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How to Use Psyllium Husk in the Kitchen
Commonly known as isabgol in India, psyllium husk is traditionally used to relieve constipation and support digestive health.
In modern cooking, it serves as a light, low-carb ingredient ideal for those managing obesity or diabetes.
Psyllium husk also acts as a natural thickener or bulking agent in recipes, offering a mild, neutral flavour.
It comes from the outer, flaky layer of the psyllium seed and is highly absorbent, making it useful in a variety of dishes.
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Recipes:
Psyllium Husk Breakfast Pancakes:
| Ingredients: |
| Psyllium husk |
½ cup |
| Milk |
1 cup |
| Jaggery (finely broken) |
½ cup |
| Mixed dry fruit powder |
¼ cup |
| Peanut powder |
½ cup |
| Recipe: |
| In a pan over medium heat, bring the milk to a boil. Add the psyllium husk and mix well. Let it sit for 1-2 hours to absorb and thicken. |
| Once rested, add the jaggery, dry fruit powder, and peanut powder. Stir well until the jaggery completely dissolves. Add a little water if needed to get a pourable pancake batter consistency. |
| Rest the mixture for another hour to enhance the texture. |
| Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle. Pour one ladleful of batter onto the pan. Cook thoroughly on one side before flipping. |
| If the pancake is difficult to flip, mix in a little wheat flour or any lentil flour to improve the texture. |
| Cook both sides until golden brown. Serve hot with tea or coffee. |
| This hearty, fibre-rich pancake makes a nutritious breakfast for both children and adults. It's especially beneficial for those dealing with constipation. |
Psyllium Husk Energy Granola Bites:
| Ingredients: |
| Psyllium husk |
½ cup |
| Oats |
½ cup |
| Almonds |
3-4 |
| Cashew |
3-4 |
| Figs |
6 (finely chopped) |
| Jaggery |
½ cup |
| Pistachio |
3-4 |
| Ghee |
1 t.spoon |
| Recipe: |
| In a pan over medium heat, add ½ teaspoon of ghee and roast the almonds and cashews for a minute. Set aside. |
| In the same pan, add another ½ teaspoon of ghee and roast the pistachios. Combine all roasted nuts in a bowl. |
| Once slightly cooled, grind the roasted nuts into a coarse powder using a mixer or grinder. Set aside. In the same pan, lightly roast the oats and psyllium husk for about 1 minute. Transfer to a plate to cool. |
| In the same pan, add jaggery and finely chopped figs. Cook on low to medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the jaggery completely melts and combines with the figs. |
| Add the jaggery-fig mixture to the roasted oats and husk. Mix in the dry fruit powder and stir everything thoroughly to combine. |
| Spread the mixture evenly on a greased plate or tray. Let it cool completely, then cut into squares. |
| Store the granola squares in an airtight container. They make for a healthy, high-fiber snack. |
| The rich source of soluble fibre in Psyllium husk helps regulate bowel movements and supports gut health. It is also a great energy-boosting snack that keeps you full for longer. |
Psyllium Husk Digestive Smoothie:
| Ingredients: |
| Psyllium husk |
½ cup |
| Chopped papaya |
1 cup |
| Milk |
2 cups |
| Dates |
1 cup |
| Raisin |
½ cup |
| Water |
½ cup |
| Recipe: |
| Soak the dates and raisins in ½ cup of water for 4-5 hours. In a separate bowl, soak the psyllium husk in enough water for the same duration. |
| In a blender, add the chopped papaya, soaked psyllium husk, dates, raisins, and milk. Blend until smooth. |
| If your raisins have large seeds, blend and strain them separately before combining with the rest of the ingredients. |
| Blend the mixture to a semi-thick consistency. Add a little water if needed. |
| This smoothie is nutrient-dense and gut-friendly, making it an excellent choice for dyspepsia (indigestion), chronic constipation, and general stomach discomfort. |
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