Malaika Arora has ventured into the enterprise world after the launch of her restaurant Scarlett Home in Mumbai. In a latest episode of Sunday Brunch with Curly Tales, the actor shared her favorite paneer thecha recipe, and it’s as fiery as it’s flavourful.
Recognized for her love of “teekha (spicy) meals”, Malaika’s model of the dish packs a punch with roasted garlic, inexperienced chillies, and loads of coriander. “Paneer thecha is made at my house on a regular basis.”
The short and straightforward recipe includes taking any sort of paneer or tofu one prefers and reducing it into cubes, then dry roasting garlic, inexperienced chillies, coarse salt (mota namak), peanuts (sing daana), and coriander with its stems. As soon as crushed, this flavourful combine is used to coat the paneer or tofu items, which is then evenly fried on a tawa with minimal oil.
However, what’s thecha?
Ashlesha Joshi, senior nutritionist at Tone30 Pilates, tells indianexpress.com, “Thecha is a conventional condiment from Maharashtra, made by pounding inexperienced chilies, garlic, salt, and typically peanuts or sesame seeds.”
Traditionally, thecha originated in rural Maharashtra, the place it complemented easy meals like bhakri (millet flatbread) and buttermilk, including daring flavours to primary dishes. It was additionally a fast, nutritious power increase for farmers and aligned with the new local weather, as capsaicin in chilies induces sweating, serving to to chill the physique.
“As we speak, thecha has advanced into a flexible condiment, loved with trendy dishes like paneer, rice, or parathas,” Joshi mentions.
Consuming spicy meals like thecha, which comprise capsaicin, has each optimistic and unfavorable results on digestion and metabolism. (Supply: Freepik)
However can a spicy dish like this have particular well being perks or downsides?
Joshi says, “Malaika Arora’s paneer thecha combines nutrient-rich components that not solely improve flavour but additionally ship vital well being advantages.”
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Paneer is a powerhouse of high-quality protein, significantly wealthy in casein, and a very good supply of calcium (200 mg per 100 g), essential for bone well being and muscle perform. It additionally accommodates phosphorus and magnesium, which help power manufacturing.
Inexperienced chilies are wealthy in capsaicin, a compound that enhances metabolism and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They’re additionally filled with vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help immunity and pores and skin well being.
Garlic is understood for its cardioprotective results, serving to cut back ldl cholesterol, enhance blood stream, and decrease blood strain. It additionally has antimicrobial and prebiotic properties that help intestine well being.
Peanuts and sesame seeds, discovered within the thecha, present wholesome fat and protein, notes Joshi. Peanuts comprise arginine, which aids vascular perform, whereas sesame seeds supply anti-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids and lignans.
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“Mustard oil and ghee used to make thecha contribute to a nutritious diet. Mustard oil accommodates erucic acid and omega-3s, recognized for his or her anti-inflammatory results. Ghee, wealthy in butyrate, improves intestine well being and provides extra anti-inflammatory advantages,” says Joshi.
Influence on digestion or metabolism
Consuming spicy meals like thecha, which comprise capsaicin, has each optimistic and unfavorable results on digestion and metabolism. On the optimistic facet, Joshi states, capsaicin stimulates digestive enzymes, aiding in meals breakdown and nutrient absorption, whereas its antimicrobial properties promote intestine well being by decreasing dangerous micro organism.
“Nonetheless, overconsumption can irritate the abdomen lining, resulting in points like acid reflux disorder or gastritis. Metabolically, capsaicin boosts thermogenesis, rising calorie burn even at relaxation, and enhances fats oxidation, supporting weight administration, as famous in research in The American Journal of Scientific Vitamin,” highlights the nutritionist.
Precautions to take
Some precautions advised by Joshi:
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Moderation: Keep away from extreme spice, significantly when you’ve got situations like acid reflux disorder or IBS.
Pairing with Cooling Meals: Consuming spicy meals with cooling components like paneer or yogurt can mitigate adversarial results.
Hydration: Capsaicin could cause dehydration; staying hydrated is essential.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.