Low-Oil Vegetable Recipes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently appealed to Indians to reduce their consumption of cooking oil, stating that if every family were to use 10 percent less oil, it would yield a dual benefit. On one hand, people's health would improve; on the other, the country's dependence on imported edible oils would decrease.

We must all understand that consuming excessive oil is detrimental to one's health. In today's times, oil-rich food is contributing to a rise in health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Consequently, vegetable dishes prepared with minimal oil serve not only as a healthy alternative but are also incredibly delicious.

Notably, many traditional Indian vegetable dishes can be easily prepared using just two tablespoons of oil. By utilizing the right blend of spices and cooking techniques, it is possible to preserve the flavor even while using less oil. Let's explore five such healthy and tasty vegetable recipes that require minimal oil, thereby benefiting both your health and your budget.

**Lauki ki Sabzi (Bottle Gourd Curry)**

Bottle gourd (*Lauki*) is considered extremely beneficial for one's health. It has a very high water content, which allows it to cook quickly and eliminates the need for excessive oil. A delicious bottle gourd curry can be prepared using just two tablespoons of oil, tempered with cumin seeds, green chilies, and mild spices. Bottle gourd is rich in fiber, which helps strengthen the digestive system. It provides a cooling effect to the body during the summer months and is considered an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight.

**Torai Masala (Ridge Gourd Curry)**

Ridge gourd (*Torai*) is a light and quick-cooking vegetable. Due to its natural moisture content, it does not require much oil to cook. A flavorful Ridge Gourd Masala can be prepared using just two tablespoons of oil, along with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and mild spices. This dish is light on the stomach and aids in improving digestion. Being a low-calorie vegetable, it is also considered beneficial for individuals managing diabetes or trying to maintain their weight.

**Bhindi Fry (Fried Okra)**

Okra (*Bhindi*) is a vegetable that, when cooked correctly, delivers excellent flavor even with minimal oil. People often tend to use excessive oil when cooking okra (bhindi); however, by cooking it over a low flame, it can be made perfectly crispy using just two tablespoons of oil. Its flavor can be further enhanced by adding spices such as turmeric, coriander, dry mango powder (amchur), and red chili powder. Okra is rich in fiber and vitamins, which help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion.

**Cabbage and Peas**

A dish made with cabbage and peas is a delicious and nutritious option that requires very little oil to prepare. Cabbage cooks very quickly, so it does not necessitate the use of large quantities of oil. This dish can be easily prepared using just two tablespoons of oil, along with cumin seeds, green chilies, and mild spices. The addition of peas enhances both its flavor and nutritional value. This vegetable dish is packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to strengthening the body's immunity.

**Spinach and Corn**

The combination of spinach and corn is considered to be both healthy and delicious. Spinach is abundant in iron, calcium, and various vitamins, while corn provides both great flavor and an energy boost. This dish can be effortlessly prepared using just two tablespoons of oil, along with garlic, onions, and mild spices. Despite being cooked with minimal oil, it retains an excellent flavor profile. This dish is considered beneficial for everyone—from children to the elderly—and makes for an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

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