Hi friends!Here is a simple,delicious and very healthy recipe of an Indian side dish of yogurt containing boiled potatoes and spices.

Whisked curd with tiny pieces of boiled potato and flavored with spices make a delicious side dish with the main course.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Curd/Dahi /yogurt
• 2 potatoes medium size, boiled peeled and cut into tiny cubes
• 1 tsp cumin seeds , roasted and powdered
• 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp salt or /salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp kala namak/ black salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp dry mint powder

Method:

Step 1.

In a pressure cooker, put the potatoes with two cups of water, close the lid and place the cooker on full flame. The moment pressure is formed reduce to low flame, cook for three minutes. Switch off the heat and allow the cooker to cool to room temperature.

Step 2.

Peel the potatoes,cut the potatoes in to tiny cubes, keep aside.

Step 3.

Whisk the Curd/ yogurt till smooth. Add salt, sugar,pepper, red chili,cumin powder, kala namak, dry mint leaves powder and mix well. Fold in the potato cubes .

Step 4.

Transfer into a serving bowl and garnish with the little roasted cumin and red chili powder. Refrigerate the raita till served.Serve  Aloo raita cold with the main course.

Health benefits of Aaloo /Potato:

Contrary to the popular belief that potatoes should be avoided because they are rich in starch, medical reports today claim that potatoes should be consumed as they help in enriching the body with essential nutrients. Potatoes are rich in phytochemicals which help in fighting against respiratory diseases, cardiovascular ailments and several types of cancer.

People suffering from high blood pressure should consume potatoes. Potato contains a compound known as kukoamine which helps in lowering blood pressure.

Potato is rich in vitamin B6 which aids in building and repairing body cells. This vitamin leads to the production of enzymes in the body, which in turn leads to chemical reactions which cause cell repairs. Apart from repairing of human body and brain cells, this nutrient is responsible for the production of the molecule amine in the human body, which helps in transmissions between different nerves of the human nervous system.

Potatoes are highly effective in relieving high blood pressure caused due to tension, indigestion, nature of food and several other reasons. The fiber content is known for lowering cholesterol and improving the functioning of insulin in the body, thereby lowering blood pressure.

The fiber content of potato helps in lowering plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in the human body.

Potato contains large quantities of starch which helps to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.

Potatoes make an ideal food for people who are lean and thin. With mounds of carbohydrates and proteins, they help in promoting weight gain.

Easy to digest, potatoes help in facilitating the digestion process, especially for people who cannot digest hard food but require energy, such as patients and babies.

Potatoes have vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc in significant amounts which are beneficial for the skin. They are great for curing pimples, spots, burns and even help in softening and cleaning the skin, particularly around elbows, back of the palms, and so on.

The vitamin C content in potatoes is helpful for preventing the dreaded deficiency disease scurvy and its symptoms, like cracked lip corners, spongy and bleeding gums, and frequent viral infections.

Potatoes have essential nutrients that help in providing relief to rheumatism due to the high starch or carbohydrate content that increases weight and reverses the effects of this disorder.

Ref.http://nutrition.indobase.com/articles/potato-nutrition.php

Curd Health benefits:

Being rich in calcium, curd is good for the health of bones as well as the teeth. For those who have difficulty in the digestion of lactose in milk, yogurt is an important source of calcium. Curd contains an enzyme which breaks down lactose to aid proper digestion.

Curd / Yogurt is rich in vitamin D which helps our body to absorb and use calcium.

Curd / Yogurt helps you feel fuller and is thus, a very good snack for those trying to lose weight.

Eating  curd / yogurt on a regular basis can help absorb the nutrients in other foods as well.

Ref. http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/9-reasons-curd-is-great-for-your-health/

Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:

• Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
• Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
• Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
• If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
• Any changes that you make to your diet, and the results of those changes, are your decision and your responsibility.

 

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