Diwali sweets

Urad Dal Pinni

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Dal pinnies.jpg

Urad Dal Pinnies

Different names of Urad Dal
 Black Gram- English
Urad dhuli, Urad chilka, Urad sabut , Urad saboot,Kali dal -Hindi
Ulundu Paruppu – Tamil
Minappappu – Telugu
Uzhunnu Parrippu – Malayalam

Hi Friends! Urad Dal Pinnies are winter treats. Urad dal, also known as white lentil or black lentil is a kind of bean from Indian dals and mostly used in Southern part of Asia. Urad dal is used as a major ingredient in Indian cuisine for preparing a healthy diet. Urad dal has protein, fat, and carbohydrates which is required by the body. This dal is one of the richest sources of proteins and Vitamin B.

Cuisine: India, North Indian

Prep time:  15 minutes

Cook time:  45 minutes

Makes: 20 pinnies

Ingredients:

  • 1 tea cup Urad dal / black gram husked
  • 50 gms. Semolina
  • 1 1/4 tea cup Sugar
  • 200 gms Khoa/Mawa
  • 1 Tea cup clarified butter/Ghee
  • 6 Cardamom s, powder ed
  • 2 tbsp Tragacanth gum or Gond katira
  • 15 Cashew nuts, slivered
  • 15 Almonds , slivered

Method:

Step 1.

Clean and wash the Urad dal / black gram husked well. Soak the dal /lentil in water over night or at least 3-4 hours.

Step 2.         

 In a blender take the soaked dal ,with very little water grind it into a fine paste. Remove the ground dal to a bowl.

Step 3.

In a bowl cut the cashews, almonds into tiny pieces. Keep aside.

Step 4.

In a pan heat some clarified butter /ghee, add semolina and fry it for a minute. Add ground urad dal to the pan and fry the mixture, stirring constantly on medium flame until it gets golden brown in color, clarified butter /ghee starts separating from it. Remove the fried Dal mix in a bowl.

Step 5.

using a grater , grate the khoya / mawa.  Take a pan and on medium flame, stirring constantly cook it till it gets light golden brown in color. Remove into a bowl and keep aside.

Step 6.

In a pan heat two table spoons clarified butter/ ghee and when the ghee is hot, add the Tragacanth gum or Gond katira into it and fry on low flame stirring constantly. Fry until Tragacanth gum or Gond katira, puffs up and gets little brown in color. Take out the fried Tragacanth gum or Gond katira in a bowl. Allow it to cool to room temperature and powder it coarsely in a mortar. Keep aside.

Step 7.

Now fry the cut cashew and almonds in rest of the ghee until they get little golden brown in color. Allow it to cool and keep aside.

Step 8.

In a pan take sugar and add 2/3 cup of water , cook sugar will dissolve. Cook  the syrup to a thick consistency for 3-4 minutes. To check if syrup is ready, take a drop of syrup in a bowl, take it between your thumb and finger and stretch apart. It should 1 long thread and is thick in texture. The syrup is ready. Switch off the stove, sugar syrup is ready.

 Step 9.

 When the syrup is slightly cool, add fried dal , roasted cashews, almonds and Tragacanth gum or Gond katira podered and then fried khoa/ mawa, powdered cardamom and mix all the ingredients well.

 Step 10.

When he mixture cools down a little, or when it can be handle with hands, for making pinnies . Take a small portion of the mixture, and roll into round shape one by one and  start placing  the pinnies on a tray prepare pinnies from rest of the mixture. Now press these ladoos in a rectangular or any other desired shape. Garnish each pinnie with slivered almonds .Serve this delicious urad dal pinni this winter after dinner!

Note:

Cool and store pinnies in an airtight container for up to a month.

Health Benefits of Urad Dal:

1.Energy Booster
Black gram is a healthy pulse as it is rich in iron content. This helps boost the energy levels in the body and keeps you active.
 2.Protein rich
 Urad Dal is good source of protein in vegetarian diet. This makes these beans an inexpensive, economical and tasty protein source. 3.Anti inflammatory properties
 Urad dal  has anti inflammatory properties. Usually a hot poultice of black gram is used in inflammation of joints and muscle pain.
4.Anti-Aging
 Urad dal also has various beauty benefits. Applying urad dal face packs is good for the skin as it prevents the formation of fine lines. Moreover, black gram also helps get a fair and flawless skin.
5.Improves Digestion
 The best benefit of ingesting urad dal is that it enhances digestion because of its rich fiber content. Urad dal benefits the health as it has both soluble and insoluble fiber which is good for digestion and also prevents constipation.
6.Boosts Heart Health
Aside from reducing cholesterol, black lentils also boost health. This advantage is linked to the rich magnesium and folate levels that prevent damage to the arterial walls. In addition, magnesium boosts cardiovascular health through increasing blood circulation.

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.

Shahi Tukda

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shahi-tukda
Shahi TukdaHi friends! Make this mouth watering , easy to make shahi  tukda with topping for your dessert menu today!What is Shahi TUKDA?

Shahi tukda is a simple and delicious recipe made from milk and bread. This is a delicious dessert that can be easily made at home.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Level of Cooking: Easy

Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the rabdi:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup grated khoya/ condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 6 green cardamoms, finely powdered

For the shahi tukda:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Ghee, for deep frying
  • few saffron strands
  • 4 slices white bread
  • 1tbsp slivered Almonds

Method:

For the Topping:

Step 1.

Heat milk in a pan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cook, stirring continuously, till it reduces to 1 cup.

Step 2.

Add grated khoya, sugar and cardamom powder and stir till sugar dissolves. The mixture will thicken on cooling.

For the shahi tukda:

Step 1.

Take the sugar with 2 cups water in a pan and cook over medium heat, stirring till sugar dissolves and cook till the syrup thickens. Switch off the stove and keep the syrup aside.

Step 2.

Trim the crust and cut each bread slice into four square shape with a knife. Heat clarified butter/ ghee in a pan and shallow-fry the bread pieces for about a minute, turn over and fry about a minute more or until golden brown and crisp. Drain on absorbent paper.  Dip in the sugar syrup and remove on a plate.

Step 3.

To serve, arrange the fried bread slices on a serving dish and spoon topping  over each piece. Sprinkle over with slivered almonds and serve.
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.

Carrot Barfi

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Carrot barfiCarrot / Gajar Barfi

Barfi or burfi is a sweet confectionery from the Indian Subcontinent. The name originates from the Persian word Barf which means snow. The confection is served in India, all year round, it has many varieties. Main ingredients of plain barfis include condensed milk and sugar. The ingredients are cooked in a vessel until the mixture solidifies.

Hi friends!Make this yummy barfi very easy to make and very delicious.

Preparation Time : 5-10 minutes

Cooking time : 20-25 minutes

Servings : 6-8

Cuisine: Indian

Course: Indian Desserts

Level Of Cooking: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 500 gms Carrots, grated
  • 150 gms Khoya/mawa, grated
  • 500 ml Milk
  • 2/3 cup Sugar
  • 2 tbsp Almonds, powdered
  • 2 tbsp Almonds , slivered
  • 1/2 tsp Ghee for greasing
  • 6 Green cardamoms, powdered

Method :

Step 1.

Wash, peel and grate the Carrots.

Step 2.

In a wok / kadahi/ heavy bottom pan take milk and add grated carrots, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the carrots cook on low flame till 90 % milk is absorbed.

Step 3.

Add grated khoya, cardamom powder and sugar. Mix well and cook for five to ten minutes or till mixture thickens. Add powdered almonds to the mix.

Step 4.

Grease an aluminum tray with ghee or take a non stick tray. Switch off the stove, pour the carrot mix into the tray and spread evenly.

Step 5.

You can even keep it in the refrigerator to set. Decorate chopped nuts and set aside for cooling.

Step 6.

Cut into squares and decorate each square with a slivered almond and serve.

 Possible health benefits of Carrots:

Prevention of Heart Disease: High cholesterol is a major factor for heart disease. Since regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels, it is a good idea to consume a healthy dose of carrots, in order to prevent heart-related problems.

Blood Pressure: Carrots are rich sources of potassium, which is a vasodilator and can relax the tension in your blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing blood flow and circulation, boosting organ function throughout the body and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system.

Immune Booster:  Carrots contain a number of antiseptic and antibacterial abilities that make it ideal for boosting the immune system. Not only that, carrots are a rich source of vitamin C, which stimulates the activity of white blood cells and is one of the most important elements in the human immune system.

Digestion: Carrots, like most vegetables, have significant amounts of dietary fiber in those orange roots, and fiber is one of the most important elements in maintaining good digestive health.

Prevents Cancer: Beta-carotene consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of several cancers, notably lung cancer.

Improves Eyesight: Deficiency of vitamin A can cause some difficulty seeing in dim light. Since carrots are rich in vitamin A, it is good for improving eyesight and preventing conditions like night blindness from developing as we age.

Oral Health: The organic compounds in carrots all by themselves are good for mineral antioxidants, but carrots also stimulate the gums and induce excess saliva. Saliva is an alkaline substance and combats the bacteria and foreign bodies that can often result in cavities, halitosis, and other oral health risks.

Stroke: Eating a carrot every day reduces the risk of stroke by 68%. Many studies have strengthened the belief in the “carrot effect” on the brain. Studies conducted on stroke patients revealed that those with highest levels of beta-carotene had the highest survival rate.

Diabetes: Carrots are good for blood sugar regulation due to the presence of carotenoids in this delicious vegetable. Carotenoids inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar, thereby helping diabetic patients live a normal, healthy life. They also regulate the amount of insulin and glucose that is being used and metabolized by the body, providing a more even and healthy fluctuation for diabetic patients.

Ref. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/carrots.html

Nick’s kitchen 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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Rava Laddoos

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Rava laddus

 Semolina Laddus

Hi friends!A beginner’s recipe that doesn’t need any expertise.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

 Makes: 15 Laddus

Recipe Cuisine: South Indian

Recipe Category: Snacks, Mithai

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Rava / Sooji /fine Semolina
  • ½ cup Coconut , desiccated
  • 3/4 cup sugar, Powdered
  • 1/2 cup Warm milk
  • 1/4 cup cashew nuts, crushed in to smaller pieces
  • 1/4 cup Raisins
  • 1/4 cup pistachios
  • 6 Green cardamoms, peeled and powdered
  • 1/4 tsp saffron
  • 2 tbsp Ghee

Method:

Step 1.

Heat a kadhai / wok / or heavy bottom pan and dry roast the semolina for five -seven minutes on a low flame.

Step 2.

Add the desiccated coconut , mix well and fry for 7-8 minutes more. Take out the lightly roasted mixture in a bowl.

Step 3.

Heat one tbsp ghee in the same pan, add the cashew nuts and pistachios flakes fry till they turn light golden brown, add raisins fry for a minute .Remove and keep the fried fruit aside.

Step 4.

Heat remaining ghee in a kadhai / wok / or heavy bottom pan and fry the roasted rava/ sooji / semolina coconut mixture for 7-8 minutes on medium -low flame.

Step 5.

Boil 1/2 cup of milk in a pan add saffron, cardamom powder and sugar. Reduce the heat to low flame till the sugar gets dissolved completely switch off the stove.

Step 6.

Add milk, sugar, saffron and cardamom mix to the fried rava / sooji / semolina coconut mixture. Stir it well add the fried dry fruit. Mix it well and switch off the stove. Cool it for ten -fifteen minutes. Take equal portion of the mixture and shape it in to laddus . You will get fifteen laddus.

Note:

  • If you prefer a less sweeter version, add 2/3 cups of sugar instead of 1 cup.You can keep the laddus at room temperature for 3-4 days and in the refrigerator for a week.
  • I love semolina porridge. The comforting texture and taste, and the fact that it is light on the stomach, have made it one of my favorite foods to enjoy on a chilly night. Browsing through some health information on this wonder grain, I realized it has some stunning health benefits, too!

    Amazing Health Benefits of Semolina:

    Here’s a short list of what semolina can do for you:

  • Semolina is made from durum wheat, so it is digested slowly. This helps you feel full longer and prevents you from overeating.
  • Semolina improves kidney function, thanks to its potassium content.
  • Add some chopped nuts and raisins to your semolina porridge, and you increase its nutritional content as well as taste.
  • Add some chopped vegetables to savory semolina Upma, and you have a power-packed, as well as delicious, meal in a bowl.
  • Semolina is a good source of two vital vitamins: E and the B group. Both, as we know, are essential for good immunity from disease.
  • For those who lead an active lifestyle, semolina is a quick and nourishing source of energy.
  • The trace minerals in semolina, such as phosphorus, zinc and magnesium, are beneficial for the health of your bones and nervous system.

  • Of course those with gluten intolerance would need to avoid eating semolina.

    Ref. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/7-amazing-health-benefits-of-semolina.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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Almond/Badam Halwa

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Badam Halwa

Badam / Almond Halwa

Halva (halawa, alva, haleweh, halava, helava, helva, halwa, halua, aluva, chalva) refers to many types of dense, sweet confections, served across the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, West Asia, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, the Balkans, Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Malta and the Jewish world.

Hi Friends! Badam Halwa is very easy to prepare and a healthy, delicious dessert . It does take little more time to make a good Badam Halwa!  the result is well worth the effort.

Prep Time: Soak Almonds overnight

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 6-8

Cuisine: South Indian

Ingredients:

  • 400gms whole almonds
  • 2 cups milk
  • 6 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
  • 400 gms granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp saffron strands
  • 6 Green cardamoms, powdered

Method:         

Step 1.

Soak the almonds in a bowl , leave them to soak for overnight. Remove skin from the almonds.

Step 2.

Put the almonds into a blender and add the milk blend the mixture to form a coarse paste .

Step 3.

Take a Kadahi / wok / or a deep, heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat add 4 tbsp of ghee to it. When the ghee melts, add the almond-milk mixture to it mix well.

Step 4.

Add sugar to the mixture and stir to mix well. Add the saffron strands and mix well. Cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly .

Step 5.

As the liquid in the mixture begins to dry up, keep stirring constantly. Add the remaining ghee and stir well.

Step 6.

Keep cooking the mixture until most of the moisture in it dries up. When mixture starts leaving the sides of the Kadahi / wok / pan and the ghee starts to separate from it and halwa no longer sticks to the pan, Badam halwa is ready.

Step 7.

Switch off the stove and remove the Badam halwa onto a bowl to cool. Serve at room temperature .

Note: To store Badam halwa:

Halva can be kept at room temperature with little risk of spoilage. However, during hot summer months, it is better kept refrigerated, as it can turn runny after several days.If you cut the halwa into medium size squares, place a sheet of butter paper between the layers of stacked pieces to prevent them from sticking. Refrigerate  it in an airtight container .

The term halva (Arabic: حلاوة‎ ḥalāwah / حلوى ḥalwá Urdu: حلوہ ‎), meaning “desserts” or “sweet”, is used to describe two types of desserts:

  • Flour-based – This type of halva is slightly gelatinous and made from grain flour, typically semolina. The primary ingredients are clarified butter, flour, and sugar.
  • Nut-butter-based – This type of halva is crumbly and usually made from tahini (sesame paste) or other nut butters, such as sunflower seed butter. The primary ingredients are nut butter and sugar.

Halva may also be based on numerous other ingredients, including sunflower seeds, various nuts, beans, lentils, and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, yams and squashes.

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

Benefits of Soaked Almonds for Health:

Almonds nutrition may not be common knowledge but almonds are considered by nutritionists, to be the healthiest, most nutritious nuts of all. Almond is considered a ‘superfood’ due to the presence of high amount of nutrients in it. It is the most nourishing nut available in the market and contains a wide range of vital elements like soluble and insoluble fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, vitamin E, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and so on. According to nutritionists, these seeds should be soaked in water overnight prior to consuming. It eliminates the toxic materials present in its coating, decomposes its gluten content and releases Phytic acid so that we can get the most out of the nuts. In this article, we are talking about how almonds soaked in water can benefit your health, skin and hair.

Health benefits of soaked almonds are almost unlimited. Here, we have put together some of the most important medicinal values of this ‘wonder food’:

  1. Soaked almonds can make your food digestion smoother and faster by facilitating the entire digestive procedure. The external layer of the nut contains certain enzyme inhibitor which, when steeped in water, is released due to the presence of moisture. It activates the seeds, makes them easily digestible and allows people to get the maximum nutrition. Soaked almonds also release the lipid-breaking enzyme ‘lipase’, which works on the fat present in the food and aids in your digestion.
  2. These are extremely beneficial for pregnant women. As moisture increases the availability of nutrients present in the nuts, they provide ultimate nourishment and energy to both the would-be-mother as well as the fetus. Furthermore, the folic acid content of almonds makes the delivery of baby trouble-free and helps the newborn stay away from any sort of birth-defect.
  3. Scientists have proved that the intake of 4 to 6 soaked almonds a day can serve the purpose of a brain tonic and boost the functionality of the Central Nervous System (CNS) to a great extent. Being full of essential fats, these can sharpen the memory and improve the intelligence of growing kids significantly.
  4. Almonds immersed in water can reduce your cholesterol levels to a great extent. Basically, they are loaded with Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA), which lower the amount of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad cholesterol’ in your bloodstream. The Vitamin E content of the nuts is also helpful in fighting against LDL and raising the level of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) in the body.
  5. By keeping your cholesterol levels under control with soaked almonds, you can maintain the heart health. They are good source of protein, potassium and magnesium, which are necessary for a healthy cardiovascular system. Apart from these, almonds are full of vitamin E which, being an antioxidant vitamin, combats several fatal heart diseases.
  6. Acute hypertension can also be treated by soaked almonds. The low sodium and high potassium content of the nuts can prevent your blood pressure from escalating. In addition, magnesium and folic acid present in the seeds are helpful in lowering the chances of artery congestion.
  7. Soaked almonds are a wonderful natural remedy for healing diabetes mellitus. They help to keep your blood sugar level under control and stay away from the daises.
  8. There are very few chemical or organic compounds that can promote weight loss like soaked almonds. Being loaded with monounsaturated fat, they satisfy your craving for food and help you shed off additional body weight.
  9. Those who suffer from chronic constipation can also get benefitted by consuming soaked almonds. The nut is full of insoluble fibers, which increase the amount of roughage in your body and help you get rid of the problem.

Benefits of Soaked Almonds for Skin:

Regular consumption and proper external application of soaked almonds can do wonder for your skin. Find below some of their great beauty benefits:

  1. Soaked almonds can be mashed and applied to the skin as a natural moisturizer. If your skin is dry, you can mix some whipped cream with the almonds and use the mask every day. It would nourish your skin and hydrate it sufficiently. As a result, you will get soft, supple and smooth skin.
  2. If you want to improve your skin tone and get back your lost glow, soaked almonds can help you a lot. It repairs the damaged skin tissues internally and accelerates the formation of new cells. Hence, the tone and texture of your skin are enhanced considerably.
  3. Ageing can easily be prevented with soaked almonds. Vitamin E and other antioxidants present in these nuts can eliminate harmful free radicals from your body. As a result, the ageing process gets delayed and you remain younger-looking for a longer period.
  4. Paste of soaked almonds can be used as a natural scrub for face as well as rest of the body. You can add milk, lemon or honey to it and prepare different packs. These are very effective in exfoliation of your skin and giving you a fresh, new look.
  5. Soaked almond paste can also be used to treat skin inflammation. Be it rashes or chapped skin, the soothing property of the seeds give you relief from itching and irritation quickly.

Possible benefits of Soaked Almonds for Hair

Soaked almonds are not only beneficial for your health or skin. If used in the right manner, it can give us long and smooth tresses too. Following are the hair benefits of this magical object:

  1. Soak a few almonds in water overnight, mash it in the next morning and finally, prepare a hair mask by mixing a fair amount of olive oil with it. Apply it on your scalp and hair every day. It is a wonderful natural conditioner that can give you smooth and healthy hair.
  2. As mentioned earlier, almonds are highly nutritive. Therefore, eating soaked almonds or using its paste on the scalp can nourish your hair and make it stronger. It also repairs severe hair damage, reduces frequent hair fall and helps in the growth of new hair follicles.
  3. Soaked almonds also add shine and luster to your tresses. They work directly on the roots of hair.

So, include soaked almonds in your morning diet. Be beautiful! Don’t forget to leave us a comment.

Ref. http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-soaked-almonds-for-skin-hair-and-health/#

Nick’s kitchen medical Disclaimer:

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

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Pinnies/Wheat Flour Laddoos

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Pinnies

Aata/ whole wheat flour Laddoos /Pinnies

This simply delicious recipe of Aata/ whole wheat flour Laddoos /Pinnies is contributed by Mrs. Usha Mehta.

Hi friends! A ladoo made of whole wheat flour is a winter treat.There are so many regional variations. Wheat flour laddoos, are a rich, sweet dessert or snack. It is a simple recipe with few ingredients, but the taste is amazing!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Makes: 36 Laddoos / Pinnies

Ingredients:

  • 500 gms Aata/whole wheat flour
  • 300 gms Sugar, powdered
  • 250 gms Pure Ghee
  • 200 gms Almonds, slivered
  • 100 gms Pistachio, flaked
  • 100 gms Raisins

Method:

Step 1.

Heat the ghee in a big wok/kadahi/thick-bottomed pan.

Step 2.

Add gently the aata/whole wheat flour to it. Stirring continuously, on medium flame, mix well and fry the aata/ whole wheat flour till good fragrance emits and color of the flour is slightly changed to a light golden.

Step 3.

When aata/ whole wheat flour is well fried, take it off the heat, add the dry fruit and mix well, gradually add powdered sugar, mixing constantly.

Step 4.

Mix very well, cool the mixture to a bearable/ handle able level and bind it into small round shapes, the pinnis!

Step 5.

Cool the pinnis before storing in a container.Makes 36 medium sized pinnis.

Note: Slivered almonds from are shaved California almonds perfect for baking or making cookies.

Health Benefits of Whole wheat flour:

Why whole wheat is good for you?

Whole grains are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals (iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium). A diet rich inwhole grains has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some forms of cancer.
Ref. http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/reaping-benefits-whole-grains

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.