aubergines

Baingan Aloo Sabzi

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

IMG_3821.jpgBaingan Aloo Sabzi

Hi Friends! Some facts about eggplant :

Eggplant comes in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. The anthocyanins in eggplant may protect heart health   Another chemical in eggplant, nasunin, may help improve blood flow to the brain   Cooking methods include steaming, roasting, boiling, baking, or frying, but steaming appears to preserve the antioxidant levels most effectively.

Prep Time: 0-5 minutes

Cook time: 11-15 minutes

Serve: 4

Level Of Cooking : Easy

Ingredients:

  • 250 gms long Brinjals, cut into 3” pieces and soaked in water
  • 2 medium size Potatoes, peeled washed and cut into thick fingers
  • ¼ tsp Asafetida/ heeng
  • ½ tsp powdered Fenugreek seeds/ Methi dana
  • 2 tbsp Saunf/ Fennel/ Aniseed  powder
  • Coriander powder 1 teaspoon
  • 1 tsp Red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon Cumin powder
  •  1level tsp Salt /or to taste
  • 2 tbs Oil

Method:

Step 1.

Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan/wok/non-stick pan add asafetida, when it turn pink, add potato wedges, cover and cook on slow fire till potatoes are half cooked.

Step 2.

Add drained brinjal pieces, salt, chilli powder, coriander powder, Fenugreek powder, cumin powder, saunf/aneeseed powder mix, cover and cook till brinjal is cooked.

Step 3

Serve hot with chapattis, boondi raita and pickle of choice.

Note:

Fennel /Aneeseed/ Saunf seeds are ground and used as a spice or as an ingredient of a spice mixture

Possible health benefits:

Eggplants are rich in fiber and antioxidants.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has been shown to reduce the risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions.

Studies have long suggested that eating plant foods, such as eggplant, can boost overall health and wellbeing.

Laboratory analyses of the phenolic compounds in eggplant show that it contains anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid, and chlorogenic acid, a powerful free-radical scavenger.

Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Studies show that consuming even small quantities of flavonoid-rich foods may benefit human health in various ways.

1) Heart health

The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and phytonutrient content in eggplants all support heart health.

In addition, eating foods containing certain flavonoids, including anthocyanins, may be associated with a lower risk of mortality from heart disease.

2) Cancer

Polyphenols in eggplant have been shown to have anti-cancer effects. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and, in turn, prevent tumor growth and the invasion and spread of cancer cells.

3) Cognitive function

Findings from animal studies suggest that nasunin, an anthocyanin in the eggplant skin, is a powerful antioxidant that protects brain cell membranes from free radical damage.

It also assists in the transport of nutrients into the cell and moving waste out. Research has also shown that anthocyanins help prevent neuroinflammation and facilitate blood flow to the brain. This could help improve memory and prevent age-related mental disorders.

4) Weight management and satiety

Dietary fibers are commonly recognized as important factors in weight management and loss, because they act as “bulking agents” in the digestive system.

These compounds increase satiety and reduce appetite. They help reduce calorie intake by making a person feel fuller for longer.

Eggplant is already low in calories, so it can contribute to a healthful, low-calorie diet.

5) Liver health

Research has suggested that the antioxidants in eggplant may help protect the liver from certain toxins.

Ref. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279359.php

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.

 

Baigan/Brinjal / Aubergines Stir fry

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Brinjal Fry AndhranBrinjal / Aubergines Stir fry

Cooking With Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplants:

Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant  is a vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways. It is excellent when grilled, stuffed, roasted, sautéed, puréed or served in soups or stews. It can also be used to make curries, stir-fries and kababs. Eggplants offer endless possibilities to try something different this year and in years to come. Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplants offer endless possibilities to try something different now and in future too. Naturally low in calories, fat and sodium, Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant is also high in fiber and an excellent source of potassium, as well as folic acid, copper, vitamin B6, vitamin A, and magnesium.

Hi friends !

If you can’t remember the last time you ate Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant, this is the season for something new. As a gardener, be adventurous. Grow a new variety in your garden. As a chef, be creative. Try my new simple yet delicious recipe Brinjal / Aubergines Stir fry for your table.

Preparation Time : 5-6 minutes

Cooking time : 15-20 minutes

Cuisine: Indian, Andhra pradesh

Course: Main, Vegetables

Cooking Level : Easy

Servings : 4

 Ingredients:

500 gms. Long Brinjals, Cut into Vertically Long Pieces

1/4 tsp Turmeric

2/3 tsp Salt

For masala / Paruppu podi :

2 tsp Coriander powder

1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds

1/2 tsp Fenugreek Seeds

2 Red Chilies, whole

2 tsp black gram dal / udad dal

2 tsp Chana Dal/ bengal gram dal

3 tbsp Olive Oil or / any cooking oil of choice

Method:

Step 1.

Heat1/2 Tea Spoon of Oil in a pan and fry White Gram, Chana Dal, Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Red Chilies. Transfer the mixture into a tissue paper for the oil to get absorbed.

Step 2.

Grind this mixture to powder and keep it aside for use later.

Step 3.

Add remaining oil in a fresh pan. Add cut long pieces of Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant to the hot oil and let it cook covered on low flame. Stirring it at a regular intervals.

Step 4.

After the Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant is half cooked add Turmeric and Salt.

Step 5.

After a few minutes add the masala /ground powder/ Paruppu podi .Cook for 5-6 minutes more, switch off the stove.

Step 6.

Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian breads of choice !

Some tips for cooking Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant for the new chefs :

Use good varieties that have been developed of Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant for good flavor.

The Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant’s flesh discolors fast after being cut so it should be used right away. If you want to cook little later cut Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant slices / pieces can be lightly sprinkled with lemon juice to help prevent browning. Also, slice eggplant with a stainless steel knife to avoid blackening.

Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant is more than 90% water, the larger fruits also tend to release water when cooked. We can reduce the excess moisture by marinating the slices or cubes of Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant with salt for 1-2 hours. Drain, rinse thoroughly to prevent excessive saltiness, and pat dry on a kitchen towel before using.

When deep-frying or pan-frying eggplant for the first time note that it absorbs high level of oil. To avoid excessive absorption of oil by the Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant prior to frying, the pieces / slices can be coated with bread crumbs or a flour.

Health benefits of Brinjals / Aubergines /Eggplant :

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like the eggplant decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.

Heart health

The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and phytonutrient content in eggplants all support heart health. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating foods containing flavonoids is affiliated with a lower risk of mortality from heart disease. Consuming even small quantities of flavonoid-rich foods may benefit human health.2

Several studies show that consumption of the flavonoids known as anthocyanins has played a major role in lowering risk of cardiovascular disease. One particular study revealed that those who consumed more than three servings of fruits and vegetables per week containing anthocyanins had 34% less risk of heart disease than those who consumed less. In another clinical study, researchers found that increased intake of anthocyanins was associated with significantly lower blood pressure.

Blood cholesterol

Research on the effects of eggplant consumption in animal studies has shown that rabbits with high cholesterol that consumed eggplant juice displayed a significant decrease in weight and blood cholesterol levels.5

Laboratory analyses of the phenolic compounds in eggplant reveal that the vegetable contains significant amounts of chlorogenic acid, which is one of the most powerful free radical scavengers found in plants. Chlorogenic acid has been shown to decrease LDL levels, and also serves as an antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic agent.4

Cancer

Polyphenols in eggplant have been found to exhibit anti-cancer effects. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals and in turn prevent tumor growth and invasion and spread of cancer cells. They also stimulate detoxifying enzymes within cells and promote cancer cell death.3

Cognitive function

Findings from animal studies suggest that nasunin, an anthocyanin within eggplant skin, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the lipids comprising cell membranes in brain cells from free radical damage. It has also been proven to help facilitate the transport of nutrients into the cell and wastes out.6

Research has also shown that anthocyanins inhibit neuroinflammation and facilitate blood flow to the brain. This helps prevent age-related mental disorders and also improves memory.

Ref.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279359.php#possible_health_benefits_of_consuming_eggplant

 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.

 

Stuffed Brinjals/Aubergines

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Brinjals stuffed NG

Stuffed brinjals /aubergines /egg plants

In this recipe ground nuts and sesame seeds and coconut gratings are used for making stuffed baby brinjals /aubergines /egg plants.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

 Course: main

Cuisine: Maharashtra

Serves: 4

Ingredients :

  • 200 gms brinjals /aubergines /egg plants
  • 1 medium size onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato medium size, finely chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida/hing
  • 3 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsps Coriander leaves, finely chopped

For the filling

  • 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 3 tbsp fresh coconut, finely desiccated
  • 6 garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed well
  • 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp haldi/ turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp Fenugreek /methi powder
  • 2/3 tsp red chili powder
  • 1tsp coriander powder/dhania powder
  • 1 medium size onions, finely chopped
  • 1tsp aamchoor / dry mango powder
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds, roasted and powdered

Method:

Step 1.

Wash the brinjals /aubergines /egg plants well, Slit the brinjals /aubergines /egg plants, lengthwise, into four, but leave the stems on, so the brinjals /aubergines /egg plants remain joined at the stem and soak in salted water for 20 minutes.

Step 2.

Dry roast the peanuts first, when they start to become light brown, add the sesame seeds followed by desiccated fresh coconut. Roast these ingredients till all of them are light brown. Switch off the stove.

Step 3.

When the coconut, peanuts and sesame seeds cool down, put in a grinder, add one finely chopped onion , ginger, garlic, grind to a smooth paste with little water. Take it out in a mixing bowl.

Step 4.

Add salt , jeera powder, dhania powder, garam masala powder, red chili powder , fenugreek /methi powder and turmeric powder to the ground masala paste and mix well.

Step 5.

Stuff each brinjal/aubergine /egg plant with this ground masala. Keep aside.

Step 6.

In a skillet /pan heat oil, add one finely chopped onion and fry them till they turn transparent.

Step 7.

Add the pureed tomato to the lightly fried onions and fry for 2-3 minutes. keep on stirring continuously Add the stuffed brinjals to the skillet / pan fry for few minutes. Add water, and cover and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Step 8.

Switch off the stove. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with bajra / Millet flour rotis, rice or puris.

Possible health benefits of consuming eggplant:

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like the eggplant decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy and overall lower weight.

Heart health

The fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B-6, and phytonutrient content in eggplants all support heart health. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating foods containing flavonoids is affiliated with a lower risk of mortality from heart disease. Consuming even small quantities of flavonoid-rich foods may benefit human health.2

Several studies show that consumption of the flavonoids known as anthocyanins has played a major role in lowering risk of cardiovascular disease. One particular study revealed that those who consumed more than three servings of fruits and vegetables per week containing anthocyanins had 34% less risk of heart disease than those who consumed less. In another clinical study, researchers found that increased intake of anthocyanins was associated with significantly lower blood pressure.3

Blood cholesterol

Research on the effects of eggplant consumption in animal studies has shown that rabbits with high cholesterol that consumed eggplant juice displayed a significant decrease in weight and blood cholesterol levels.5

Laboratory analyses of the phenolic compounds in eggplant reveal that the vegetable contains significant amounts of chlorogenic acid, which is one of the most powerful free radical scavengers found in plants. Chlorogenic acid has been shown to decrease LDL levels, and also serves as an antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic agent.4

Cancer

Polyphenols in eggplant have been found to exhibit anti-cancer effects. Anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid function as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals and in turn prevent tumor growth and invasion and spread of cancer cells. They also stimulate detoxifying enzymes within cells and promote cancer cell death.3

Cognitive function

Findings from animal studies suggest that nasunin, an anthocyanin within eggplant skin, is a powerful antioxidant that protects the lipids comprising cell membranes in brain cells from free radical damage. It has also been proven to help facilitate the transport of nutrients into the cell and wastes out.6

Research has also shown that anthocyanins inhibit neuroinflammation and facilitate blood flow to the brain. This helps prevent age-related mental disorders and also improves memory.3

Weight management and satiety

Dietary fibers are commonly recognized as important factors in weight management and loss by functioning as “bulking agents” in the digestive system. These compounds increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller for longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake. Since eggplant is already low in calories, it makes a great part of a healthy, low-calorie diet.

Ref. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279359.php