As celebrity chef Kunal Kapur's recipe for crispy fried potato balls circulates widely on social media, nutritionists across India are urging home cooks to consider healthier preparation methods for traditional snacks.
The recipe, which features deep-fried potato balls with a golden exterior, has prompted health experts to highlight alternatives that retain taste while reducing oil consumption. Dr Anjali Mukherjee, a Mumbai-based nutritionist, suggests air-frying or baking similar snacks to cut down on saturated fats, which contribute to rising cardiovascular disease rates in India.
According to the National Family Health Survey, Bihar has seen a 12 per cent increase in obesity rates over the past five years, with fried snacks being a significant dietary concern. State health officials have been promoting awareness about balanced diets under the Poshan Abhiyaan programme.
Nutrition experts recommend modifying popular recipes by using healthier cooking oils like mustard or groundnut oil, limiting portion sizes, and pairing fried items with fresh vegetables. They emphasise that occasional indulgence is acceptable within a balanced diet, but daily consumption of deep-fried foods increases risks of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Home cooks are encouraged to experiment with baking techniques and air fryers, which can deliver similar textures with significantly less oil.