Appetizers

Guacamole

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guacimole dip

Guacamole dip

Guacamole (Spanish: [wakaˈmole]; or [ɡwakaˈmole] ; can informally be referred to as “guac” in North America) is an avocado-based dip or salad first created by the Aztecs in what is now Mexico. In addition to its use in modern Mexican cuisine, it has also become part of American cuisine as a dip, condiment and salad ingredient.

Hi friends! Here is the recipe of an all time favorite dip you will relish with mashed avocado mixed with chopped onion, tomatoes, chili, black pepper, and minced garlic .

Ingredients:

  • 1 avocado, halved, seeded
  • 1 level tsp salt
  • 1 lime, juice / 2 tbsp juice
  • 1 small onion, / 1/2 cup very finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 medium size tomato, seeded and diced finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp coriander /cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, mashed

Method:

Step 1.

Cut the avocado in half , remove the pit and scoop the pulp with a spoon from their shells in a mixing bowl. Mash the pulp well with a fork.

Step 2.

Add to the scooped avocado pulp, lime juice , salt, pepper powder, mix well. Fold in the onions, seeded and finely chopped green chilies and, tomatoes, cilantro, and minced garlic.

Step 3.

Serve with fresh tortilla chips, unsalted rice cakes or multi grain biscuits.

Health Benefits of Avocado:

Most fruit consists primarily of carbohydrate, while avocado is high in healthy fats. Numerous studies show that it has powerful beneficial effects on health. Here are 12 health benefits of avocado, that are supported by scientific research.

1. Avocado is Incredibly Nutritious.What we refer to as “avocado” is the fruit of the avocado tree, called Persea americana .This fruit is prized for its high nutrient value and is added to all sorts of dishes due to its good flavor and rich texture. It is the main ingredient in guacamole.

2. They Contain More Potassium Than Bananas.potassium is a nutrient that most people aren’t getting enough of .This nutrient helps maintain electrical gradients in the body’s cells and serves various important functions.

3. Avocado is Loaded With Heart-Healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids

4. Avocados Are Loaded With Fiber.Fiber is another nutrient found in relatively large amounts in avocado.

5. Eating Avocados Can Lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels

6. People Who Eat Avocados Tend to be Healthier.The Fat in Them Can Help You Absorb Nutrients From Plant Foods When it comes to nutrients, the total amount of them is not the only thing that matters.

7. Avocados Are Loaded With Powerful Antioxidants That Can Protect The Eyes Not only do avocados increase antioxidant absorption from other foods, they are also high in antioxidants themselves.

8. Avocado May Help Prevent Cancer. There is limited evidence that avocado may be beneficial in preventing cancer.

9. Avocado Extract May Help Relieve Symptoms of Arthritis.

10. Eating Avocado May Help You Lose Weight.

11. Avocado is Delicious and Easy to Incorporate in The Diet. Not only are avocados healthy, they’re also incredibly delicious and go with all sorts of foods.

Ref. https://authoritynutrition.com/12-proven-benefits-of-avocado/

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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Shakar-para

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shakerpareShakar-para

Home made Shakar-paras  a treat, Yummy!

Hi  friends ! Here is an easy  recipe to make delicious Shakar-paras today. Taste is medium sweet, crispy yet melt in your mouth! Traditionally served as a snack to guests during janmashtami Diwali but excellent snack to be had throughout the year . Shakar-paras are prepared in two ways.  In one recipe sugar or jaggery is kneaded in the dough of  shakar-paras and in the second recipe shakar-paras are sugar or jaggery coated later. In my this recipe I have made Shakar-paras with sugar kneaded in the dough. As you will see it is very easy to make sweet.

Preparation time : 30 minutes

Time for frying: 20 minutes

Cuisine: Indian, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka

Course: snacks

Serves : 6

Ingredients :

  • 2 1/2 cups All purpose Flour /Maida
  • 1/4 cup rice flour
  • 1/4 cup Chick pea flour / Besan
  • 1/2 cup Ghee
  • 3 tbsp fresh Cream / Malai from boiled and cooled milk
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds / Til
  • Oil – for frying

Method:

Step 1.

Sift flours, powder the sugar finely in a grinder, keep aside.

Step 2.

In a mixing bowl take all purpose Flour /Maida , Grind sugar finely, rice flour, Chick pea flour / bengal gram flour /besan, mix well and add ghee, fresh Cream / Malai from boiled and cooled milk and powdered sugar ,cream mix and rub in very well.

Step 3.

Add sesame seeds / Til Knead a soft firm dough by adding milk very slowly as required . Cover and keep aside the dough for 30 minutes.

Step 4.

Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll out each portion into a 1/4 ” thick flat round circle.

Step 5.

Cut the rolled dough circles into diamond shaped Shakarparas with a knife . keep in a greased tray for frying.

Step 6.

Heat oil in kadahi /wok or a deep heavy bottom pan, put cut diamond shaped Shakar-paras in hot oil. After putting the shaker-paras in hot oil reduce the heat to medium low flame. Fry till they turn light golden brown, turning regularly.

Step 7.

Remove the fried Shakar-paras on a tray lined with paper kitchen towel to drain excessive oil.

Step 8.

When all the Shakar-paras are fried, cool and store them in an air tight container.

Note:

Very hot oil while frying will cook the shakar-para from outside but will not be cooked properly inside.

It is rich in carbohydrates, making it an instant source of energy.

Shelf life: It has a long shelf-life. Once it cools completely, store in airtight container , will stay good for weeks.

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.

Khandvi

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Khandvi

Easy Khandvi recipe

Khandvi is a savory snack in Gujarati cuisine. It consists of yellowish, tightly rolled bite-sized pieces, and is primarily made of gram flour and yoghurt.Khandvi is readily available across India, and is commonly eaten as an appetizer or snack. Many people choose to buy it from local shops rather than preparing it at home, though it is easy to make.In other parts of India, this dish is also known as Suralichi vadi or Patuli.

Hi friends! Gujarati khandvi, a delicious appetizer/ teatime snack is relished by all. It can be prepared easily .

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Cuisine: Indian, Gujrati

Course: Snack/ Appetizer

Serves: 2

Level : Easy

 Ingredients :

  • 1/2 cup Gram flour /Besan
  • 1/2 cup Curd
  • 2 tbsp Green coriander ,finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 1 Green chili ,minced
  • 6 Curry leaves
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp Asafetida
  • 1/2 tsp Ginger paste
  • 1/2 level tsp salt /or as per taste

For tempering:

    • 1tabsp oil
    • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
    • 4-5 kadhi patta /curry leaves
    • 1 tbsp green coriander, finely chopped
    • 1/4 cup grated coconut

Method:

Step 1.

In a mixer jar take gram flour/ besan, curd, water, salt, turmeric, chili paste,  and make a smooth batter , without any lumps (batter can also be prepared in a bowl, by whisking it manually).

Step 2. 

Take the mixture in a non stick pan over high heat, and bring to a boil, stirring all the time ,to avoid scorching.

Step 3.

Keep cooking and stirring the mixture. It starts thickening, looking like a thick paste like consistency. Keep stirring continuously .

Step 4.

Mixture is ready, when a tsp of from it is spread on to an ungreased surface, and when cool, it should come off clean. mixture for making khandvi is now ready.

Step 5.

For spreading the cooked mixture, take a tray without greasing it with oil. With help of a spatula, spread the khandvi mixture over the tray very thinly. Within 15 to 20 minutes, batter cools and sets.

Step 6.

Now with a knife, cut the cooled khandvi spread into 6 inch long and 2 inch wide strips.Roll each strip like a scroll, as firmly as you can, without breaking them, make all the rolls and arrange  on a plate.

Step 7.

For tempering :

Now heat oil in a small pan. Chop the green chili lengthwise. When oil is sufficiently hot add mustard seeds into. when mustard seeds start crackling, add curry leaves . Spread this Seasoning /tadka over the khandvi .

Step 8.

Arrange them on to a serving dish. Garnish with the coriander, coconut and serve.

Step 9.

Tasty khandvi is now ready. Serve khandvi with coriander chutney/or ketchup or any chutney as per your taste.

Note:

  1. For making Khandvi mixture should be smooth, lump free.
  2. Sour curd / dahi / yogurt gives better results.
  3. The batter is cooked down to a thick paste and then spread thinly on a flat surface.
  4. It can be served hot or cold
  5. Besan flour is made from chickpeas.

Nutrient Facts for chickpeas / Gram flour /Besan 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.

 

 

Brinjal Pakodas

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Brinjal Pakoda

Brinjal /baingan / eggplant – pakodas /Fritters

Hi friends! A mouth watering pakodas/ fritters. Crispy on top and soft and delicious inside any time snack!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Makes : 8-10 pakodas

Level : Easy

Cuisine: Indian, North Indian

Ingredients:

For Marinating:

  • 1round brinjal /baingan / eggplant , cut into thin round slices
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder, for marinating
  • 1/4 salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder

    For The Batter:
  • 1 1/2 cup besan/bengal gram flour/ chickpea flour
  • 1/2 cup Rice flour
  • 1/2 tsp carom seeds /ajwain
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • oil for deep frying
  • Coriander / mint chutney for serving

Method :

Step 1.

Wash and cut thin round slices of the brinjal /baingan / eggplant. Keep aside.

Step 2.

Marinate the brinjal /baingan / eggplant slices , both side with the salt, chili powder and turmeric mixture and keep aside for 15 minutes.

Step 3.

In a bowl mix besan/bengal gram flour/ chickpea flour, Rice flour, ajwain /carom seed, coriander powder, baking soda, red chili powder, salt. Gradually add water to prepare a thick batter.

Step 4.

On medium flame,  heat in a wok / kadahi or / pan enough oil to fry the sliced brinjal /baingan / eggplant .

Step 5.

When oil gets heated up dip and coat the marinated brinjal /baingan / eggplant slices with batter and deep fry in hot oil till it turns golden brown from all the sides.

Step 6.

Drain the pakodas on an absorbent kitchen towel, to drain the excessive oil and serve hot with coriander / mint chutney.

 Health benefits of Eggplant (aubergine):

  • Eggplant is very low in calories and fats but rich in soluble fiber content. 100 g provides just 24 calories but contributes about 9% of RDA (recommended daily allowance) of fiber.
  • Research studies conducted at the Institute of Biology of São Paulo State University; Brazil suggested that eggplant is effective to control high blood cholesterol.
  • The peel or skin (deep blue/purple varieties) of aubergine has significant amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins. Scientific studies have shown that these anti-oxidants have potential health effects against cancer, aging, inflammation, and neurological diseases.
  • Total antioxidant strength measured in terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of aubergines is 993 µmol TE/100 g. At value 15; they are one of the low glycemic index (GI) vegetables.
  • It contains good amounts of many essential B-complex groups of vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and thiamin (vitamin B1), niacin (B3). These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish and required for fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
  • Further, this vegetable is an also good source of minerals like manganese, copper, iron and potassium. Manganese is used as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Potassium is an important intracellular electrolyte that helps counter pressing (hypertension) effects of sodium.

Ref.http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/eggplant.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

Fruit Salad

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Fruit salad NG

Hi ! Friends here is a refreshing fruit salad recipe. Served regularly as part of main meals, is a way of eating a good variety of fresh, seasonal fruit daily. This by itself will brighten up any meal, and it tastes great at any time of day!

Recipe will serve: 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 apple sliced and cut into small cubes
  • 1 banana, ripe but firm, sliced into discs
  • 1Guava sliced, cut into small cubes
  • 1 Pear sliced, cut into small cubes

Dressing

  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp Black salt
  • 1/2 tsp table salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Method:

Step 1.

Wash, dry and cut the apple, pear in to small cubes, peel and dice the bananas.

Step 2.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the fruit cubes, and banana discs.

Step 3.

Spread the lemon juice on the cut fruit, in the mixing bowl. Sprinkle black salt , pepper and table salt on the fruit pieces, toss well. Serve freshly prepared salad at room temperature.

Note:

Many different varieties of seasonal fruits can be used to make the dish.

About the Fruit used:

  1. The Pear is a fleshy pome, or fruit, of a rosaceous tree (Pyrus communis), cultivated in many varieties in temperate climates; also, the tree which bears this fruit.
  2. Guava is a round edible yellow tropical fruit of a small tropical tree with pink or white flesh and hard seeds and a strong sweet aroma .
  3. Banana is a long curved fruit which grows in clusters and has soft pulpy flesh and yellow skin when ripe. Cluster of bananas is called: a bunch of bananas .The tropical and subtropical palm-like plant which bears bananas, having very large leaves but lacking a woody trunk is from Genus Musa, family Musaceae: several species, in particular M. sapientum
  4. Apple a round fruit with firm, white crisp flesh and a green, red, or yellow skin. It is fruit of a tree of the rose family.Many varieties have been developed  for eating or as dessert or cooking fruit or for making cider.

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.

 

Cheese Kebabs

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Cheese Kebabs

Nutrients in Cheese

Cheese is produced throughout the world; it is an ancient food with origins that predate recorded history. It is a dairy product made from pressed milk curds. Different varieties are made from unripened (fresh) cheese or ripened (aged) cheese.

Cheese is a delicious and nutritious food that is very versatile. You can add it to other dishes or eat it by itself. It’s convenient and portable. There are more than 300 varieties of cheese—including American, Cheddar, Mozzarella and Colby—many of which are available in various flavors, forms (chunks, slices, cubes, shredded, grated, crumbled, sticks, spreads) and packages to meet consumers’ needs.

Hi friends!The Healthy Cheese Kebabs recipe makes a perfect appetizer to make for the cold winter parties or tea time snack for the monsoons. These Kebabs with bread slices are  flavored with garlic, gingers, green chillies and coriander leaves. The Kebabs are deep fried and you can use your Air frier making them healthy and super delicious as well.…

Ingredients:

  • 6 White Bread slices
  • 4 Cheese cubes (Amul)
  • 5-6 pods Garlic (finely ground to paste)
  • 2 Green chilies, ground to paste
  • 1” Ginger (finely grated)
  • 1 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 level tsp Salt / or salt to taste
  • Cooking Oil for deep frying

Method:

 Step 1.

 Soak bread slices in water until completely moist. Hold the moist bread slices in the palm of your hand and thoroughly drain all the water out. Keep aside.

Step 2.

Grate the cheese and ginger. Mash the bread in a mixing dish.

Step 3.

 Add grated cheese, garlic paste, grated ginger, green chili paste, coriander leaves and salt, mix well. Knead like a dough gently.

Step 4.

Make small balls out of the mixture, press them between your palms gently, deep fry in hot oil on medium flame. Drain on a paper kitchen towel.

Step 5.

Serve hot cheese kebabs with coriander chutney.

Note: Cheese quantity can be slightly increased or reduced as per individual’s taste while making these delicious kebabs.

Health Benefits of Cheese:

Cheese contains a host of nutrients like calcium, protein, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A and vitamin B12. Calcium is one of the nutrients most likely to be lacking in the American diet. According to government statistics, nine out of 10 women and six out of 10 men fall short of calcium recommendations. The high-quality protein in cheese provides the body with essential building blocks for strong muscles. For a complete listing of the nutrients in cheese, see the table below.

If you are lactose intolerant, many cheeses, particularly aged cheeses such as Cheddar and Swiss, contain little or no lactose and are often well tolerated.

For the past 30 years or so, saturated fat—found in meats, eggs, cheese, butter, whole milk, lard and some oils—was considered a primary cause of heart disease. New research, however, is showing that saturated fat has a minimal impact on heart disease risk, which is changing the “saturated fat is bad” paradigm and allowing people to enjoy more cheese and other favorite foods. Further research is needed showing significant scientific agreement.

Even if saturated fat is less of a concern, calories still matter. To reduce calories, you can grate or sprinkle harder cheeses over your dishes or use small amounts of aromatic and sharp cheeses for their delicious cheese flavor. Many reduced-fat varieties of cheeses are also available. This 2014 article in the Food and Nutrition Magazine provides more information on the Charms and Challenges of Cheese.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that individuals ages 9 and older consume at least 3 servings of milk, cheese or yogurt each day; children aged 4-8 years need 2-1/2 cups per day. One serving of cheese is one and one-half ounces of hard cheese, one-third cup for grated cheese and two ounces for processed cheese.

Ref. http://www.healthyeating.org/Milk-Dairy/Nutrients-in-Milk-Cheese-Yogurt/Nutrients-in-Cheese.aspx

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.