Cholia/green chikpeas kebabs

choliya kebabs

Cholia/ dried green chikpeas kebabs

What are Green Chickpeas?

Green Chickpeas are young garbanzo beans harvested at their peak of freshness and are nutrition packed! These delicious and nutritious beans are now available dried in grocery stores.

Hi friends! here is a simple ,easy to make recipe of Kebabs. Not all kebabs have to be made with meat! Try out these scrumptious, easy, vegetarian Green chickpeas / dried green chanas / sukha hara Chanas kebab recipe. It is high fiber, tasty and, perfect to serve at lunch or as evening / party snack with any spicy chutney/ dip. This recipe is a superb and yummy substitute for meat kebabs that all will enjoy. Make these Indian-style crisp Green chickpeas / dried green chanas / sukha hara Chanas Kebabs for perfect party snacks or a starter.

Preparation time:  overnight soaking and 20 minutes

Cooking time: 20-25 minutes

Course: Healthy snacks, appetizers

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried Green chickpeas / dried green chanas / sukha hara Chanas
  • 1 medium size onion, or / 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 medium size potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 12 cloves of garlic, minced well
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger finely grated
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro/ Coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp corn flour
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp roasted cumin seed powder
  • 2/3 tsp salt / or salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

For garnishing:

1 medium size onion, cut into rings.

Method:

Step 1.

Wash dried Green chickpeas / dried green chanas / sukha hara Chanas well and soak it overnight in 500 ml of water.

Step 2.

In a pressure cooker take the soaked dried Green chickpeas / dried green chanas / Hara Chanas along with the water soaked in. Place the cooker on high flame. The moment full pressure is formed, reduce to low flame for twenty minutes. Switch off the stove.

Step 3.

Let the cooker come to room temperature, open the lid and take out the cooked dried Green chickpeas / dried green chanas / Hara Chanas in a mixing bowl , strain out the liquid. Keep aside.

Step 4.

Peel wash and cut the onions fine, keep aside.

Step 5.

Peel , mince the garlic cloves, and finely grate the ginger, keep aside.

Step 6.

For the kebabs, tip the drained cooked dried Green chickpeas / dried green chanas / Hara Chanas into a food processor and blend until coarsely mashed, but not puréed. or with a masher you can manually mash the boiled chanas.

Step 7.

Transfer  mashed cooked dried Green chickpeas / dried green chanas / Hara Chanas to a mixing bowl and add chopped onions, chopped/ minced garlic and chopped Cilantro/ Coriander leaves. Add corn flour ,salt, green chilies and freshly ground black pepper and mix well in to a dough.

Step 8.

Take about 2 Tbsp of the mixture /dough, in your hands (You can oil your palms if it’s sticking) and make small patties of the dough and shallow fry them in a non stick pan with little oil. Cook till it turns golden brown on both the sides. The mixture is thick enough to hold its shape.

or

Step 9.

Take sufficient cooking oil into a deep heavy bottom frying pan and place over medium flame . To test if the oil is hot enough for frying, put a small piece of onion in it, if the onion sizzles in the oil and comes on the surface fast, the oil in the pan is at the correct temperature for frying Kebabs.

Step 10.

Gently slide in Kebabs one by one in hot oil , until the pan is fairly full but not overcrowded. We need to fry them in batches. Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden-brown and cooked through.

Step 11.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on Paper kitchen towel to drain out the excessive oil before serving.

Step 12.

Serve the hot and crisp kebabs with the spicy coriander/ cilantro/mint chutney .

Note:

Kebabs can be shallow fried in a non stick pan or deep fried.

Health benefits of Dried Green chickpeas / dried green chanas/ Hara Chanas:

Rich in both types of fiber, soluble and insoluble, chickpeas escort the trapped bile acids out of the body and lower cholesterol levels, thereby contributing to cardiovascular health.

The insoluble fiber content in chickpeas helps in preventing digestive disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis; hence, promoting positive digestive health.

With folate and magnesium in high amounts, chickpeas protect the body from cardiovascular diseases. Folate reduces the levels of the amino acid, homocysteine which causes damage to the lining of arteries and increases the risk of blood vessel blockages.

With a rich supply of soluble fiber, chickpeas help in balancing blood sugar levels; thus, providing support to diabetic patients suffering from highs and lows of blood sugar levels.

The high fiber content in chickpeas induces feelings of satiety, thereby cutting down the intake of unwanted calories and keeping your appetite under control.

An excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, chickpea boosts production of energy and defends against several diseases.

Molybdenum is a mineral and an antioxidant important for stimulating the body’s mechanism for reducing symptoms of energy, helping with impotency in men, fighting against tooth decay and irritability, and preventing anemia. Molybdenum is found in chickpeas in abundance.

Chickpeas contain phytochemicals called saponins which are highly beneficial for the health of women. They act as antioxidants, providing protection against osteoporosis, lowering the risk of breast cancer, and minimizing hot flushes in post menopausal women.

Chickpeas help in meeting your daily iron requirements.  The deficiency of which reduces the delivery of oxygen throughout the body, resulting in feelings of weakness and tiredness, difficulties in concentration, and increasing the risk of infections.

A good source of iron, chickpeas also help with the proper functioning of the human system and preventing conditions, like anemia, weakness, hair loss, headaches, and other critical health concerns.

Regular consumption of folate is important for the production and maintenance of new cells, particularly during periods of rapid growth, like during pregnancy and infancy. Women, who consume adequate amounts of folate during their childbearing years, can reduce their risk of delivering babies with a neutral tube defect.

Enriched with the amino acid tryptophan, chickpeas are a good source of serotonin which regulates fluctuating moods and sleeping disorders. Eating chickpeas before bedtime leads to calmness and induces a good night’s sleep.

Ref. http://recipeclout.india-server.com/chickpeas.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.

 

Red beans Galouti Kebabs

Red beans Kebabs.jpg

Red Bean /Kidney bean /Rajma Kebabs

The kidney bean is a variety of the common bean Phaseous vulgaris. It is named for its visual resemblance in shape and color to a kidney. Red kidney beans can be confused with other beans that are red, such as adzuki beans.There are different groups of kidney beans, such as:

  • Red kidney bean (also known as: common kidney bean, Rajma in India, Surkh(Red) Lobia in Pakistan).
  • Light speckled kidney bean (and long shape light speckled kidney bean).
  • Red speckled kidney bean (and long shape light speckled kidney bean).

What are kebabs ?

Kebab (also kebap, kabob, kebob, or kabab) is a Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean, and South Asian dish of pieces of meat, fish, or vegetables roasted or grilled on a skewer or spit[.

Hi friends !The Galouti kebabs were made famous by “Lucknow”, India ‘s royal chefs. ‘Galouti’ or ‘Galawati’ means melt in the mouth. A mix of kidney beans and Indian spices, with corn flour, all purpose flour are shallow fried to gorgeous brown.These are definitely  delicious, easy to make vegetarian kebabs, will melt in your mouth once you have tasted them.

Prep time : Overnight soaking

Cook time : 25 + 20 minutes

Cuisine : Indian, Utter Pradesh

Course: Appetizers

Serves : 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup kidney beans/  Red Bean / Rajma
  • 1 small sized onion, chopped fine /1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1small sized tomato, finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
  • 1 tbsp garlic , crushed
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro /coriander leaves/ finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
  • 2 tbsp Corn flour
  • 2 tbsp all purpose flour / maida
  • 1 tsp Salt / or salt to taste
  • Oil for fryingDry Roast:
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds / khus khus
  • 2 green cardamoms
  • 1 black cardamom
  • 1 tsp cumin seed /jeera
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • 1tsp chironji /Charoli
  • 9 cashew nuts

Method:

Step 1.

Wash and soak Red beans / Rajma /kidney beans overnight in 500 ml water.

Step 2.

In a pressure take the soaked Red beans / Rajma /kidney beans along with the water soaked in. Close the lid and place the cooker on high flame. The moment full pressure is formed, reduce the heat to low lame. Let it cook for 25 minutes, switch off the stove.

Step 3.

When the cooker cools down to room temperature, open the lid and drain and transfer the boiled Red beans / Rajma /kidney beans to a mixing bowl. Keep aside.

Step 4.

Dry roast cumin/ jeera, cinnamon, green and black cardamoms, cloves and cashew nuts, chironji and poppy seeds / khus khus. Cool to room temperature and grind to a fine powder.

Step 5.

Add red chili powder, salt, and dry roasted ground masala, to the / Rajma /kidney beans in the mixer jar. Grind Red beans / Rajma /kidney beans into a coarse paste. Remove it in a mixing bowl.
Step 5.

Add chopped onion, tomatoes ,green chilies , chili powder, grated ginger, garlic paste, lemon juice, corn flour , all purpose flour / maida and mix well. Make elongated kebabs from the mixture.

Step 6.

Heat oil in a non- stick wok / pan fry and shallow fry the kebabs till equally done on all sides. Serve the delicious kebabs hot with green garlic chutney / coriander chutney.

The health benefits of red kidney beans:

Prevents diabetes

Red kidney beans fall in the category of low glycemic index foods and they do not spike the blood glucose levels post meal in diabetics. In other words, they raise the blood glucose levels very slowly. Also, they contain good quality carbohydrates and lean protein which makes them a healthy option. And the cherry on the cake is that they are low in fat too. Also, the two amino acids which regulate insulin levels — arginine and leucine are present abundantly in red kidney beans.

Lowers cholesterol levels

Rajma is a tremendous source of soluble fibre which helps lower cholesterol levels. Soluble fibre forms a gel when it comes in contact with the stomach contents and this binds the cholesterol and prevents its re-absorption back into the system, thus lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Prevents hypertension 

Nutritious red kidney beans are also a very good source of potassium and magnesium along with soluble fibre and protein which helps maintain blood pressure within normal range and protects the over-all heart health. Potassium and magnesium dilate the blood vessels and arteries thus assuring smooth blood flow.

Helps lose weight

These fibre-rich beans when consumed, occupy a lot of space in the stomach thus providing a feeling of fullness for a longer period of time and they are low in fat too. This makes it an appropriate pre-workout option as it will provide sustained energy throughout.

Strengthens the immune system

The health benefits of rajma are not just limited to its fibre and protein content as it is full of antioxidants too. These antioxidants boost our immune system and protect it from the harmful effects of free radicals by scavenging them and limiting the damage. Antioxidants are also believed to have anti-ageing properties.

Combine rajma with vegetables in the form of salads or soups to make it more nutritious. Eating red kidney beans every day can become boring or monotonous, here is another interesting way to incorporate it in your daily diet: Red kidney bean flour/powered beans can be added to wheat flour to make more nutritious chapattis or Indian flat bread, khakra, wraps, chilas, dosas, pancakes, etc.

Ref. http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/5-health-benefits-rajma-or-red-kidney-beans/

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.

 

 

Spicy Kebabs

Lentil Kebabs with dip

Spicy Kebabs with yogurt dip

Hi friends! Everybody likes Kebabs. Not all kebabs have to be made with meat! Try out these scrumptious, easy, vegetarian lentil kebab recipe. It is high fiber, tasty and, perfect to serve at lunch or as evening / party snack with any spicy chutney/ dip. This recipe is a superb and yummy substitute for meat kebabs that all will enjoy. Make these Indian-style crisp lentil Kebabs for perfect party snacks or a starter.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Sabut Masoor /red lentils
  • 1 medium size onion, or / 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 12 cloves of garlic, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro/ Coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp lemon juice or juice of 1 small lemon
  • 2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2/3 tsp salt / or salt to taste
  • Oil for frying

For garnishing:

1 medium size onion, cut into rings.

Method:

Step 1.

Wash and soak sabut Masoor / red lentil overnight in cold water, drain and keep aside.

Step 2.

For the lentil kebabs, tip the drained sabut Masoor / red lentil into a food processor and blend until coarsely mashed, but not puréed.

Step 3.

Transfer to a mixing bowl and add chopped onions, chopped garlic and chopped Cilantro/ Coriander leaves. Add salt, green chilies and freshly ground black pepper and mix well.

Step 4.

Take about 2 Tbsp of the mixture in your hands (You can oil your palms if it’s sticking) and roll into kebabs. The mixture is thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 5.

Take sufficient cooking oil into a deep heavy bottom frying pan and place over medium flame . To test if the oil is hot enough for frying, put a small piece of onion in it, if the onion sizzles in the oil and comes on the surface fast, the oil in the pan is at the correct temperature for frying Kebabs.

Step 6.

Gently slide in Kebabs one by one in hot oil , until the pan is fairly full but not overcrowded. We need to fry them in batches. Fry for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden-brown and cooked through.

Step 7.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on Paper kitchen towel to drain out the excessive oil before serving.

Step 8.

Serve the hot and spicy kebabs with the spicy coriander/ cilantro/mint chutney or can serve these with cucumber dip too.

Yogurt Dip:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt/ Dahi/ curd
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, minced or 1 tsp dried mint leaves powder
  • 1 cup cucumber pieces, cucumber peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 tsp Salt /or to taste

Method:

  1. Place the yogurt, cucumber in a blender and puree on high speed until blended. While blending, gradually add the mint and salt. Dip is ready!

Lentils Storage Tips:

  • Lentils a longer shelf life. You can store lentils in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place. This way they can be stored for up to twelve months.
  • Lentils purchased at different times contain varying stages of dryness and hence, should be stored separately as they will require different cooking times.
  • Cooked lentils have a relatively shorter life. If kept in a covered container in the refrigerator, they can remain fresh for about three days.

Health Benefits of Masoor dal (Lentils): 

  • Lentils are extremely rich in soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, thereby helping in removing bile from the body. It further helps in eliminating and reducing blood cholesterol levels.
  • The soluble fiber in lentils has the property of trapping carbohydrates. It slows down the digestion and absorption process, hence preventing major changes in blood sugar level throughout the day. This helps diabetic patients.
  • The insoluble fiber in lentils leads to the feeling of early satiation; hence, people eat less and gain fewer pounds. Besides, insoluble fiber is indigestible, which passes through the body adding just a few calories.
  • Lentils are rich in flavones, a class of antioxidants with antioxidant properties. Studies have proved that regular consumption of lentils can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
  • Lentils prove to be significant for a healthy heart as they prevent heart coronary problems. Fiber in the lentils reduces blood cholesterol levels and plaque forming on the walls of the arteries, thereby eliminating the risk of stroke or other cardiovascular diseases.
  • Besides fiber which contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system, lentils contain folic acid and magnesium, significant for reducing the level of homocysteine, a compound known to be dangerous for the heart and artery walls. Also, lentils promote better blood flow and passage of oxygen and nutrients to the organs.
  • Rich in the antioxidant, molybdenum, lentils assist the body in breaking down harmful substances hence reducing allergy symptoms. This antioxidant is also essential for preventing impotency, particularly in older men, and avoiding anemia.
  • Researches indicate that the vitamin E found in lentils helps prevent the risk of Parkinson’s disease, though the exact connection is not yet determined.

 Ref. http://nutrition.indobase.com/articles/lentils-nutrition.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.