Sattu: A Superfood.
I was introduced
to Sattu at a healthcare programme and have grown fond of it. I try and
incorporate the food into my diet in various ways.
Popular in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar Uttarakhand, and even some parts of Pakistan Sattu is a protein-rich, plant-based flour made from dry-roasted Bengal gram or chickpeas. This recently recognized superfood is said to have originated in Tibet where it is called TSampa.It is also available in different forms, such as wheat, barley or Jowar.
Sattu ki Kadi owar. Sattu is especially beneficial during the summer because of its cooling properties. Sattu is unique to Bihari cuisine and Litti Choka remains a popular dish even among non-Biharis. Litti is a whole wheat dough ball stuffed with a spiced mixture of sattu and served with a veggie mash called chokha. The littis are traditionally roasted on charcoal fires but in homes they are generally baked in an oven.
My favourite
dishes with Sattu are a Sattu summer cooler, sattu ki kadi, I also enjoy Sattu pancakes, and sattu ladoos You can even mix it with the flour that you
use to make your rotis and parathas. I’ve recently begun indulging in a
sattu-mango smoothie that I discovered on the internet.
Why is Sattu good for you?
· Maintains
blood sugar levels
– Sattu is high in fibre and this helps maintain blood sugar levels.
· Aids
digestion – The large quantities
of insoluble fibre aid in constipation and acidity issues.
· High
nutritional value
– Sattu is rich in protein, fibre, calcium, iron, manganese and magnesium and
the dry roasting process enhances the nutritional value of the flour. With its
high protein content, it serves as a good alternative for vegans and
vegetarians.
Two of my favourite recipes:
Sattu -mango smoothie
Blend one mango, 1/2 cup curd, 4 tbsps sattu, any sweetener of your choice, 1-2 glasses of chilled water.
sattu -mango smoothieIf new to you, kindly consult your healthcare provider before consuming sattu.
Do you have any favourite health foods?
