Indo-Chinese

Chili Paneer/cottage cheese

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Chili Paneer

Chinese cuisine includes styles originating from the diverse regions of China, as well as from Chinese people in other parts of the world including most oriental nations. The history of Chinese cuisine in China stretches back for thousands of years and has changed from period to period and in each region according to climate, imperial fashions, and local preferences. Over time, techniques and ingredients from the cuisines of other cultures were integrated into the cuisine of the Chinese people due both to imperial expansion and from the trade with nearby regions in pre-modern times, and from Europe and the New World in the modern period. In addition, dairy is rarely—if ever—used in any recipes in the style. In India people created their own distinct flavors of Chinese cuisine.Chinese society greatly valued gastronomy and developed an extensive study of the subject.

Ref:  Wikipwedia

Hi friends! Here is an easy recipe of  Chilli Paneer. It is a yummy and nutritious recipe from Chinese cuisine to Indian flavor. Chilli Paneer can also be eaten along with Veg chow mein or fried rice.

Ingredients :

For Batter:

  • 1/2 cup Corn flour
  • 1 tbsp Maida /All purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp Soya sauce
  • 1/2 level tsp salt / or salt to taste

Other Ingredients :

  • 200 grams Paneer
  • 1 Green Capsicum , cut into 1″ square pieces
  • 1/2 cup Spring onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 2 tsp Vinegar
  • 2 tsp Soya Sauce
  • 2 tsp Chilly Sauce
  • 2 Green Chilies , finely chopped
  • 1tsp Ginger , finely grated
  • 2 tsp Garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Salt /or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper Powder 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp Chili flakes

Method :

Step 1.

In a bowl take all the ingredients for the batter and make a smooth, thick batter by adding gradually (approximately ¼ cup of ) water.

Step 2.

Dip the paneer / cottage cheese pieces in the batter, coating the pieces nicely and deep fry in hot oil till the paneer /cottage cheese pieces are golden brown. Drain on a tray lined with absorbent paper and keep aside.

Step 3.

Heat the oil in the pan, on high flame, sauté ginger, garlic and green chilies for a minute or so. Add green capsicum and fry for two minutes.

Step 4.

Take one tbsp corn flour in 1/4 cup water till all lumps disappear. Add the tomato sauce , chili sauce, soya sauce, Vinegar, sugar, chili flakes, black pepper corn flour paste and salt and allow it to come to a boil. Now add paneer / Cottage cheese pieces, mix all the ingredients on a low flame till everything is well blended thoroughly.

Step 5.

Serve immediately garnished with the spring onions. This scrumptious, piping hot Chili Paneer can be enjoyed with noodles or fried rice.

Paneer is a type of cheese. It is the Indian name for cottage cheese. Paneer, unlike other cheeses, has not been matured and it is rather bland. Cheese is nutritious food made mostly from the milk of cows but also other mammals, including sheep, goats, buffalo, reindeer, camels and yaks. The milk is curdled using some combination of rennet (or rennet substitutes) and acidification. Bacteria acidify the milk and play a role in defining the texture and flavor of most cheeses. There are hundreds of types of cheese.

Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese:

Cottage cheese provides many health benefits, including a high protein content, as well as significant calcium, phosphorus, and potassium contents, and it can be used for weight management.

Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer: The calcium and vitamin D found in dairy products, especially in cottage cheese, reduces the risk of breast cancer. Research conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health by Shin et al. found that in case of premenopausal women, the level of calcium and vitamin D actually helped in reducing the risk of breast cancer. This particular study was conducted over a period of 16 years.

Rich in Protein: One of the biggest benefits of cottage cheese is the high amount of casein protein found in it. It is believed that cow’s milk contains the highest amount of casein protein among various milks. The amount of protein contained in cottage cheese is ideal for vegetarians in supplying them with the required amount of daily protein. Cottage cheese does not require any amount of cooking and it can be consumed directly.

Best Foods for Pregnant Women: Cottage cheese is recommended for pregnant women along with athletes due to various essential nutrients found in it. For example, pregnant women need calcium and cottage cheese is a very good source for it. Cottage cheese also contains phosphorus, which is an important element found in bones that is also recommended during pregnancy.

Rich Source of B-Complex Vitamins: B-complex vitamins found in cottage cheese are helpful in various metabolic activities in our bodies. Some of them include vitamin B12, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, niacin, and folate.

-Vitamin B12 is needed for proper brain functioning and helps in absorbing iron.

-Riboflavin helps in converting carbohydrates into energy.

-Pantothenic Acid acts as a synthesizer that helps in forming proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids in our body.

-Thiamin helps in converting sugars into energy in the pyruvate dehydrogenase system.

-Niacin, on the other hand plays an important role in digestion, energy production, and cholesterol reduction.

-Folate helps in fetal development in pregnant women, helps in producing red blood cells and keeps the heart healthy.

Strengthens Bones: Calcium is one of the major elements associated with milk and their products. Some of the benefits of calcium-rich foods include bone strengthening and weight loss. The amount of calcium in cottage cheese is 8% of the daily recommended value. Calcium, found in milk and milk products such as curd or cottage cheese, helps in building strong bones throughout childhood and adulthood. Eating calcium-rich foods during pregnancy and later years is helpful, especially in osteoporosis and colon cancer. It also helps the nervous system in sending nerve impulse and controls weight gain and heart disease. These are just a few of the benefits of eating calcium-rich foods like cottage cheese.

Heart-Friendly and Maintains Blood Sugar Levels: Cottage cheese is a good source of magnesium. In the human body, most of the magnesium is concentrated in our bones. Magnesium also acts as a catalyst, promotes biochemical reactions, activates various enzymes in the body, maintains muscle and nerve functioning, and supports the immune system. It helps in maintaining blood sugar levels and prevents heart attacks, constipation, psychiatric disorders, migraine, and collagen.

Prevents Strokes and Controls Anxiety: Apart from other nutrients, cottage cheese contains potassium. Potassium acts as a fluid-balancing element in the body and is an important component in neural activities of the muscle and brain. It also relieves muscle cramps. Intake of potassium on a regular basis prevents the risk of getting brain stroke, since it lowers blood pressure and the contraction of vessels. It is also helpful in decreasing stress levels and anxiety. Potassium, along with sodium, act as electrolytes, but potassium does not have the side effects of sodium such as increased blood pressure and cardiovascular stress.

Ref. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/animal-product/health-benefits-of-cottage-cheese.htm

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.

 

 

 

Sweet and Sour Vegetables

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Sweet & savour

Sweet and Sour Vegetables

Hi friends! With richness of vegetables, this dish is a good accompaniment to Indo Chinese fried rice ,the sweet and sour vegetable is just what you need to enjoy with fried rice or Hakka noodles.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Course: Main, Indo Chinese
Serves : 4

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup capsicum, bell peppers, yellow and red, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup Cucumber, chopped into big cubes
  • 1/2 cup cabbage, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup Cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 1/2 cup carrots, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup onion , finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp celery, cut into small pieces
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • salt to taste

For The Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp plain flour
  • 2tbsp Soy sauce
  • 5 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown vinegar
  • 1 /2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cup water

Method :

Step 1.

Cut the cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, onions, capsicum into small cubes. Cut cucumber, into big cubes. Keep aside.

Step 2.

Heat the oil in a wok/ heavy bottom pan over high flame and add the onions and cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, onions, capsicum and sauté on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally.

Step 3.

Take all the ingredients for the sauce in a pan, mix well and bring it to boil stirring continuously till sauce thickens, switch off the stove.

Step 4.

Add the prepared sauce and salt to step 2 vegetables, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously. Serve hot.

Health Benefits of  Mixed Vegetables:

Besides their convenience, mixed frozen vegetables are complementary — some vegetables add nutrients to the mix that others lack — giving you a wider variety of nutrients in the blend. The only nutrient you won’t get from mixed vegetables is vitamin B-12, because it’s found in animal products.

Fiber

Vegetables have soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber keeps blood sugar balanced by slowing absorption of carbohydrates. It also lowers cholesterol by carrying it out of the body. Insoluble fiber keeps food moving through the digestive tract, which prevents constipation and diverticular disease.

Healthy Eyes

The substances that give vegetables their color — carotenoids — provide nutrients for your eyes because they’re a form of vitamin A. Mixed vegetables contain several carotenoids: alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Alpha- and beta-carotene are converted into the form of vitamin A that is essential for vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin function as antioxidants. They’re the only carotenoids found in the retina, where they may help prevent age-related macular degeneration. One cup of boiled, mixed vegetables delivers more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

Antioxidants

In addition to antioxidants that support your eyes, mixed vegetables have other antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a byproduct of essential biochemical processes. If they’re not neutralized by antioxidants, free radicals cause cellular damage that leads to illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease. The same portion of mixed vegetables has 30 percent of the recommended daily intake of manganese and 5 percent of the daily value of vitamins C and E. As a water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C protects cells throughout the body. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which gives it the ability to neutralize free radicals in lipids that have varied roles, such as providing cellular structure and transporting fats through the blood. Manganese has the job of protecting mitochondria, which are the structures inside cells that produce energy. Green peas are the highest source of vitamin C, while lima beans and carrots boost vitamin E. Lima beans also have at least double the manganese of other vegetables.

Strong Bones

Calcium and phosphorus combine to form the mineral that builds bones, called hydroxyapatite. Bones are continuously maintained through a process in which old or damaged bone is removed and rebuilt. You need a constant supply of these minerals throughout your life to keep your bones healthy and to prevent osteoporosis. You’ll gain 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of calcium and 13 percent of phosphorus from 1 cup of mixed vegetables. All of the vegetables have both minerals, but corn is low in calcium, while snap beans and carrots have less phosphorus than the others.

Preparation Tips

Combine mixed frozen vegetables with ground beef, onions and beef broth, and top them with mashed potatoes to make shepherd’s pie. Use them in a stir-fry with chicken and soy sauce or turn mixed vegetables into a casserole with the addition of onion, cheese and mayonnaise. Make a quick vegetable soup by adding a bag of mixed vegetables to beef broth and undrained, canned tomatoes. Alternatively, use them in a salad.

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.

 

Vegetable Hakka Noodles

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Hakka Noodles with Veggies

Vegetable Hakka Noodles

Hi friends! Enjoy this healthy, scrumptious  fusion cooking at home.

Course: Main

Cuisine: Indo Chinese

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Level: Easy

Serves : 4

Vegetable noodles is a healthy Indo Chinese noodles recipe with good quantity of vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 300 gms , Hakka Noodles
  • 1 Cup Cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 Medium Onion , finely chopped
  • 1 Medium Carrot cut into thin strips
  • 1/2 cup French Beans, finely chopped
  • 1 Medium size Capsicum , cut into thin strips
  • 1 cup Spring Onion, finely chopped
  • 1tbsp Garlic, Finely Chopped
  • 1 tbsp Soya Sauce
  • 1tbsp green chili sauce
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
  • 1 tsp salt or /salt to Taste
  • 3 tbsp – Oil
  • 1 tbsp Vinegar

 

Method:

Step 1.

Heat one liter water in a pan with salt and few drops of oil, when water starts to boil add noodles and cook until they are cooked. Drain noodles in a colander or sieve, use tap water to rinse noodles and keep side.

Step 2.

 

While noodles getting cooked, peel and cut thin strips of carrot, cabbage, , finely chop onion, beans, capsicum, spring onion, and garlic. Keep aside .

Step 3.

Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan add garlic, finely chopped onions saute for few minutes. Add carrot, cabbage strips, beans and saute for three -four minutes on medium to high flame. Add spring onions (white part) and saute until light golden brown saute until soft and pink add capsicum strips.

Step 4.

Now add salt, pepper green chili sauce, soya sauce, vinegar and mix everything well.

Step 5.

Add cooked and rinsed noodles and mix well to blend, add spring onion and mix again and cook for 1-2 minutes, switch off the stove.

Step 6.

Serve hot with vegetable Manchurian or sweet and sour vegetable curry.

Note:

To keep vegetables from getting over cooked , vegetables are cooked on high flame.

To keep the noodles from getting sticky , just keep cooked noodles under tap water and toss gently.

Health Benefits of Frozen Mixed Vegetables:

Besides their convenience, mixed frozen vegetables are complementary — some vegetables add nutrients to the mix that others lack — giving you a wider variety of nutrients in the blend. The only nutrient you won’t get from mixed vegetables is vitamin B-12, because it’s found in animal products.

Fiber

Vegetables have soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber keeps blood sugar balanced by slowing absorption of carbohydrates. It also lowers cholesterol by carrying it out of the body. Insoluble fiber keeps food moving through the digestive tract, which prevents constipation and diverticular disease.

Healthy Eyes

The substances that give vegetables their color — carotenoids — provide nutrients for your eyes because they’re a form of vitamin A. Mixed vegetables contain several carotenoids: alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Alpha- and beta-carotene are converted into the form of vitamin A that is essential for vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin function as antioxidants. They’re the only carotenoids found in the retina, where they may help prevent age-related macular degeneration. One cup of boiled, mixed vegetables delivers more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

Antioxidants

In addition to antioxidants that support your eyes, mixed vegetables have other antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a byproduct of essential biochemical processes. If they’re not neutralized by antioxidants, free radicals cause cellular damage that leads to illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease. The same portion of mixed vegetables has 30 percent of the recommended daily intake of manganese and 5 percent of the daily value of vitamins C and E. As a water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C protects cells throughout the body. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which gives it the ability to neutralize free radicals in lipids that have varied roles, such as providing cellular structure and transporting fats through the blood. Manganese has the job of protecting mitochondria, which are the structures inside cells that produce energy. Green peas are the highest source of vitamin C, while lima beans and carrots boost vitamin E. Lima beans also have at least double the manganese of other vegetables.

Strong Bones

Calcium and phosphorus combine to form the mineral that builds bones, called hydroxyapatite. Bones are continuously maintained through a process in which old or damaged bone is removed and rebuilt. You need a constant supply of these minerals throughout your life to keep your bones healthy and to prevent osteoporosis. You’ll gain 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of calcium and 13 percent of phosphorus from 1 cup of mixed vegetables. All of the vegetables have both minerals, but corn is low in calcium, while snap beans and carrots have less phosphorus than the others.

Preparation Tips

Combine mixed frozen vegetables with ground beef, onions and beef broth, and top them with mashed potatoes to make shepherd’s pie. Use them in a stir-fry with chicken and soy sauce or turn mixed vegetables into a casserole with the addition of onion, cheese and mayonnaise. Make a quick vegetable soup by adding a bag of mixed vegetables to beef broth and undrained, canned tomatoes. Alternatively, use them in a salad.

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.

 

Vegetable Fried Rice

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Fried Rice

vegetable fried rice

Hi friends! Here is a quick recipe for Indo Chinese Vegetable Fried rice absolutely easy to make. Vegetarians will enjoy this delicious Steamed rice cooked with vegetables and  sauces. Serve with sweet and sour curry.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Course: main

Cuisine: Indo Chinese

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

for cooking the rice:

  • 1 cup long grained rice or basmati rice
  • 750 ml water
  • ½ tsp salt or as required

Vegetables:

  • 1/2 cup spring onion /Shallots
  • 1/2 cup carrots, into fine tiny cubes
  • 1/2 cup French beans, very finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup cabbage, very finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Bell pepper (red and yellow) , chopped finely
  • 9 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1″ ginger, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • ½ tsp black pepper powder
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onions to garnish
  • 1 tsp salt or / salt as required

Method:

Cooking the rice:

Step 1.

Wash rice very well till the water runs clear and soak rice in water for 15 minutes,drain and keep aside.

Step 2.

In a sauce pan, bring to boil 750 ml. of water with salt , add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water.

Step 3.

On a low flame cook the rice without the lid , when the rice is cooked, remove the pan from stove and drain the rice. Keep aside.

Fried vegetable rice :

Step 1.

As the rice is cooling, cut the vegetables finely and keep aside.

Step 2.

Heat oil in a kadahi /wok / pan, add the garlic and saute for few seconds till golden, add ginger and the spring onions /shallots and saute for about three minutes on medium flame stirring continuously.

Step 3.

Add all the finely chopped vegetables, increase the flame on a high initially and stir fry the vegetables on a high flame for 3-4 minutes. Then stir fry on a medium flame stirring continuously so that vegetables are cooked and also retain their crunchiness and crispiness.

Step 4.

Add the soy sauce, salt and pepper, mix and add the rice. Stir fry for a few minutes till the sauce is well blended with the fried rice well. Switch off the stove.

Step 5.

Garnish with finely chopped shallots/ spring onions and serve the vegetable fried rice hot, plain or with an Indo Chinese vegetable Manchurian.

Note:

  • Some green chili sauce can be added to make rice chili hot.
  • Salt is added a little less in Fried vegetable rice as Soy sauce too has salt in it.

Health Benefits of Frozen Mixed Vegetables:

Besides their convenience, mixed frozen vegetables are complementary — some vegetables add nutrients to the mix that others lack — giving you a wider variety of nutrients in the blend. The only nutrient you won’t get from mixed vegetables is vitamin B-12, because it’s found in animal products.

Fiber

Vegetables have soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber keeps blood sugar balanced by slowing absorption of carbohydrates. It also lowers cholesterol by carrying it out of the body. Insoluble fiber keeps food moving through the digestive tract, which prevents constipation and diverticular disease.

Healthy Eyes

The substances that give vegetables their color — carotenoids — provide nutrients for your eyes because they’re a form of vitamin A. Mixed vegetables contain several carotenoids: alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Alpha- and beta-carotene are converted into the form of vitamin A that is essential for vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin function as antioxidants. They’re the only carotenoids found in the retina, where they may help prevent age-related macular degeneration. One cup of boiled, mixed vegetables delivers more than 200 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

Antioxidants

In addition to antioxidants that support your eyes, mixed vegetables have other antioxidants that fight free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a byproduct of essential biochemical processes. If they’re not neutralized by antioxidants, free radicals cause cellular damage that leads to illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease. The same portion of mixed vegetables has 30 percent of the recommended daily intake of manganese and 5 percent of the daily value of vitamins C and E. As a water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C protects cells throughout the body. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant, which gives it the ability to neutralize free radicals in lipids that have varied roles, such as providing cellular structure and transporting fats through the blood. Manganese has the job of protecting mitochondria, which are the structures inside cells that produce energy. Green peas are the highest source of vitamin C, while lima beans and carrots boost vitamin E. Lima beans also have at least double the manganese of other vegetables.

Strong Bones

Calcium and phosphorus combine to form the mineral that builds bones, called hydroxyapatite. Bones are continuously maintained through a process in which old or damaged bone is removed and rebuilt. You need a constant supply of these minerals throughout your life to keep your bones healthy and to prevent osteoporosis. You’ll gain 5 percent of the recommended daily intake of calcium and 13 percent of phosphorus from 1 cup of mixed vegetables. All of the vegetables have both minerals, but corn is low in calcium, while snap beans and carrots have less phosphorus than the others.

Preparation Tips

Combine mixed frozen vegetables with ground beef, onions and beef broth, and top them with mashed potatoes to make shepherd’s pie. Use them in a stir-fry with chicken and soy sauce or turn mixed vegetables into a casserole with the addition of onion, cheese and mayonnaise. Make a quick vegetable soup by adding a bag of mixed vegetables to beef broth and undrained, canned tomatoes. Alternatively, use them in a salad.

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.