Nutrition
3 Scrumptious Recipes For Fireless Cooking
It’s time to show off your cooking skills, without even turning the stove on! Discover the art of fireless cooking with these delicious recipes.
Fireless cooking is a fascinating approach to preparing meals without the use of traditional heat sources like gas or electricity. Fireless cooking is all about getting creative with your culinary skills and using innovative methods like solar power, vacuum cooking, or thermal cookers to create delicious dishes. It's not just a way to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint, it's also a fun and out-of-the-box approach to cooking that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about making meals.
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Did you know that people have been using creative and resourceful fireless cooking methods for centuries? One example is Haybox cooking, a European technique where a pot of boiling food is placed into a box filled with hay or straw to continue cooking without additional fuel. In sunny regions like parts of Africa and India, solar ovens are used to bake bread, casseroles, and cook rice and beans. And in the northeastern part of India and Nepal, traditional pickles are slow-cooked in the ground for a unique and delicious flavour.
Related story: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
The Benefits of Fireless Cooking
Fireless cooking comes with an array of benefits that go beyond just saving on your energy bill. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- Energy efficiency: You save electricity or gas by reducing the need for active heat sources.
- Eco-friendly: By cutting down on energy use, you're doing your part for the planet.
- Safety: It’s a fantastic option for children or those hesitant to use stoves or flames—no fire hazards here!
- Preserve nutrients: Many fireless methods, like thermal cooking, help retain the natural flavours and nutrients in your food.
- Convenient: Perfect for situations like camping, outdoor picnics, or emergencies when traditional cooking options aren’t available.
Related story: Easy Summer Recipe: Chickpea Salad
3 Recipes For Fireless Cooking
Looking for some quick and delicious no-cook recipes that are perfect for busy days or outdoor picnics? Here are three easy and tasty recipes that are refreshing and packed with flavour. First up, we have a vegetable mayonnaise sandwich that is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Next, we have a fruit salad with tropical mint dressing that offers a burst of refreshing flavours. And last but not least, we have the all-time favourite Indian street food, bhel puri, which is sure to tantalise your taste buds. These recipes require no cooking, just a bit of chopping and mixing, making them perfect for those days when you want a light and hassle-free meal. Let's get started with these delightful dishes!
1. Vegetable Mayonnaise Sandwich
- 03
serves - 308
calories - 10
minutes - 3/10
simplicity
Easy Steps
01In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, grated carrot, cucumber, capsicum, and sweet corn.
02Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and herbs (if using).
03Spread butter on one side of the bread slices (optional).
04On the unbuttered side, evenly spread the vegetable mayonnaise mixture.
05Close with another slice of bread, cut the sandwich into halves or triangles, and serve fresh.
- 6 slices of bread (white, brown, or multigrain)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (egg or eggless)
- 1 small carrot, grated
- ½ cucumber, finely chopped
- ¼ capsicum, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp sweet corn (boiled, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of dried oregano or mixed herbs (optional)
- Butter (optional)
Nutritive Value
- Carbohydrates:94g
- Protein:34g
- Fat:27g
- Fibre:18.3g
2. Fruit Salad With Tropical Mint Dressing
- 03
serves - 375
calories - 15
minutes - 3/10
simplicity
For Dressing
0110-12 fresh mint leaves
021 tbsp lemon juice
031 tsp honey or maple syrup
04A pinch of salt
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple, diced
- 1 kiwi, diced
- ½ cup grapes, halved
- 1 orange, peeled and sectioned
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
Easy Steps
01In a small blender, combine mint leaves, lemon juice, honey, and salt. Blend until smooth to create the dressing.
02In a large bowl, mix together all the chopped fruits.
03Pour the mint dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
04Chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes if desired, and serve.
Nutritive Value
- Carbohydrates:96g
- Protein:3.3g
- Fat:1.45g
3. Bhel Puri
- 03
serves - 395
calories - 20
minutes - 3/10
simplicity
Easy Steps
01In a large mixing bowl, combine puffed rice, chopped onion, tomato, boiled potato, boiled chickpeas, along with roasted peanuts.
02Pour in tamarind chutney and green chutney. Sprinkle salt, chaat masala, and lemon juice (optional) over the mixture.
03Toss everything together until the puffed rice is evenly coated with the chutneys and spices.
- 2 cups puffed rice (murmura)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 boiled potato, peeled and diced
- ¼ cup boiled chickpeas
- 2 tbsp tamarind chutney
- 2 tbsp green chutney (mint-coriander)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- ½ cup sev (thin fried gram flour noodles)
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts (optional)
- Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt and chaat masala to taste
Nutritive Value
- Carbohydrates:61g
- Protein:16g
- Fat:20g
Fireless cooking is a creative and convenient way to enjoy fresh, delicious meals without the need for a stove or oven. These recipes demonstrate just how effortless it can be to create savoury dishes with basic ingredients and minimal preparation. Whether it's a quick snack, a revitalising salad, or a delectable street food-inspired delight, these recipes showcase that fireless cooking can deliver both flavour and nutrition in abundance!
Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.
EXPLORE MORE
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Bored of your regular tomato, mushroom or cream of corn soup? Try this barley soup.
From hearty vegetable soups and lean protein dishes to plant-based meals and grain bowls, freezer-friendly recipes can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences.
Tired of the same old desserts? Try this apple crumble yoghurt bark – a deliciously creamy, crunchy, and refreshing twist on your usual treats.