Healthy, Creative Cucumber Recipes to Try During COVID-19 Lockdown

Hardly anyone takes cucumbers seriously!It is always considered as an accompaniment, and never the star of any menu. In fact, is often bought as an afterthought. Not anymore though - as during the lockdown period, this is one vegetable that seems to be available plenty- but most people don’t know just what to do with it.After all, how many cucumbers can you chomp raw as a salad?Also Read: COVID-19 & Lockdown: How to Store Food Properly Cucumbers Are a Supremely Healthy FoodThey will keep you cool from inside and are mostly water so hydrate the body. Very low calories (16 calories in an average size cucumber), so will help prevent weight gain.Loaded with flavonoids that have antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties- much needed to keep us safe from myriad infections.Has compounds lignans and cucurbitacins that are anti cancer.Deliver vitamin K, a brilliant bone health nutrient.Help relieve constipation because they provide both fibre and water.Are a good source of flavonoid fisetin, which helps improve memory and decrease the risk of Alzheimer’.Are rich in potassium and magnesium, which may help to lower blood pressure).Plus they are extremely versatile and works well as a light summer lunch, a drink or soup, and even a cooling salad.Try these simple recipesAlso Read: Healthy & Home-Made: Rujuta’s Meal Plan for COVID-19 QuarantineCucumber SticksCucumber sticks can be a great option for a quick healthy grab.Cut cucumber into sticks, sprinkle salt and pepper, refrigerate and munch on them all day long.Also Read: Coronavirus FAQs: What You Really Need to Know About COVID-19Detox WaterDetox water refreshes and hydrates the body.Add slices of cucumber to room temperature water, leave for a couple of hours and then begin sipping.Also Read: Coronavirus: ‘Where Do I Get Tested,’ Other Testing FAQs Answered Weight Loss SlushIt is really good for the stomach.Take half cucumber, a small piece grated ginger and 2 cloves crushed garlic, a bit of kacchi haldi grated (or 1/4th tsp turmeric powder), a pinch of pepper, 10-12 stalks of coriander, few leaves mint, 10 curry leaves, 1 grated amla, 1 spoon chia or basil seeds - soaked in water for at least 20 min. Mix everything in the blender with cold water. Squeeze juice of 1 lemon.Also Read: Anxious & Afraid: How is the Lockdown Affecting Mental Health?Cucumber RaitaCucumber Raita is also good for immunity.Combine 1 cup grated cucumber, 1 cup yogurt, 1 tbsp fresh mint or coriander, 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 garlic cloves, stir to blend. Refrigerate for 1 hour before digging in.It’s refreshing, light on the stomach, immunity boosting and delicious.Also Read: Eating Fruit, Vegetables Leads To Better Memory, Healthy HeartCucumber SaladThis can also be eaten as a side dish. In a bowl, add 2 chopped cucumbers, 2 sliced green chillies, salt to taste and 1 tbsp lime juice. Add 2 tbsp roasted peanuts and keep aside.Heat a small pan add 1 tsp coconut oil, a pinch of mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp channa dal, 1 dry red chilli and 8-10 curry leaves.Add the tempering to the salad and top with freshly grated coconut (or dried coconut flakes) and coriander leaves. Toss and dig in.Also Read: You May Be Prone To Anxiety If You Eat Less Fruits, VegetablesCucumber SoupCucumber Soup is very light and healthy for the stomachIn a blender container combine chopped 750 gems cucumber, 1 cup chopped mint, some chopped garlic. Puree until smooth.Pour cucumber mixture into a large bowl and whisk in 1 1/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt. 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Pinch in freshly ground black pepper. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours.Also Read: COVID-19 Positive Woman Gives Birth to Healthy Baby at AIIMSAndhra Cucumber PickleAndhra Cucumber Pickle is a tasty and healthy optionCut the cucumber into two halves and de-seed the cucumber and cut it into small pieces (about 2 cups). Mix 3 tbsp red chilli powder, 3 tbsp mustard powder and 1 ½ tbsp salt.Take a wide vessel, add the above spice-mixture and the chopped pieces. Mix well and slowly add 4 tbsp til or sesame oil and combine with the pieces till well coated. Now put the cucumber pieces in a ceramic jar, cover with a tight lid and keep at a moisture-free dark area overnight. Next day, mix with a dry clean ladleStill have some cucumbers left… just juice them and drink them up - excellent to keep water retention at bay.(Kavita is a nutritionist, weight management consultant and health writer based in Delhi. She is the author of Don't Diet! 50 Habits of Thin People (Jaico) and Ultimate Grandmother Hacks: 50 Kickass Traditional Habits for a Fitter You (Rupa))(Make sure you don't miss fresh news updates from us. Click here to stay updated)Also Read: COVID-19 Positive Woman Gives Birth to Healthy Baby at AIIMS

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Healthy, Creative Cucumber Recipes to Try During COVID-19 Lockdown

Healthy, Creative Cucumber Recipes to Try During COVID-19 Lockdown

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