Plant-based cooking has been gaining popularity in recent years and for good reason. Not only is it a sustainable way of eating, but it also provides numerous health benefits. By eliminating animal products and incorporating more fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes into your diet, you can reduce your carbon footprint and improve your nutrient intake.
One trend that has emerged in plant-based cooking is the use of oil-free recipes. While oils can provide flavour and texture to dishes, they are also high in calories and can contribute to health issues like heart disease. Fortunately, there are many delicious plant-based recipes that can be cooked without oil. Here are a few enticing recipes for you to explore, all enhanced with the use of Asahi Kasei products.
Lentil Curry
- Take a high-quality ziplock bag such as the Asahi Kasei Zipper Bag and combine soaked lentils, chopped onion, tomato, ginger paste, garlic paste, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, and salt.
- Seal the zipper bag and gently massage the ingredients to mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a pot and add enough water to cover the lentils.
- Cook the lentils on medium heat until they are soft and fully cooked.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.
- Once cooked, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with rice or flatbreads
Roasted Mushroom Steaks
- To make them oil-free, use Asahi Kasei Frying Pan Foil, which is a silicone-coated aluminium foil that prevents food from sticking without the need for oil.
- Simply season portobello mushroom caps with salt, pepper, and your favourite herbs and spices, and roast them on the frying pan lined with the Asahi Kasei Frying Pan Foil for 15-30 minutes on medium flame.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.
With the Asahi Kasei Frying Pan Foil, the potential is limitless. You can cook your favourite dishes, like fried fish, meat, parathas, paneer tikki, omelettes, and more with essentially no oil. And when you’re done cooking, simply roll up the foil and discard it; cleanup is a breeze!
Vegetable Biriyani
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take high-quality parchment paper like the Asahi Kasei Cooking Sheet and line your pan.
- Arrange the soaked and drained rice evenly in the pan.
- In a large skillet, dry sauté cumin seeds and whole spices until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste, biryani masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for a minute.
- Add mixed vegetables and chopped tomato. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Layer the vegetable mixture over the rice in the pan.
- Carefully pour water over the rice and vegetables, ensuring it covers the ingredients.
- Seal the parchment paper tightly to form a packet and place it on a baking tray.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
- Open the parchment packet, fluff the biryani with a fork, and garnish with chopped mint and cilantro before serving.
Chickpea Tikki
- In a bowl, mix together mashed chickpeas, chopped onion, mashed potato, green chilli, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, chickpea flour, and salt.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into tikkis (patties).
- Place each tikki on a piece of the Asahi Kasei Premium Wrap, which is a high-quality cling wrap. Then fold the wrap over it.
- Gently flatten the tikki using your palm, still keeping it wrapped in the cling wrap.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Unwrap the tikki and place it on the pan.
- Cook until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve with your favourite chutney.
Benefits of incorporating more plant-based and oil-free meals into your diet
Plant-based cooking is a sustainable and healthy way of eating, and oil-free recipes can help you reduce your calorie intake and improve your health even further. Try incorporating the above dishes into your meal rotation for a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal. And don’t be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and flavours to create your own oil-free recipes. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
All these culinary endeavours are seamlessly enabled by Asahi Kasei products, streamlining your journey towards a healthier, sustainable lifestyle.