Cheelas/ Savoury Pancakes

Moong Dal Dosa

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Moong dal Dosa.jpg

Moong Dal Dosa  / Green gram pancake

   Hindi Name: Dhuli Moong

It is a yellow colored dried form of green gram that is obtained by removing its green skin. It is mostly used in Indian cuisine as a pulse that is cooked by adding spices. The lentils are small, ovoid in shape, and green in color. They have a mild taste. Unlike green grams that can be sprouted and consumed, husked gram can only be cooked. Cooked with minimal spices, it is often given to patients as it is easily digestible. In some parts of the country it is also used to make a sweet dish and consumed like a dessert.

Hi friends! here is another very easy recipe for an instant and healthy breakfast. There is no fermentation of the batter required. Dosa is one of the most popular Indian breakfast. There are many varieties of Dosas . Dosa is like a pancake. This recipe of delicious of Moong dal Dosa can be relished more when served with green garlic chutney / sauce, a winter season treat.

Prep time: 2-3 hours or Soaking overnight

Cook time: 5 minutes

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Indian

Serves: 4

Makes: 6-8 Dosas

Ingredients :

  • 1 cup Moong dal husked
  • 1/2 cup Rice flour
  • 2 Green chilies
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil of choice
  • Green coriander – 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
  • 1 level tsp Salt /as per taste
  • 1 tsp Cumin seed /jeera
  • Cooking Oil – for making dosa

Method :

Step 1.

Soak green gram split /yellow moong dal husked in water for 4-5 hours or /overnight.

Step 2.

Grind the soaked and drained Moong sabut / Green gram yellow dal /husked , green chilies and salt with some water into a thick smooth paste. Batter should not be too thick or too thin. Remove the batter in a mixing bowl.

Step 3.

Add the rice flour, cumin seeds/jeera to the batter and mix well.

Step 4.

Place a non-stick tava / griddle over medium flame. Grease the non-stick tava / griddle lightly. Test by sprinkling a few drops of water on it if water sizzles right away non-stick tava / griddle is ready for making dosa.

Step 5.

Pour a ladle full of the batter mixture onto the non-stick tava / griddle and spread evenly with the back of the ladle in a circular motion, about six to eight inches in diameter.

Step 6.

Drizzle oil at the sides and in the center. When the batter begins to dry a bit, gently pour one tsp of oil / or spray oil over and around it again. Wait for about 20-30 seconds, then flip the dosa using a spatula.

Step 7.

When dosa is golden brown on both sides. Fold it once-twice with the help of spatula and remove from non-stick tava / griddle, slide it gently. Sprinkle some water on the non-stick tava / griddle, and repeat this process for making the remaining dosas.

Step 8.

This batter gives approx 6-8 crisp dosas. Serve Piping hot moong doss with Green garlic chutney/ coconut chutney or coriander chutney.

Dosa, Dos and Don’ts for best results:

Do use a moderately hot griddle/ tava for dosas
Do use a grinder / blender for the batter
Do place the batter (if required to ferment) in 70-80 degrees F for fermentation
Don’t start making dosas using chilled batter, let the batter come to room temperature
Don’t make dosas on an unseasoned griddle/ tava
Don’t use poor quality rice and dal for best results

 Nutritional Profile:

A 1-cup serving of cooked moong dhal has 147 calories per serving. With only 0.77 grams of total fat, moong dhal beans are a good source of low-fat protein, with a little more than 14 grams per serving. While the majority of adults in the United States eat enough protein, a variety of protein sources — including more non-animal sources — is highly recommended.

Dietary Fiber Content

Moong dhal is particularly high in dietary fiber, providing almost 15.5 grams of fiber per 1-cup serving. This provides between 40.5 and 71 percent of the dietary reference intake for fiber per day for adult men and women. Dietary fiber can help reduce blood cholesterol levels as well as prevent dietary complications, such as constipation and diverticulosis. A diet high in dietary fiber will also reduce the risk of overeating, as you feel fuller with less food.

Vitamins and Minerals

Containing a broad array of essential vitamins and minerals, moong dhal is especially rich in potassium, calcium, folate and other members of the vitamin B complex. All B vitamins help your body break down carbohydrates into glucose, to produce usable fuel for your body. Folic acid also helps with healthy brain function and the production of DNA. It is also important in maintaining good mental and emotional health. Moong dahl also contains some vitamin E, C and K.

Cooking Moong Dhal

Moong dhal can be boiled whole or they can be soaked to make a paste. The beans are sometimes ground up to produce flour. Common to a wide range of Asian and Indian cuisines, moong dhal is used for sweet as well as savory preparations. Naturally low in fat and high in protein, keep your moong dhal dish healthy by pairing it with low-fat foods, such as vegetables; using a minimal amount of added fat; and possibly combining it with rice to make a complete protein.

Ref. http://www.livestrong.com/article/535349-the-nutritional-value-of-moong-dhal/

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.

 

 

 

 

                     

 

Oats Dosas

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Oats Dosa 1

Oats Dosa

Hi friends ! Doasas are crispy savory pancakes/ crepes from South India is a staple food in its home region. In entire country too, Dosas are hugely popular. Instant dosas always come handy when nothing is preplanned for breakfast. There are many instant version dosas, my oats dosa recipe is easier to make than you think ! The good thing about these dosas is that they are thin and crisp and are delicious and healthy for you.For complete range of various breakfast options do check out my recipe menu.

VARITIES OF DOSAS: There are more than hundred different varieties of Dosas in India with a brilliant blend of taste, flavors, nutritional balance and seasonings. Oats dosas are special Dosas in this catagory and make healthy, nutritious breakfast or  great all time snacks! There are many instant version dosas, my Oats Dosa recipe is easier to make than you think !This recipe of Oats dosa is simple, easy,instant and gluten-free recipe. Once tasted, will definitely become hot favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white oats, I used Quaker’s quick white oats
  • 1/2 cup rice flour
  • 1 carrot, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup yogurt , whisked well
  • 1 pinch asafetida
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 2″ ginger piece,finely grated
  • 1 tsp salt / or salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp cilantro/ coriander, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 2 level tsp ENO fruit salt,Regular / 1 small pouch
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil

Method:

Step 1.

Make fine powder of oats in a grinder, keep aside.

Step 2.

In a mixing bowl take the powdered oats, rice flour, salt, asafetida, cumin seeds  and whisked yogurt, mix the ingredients well. Gradually add water as needed to make batter consistency of dosa/ pancake mix. Set aside for about ten minutes.

Step 3.

Add green chilies, finely chopped cilantro /coriander, grated carrots, add  ENO fruit salt mix it well, batter will become little frothy.

Step 4.

Place a non-stick tava / griddle over medium flame. Grease the non-stick tava / griddle lightly. Test by sprinkling a few drops of water on it if water sizzles right away non-stick tava / griddle is ready for making dosa.

Step 5.

Pour a ladle full of the batter mixture onto the non-stick tava / griddle and spread evenly with the back of the ladle, about six to eight inches in diameter.

Step 6.

When the batter begins to dry a bit, gently pour one tsp of oil over and around it. Wait about 20 seconds, then flip the dosa using a spatula.

Step 7.

Press the dosa very gently with the spatula all around to ensure even cooking, when dosa is golden brown on both sides, fold it once with the help of spatula and slide it gently on a plate.

Step 8.

Repeat this process for the remaining dosas.

Step 9.

Serve oat dosa hot. The best accompaniments with the Oats Dosas are coriander/ coconut/ curry leaves or tomato chutney.

Note:

  • The key for the perfect and crisp lacy dosas lies in the consistency of batter, so please stick to the measurements provided in the recipe.
  • Mix the batter well before use.
  • The tawa / griddle used to prepare dosas, preferable should be flat an iron or non-stick tawas work best, use a properly heated tawa /griddle ( not cold , not too hot) for best results.
  • For the instant dosas pour the batter mixture onto the tawa / griddle and spread in a circular way evenly with the back of a ladle, about six-eight inches in diameter.
  • Dosas are best when eaten hot. Cold Dosas turn soggy and become slightly sticky.
  • For complete range of various chutney options do check out my recipe menu.
The Benefits of Eating Oatmeal Every Morning :
Whole Grain

Oatmeal is a whole grain, and eating whole grains can lower your risk for several diseases, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Oatmeal also contains lignans, a plant chemical that has been found to prevent heart disease. The food label on your package of oats should list one ingredient: whole grain oats. Avoid prepackaged oatmeal that may be high in both sodium and sugar and lower in beneficial fiber. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommends eating whole grains to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, whole grains such as oats are a source of iron, magnesium and B vitamins.

Lower Cholesterol

Eating oatmeal can lower your cholesterol, especially your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, consider adding oatmeal to your daily menu. MayoClinic.com even recommends oatmeal as one of the top five foods to eat to improve your cholesterol numbers.

Lower Weight

Oatmeal is a source of fiber. That means when you eat oats for breakfast, you’re going to feel full for a long time. Breakfast foods high in sugar and fat can make you feel full for a brief period, but then you’re hungry again. A breakfast smoothie, consisting of blended oats, fruit and ice, can satisfy your hunger easily until lunch.

Oatmeal Options

If you’ve tried oatmeal before and didn’t like it, reconsider. Combining fruit or nuts with your oats while they’re cooking adds more nutrients. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give great flavor to your oats. Limit any sugars and let the natural flavor of the fruits and spices take over. Blend your oats with different fruits into a healthy oatmeal smoothie. Because oatmeal is such a beneficial food, try to find a different way to eat it every day.

 

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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Gram Flour/Besan Uttpam

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Besan Dosa with cheese 1

Gram Flour / Besan Uttapam

Gram flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour, chickpea flour, or besan, is a pulse flour made from ground chickpeas. Used in many countries, it is a staple ingredient in Indian, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi cuisines.

Hi friends! Gram Flour / Besan Uttapam is a tasty dish for breakfast or as a snack. This recipe is easy and quick to prepare and can be served with coriander / cilantro chutney. It is a favorite dish of the family for breakfast, folded with cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup gram flour / besan
  • 150 gms fresh cottage cheese / paneer, grated
  • 1/4 cup rice flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 level tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp Ajwain / Carom seeds
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp cilantro / coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 6 tbsp of oil to cook

Method:

Step 1.

Grate the the cottage cheese/ paneer and keep aside.

Step 2.

In a mixing bowl take Gram Flour / Besan, rice flour , add salt, baking soda, carom seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder slowly add water mix to make a smooth batter. The mix consistency of pancake batter or Dosa batter.

Step 3.

Take  a non-stick pan /tava and place on medium flame. To check the heat level required, test by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. Water should sizzle right away.

Step 4.

Pour about 1 ladle of the batter onto non- stick pan / tava stick and spread evenly with a back of ladle. Starting from the center, with spiral movement spread the batter outward evenly to form a circle about 6″ in diameter.

Step 5.

Immediately after spreading the batter onto non-stick pan /tava , spread evenly two tbsp grated cottage cheese/ paneer, 1 tsp finely chopped cilantro / coriander leaves on the dosa.

Step 6.

When batter starts to dry a little, slowly spread little cooking oil over and around it. After 30 seconds; flip the uttpam using a flat spatula. Press the uttpam lightly all around with the spatula to make the cheese and uttpam cook evenly until crisp and golden brown on both sides.

Step 7.

Repeat the process for the remaining uttpam. Serve uttpam hot with cilantro / dhania / coriander chutney.

Note:

Quick spread of the batter on hot non-stick pan / tava, will make the spreading easier and will give better results.

Health benefits of Besan/ gram flour:

Besan flour, or gram flour, may not sound familiar until you hear its third name: chickpea flour. The characteristic nutty flavor from finely ground chickpeas gives besan flour the ability to create tasty, simple breads that stand on their own with few ingredients. It also stands above wheat flour in protein and folate content.

Basics

Besan flour is naturally higher in protein than wheat-based flours. One-half cup contains 10 grams of protein, compared to 8 grams in whole-grain wheat flour and just 6 grams in white flour. One-half cup of besan flour has 178 calories and 3 grams of total fat. Even though that’s double the fat of whole-wheat flour, 70 percent of the fat in besan flour comes from healthy unsaturated fats that can lower cholesterol. The same portion has 5 grams of fiber.

Vitamins

One-half cup of besan flour has 201 micrograms of folate, compared to 26 micrograms in whole-wheat flour and 182 micrograms in enriched white flour. If you consumed an entire half-cup of besan flour, you’d get 50 percent of the recommended daily intake of folate. This important vitamin is critical for the production of proteins and genetic material. In this role, folate is especially important during periods of rapid growth. When taken before and during pregnancy, it helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. The same portion of besan flour is a good source of thiamin and vitamin B-6. Thiamin converts food into energy, while vitamin B-6 is needed for the synthesis of red blood cells and the neurotransmitter serotonin that regulates appetite and mood.

Minerals

Besan flour delivers a boost of iron, magnesium and phosphorus. Well known for its role carrying oxygen, iron also functions as an antioxidant and it’s needed for the production of collagen. Magnesium causes muscles to relax, which helps maintain vascular health and regulates blood pressure. Phosphorus combines with calcium to form the primary compound used to build bones. It also carries lipids through the body and activates enzymes that produce energy. One-half cup of besan flour has 2 milligrams of iron, 76 milligrams of magnesium and 146 milligrams of phosphorus.

Preparation Tips

Besan flour is usually mixed with water, olive oil, yogurt or milk to make a paste that can be any consistency depending on the desired use. The paste is seasoned with any combination of parsley, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili, rosemary, onion or garlic. It’s traditionally cooked in a skillet to create a flatbread called socca or fried into fritters. Use a thick besan flour batter to coat and fry vegetables or add small shrimps to a thin batter and fry them into appetizer-like pancakes.

Gluten Free

Besan flour doesn’t contain gluten, so it makes a good substitute for wheat flour in gluten-free diets. Depending on the food you’re making, the bean taste may not create the best result. Try mixing besan flour with white rice flour, making sure that the total amount is the same that’s called for in the recipe. You’ll probably need to adjust the fluids to create the same consistency achieved with wheat flour. If you’re making yeast dough, you’ll need to add about 1 teaspoon of guar or xanthan gum for every 1 cup of flour so that the yeast can rise.

Ref. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrient-besan-flour-3167.html

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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Poha dosa or attukula Attu

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Andhra Dosa Poha dosa or attukula Attu

Hi friends ! this Dosa recipe is an Andhra Pradesh specialty and is known as Attukula Attu or Poha Dosa. It is an amazingly soft, spongy, porous dosa. Is fluffy inside and crisp on the edges and makes a delicious week end breakfast. It can be served with tomato chutney and sambar like any other South Indian dosa.

Prep time : Soaking over night + 15 minutes

Cook time : 30 minutes

Cuisine : Indian , Andhra Pradesh

Course : Breakfast

Serves: 12 dosas

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups rice sona masoori (variety of rice) gives good results
  • 1/2 cup poha/ Flattened rice /also called beaten rice
  • 1 1/2 cup sour curd whisked with 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 2/3 tsp salt
  • oil for frying the dosa

Method:

Step 1.

wash the rice and poha / Flattened rice /beaten rice in a bowl. Soak the rice, Fenugreek seeds and poha in the buttermilk mixture over night.

Step 2.

Grind to a smooth batter along with the soaked in buttermilk. Add soda ,salt and mix well. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour.

Step 3.

Heat a non stick tava or griddle take a ladle of batter and spread the batter and make a ¼ inch thick dosa.

Step 4.

Drizzle oil on the dosa and around the edges. Cover the dosa with a lid and cook on medium flame for 1-2 minutes till the base is cooked and crisp and the top is soft and spongy. Flip and cook the other side.

Step 5.

Serve poha dosa hot with Tomato /coconut chutney and pumpkin sambar.

 

Andhra Pradesh cuisine is a cuisine of South India native to the Telugu people from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is also the cuisine of the Telugu-speaking population of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu with slight variations due to local influences. Generally known for its tangy, hot and spicy taste, the cooking is very diverse due to the vast spread of the people and varied topological regions.

All three regions — Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana — have distinctive cuisines, where in semi-arid Telangana state region millet-based breads (roti) is predominant staple food, while rice is predominant in irrigated Andhra and Rayalaseema regions and ragi is popular in Rayalaseema regions which is predominantly semi-arid. Many of the curries (known as koora), snacks and sweets vary in the method of preparation and differ in name, too.

The state is the leading producer of red chili, rice and millets in India influences the liberal use of spices — making the food one of the richest and spiciest in the world. Vegetarian as well as meat and seafood (coastal areas) feature prominently on the menus. Dal (lentils), tomato and tamarind are largely used for cooking curries. Spicy and hot varieties of pickles form an important part of Telugu cuisine.

Ref.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telugu_cuisine

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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Besan/Gram flour Pancake

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Besan Cheela 3             Besan Cheela

Stuffed Besan/Gram flour Cheela/Pancake

Hi friends! A light , delicious and healthy breakfast or snack time recipe, for everyone.

 Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes

Cooking Time: 5-6minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the cheela/ pan cake batter:

  • 1 cup Gram flour (besan)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp Ajwain (Carom seeds)
  • 1/4 tsp Soda bicarbonate
  • 1/4   tsp Coriander powder
  • 1/4 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheela/ pan cake Filling:   

  • 200 gms Paneer (cottage cheese),grated
  • 1 medium Onion , finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp jeera (cumin seed)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt /or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 cup Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil

Method :

 For the batter:  

Step 1.

In a bowl mix together gram flour, soda bicarbonate, salt, carom seeds, coriander powder , red chili powder and gradually add sufficient water to make a thick batter of pouring consistency.

Step 2.

Whisk well to make the batter light and smooth, add olive oil to the batter and mix well. Keep aside.

For the filling:

Step 1.

Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a kadai (wok or pan) and sauté onions till light golden.

Step 2.

Add grated cottage cheese, salt and black pepper powder, finely chopped fresh coriander leaves, mix well and fry for 3-4 minutes more. Keep aside.

For the Cheelas / pancakes:

Step 1.

Heat a non stick pan, prove the pan with olive oil ( pore a few drops of olive oil in the pan and spread in the pan), take a small ladle full of batter and spread it evenly and thinly in a circular motion using the back of the ladle.

Step 2.

Cook the cheela on both sides on a moderate heat, using a little more olive oil, till golden brown.

Step 3.

Place a portion of the stuffing on the inner side of the cooked cheela, fold the other side over it and serve hot with fresh coriander chutney.

Health Benefits Gram flour/chick pea flour/besan:

1. Good for your heart

Besan contains soluble fiber, which keeps your heart healthy. The fiber content of the besan flour keeps the cholesterol levels under control and this helps in proper functioning of the heart and healthy blood circulation.

2. Lowers diabetes

Besan is one of the best home remedies to control Diabetes. The lower level of glycemic index keeps Diabetes in check. You can replace wheat flour with the gram flour for making breads and rotis

3. Fights allergies

This is the flour you should use if your are allergic to gluten. This gluten free product ccan be used instead of wheat, which contains gluten. It also contains less calories and is highly nutritious. Besan helps you to fight off many allergic reactions.

4. Helps in weight loss

Besan helps in faster calorie burn because of the lower levels of glycemic index. Consuming besan, will help you to eat lesser calories during the day. Include besan in your daily diet to boost fat burning and up nutritional level

5. Helps in skin tightening

Besan is one of the most effective home remedies for skin care. It tightens and lightens the skin. It also helps in maintaining the skin elasticity. All you have to do is take a spoon of gram flour, add a little bit of turmeric and make a paste using milk. Apply this paste on your face and neck and let it dry. After some time, wash it off with cold water and apply some moisturizer. Regular use of this method will make your skin tight and look younger.

 Ref.http://www.india.com/lifestyle/health-benefits-of-besan-5-amazing-benefits-of-using-gram-flour-1867377/

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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