Healing Dips: Wholesome Chutneys for Fermented Millets
1. Carrot Dip
Ingredients: 1 carrot (peeled, chopped), a slice of coconut, 1 green chili (optional), 1–2 garlic cloves, ½ lemon juice, salt to taste, and water as needed.
Method: Add all ingredients (except lemon) to a grinder, blend into a smooth paste, add water as required, then mix in lemon juice at the end. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Carrot Dip
Benefits:
-
Improves eye health (rich in beta-carotene)
-
Supports digestion and liver detox
-
High in antioxidants and vitamin A
-
Light, cooling, and gut-friendly
Nutritive Value (per 2 tbsp):
-
Calories: ~35 kcal
-
Protein: 0.8 g
-
Fiber: 1.5 g
-
Vitamin A: 1200 IU
-
Fat: 1.5 g
2. Mint Dip
Ingredients: A slice of coconut, 1 cup mint leaves (washed), 1 green chili, 3–4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt to taste, and water as needed.
Method: Grind all ingredients (except lemon juice) into a smooth paste. Add lemon juice at the end. Store in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Mint Dip
Benefits:
-
Refreshes digestion and relieves bloating
-
Natural coolant for body and breath
-
Antibacterial and antioxidant-rich
-
Enhances appetite and nutrient absorption
Nutritive Value (per 2 tbsp):
-
Calories: ~25 kcal
-
Vitamin C: 8 mg
-
Fiber: 1 g
-
Iron: 0.6 mg
-
Fat: 0.8 g
3. Dates & Tamarind Dip
Ingredients: 1 cup pitted chopped dates, ¼ cup tamarind (washed, soaked 30 mins, pitted), 1 green chili (optional), 1½ cup filtered water, 3–4 garlic cloves, lemon juice to taste, and salt to taste.
Method: Blend all ingredients into a smooth paste, sieve for a creamy texture, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Dates & Tamarind Dip
Benefits:
-
Rich in natural iron and antioxidants
-
Balances sweet and tangy flavors that aid bile flow
-
Provides natural energy boost
-
Supports gut motility and relieves constipation
Nutritive Value (per 2 tbsp):
-
Calories: ~45 kcal
-
Iron: 1 mg
-
Fiber: 1.5 g
-
Natural sugar: 8 g
-
Vitamin C: 5 mg
4. Peanut Dip
Ingredients: ½ cup roasted peanuts, 2–3 garlic cloves, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 cup filtered water, lemon juice to taste, and salt to taste.
Method: Grind all ingredients together to make a smooth dip.
Peanut Dip
Benefits:
-
Excellent source of plant-based protein and healthy fats
-
Promotes satiety and energy
-
Supports brain and heart health
-
Adds a creamy, probiotic-friendly element to millet meals
Nutritive Value (per 2 tbsp):
-
Calories: ~90 kcal
-
Protein: 3.5 g
-
Healthy fats: 7 g
-
Magnesium: 25 mg
-
Fiber: 1 g
5. Red Bell Pepper Dip
Ingredients: 1 medium red bell pepper (chopped), ¼ cup soaked cashews, 1 green chili, 3–4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp lemon juice, salt to taste, and water as needed.
Method: Grind bell pepper, cashews, garlic, and chili together with little water to form a smooth dip. Add lemon juice at the end. Store in the fridge for 2 days.
Red Bell Pepper Dip
Benefits:
-
Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants
-
Strengthens immunity and reduces inflammation
-
Cashews provide healthy fats and creaminess
-
Great for skin and eye health
Nutritive Value (per 2 tbsp):
-
Calories: ~55 kcal
-
Vitamin C: 35 mg
-
Protein: 1.5 g
-
Healthy fats: 3 g
-
Fiber: 1 g