mustard seeds (rai)
    • 1/8 tbsp asafetida (hing)
    • 2 tbsp besan, available in Indian grocery stores
    • 1/4 tbsp turmeric (haldi)
    • 1/4 tbsp red chili powder
    • 1 tbsp ginger thinly sliced (adrak)
    • 1 green chili finely chopped
    • 1/2 cup yogurt (curd, dahi)
    • 1 tbsp salt
    • 1/2 tbsp sugar
    • Approx. 1 cup water
    • 2 tbsp cilantro chopped (hara dhania)
    • 1/4 tbsp garam masala, available in Indian grocery stores

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil. If the cumin seed cracks right away, the oil is ready.
    • Add cumin, fenugreek, mustard seeds, and asafetida. When the seeds crack, lower the heat to low.
    • Add the besan, stir fry for about one minute until besan becomes light golden brown and becomes lightly aromatic.
    • Add ginger, green chili, turmeric, red chili powder, stir fry for about one minute and add yogurt mix it well and cook for two minutes stirring continuously.
    • Add water and salt bring it to boil, add cauliflower cook 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cauliflower should be tender and the gravy should be thick. Adjust the thickness of the gravy to taste.
    • Turn off the heat, add cilantro and garam masala and cover the pan for a minute.
    • Cauliflower with yogurt gravy is ready. Serve with any bread or plain rice.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Palak Paneer

    Palak Paneer

    Palak Paneer

    Palak Paneer (2016)

    Palak Paneer is likely the most popular paneer dish from North India. Creamy spinach with tasty paneer makes a delicious main dish. This recipe was one of my favorite. After so many years of cooking, my family has decided my cooking skills have improved! I wanted to do this recipe again as with modified cooking method. Also I will like to thank you to all of my viewers who have encouraged me over the years. You guys truly inspire me!
    4.66 from 23 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 3 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 10 oz spinach washed and clean, about 6 cups packed spinach
    • 1-1/2 cups paneer cubed into bite size, about 1/3 pound of paneer
    • 1 tomato finely chopped, this will make 3/4 of chopped tomato
    • 1 green chili chopped
    • 1 Tbsp ginger chopped
    • 1 Tbsp oil
    • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds jeera
    • 1/8 tsp asafetida hing
    • 1 tsp coriander powder dhania
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric haldi
    • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
    • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
    • 1/2 tsp sugar
    • 1 Tbsp whole wheat flour
    • 1/3 cup heavy cream

    Instructions
     

    • First blanch the spinach, this helps to keep the spinach color bright. To blanch the spinach, boil about 6 cups of water in a saucepan, and let the spinach boil for one minutes. Drain the water and put the spinach in ice cold water for about two minutes. Drain the water.
    • Blend the spinach, ginger and green chili. Spinach should be creamy but not pasty.
    • Soak the cubed paneer in about three cups of hot water, for about 5 minutes or more. This helps to give the paneer soft texture. Set aside.
    • While cooking, spinach can splatter, use larger sauce pan. Heat the oil in a sauce pan, over medium high heat. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if it cracks right away it is ready.
    • Add cumin seed, and asafetida. After cumin seeds crack, add the tomatoes and stir fry for 1-2 minutes. Tomatoes should be tender not mushy. Add coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and sugar, stir and add the spinach.
    • After spinach comes to boil lower the heat to low, and let the spinach cook for about 5-6 minutes do not cover the pot. This helps keeping the green color of spinach.
    • Mix the flour to 1/2 cup of water and add to the spinach, also add the cream. Mix it well and let it cook for five minutes. If needed add little more water.
    • Drain the paneer and fold it gently with spinach and let it simmer for about five minutes.

    Notes

    Palak paneer is ready, serve with naan, tandoori roti, Paratha.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Spinach and Broccoli Kofta

    Spinach and Broccoli Kofta

    Recipe submitted by Purvi Mehta

    Spinach and Broccoli Kofta

    Spinach and Broccoli Kofta

    In this Spinach and Broccoli Kofta, I have used Broccoli and Spinach as a variation which makes it more healthy especially for kids. 
    As my kids do not eat broccoli and spinach on their own I often try to mix and match different vegetables to make a kid friendly dish that is also tempting.
    The crunchiness of peanuts gives it a unique taste.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.
    No ratings yet
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    Course snacks
    Cuisine Indian

    Ingredients
      

    For the Kofta

    • 1 cup Spinach- finely chopped
    • 1 cup Broccoli – grated finely (along with stalks)
    • 2 cups boiled and mashed Potatoes
    • 2 tbsp coarsely crushed roasted peanuts
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper coarsely crushed
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/4 tsp Garam masala
    • 1/4 tsp Amchur
    • 1 and half tablespoon Cornflour

    For the Filling

    • 50 gm paneer
    • 1 tablespoon cashew nuts
    • 1 tablespoon raisins
    • 2 tablespoon grated fresh coconut
    • 2 tablespoon green fresh coriander
    • ginger – one small piece
    • 1/2 tsp green chilli –
    • 1/2 tsp salt –
    • 1/2 tsp lemon juice –
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • +/-  2 table spoon thin sev

    For Serving

    • Tamarind Sauce
    • Green chutney
    • Thick Curd ( Mix  2 tsp sugar, pinch of salt to one bowl of thick curd)
    • thin sev
    • finely chopped coriander

    Instructions
     

    Method

    • Grind all the ingredients for the filling in a grinder.
    • Now mix all the ingredients for the kofta – i.e. finely chopped spinach, grated broccoli, mashed potatoes, peanuts, black pepper powder, salt, Garam masala, Aamchur, Cornflour.
    • Divide the above potato mixture in 10 equal parts.
    • Put small filling in centre of each round and seal the edges. Shape into stuffed cutlets.
    • Roll them in bread crumps and shallow fry on medium gas till golden brown on both sides.
    • Put two kofta's in a dish. Put some sweet curd, Tamarind sauce, Green chutney, thin sev, finely shopped coriander, chat masala, red chilli powder and  jeera powder.
    • You can also serve simple Kofta's with green chutney ( mix 1 cup coriander , half cup mint, ginger, green chilli, lemon and salt and one spoon of curd)
    • Enjoy with cold juice or hot tea!!!!!
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!