Boiled recipes contain specifications for preparation of food primarily by the process of boiling. The term boiled food usually refers to meat, vegetable or fruit that is cooked by boiling, usually in plain water. Other cooking mediums which are used for boiling are broth and sometimes oil. Food prepared by boiling in water or broth is fully cooked and soft in texture. It is considered one of the healthiest forms of cooked food and is medically advised for consumption by people suffering from different ailments, especially those of the liver, the digestive system in general and the cardio vascular system. Boiled and mashed potato, boiled apple, boiled carrots and other vegetables are excellent sources of nutrients and are often included in the diets of children, elderly and those for whom easily digestible nutritious diet is required. A diet made of boiled recipes includes foods which are prepared only by boiling with no other process involved in preparing them. The food is served as it is with slight salt, pepper or sugar seasonings sprinkled on it.
A boiled diet includes dishes prepared by boiling which are served for various courses i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Origin of Boiled Food
Boiled recipes were probably available since the ancient times when the primitive man used water for boiling meat or vegetables to tenderize them by cooking them and make them fit for human consumption.
A Diet consisting of Boiled Food
Most healthy diets include a number of boiled recipes . A pure boiled diet may consist of only boiled food for all the three major meals.
• Breakfast- Boiled recipes for breakfast commonly include boiled vegetables or meat, and soups. Boiled fruit may also be served for breakfast.
• Lunch – Boiled vegetables or meat are served with boiled main courses like pasta, rice or meat.
• Dinner- This also includes boiled recipes similar to lunch. A boiled diet may also include purely boiled and sweetened fruit or milk products for dessert.
A diet consisting of boiled recipes does not include any fried or baked recipes.
Nutritive Value of Boiled Food
Boiled recipes are considered to be generally beneficial for health owing to the mentioned factors:
• Preparation of boiled food involves cooking the food deeply from within.
• Boiling tenderizes food making it easy for digestion.
• Complete boiling kills harmful bacteria in the food making it.
• Boiling food keeps the nutrients in the food intact.
