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Monday, November 2, 2015

DIET POHA CHIVDA / LOW CAL CHIVDA (THIN BEATEN RICE FLAKES MIXTURE - A LOW CAL SAVOURY)

DIET POHA CHIVDA / LOW CAL CHIVDA (THIN BEATEN RICE FLAKES MIXTURE - A LOW CAL SAVOURY)

First of all “HAPPY DIWALI TO ALL”. MAY THIS DIWALI BRING HEALTH, WEALTH & PROSPERITY TO ALL.

Diwali is a time for making and sharing goodies. The markets are filled with colourful mithais and namkeens that look so tantalizing,  that We usually overindulge in the goodies and either put on loads of weight or become sick. This year I thought why not make something which is guiltless. Who doesn’t enjoy guiltless snacking?

Earlier I had shared a recipe of the Patal Pohe Chivda in my blog, (Click on the link below)



Traditionally in this recipe you have to deep fry all the ingredients including the poha...then it’s very tasty.
But in my recipe, I had roasted the poha until crisp by adding a little oil...rest of the ingredients I deep fried.

The problem with Indian snacks is, it’s difficult to make them totally guiltless.
These days in Singapore we easily get many ingredients which were not easily available when I landed here 15 years ago. I’m glad that an influx of Indian migrants in Singapore  have brought in a demand for things which is a bonus for food bloggers and people who love cooking.  I always go to Mustafa (a huge shopping centre in Singapore) a week before Diwali to check out their stuff and this year while browsing through I saw packets of Diet Poha and I thought Hey!!! This is exactly what I wanted as I’m trying to watch my weight.  

I even avoided adding Copra(Dried coconut flakes) which is there in my previous recipe.
Here is my recipe, this can also be made on a regular basis for a tea-time snack.


Ingredients
Diet Poha - 1 Kg.
Peanuts - 1 cup
Daliya (Roasted Gram Dal/ Chutney Chana dal) - 1 cup
Cashewnuts- 20-25 pieces
Golden Raisins - 20 -25 pieces
Chopped Green chilies - 12-15
Curry leaves -  5 sprigs (25-30 leaves)
Mustard seeds - 2 teaspoons
Cumin seeds – 2 teaspoons
Sesame seeds - 2 teaspoon
Turmeric powder - 3 teaspoon
Asafetida - 1 teaspoon
Salt as per taste.
Powder sugar - 2 teaspoon
Oil - 1/2 cup


Method
Diet Poha is very thin and fragile so it gets crumbled very quickly. Take the poha and sieve it for any fine powder to be filtered leaving only the flakes. Keep aside.
Diet Poha has very thin flakes so it gets cooked very fast. I decided not to fry it and dry roast it instead. You can also put it in the microwave. If in case you are cooking in the microwave, put the diet poha in a shallow microwave safe dish and microwave it on high for 30 seconds only.
For those who don't have a microwave you can dry roast it in a wok (Kadhai)on a very low flame till it becomes crispy.  This needs attention else it can burn very easily. Keep this Poha aside.
If you have roasted the poha in the microwave, then Add 2 tablespoons oil in a big wok, add in the mustard seeds, cumin seeds and sesame seeds and when they start spluttering, add in the green chillies and curry leaves, fry them well. Then add in the diet poha, turmeric, salt and sugar and saute for about 3 minutes. Keep aside.
Now in another wok fry all the ingredients one by one on a low flame ensuring that you don't burn them. Fry the peanuts until golden and split, then the daliya until golden, then the cashews until golden, Raisins until plump. Preferably use a net to fry all this as it can catch all the ingredients from the oil. Ensure that none of the ingredients become black. If they become black throw them, don't use them in the chivda as the taste of the chivda can spoil with it. Drain the oil well and mix all the ingredients that you fried in a vessel with the diet poha.
Toss everything well with a light hand ensuring that you don't break the thin poha flakes. Roast for another 2 minutes on a low flame while mixing. Put off the flame and spread this on a newspaper or a big plate. Let this get cool for some time then store it in an air - tight dabba(box).  Your  Diet Poha Chivda/ Low cal Chivda is ready for some Guiltless indulgence.


Tips

  • If you do not have the confidence of adding the chilly and curry leaves to the tadka afraid of burning the tadka then you can fry them separately...after you fry all the nuts, you can fry these too also using a net in the oil and then mix with the mixture.
  • You can add poppy seeds to the tadka while adding mustard and sesame but Poppy seeds are banned in Singapore so I didn’t add them
  • You can add Puffed rice (kurmura) with Poha.
  • You can add red chilly powder instead of green chilies.
  • You can add citric acid or amchur powder for some sourness. I didn't do it in my recipe.
  • You can add deep fried garlic in the Chivda
  • You can deep fried onion to the chivda.
  • I have seen a recipe wherein fresh coriander seeds are roasted, pounded into a powder and added to the chivda for extra flavor.
  • My Mother-in-law adds Roasted and pounded fennel seeds into the chivda.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

ROASTED PHOOL MAKHANA /PUFFED LOTUS SEEDS / FOXNUT

ROASTED PHOOL MAKHANA /PUFFED LOTUS SEEDS / FOXNUT
Phool Makhana is Puffed dried lotus seeds, also known as Foxnuts. Phool Makhana is very famous in North India during Vrat Season for making kheer, sabji or just roasting it for snacking.It is considered to be very healthy as its low in saturated fats and cholestrol content, Isn’t that nice to hear you don't need to feel guilty while you munch on these super healthy crunchy roasted phool makhana, it tastes a bit like popcorn but I tell you this is more tasty and healthier...and you can prepare it in a jiffy.
I had seen Phool makhana used to thicken gravies in North Indian curries.  But that’s all I knew about it. But when I came to live with the North Indians in Singapore, I saw that they used it extensively during the fasting season. They made a kheer(Milk dessert) out of it or used it in a vegetable or simply ate roasted Phool Makhana like popcorn. Now, this variety impressed me the most as I love popcorns.

Then again, when I googled on Phool Makhana...

I learnt that.......
1. Lotus seeds benefit the spleen, kidney, and heart.
2. The seed also has calming properties that alleviate restlessness, palpitations, and insomnia.
3. It is also rich in calcium. It can be easily digested by all the age groups.
4. It is a highly regarded herb for restoring sexual vigour and youthful energy in older men.
5. It regulates blood pressure, relieves numbness and aching near waist and knees.
6. It is Suitable for arthritis, helps fighting impotency and premature aging.
7. Makhana is very useful for women during and post pregnancy period.
8. It is also helps your respiratory system, veins and digestion.
9. Popped makhana contains almost 12% of protein! (excellent especially for vegetarians!)

Anti – aging :- Fox nuts are rich in antioxidants which works as age lock system and makes us younger for much longer. Fox nuts are effective for individuals with high risk of premature ageing, premature grey hair,wrinkles  and other signs of aging. It reverses the aging process over a period of time......This definitely has caught my Attention

Diabetes :- Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, which is accompanied by high blood glucose levels. It is a result of improper functioning of the pancreas, which secretes the insulin hormone. Fox nut is a sweet and sour seed These seeds contain starch and protein which is excellent for diabetes .

AYURVEDA AND UNANI (BRANCHES OF MEDICINE) texts have accepted its aphrodisiac and spermatogenic properties.
Herbs of phool makhana are considered worth in vajikarnana therapy.
Makhana helps in Cardiac Protection and builds the action in dysentery and frequent urination.
Phool makhana has astringent property, hence it gives relief from diarrhoea and helps to improve the appetite.
It helps in increasing the quality and quantity of semen, also prevents the premature ejaculation, increases the libido and also helps in female infertility.
Phool makhana is sweet to neutral in nature. Therefore, helps to detoxify the spleen, reinforce the kidneys and nourish the blood.

TCM
According to principles of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), fox nut is used to strengthen spleen and kidneys.  Makhana helps in conditions like arthritis, erectile dysfunction and premature aging. These seeds have antioxidant properties and help in digestion, rejuvenates respiratory system and prevents frequent urination.
“25 to 30 grams” phool makhana is considered as a healthy food/diet for the whole family.
Wow!!!!.......So many benefits...then why not add it into our daily lives....and I decided to make the healthy popcorn (Roasted Phool Makhana).
My kids loved it and kept munching. I tried adding some flavours too like chat masala, red chilly powder, pepper powder etc. They liked the original lightly salted the best though.


Ingredients
Makhana - 2 cups
Oil/Ghee – 2 tsps
Salt as per taste
In case you want to add color / flavors
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp (Yellow color)
Red Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp (Red Chilly flavour)
Paprika powder – ½ tsp (Paprika flavour)
Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp (Pepper flavour)
Chat Masala powder - 1 tsp (Masala Flavour)
Tomato powder – 1 tsp (Tomato Flavour)
Cheese powder – 2 tsp (Cheese Flavour)
Or any flavour you please. You can make a combo of flavours too....

Method
In a wok, add ghee and once the ghee is hot, add the phool makhanas and roast them. Don’t leave them unattended on the fire as they are very delicate and tend to burn fast. Keep roasting till it’s light golden in color.  Check if it’s done by sampling one...If it’s crunchy then it’s done. Put off the gas.
Add salt and toss. Fill a nice bowl with the crunchy phool makhanas and enjoy this healthy snack 
In case you want to add flavours then,
After sampling add in the spice powders of your choice and toss.  Serve and Enjoy.
If you’ve made a big batch then let the Phool Makhana cool down completely then store them in an airtight container. Phool Makhana has a very good shelf life, you can store them in air tight container for many months. Keep them away from the moisture and direct sun light.

Tips
·         The plain salted tastes better when roasted in Ghee

·         After you add the spice powders don’t toss with the gas burner on as the spice powders will catch       the bottom and burn spoiling your batch of makhanas.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

random work in progress


STOMACH PAIN (COLIC)
Colic is one of the most common reasons a baby cries. The reason could be untimely feeds and wrong kind of gassy foods consumed by the breast feeding mother.
If a baby (less than nine months of age) has a pain in the stomach, the recommended remedy is to crush 10 to 15 grains of dill seed (known as “Suva” in India) in a teaspoonful of water. This extract should be mixed with a few drops of mother's milk and administered to the baby.
H Here’s a picture of the dill seed for identification.

CONSTIPATION
Another common stomach ailment is constipation. Everyone is aware how uncomfortable it is to be constipated. One loses one's appetite, feels that one's stomach is distended and dreads the next trip to the bathroom. If adults find constipation so discomfiting, one can only imagine what a baby must feel. Tradition has a cure for this too. Administer a few drops of castor oil mixed with a teaspoonful of mother's milk or lukewarm water. The dose of castor oil should be adjusted according to the age of the baby and the severity of the constipation. This once-a-day dose should be terminated once normal bowel movement has been restored.
CHEBULIC MYROBALAN : Botanical Name: Terminalia chebula - also known as harda or pilehar in Hindi, kadukka in Malayalam, Kadukkai in Tamil, kadukar or karakaya in Telugu, harithaki, pathya, sudha or poothana in Sanskrit. (Refer to the picture on your left)
It is very effective in treating constipation. Just rub the seed of the harda on a stone with a little bit of water and give the paste to the baby every morning after bath and the baby will be relieved of constipation.
1. A natural and simple diet is a significant factor in preventing constipation. Eat plenty of green vegetables, whole grains, cereals, bran, fresh and dry fruits, milk and milk products etc. One should carefully avoid faulty diets, intake of refined and rich foods lacking minerals and vitamins, overeating, extravagant consumption of meat, regular use of purgatives and excess of strong tea or coffee. If you are prone to habitual constipation, taking warm water frequently during the day-time will be of good help to you. Food should be properly chewed and should be taken as per schedule, avoiding odd meal timings.
2. Mix the three myrobalans (Indian gooseberry, Chebulic myrobalan and Beleric myrobalan) in equal ratio and grind them in a mixer and sieve it. Consuming this powder with a glass of warm water twice or thrice a day helps relieving constipation.
3. In a glass of cold water mix a teaspoonful of Ispagula husk. Now you get this commonly as Isabgol. Take this solution followed by another glass of water. This remedy is highly useful for constipation.
4. Keep drinking water in a copper vessel and leave it overnight. Drinking this water in the morning helps regulating the bowel movement.
5. Mix one part of Indian Senna, 2 parts of Chebulic myrobalan, and one part of Indian gooseberry. Grind the mixture into a fine powder. Taking a teaspoonful of this powder is effective in chronic constipation.
6. Apply Castor oil/ Coconut oil to the Anus region of the Baby, so that it doesn't pain for the baby while passing motion and the hard motion easily slips out. Use a cotton bud to apply and don't use your finger else you may hurt the baby with your nail.



NAUSEA
1. Cut a lemon into two halves. Sprinkle a very small pinch of black salt over the cut surface, and lick it. The strong aroma of lemon coupled with the salty taste will make you feel better.
2. Cut a slice of ginger. Chew it for some time. You can use black salt to impart a salty taste to the ginger.
3. Make a sherbet out of ginger and lime, Add some black salt and sugar to taste. You will feel much relieved.



LOSS OF APPETITE
Loss of appetite and indigestion are closely linked entities of digestive disturbances in Ayurveda. Agnimandhya is the term used to denote the loss of appetite while Ajeerna denotes indigestion. A harmonious balance of Vata and Pitta hold the essence of a normal appetite. A vitiation in their mutual balance could lead to a loss of appetite. Irregular dietary habits bring about a vitiation in Pitta while psychic problems like anxiety, fear or physical causes like suppression of impeding urges lead to an imbalance in Vata. Both these sequences lead to disturbances in normal levels of appetite.
1. Extract about a cup of pomegranate seed juice. Add a pinch of rock salt and a spoonful of honey. Taking this solution slowly removes the bad taste from the mouth and increases your appetite!
2. Take equal parts of mustard seeds, asafetida, ginger, cumin seeds and black salt and grind the mixture to a fine powder. Add this mixture to a glass of buttermilk and drink it an hour before meals to enhance the appetite.
3. Mix well a spoonful of each - Indian gooseberry powder, clarified butter and honey. Take this paste prior to meals to improve the appetite.
4. Ingredients : one part each of cloves, nutmeg and long pepper, 3 parts of Indian gooseberry and 8 parts of ginger. Grind the mixture to obtain a fine powder. Add sufficient sugar to make the taste acceptable. Consuming a spoonful of this mixture twice or thrice a day helps in regaining the lost appetite.
5. Mix in equal parts, cinnamon bark, small cardamom, coriander seeds and fennel seeds. Soak the mixture in cold water overnight. Strain this blend with a tea strainer. Drinking this cold infusion early in the morning helps in building an appetite.
6. Soak about 10 grams of tamarind in a cup of warm water for 30 minutes. Squeeze the mass to obtain tamarind juice. Add a pinch of table salt to suit your taste. Add about 2 grams of powdered ajowan seeds. Taken before meals, this juice improves appetite. Alternatively, you can dilute 1/2 a teaspoonful of tamarind pulp in one cup of water for this purpose.
7. Basil tea is an efficacious drink to enhance appetite. Take about 20 gms of Basil leaves and boil the same in 250 ml of water till the quantity is reduced to half of the original volume. Strain the liquid and mix an equal amount of milk, a pinch of cardamom powder and sufficient sugar to suit your taste. Consuming this tea twice a day helps to increase your appetite.


FLATULENCE
Flatulence is known as Anaha in Ayurveda. The causative dosha is Vata and is characterized by stiffness in the lower abdomen, scanty defecation, and occasional breathing problems.
1. Take a pinch of asafetida and dissolve it in a cup of hot water. Drink this water when it is adequately cool.
2. Light roast a tablespoonful of fennel seeds. Once they cool down to a bearable temperature, chew them thoroughly in divided doses. After the first two doses, you will experience a great deal of relief.

INDIGESTION
This is known as Ajeerna in Ayurveda. It is result of fasting or consumption of food before digestion of the earlier intake of food. Untimely food habits, heavy or dry food, psychological causes like fear, anger, jealousy etc., suppression of natural urges and excessive intake of water cause indigestion! A reduction in Pitta activity with an excessive Kapha characterize the doshic profile of indigestion.
1. Mix a teaspoon of ajwain seeds with 1/2 spoon of rock salt. Consume the mixture with a glass of water. This will instantly get rid of flatulence and stomach disorder.
2. Mix 5 gms of asafetida with a glass of hot water. Add a teaspoonful of sugar to better the taste. Though it smells bad while swallowing, it rapidly relieves your system of flatulence and helps in relieving indigestion.
3. Add 2 drops of mint oil in a cup of warm water and drink immediately. It provides instant relief from gripping and flatulence.
4. Wash about 20-25 fresh curry leaves with cold water. Extract the juice from these leaves. In a cup of plain water, add about 1 teaspoonful of lemon juice and the juice obtained from the curry leaves. Add 1 teaspoonful of honey to this blend and always drink this when its fresh. It relieves nausea, vomiting and flatulence induced by indigestion.

DIARRHOEA (Loose Motions)
This condition is termed as Atisara in Ayurveda. Diarrhoea could be caused by any of the following :
Intake of foods of any particular quality in excess, foods incompatible with your prakriti or with seasonal variations, intake of foods that are not well cooked, contaminated water or other beverages etc.
Further, in Ayurveda, diarrhoea is also described to be induced by mental causes and by toxins.
Atisar is classified into 7 distinct types namely, Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, Bhayaja (caused by fear), Tridoshaja, Shokaja (caused by grief) and Raktatisara (diarrhoea associated with bleeding).
During diarrhoea, ensure that you are on a suitable diet to overcome dehydration, as advised by your physician. Ensure that the body is replenished with fluids to prevent dehydration.
  1. Whey or buttermilk are considered effective remedies for diarrhoea. Whey is the liquid portion of curd while buttermilk is obtained by churning the curd after the fat has been removed. Take any one of them in small volumes at frequent intervals.
  2. Kanji made from cooked rice cooked in water, with a pinch of salt is also very good and soothing.
  3. A solution made with salt and sugar (Electral water/ ORS) is to be administered to the person suffering from time to time. This is to prevent dehydration.
  4. Raw banana is an effective astringent and is recommended widely as a diet for treating diarrhoea. Cut one raw banana into three pieces and soften them in a pressure cooker using an adequate volume of water. Drain out the excess water. Separate the peel and mash the softened pulp well. In a skillet, roast a small volume of poppy seeds till they brown. Grind them to obtain a fine powder. Add this powder to the banana mash together with a pinch of salt. This delicious and nutritious receipe checks diarrhoea owing to its astringent properties.
  5. The dried rind of a pomegranate is an invaluable remedy for diarrhoea. A fine powder of this rind, 1 gm twice a day taken with buttermilk helps to check the frequency of loose motions.

THE MOST EFFECTIVE HOME REMEDY FOR INFANTS/ TODDLERS/ YOUNG ONES & FOR ADULTS AS WELL IS NUTMEG - NUTMEG CAN WELL BE CALLED THE STAR IN TREATING LOOSE MOTIONS.

NUTMEG

Nutmeg is also known as Jaiphal in hindi, Jadhikkai in Tamil, Jajikaya in telegu.
(Refer to picture of Nutmeg on your left).
Nutmeg is very effective in loose motions. It helps arrest the motions and also gives a peaceful sleep to the baby.


    SORE THROAT
    1. Soak two teaspoonfuls of ajwain seeds(bishops weed) in cold water. Add a pinch of common salt. Using this infusion as a common gargle substantially eases the acute sore throat.
    2. Two tablespoons of fenugreek seeds should be added to a litre of cold water and simmered on a gentle flame. This should be allowed to cool to a temperature that could be tolerated by the buccal cavity. Strain this mixture and gargle with it several times a day. This cures a sore throat.
    3. Coarsely powder the cinnamon bark. Boil a teaspoonful of this powder in water. Strain the extract and add a pinch of black pepper and a teaspoonful of honey. Consuming this decoction every three hours in a day cures a sore throat.

    COLD AND COUGH
    Traditional home remedies for Cold
    Cold makes the baby extremely uneasy, the baby becomes cranky and sleepless. What can be done when the baby has a cold.
    Indian Home remedy :
    Here is a recipe for “Kashayam” or tonic which can be administered to the baby all through the day instead of using water. The only point to remember is that it has to be made fresh every morning and it should be warm while given to the baby, this can be had by adults too.
    Recipe for Kashayam for Cold
    Tulasi or Basil – 8-10 leaves (u can put along with the stem). (Refer to picture on your left)




    Leaves of the Bishop’s weed – (leaves of the ajwain plant, Karpooravalli) – 1-2 leaves. (Refer to picture on your left)



    Bishop’s weed - (Ajwain,Omam) – one teaspoon
    (Refer to picture on your left)




    Cumin seeds – (Jeera, Jeeragam) – one teaspoon(refer to picture on your right)


    Dill seeds – (Suva seeds) – one teaspoon (Refer to picture below)

    Fennel seeds - (Saunf, Sombu) – one teaspoon (this sweetens the tonic a little). (Refer to picture on your right)

    Pepper (Miri, Molaghu) – 3-4 peppercorns (refer to picture on your left)



    Method
    Take 4-5 glasses of water, put all the abovementioned ingredients and let it come to boiling point, once it reaches the boiling point wait for another 2-3 minutes so that all the essence of the spices and herbs enter the water and put off the gas.
    Wait till this concoction becomes warm and u can add a teaspoon of honey and give your baby. Honey is very soothing for the throat incase the baby is having a sore throat. Also if the baby is fussy and doesn’t like the taste of the tonic, adding honey may induce the baby to have the tonic because it adds some sweetness to the kashayam. This can be served several times during the day. It reduces the phlegm and very soothing for the cold and cough. Remember it has to always be served warm and made fresh everyday.

    FERMENTATION
    Having a cold can be quite a nuisance, but for a baby it is particularly uncomfortable. There is a traditional method to alleviate the baby's discomfort. If the baby is less than six months old, take 4-5 nagarvel paans (Paan means betel leaves) and place them on a sieve. Place the sieve on a cooking pan over a fire. 1 paan should be placed in the centre of the sieve to allow it to get moderately hot. These warm paans are then placed on the baby's chest one after another. However, make sure that the paans are not so hot that they burn the baby's skin. This procedure should be continued for about five minutes by re-heating the cooled paans.

    In the case of babies over six months of age, one can use balls of soft cotton cloth in place of the paans. The balls of cloth should be heated on an indirect fire (heat a tava (flat bottomed pan), place the cloth for a second or 2, feel it against your palm, if it is bearable or not). Then place it on the baby’s chest, on the ribs, the throat and the back. The moderately warm balls of cloth should then be pressed gently against the baby's chest and back. Here again, make sure that the balls of cloth are at a temperature that will not affect the baby's tender skin. If it is not possible to heat the balls of cloth on an indirect fire, one can heat a piece of soft cotton cloth using a hot iron and then roll it into a ball.



    DISCLAIMER : "HOME REMEDIES ARE JUST SUPPLEMENTARY APPROACHES. ALWAYS SEEK A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN'S ADVICE FOR ANY ILLNESSES."

    Wednesday, February 18, 2015

    MOJITO ON THE ROCKS (NON-ALCOHOLIC) MOCKTAIL

    MOJITO ON THE ROCKS (NON-ALCOHOLIC) MOCKTAIL
    Mojito (read Mohito) is a traditional Cuban highball. Traditionally, a mojito is a cocktail that consists of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water and mint.
    Main alcohol: Rum
    But since I don’t consume alcohol I will share with you this wonderful non-alcoholic recipe which is very refreshing and has health benefits too.

    Note the recipe of Mojito served on the rocks.


    Ingredients
    Mint leaves – 6-8 fresh mint leaves
    Soda water – ½ glass Club soda
    Lime juice – 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
    Sugar – 2 teaspoons
    Ice cubes – As required (For one glass of Mojito you require one glass of ice)

    Method
    In a tall glass, Add lime juice, sugar and about 6-8 mint leaves. With the help of a spoon or a cocktail muddler crush the mint leaves into the lime juice and sugar. This releases oils from the mint and helps the sugar dissolve into the lime juice. Stir well then pour into a glass filled with ice, leaving about an inch of room then top with club soda. Garnish with extra mint leaves and a lime slice.
    Serve on the rocks; poured over ice with a straw

    You can make this for a family of four with the quantity as below
    Freshly squeezed lime juice - ½ cup
    Sugar - 3 – 4 tablespoons
    Fresh Mint leaves – About 30 plus some for garnish
    Ice – 4 cups
    Soda water - ½  cup
    Lime slices – 4 for garnishing.


    Here are some health benefits of drinking this mocktail.....

    Click here to read the benefits of drinking soda water…..Trying to make weak indulgences guiltless!!!!

    Mint is not just a mouth refresher, it’s health benefits include digestion, nausea, headache, and asthma.

    Enjoy this Refreshing non alcoholic drink. You can serve it in parties and they make an excellent alcohol- free cocktail for adults.



    Some info courtesy - Wikipedia

    Monday, October 6, 2014

    RAVA LADDOO / SUJI KE LADDOO/ SWEET SEMOLINA BALLS

    RAVA LADDOO / SUJI KE LADDOO/ SWEET SEMOLINA BALLS
    This is probably one of the easiest sweets to make. This is also one of the first sweets I ever attempted to make. I would call this a beginner’s sweet or a no-fail recipe for anybody. Just follow the recipe step-by-step and you will have one the easiest sweets to prepare for Diwali or any festival or just to gobble like that. I also call Rava Laddoo one of the easiest sweets as it is prepared with ingredients easily available at home like Semolina, sugar and ghee. Rava Laddoo in Tamil is known as Suji ke Laddoo in the North and Ravyacha Laadoo in Maharashtra.
    Here is the recipe for Rava Laddoo


    Ingredients
    Semolina/Rava/sooji - 1 cup 
    Sugar – ¾ cup - 1 cup (depending on how sweet you like)
    Ghee - ¼ cup 
    Milk (optional) - 1 tblsp 
    Cardamom powder (elaichi) – 1 tsp
    Cashew nuts – 2 tbsps sliced in halves
    Raisins – 2 tbsps 


    Method
    In a wok (pan), add the semolina and roast evenly by continuously stirring it with a spatula over a medium flame until a nice toasted aroma comes out of it. Be careful not to burn the rava while roasting it as it will completely ruin the taste of the laddoo. Let the roasted rava cool down. Keep it aside.
    Now powder the sugar and keep aside.
    Now take the cooled down roasted rava and mix with the sugar and run in the blender till it becomes one uniform mixture. Add in the cardamom (elaichi) powder and run it in the blender along with the rava and sugar.
    Now transfer this mix to a big plate. I usually take a big plate so it’s easy for me to mix. In a saucepan, add in the ¼ cup ghee and to it add the Cashew nuts and Raisins and fry until the raisins become plump and the cashew nuts get slightly toasted. Add this to the rava and sugar mixture.
    Sprinkle the milk and mix thoroughly (This step is optional). In case you are using milk, heat up the milk slightly and add in warm milk to the mix. Milk is added to enable binding the mixture well enough so as to make the laddoos easily. I haven’t used milk in my recipe. I have made the laddoos completely with ghee. Adding milk reduces the shelf life of the laddoos.
    Once, you have added the ghee, make small balls out of the mixture immediately, make tight balls. Rava Laddoo is ready to enjoy!!!

     Tips
             While blending the semolina, ensure that it is blended to a fine powder which will enable to make the laddoo easily. If the mix is coarse then it won’t be easy to make the laddoos.
             The finer the blend the more melt-in-the mouth the laddoo’s will be.
             In case, you are not using milk and find it difficult to bind, add in more melted warm ghee to the mix until it’s easier to make the laddoos.
             Sugar can be added according to taste. 3/4th cup is just ok not overly sweet. If you like it more sweet you can add 1 cup of sugar.

             You can reduce the ghee by 2 tbsps in the recipe and it still turns out fine. 

    Friday, July 18, 2014

    CHEENIVARIKKAI / KOTHAVARANGAI PARUPPU USILI (CLUSTER BEANS WITH LENTILS AND COCONUT)

    CHEENIVARIKKAI / KOTHAVARANGAI PARUPPU USILI (CLUSTER BEANS WITH LENTILS AND COCONUT)
    GAWAR PHALI KI SABJI DAL AUR NARIYAL KE SAATH
    The biological name of Cluster beans is Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. It is an annual legume and the source of guar gum. It is also known as Gavar, Gawar Phali, Guwar or Guvar bean.

    This is yet another weekend special from my kitchen. The reason it’s cooked over the weekends is simply because the process to cook this dish is quite lengthy and time consuming. But it’s one of my absolute favorites. There are some dishes which amma (my mom) knows; that can make me happy any day and this is one of it.

    Now, cluster beans is called Cheenivarikkai at my place. I guess it must be a kerala iyer (Tam brahms from Kerala) name.  I don’t know how many people call it as that. I didn’t know for very long that it is also known as Kothavarangai.

    Paruppu usili is made in different houses differently but I absolutely adore my mom’s recipe and follow it to the T.
    I even heard that many people use Bengal Gram (Chana dal) to make paruppu usili, but my mom uses Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas).
    Apparently many people don’t like Cluster beans and it seems in yesteryears when old people would go for Pilgrimage to Kashi (Explanation below) they would usually give up on Cluster beans.

    Kashi Vishwanath temple  - A visit to the temple and a bath in the river Ganges is one of many methods believed to lead one on a path to Moksha (salvation) hence people from all over the nation try to visit the place at least once in their lifetime. There is also a tradition that one should give up at least one desire after a pilgrimage at the temple.

    When I asked my Grandma why they would give up on such a lovely vegetable, my grandma would say, because Cluster Beans is usually very gassy and as you age your digestive systems would become weak so it would be best to avoid it.

    Thank god we are not in those times and I probably may not have to give up on this lovely vegetable. There are some people who steam the paruppu (Dal), but I don’t, here is the recipe for all of you to enjoy.

    Ingredients
    For the Kothavarangai Mezhukkuvaratti (Poriyal)
    Cheenivarikkai / Kothavarangai (Cluster Beans) – 750 gms chopped
    Oil – 2 tsps
    Mustard seeds – 1tsp
    Udad seeds – 1 tsp
    Red Chilly – 1 broken in halves
    Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
    Asafetida – a pinch
    Salt as per taste
    Shredded Coconut – 2 tbsps

    For the Paruppu Usili
    To grind to a coarse paste:
    Toor Dal - 1 cup
    Dried Red Chillies – 1
    Green Chilly – 1
    Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
    Asafetida – a pinch
    Salt as per taste
    Mustard seeds – 1tsp
    Udad seeds – 1 tsp
     
    Method
    Rinse & soak 1 cup Toor dal for about 1-2 hours.
    Trim the edges and chop cluster beans finely. Rinse it well. In a Kadhai (wok), Add 1 tsp of oil, when it is hot, Add the mustard seeds and when they begin to crackle, Add udad dal and the dried chilly broken in half. When the udad dal becomes slightly pink, add the chopped cluster beans, mix well, ½ tsp of Turmeric powder, a pinch of Asafetida, Salt as per taste,  stir and close with lid and cook on low flame till it is cooked. Once it’s cooked, Transfer to a plate.
    Drain the Soaked toor dal and grind it coarse in a blender with 1 dried red chilly and 1 green chilly, a pinch of turmeric, a pinch of asafetida and salt as
    per taste. Keep aside

    In the same Kadhai (wok), Add 1 tsp of oil, when it is hot, Add the mustard seeds and when they begin to crackle, Add udad dal, when the udad dal becomes slightly pink, add the  coarsely blended dal mixture. Keep sautéing until the mixture separates and become golden brown. Once that is done, add the cooked cluster beans and mix well. Now, finally, add in the shredded coconut and mix well. Check for salt at this point as well. Incase there is salt you can add some at this point as well. Cook for 2-3 minutes on sim.

    The Cheenivarikkai / Kothavarangai Paruppu usili is ready. Enjoy with Rasam and rice.

    Variation to the above method
    Steam method – After you coarse grind the dal paste. Boil water in an idli pan, spread the coarse mixture on the steamer plate and steam it for 5-7mins, once it cools down, crumble it with your hands and set aside.
    Now heat oil in a wok,  Add the mustard seeds and when they begin to crackle, Add udad dal, when the udad dal becomes slightly pink, add the add the dal mixture & sauté till golden brown, then follow as above.

    Tips:-
    • Ensure that the dal mixture is blended coarse, if it becomes a fine paste then you will not get the perfect texture. To ensure that it doesn’t get ground fine, make sure to drain the water completely.
    • If you are using the steaming method then follow as above. Please ensure to spread the mixture and then steam it as it crumbles easily.
    • This recipe can be used to make French beans, flat beans (Avarakkai), Long beans, Banana flower (Vazhapoo) etc.

    Friday, July 4, 2014

    STIR FRY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES

    STIR FRY TOFU WITH VEGETABLES
    This is a vegan recipe. I was also careful to use the NON GMO Soya bean Tofu.  
    (Kindly do click on the word "NON GMO Soya bean" hyperlink to learn more about Non GMO Foods).
    There are many varieties of Tofu available in the market. For this recipe choose the medium firm ones. In Singapore you can buy it everywhere and they are known as Tau kwa.
    Soya bean is high in calcium which is good for your bones and teeth.

    Tau Kwa also has a high amount of Isoflavones which allows one to prevent heart disease. FDA states that consumption of 25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. With these kind of health benefits isn’t it good to add tofu to your vegetables?

    This dish is very easy to cook and very healthy as it’s packed with proteins and vitamins. I would call it a crunchy crispy delight. You can eat this with brown rice/ white rice/ Noodles or just dunk into a bowlful of this nutritional delicacy.

    Stir fry vegetables with soya sauce is made in many south asian countries with a variation to the sauces / spices used.

    Below is the Indo-Chinese, Indo-thai, Indo-Pinoy fusion version. (Indo because there is an Indian twist to it)

    You can add any vegetables to it like Broccoli, Celery, Mushrooms, Cauliflower….the list of variations is endless. You can rustle this up with whatever you have at home.


    Ingredients
    Tofu cubes (Tau Kwa) - 1 teacup
    Carrot - 1
    French Beans / Snow Peas – 5 - 6
    Onions   2
    Tomatoes - 1
    Capsicum – 1
    Green chilly – 1 big (non – spicy variety)
    Stem of spinach – a few
    Oil – 1 tbsp
    Cumin seeds – 1 tsp (optional)
    Soya Sauce – 1 tbsp
    Ginger paste – 1 tsp
    Red chilli powder – ½ tsp (optional)
    Salt as per taste
    Pepper – a pinch of coarsely ground pepper (optional)
    Spring onion for garnish
    Coriander leaves for garnish


    Method
    Cut the Tofu into cubes Deep fry the tofu until medium brown (about 5 to 8 minutes). Set aside. You can avoid frying and can add the tofu at the end when the vegetables are almost done. Tofu cubes are soft and tend to break, hence, frying would be a good option to keep its texture and shape good.

    Chop 1 onion, tomato and the ginger and make a coarse paste in the blender. Keep aside.

    Julienne ( cut thin strip lengthwise ) the carrots , beans , capsicum, Chilly,  Cut some Spinach stems about the same length as the julienned carrots

    Now, heat a pan and pour-in 1 tablespoon cooking oil. Add the cumin seeds, when it splutters, Sauté the onion. Once it’s translucent, add in the blended coarse paste of the Onion- Ginger Tomato and sauté well, until you see the oil come out of the paste indicating its cooked well. Now add the fried tofu and stir-fry for 3 minutes. Add all the vegetables and stir fry for 3 to 5 minutes. Put-in soya sauce, salt as per taste, chilly powder and pepper as required. Cook in steam till it’s done. The vegetable shouldn’t be overdone. It should be cooked but crunchy.
    Garnish with finely chopped spring onion leaves and cilantro (Coriander leaves)
    You can make a vegetable broth to pour on top or just enjoy the way it is. Serve steaming hot with Rice/ Noodles or just plain.
    Flavors of Cumin & Tomatoes give an Indian twist to this dish. Do enjoy this healthy recipe.

    Saturday, May 10, 2014

    HOME REMEDIES FOR MOUTH ULCER AND SWELLING IN GUMS FOR TODDLERS / BABIES

    HOME REMEDIES FOR MOUTH ULCER AND SWELLING IN GUMS FOR TODDLERS / BABIES
    Toddlers / Babies can get mouth ulcers and swelling in gums too. This may also lead to bad breath and your toddler / baby becoming cranky.
    There are a few home remedies that can be administered before you take your baby to the doctor. Home remedies are safe and harmless but they are not a substitute for a doctor's consultation.

    The following remedies can be tried : -
    • If you are breast feeding your baby. Keep breast feeding him/her. Breast milk can be very healing for mouth ulcers. (FOR TODDLERS & BABIES
    • You can apply coconut milk during the day time to the insides of the mouth and the gums. It will be soothing and help in healing. (FOR TODDLERS & BABIES)

    • Add salt to warm water and rinse your mouth with it. The proportion of salt should be high i.e., 3 tbsp of salt in one glass of warm water. Gargle with this water and let it stay in your mouth for at least 30 seconds. Swoosh the water around inside your mouth so that it covers your teeth and gums thoroughly. Do not rinse your mouth with plain water immediately if you want to have relief from the pain for longer time. (FOR TODDLERS ONLY)
    • If your baby suffers from swelling and infection in your gums more often, make it a habit of brushing your baby's teeth 3 times a day. Do not use a brush, but use your forefinger to brush gently. Please ensure that your finger nails are cut. Do not forget to make him rinse his mouth after every meal. Carry out proper hygiene. (FOR TODDLERS ONLY)
    • If the swelling does not subside for a couple of days and your baby is not eating properly or crying, see a dentist and go through the treatment prescribed.







    DISCLAIMER : "HOME REMEDIES ARE JUST SUPPLEMENTARY APPROACHES. ALWAYS SEEK A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN'S ADVICE FOR ANY ILLNESSES."

    Monday, April 21, 2014

    METHI RAI KURIA MANGO PICKLE (MANGO PICKLE MADE WITH CRUSHED FENUGREEK & MUSTARD SEEDS)

    METHI RAI KURIA MANGO PICKLE (MANGO PICKLE MADE WITH CRUSHED FENUGREEK & MUSTARD SEEDS)
    This year when I saw raw mangoes arrive in the market I decided to pickle them. Yo(my husband is very fond of pickles) and nowadays the pickles we buy in the market have a pungent flavor to them, no matter which brand you buy, eventually you wear off the brands as you start feeling this. So, I thought better make them at home.  I was not sure whether I should make Avakkai(the south Indian style) mango pickle or the Gujarati style Mango pickle so I asked all my Facebook friends and somehow got tempted to make the Methi Rai Kuria Mango Pickle. I absolutely adore the Mango pickles that my Gujarati neighbor used to make in big porcelain pickle jars during the summer months back in India. Not only would the home made ones have a lot of Masala, but the mangoes would also be quite soft unlike the ones we buy from the shop.

    I read on some websites that this pickle is made either with methi na kuria (crushed fenugreek seeds) or rai na kuria (split mustard seeds). I decided to add both because I like the masala more than the mango itself.

    If I can make these at home anyone can make it…It’s incredibly easy to make.  The main preparation is the ingredients, once everything is ready, it is only assembly.

     

    Ingredients
    Cut Mango Pieces – 1 ½ kilo / Approximately 10 teacups of cut raw mangoes.
    Salt – 2 teacups
    Broken Yellow Mustard ground coarsely – 1 cup
    Methi (Whole)  ground coarsely – ¼ cup
    Kashmiri Chilly powder – 1 cup
    Asafetida – 2 tbsp
    Oil – 41/2 cups

    Precautions
    Before you start the process of assembly you need to take the following precautions.

    ·         Work in an open space with the windows open.

    ·         Don’t sit under the ceiling fan lest the masala blows into your eyes and nose.

    ·         Wear plastic disposable gloves, because some people have sensitive hands and they may find their hands burning with the chilly powder for a long time.

    Method
    First wash the mangoes, wipe them and then cut them in big chunks, I made slightly smaller chunks. After you cut don’t wash them, just let them dry out on a newspaper in the sun for a while. Meanwhile make your other ingredients ready.

    Lightly Roast the whole fenugreek seeds and when cool, crush them coarsely as shown in the picture.

    Lightly Roast the Broken Yellow Mustard seeds, this is readily available in the market. No need to grind this, you can use it as it is.

    Heat the oil lightly till it is warm (not up to the smoking point) and let it cool. This process is to remove the raw smell of the oil. This step maybe avoided in the readymade pickles available in the market hence the pickles start to give a pungent odor.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     





     
    As you can see in the picture I kept all my ingredients ready.

    I mixed the salt, red chilly powder, crushed fenugreek seeds, the roasted broken yellow mustard seeds and asafetida together in a big open plate, After which I added the cut mango chunks.

    Ensure everything coats well.
    Finally add in the Oil and give it a good mix.
     
    You can mix using a spatula or your hand.
     
    Once you feel everything is mixed well, slowly, gently take spoonfuls and drop into a sterilized porcelain or glass jar/bottle. Every day keep the jar in the sun for 2-3 hours.

    The pickling process starts as the Mangoes start to marinate in the masala.

    Every day in the morning open the jar and with a long dry spoon, give it a good stir.

    In about 10-15 days the pickle is ready for you’ll to eat. 

    I have not used any preservative. The oil and salt are natural preservatives and will help preserve the pickle.

    This pickle can be stored for a year but you have to be careful not to use a wet spoon while you scoop out small portions for your immediate everyday servings.

    Store this in a cool dry place. Enjoy this lovely condiment with your food.

    Tips

    ·         Preferably use Kashmiri chilly powder as it imparts a lovely red color to the pickle.

    ·         This pickle can also be made with ½ cup rai na kuria (split mustard seeds) only.

    ·         This pickle can also be made with ½ cup methi na kuria (crushed fenugreek seeds) only.

    ·         If you wish, you can use drained baby mangoes in brine, in which case, you should reduce the quantity of salt in this recipe.

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