Saldo delivers healthy eats like chickpea brownies and barley risotto to your doorstep

And their 23-year-old chef Preethi Gopal tells us that butter, sugar and a no-no in the kitchen
Beetroot and feta salad
Beetroot and feta salad

Preethi Gopal wants to make healthy food taste as good as junk food. And after sampling her airy Chickpea Brownie which is both gluten-free and vegan, we have to admit, this 23-year-old comes pretty close.

Her four-month delivery kitchen Saldo (which translates to ‘balance’ in Latin) operates out of Shenoy Nagar. And we’re told it is inspired by a combination of two things — her love for cooking and the strong influence of a mother who is big on eating healthy, with millets and greens, being a staple on their home table. 

<em>Preethi Gopal</em>
Preethi Gopal



Combine that upbringing with a BA in Culinary Arts at Manipal University followed by stints at The Bombay Canteen (Mumbai), Taj Coromandel (Chennai) and the Omni Hotels & Resorts (Florida) — and we aren’t surprised to see a refined Chicken steak on the menu, alongside the heavy on-trend protein shake. 

However, quick glance at what’s available for order online — which includes everything from salads and shakes to burrito bowls and risotto — and you certainly wouldn’t guess that there is no sugar, no butter and no cheese! This course, makes us all the more curious to taste. 

<em>Chicken steak with herb rice</em>
Chicken steak with herb rice
<em>Tombarley with grilled chicken</em>
Tombarley with grilled chicken



Our top recommendations from trying a wide assortment of Saldo’s lunch offerings are the Carronut (a creamy blend of carrots and coconut) which is so delicious, it’s difficult to put it in the ‘healthy’ bracket and the aforementioned Chicken Steak with herb rice. The latter is served with mashed potatoes and comes with a ‘seemingly’ indulgent white sauce. But when we find out the ingredients: chickpea paste, chilli paste, mustard and coconut milk — we don’t think twice about a second serving. 

If you’re one of those people who finds a meal incomplete without rice, it is notable to mention that you can pick for one of three options — white rice, red rice or cauliflower rice. We try the red rice in our Burrito Bowl — which arrives with peppered corn and rajma, salsa and a dash of sour cream. Also, look out for whole wheat pita bread with hummus, although we did find the falafel accompaniment rather dry. 
Fortunately, the Barley Tomato Risotto which is warm and moist, is quick to follow, with hints of basil, oregano and olive oil. Simple and hearty, this dish goes down like a comforting hug on a rainy day. 

Prices: INR 120 to INR 250. Delivery all over the city. Delivery charges apply beyond a 5 km radius.

sonali@newindianexpress.com | @brightasunshine

Related Stories

No stories found.
Indulgexpress
www.indulgexpress.com