There are so many drinks which jump to mind when we talk of summer coolers. From sherbets and juices to milkshakes and iced teas, the internet is overflowing with images and ideas to make the hottest season of the year more bearable.
In the midst of all that is exotic, uber cool and oh so instagrammable, a very special summer must have is searching to make its presence felt. We know of Sattu porridge and sathu maavu kanji. We think of it as a health-mix which makes for a nutritious and quick breakfast.That is indeed correct.
For starters Sathu maavu kanji is a mix of various ingredients using millets,
- Heirloom rice grains,
- Spices,
- Seeds,
- Nuts etc
in a specific ratio which is believed to boost health.
The actual Sattu flour or Sattu atta is very different.
Sattu flour is made from an heirloom variety of roasted bengal gram which is not commonly found in the market today. There are few farmers in India who continue to grow this variety of dal and it must be saved from extinction.
Sattu flour is a high protein flour made from roasted heirloom chana dal. The roasting helps to break down the protein for easy digestion. Being an heirloom food ,it is easy to digest and does not lead to flatulence during digestion.
In addition to making delicious baked goods and staples like Indian flat breads , Sattu flour is so refreshing and delicious as a summer drink.
The recipe uses a burst of fresh ingredients like mint, ginger, green mango, lemon and black salt which is pounded together and mixed into the sattu flour before adding cold water from the matka.
The drink is an instant energy booster and hydrates the body and mind almost like magic. The parched throat is in heaven with the salty, tangy flavours and the roasted bengal gram is the perfect food to feel revived from a heat induced lethargy.
Reasons to embrace this unique ingredient which ticks all the dietary boxes
1. Vegan food
In finding foods which appeal universally to all kinds of dietary requirements, the vegan label is probably the one that is easiest to follow. The Sattu flour is a vegan food that is completely natural and from the ancient kitchens of India. It contains no preservatives, additives or chemicals and has not been subjected to any genetic modification.
It is an ingredient which can adapt itself to cravings of many sorts.It can be used to
-
Thicken gravies,
-
Make pancakes,
-
Light meals
-
Delicious summer coolers.
-
It’s a perfect food for toddlers,
-
Young children ,
-
Geraitric patients,
-
Adolescents
-
Adults of all ages.
That itself makes it worthy of finding a permanent place on our kitchen shelves.
2. Vegetarian Protein
If you’re a vegetarian, you would understand the anxiety that surrounds people who are on a plant based diet . It is a myth that vegetarian food is devoid of protein. What is more important is to find the right kind of protein which is native to our environment because that’s what our bodies recognise the most and find easy to absorb.
Sattu flour is the best vegetarian protein and wins hands down when compared to many lentils, pulses and nuts because it is an ancient ingredient.It can be mixed with spices and seasoning to make a stuffing with bhindi or the long chillies , in addition to making different stand alone dishes like dosa, uthappam, cheela etc
The Sattu flour has a pleasing aroma and nutty taste which works superbly well with both sweet and savoury flavours. Vegetarian protein intake couldn’t be simpler.
3. Gluten free
The modern wheat that is found everywhere today has been genetically modified to such a large extent that the gluten in the wheat is not being assimilated in the human body. The immune system which is made up of the thyroid, lymph nodes, digestive organs are unable to process this food which has gone through a vast series of chromosomal changes.
The roasted heirloom bengal gram which is made into flour is a simple and fuss free option to make special foods like panjiri, atta ka halwa and can be used as a substitute for the modern wheat flour. The absence of genetically modified gluten makes this a food which is super healthy and easy to digest.
4. Muscular growth
Sattu flour is an ingredient with multi health benefits.
-
In addition to nourishing the body and boosting energy levels,
-
The high protein content it carries also makes it a muscle building food.
-
This is also an effective food for expectant mothers and for babies who need to be weaned.
-
It aids the development of a strong skeletal system in developing bodies and safeguards from the dangers of osteoporosis after middle age.
-
Muscular wellness is crucial for healthy organs.
-
In the case of liver and kidney degeneration, patients are told to increase their protein intake.
-
Sattu flour is a safe and effective option for muscle building.
5. Rich in fibre
A diet that is rich in soluble fibre determines the smooth working of a healthy gut. In addition to eating the right amount of probiotics, it is also essential to include natural fibre rich foods in the daily meals.
A meal which includes raw salads only has been proven to have adverse effects because raw foods can’t be easily broken down in a weak gut. The native bengal gram is roasted before being made into atta which makes it easier to be absorbed and assimilated.
It pairs well with native fruits like chikoo, pomegranate, banana, guava, oranges etc which is a satisfying and wholesome breakfast to kickstart the day on.
An indigenous food ingredient is beneficial not only for human health but also contributes towards a healthy ecosystem. Whatever the healthy food choices we make, it will not be of point in the end if it also did not safeguard our environment.
When farmers are supported in growing chemical free native foods, then agriculture stays in alignment with the seasons and has a direct impact on soil health. Native microorganisms in the Earth and air survive because of their symbiotic relationship with plant life.
When you choose to embrace heirloom foods, you are doing much more than gifting your body a healthy existence, you are opening up a wider possibility for planet health !
Shop here for Sattu Atta or Sattu Flour - https://twobrothersindiashop.com/products/amorearth-stone-ground-sattu-atta
Shop here for Sattu Laddoo - https://twobrothersindiashop.com/products/sattu-laddu
Shop here For All Products - https://twobrothersindiashop.com/collections/all
Links
https://images.app.goo.gl/5oFZzK736gXTdvhi9
https://images.app.goo.gl/6Q4szcPMVDqS9qCL8
https://images.app.goo.gl/zfRTuBeofjgYYLea9
https://images.app.goo.gl/Bv8wpTzsuDkCTwQu9
https://images.app.goo.gl/mYwEq5YUy5j4DkxaA
https://images.app.goo.gl/m4BW5AbxLQEhM7PX8
