pistachios

Mawa Gujiya

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Mawa Gujia

Mawa Gujiya

Mawa/Khoa
Khoa is a dairy product widely used in South Asian cuisine of India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It is made of either dried whole milk or milk thickened by heating in an open iron pan. Wikipedia
 Region or state: Indian subcontinent

Hi friends! An all time favorite and delicious snack you can have round the year and not only for Holi!

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Cooking time : 15 minutes

Provides : 18 Gujias

Cuisine: Indian

Course: Indian desserts

Type: Dumpling

Level Of Cooking: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour/ maida
  • 250 gms Khoya/mawa , grated
  • 1/4 cup Ghee / olive oil
  • 10 almonds, coarsely powdered
  • 12 Cashew nuts ,coarsely powdered
  • 12 Pistachios, coarsely powdered
  • Oil for deep frying
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 6 Green cardamoms, powdered

Method :

Step 1.

Dough for Gujia Pastry:

Sift the flour into a big mixing bowl, rub 1/4 cup ghee / olive oil into the flour with your finger tips till the mixture resembles breadcrumbs and knead into a firm dough with milk. Cover with a damp kitchen napkin and leave to rest for at least half an hour.
Step 2.

For the filling:

Heat a non-stick pan add the grated khoya/ mawa and Sauté the khoya/ mawa over medium heat till it looks slightly fried. Mix in the sugar, cardamom powder, almonds, cashew and pistachios.

Step 3 .

Take off the heat and when it cools, and divide into eighteen equal portions.

Step 4.

For Gujias:

Divide the dough into eighteen equal portions and shape into balls. Roll out into thin rounds, like a puri.

Step 5.

Place one portion of the stuffing on one half of the rolled round /puri, lightly moisten the edges, fold the other half over the stuffing and press the edges to seal. Either cut off the edge with a fancy cutter or pinch the edges with the tip of a fork to make a design.

Step 6.

Make all the gujiyas in this way. keep aside

Step 7.

Heat sufficient oil in a wok /kadahi. To check if the oil is ready for frying, put a tiny piece of dough in it. If it comes up at once, add gently slide in a few gujiya at a time. Add as many gujiyas as fit in comfortably and deep-fry for five to six minutes.

Step 8.

Turn them over and lower the heat to medium. Fry till golden brown on all sides. Lift out and leave to drain on absorbent kitchen paper towel , cool and store in an airtight container when completely cold.

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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Halwa Bemisal

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Millet Halwa VG

Millet Flour Halwa – In Hindi Bajre ka halwa -In Telgu- జొన్నలు

English Name-Pearl Millet ,Hindi Name: Bajra

A cereal, used a lot in rural India, it has a high fiber content. The most common millet is pearl millet i.e bajra, which is an important crop in India. India is the largest producer of pearl millet. Very famous in Rajasthan, it is the most famous type of millet. Bajre ki roti with sarsoon da saag is one of India’s signature dishes from the farms. These brown grains incorporate a nutty and bittersweet after taste. It is commonly prepared as a bread and stuffed parathas whereas the flour can be used to make dokhlas, Munn and chaklis. Bajra should always be consumed fresh therefore it is best to purchase it in small quantities.

Did you know?

Bajra is called babala and lebelebele in Africa and milheto in Brazil. One cup of dry pearl millet expands to three cups of cooked millet.
Usage :

Over 90 percent of pearl millet cultivated is consumed as food by humans. Having its texture similar to brown rice, it can be cooked like rice. It is also used in the preparation of flat breads.
Pearl millet is grounded to flour and is used in making various baking products like breads, cookies, muffins, chapatis/ flat bread and biscuits. It lasts for not more than 15 days. The dried bajra grains are ground to flour which is light brown to greyish in color with a nutty taste. Bajra flour is usually used in winters as it is known to warm the body.

Hi friends! A new recipe for the winter. Once you make this yummy halwa in winter, it will remain on your dessert’s menu  for every winter!!!

Cuisine: North Indian

Course: Indian desserts

Time : 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients :

  • 1 cup Millet flour , 120 gms
  • 120 gms Jaggery
  • 1/2 cup Ghee
  • 6 Cashews
  • 15 pistachios
  • 15 Almonds
  • 6 Green cardamoms,

Method:

Step 1.

In a pan take 2 cups of water add Jaggery to it. On a high flame bring it to boil, reduce to low flame till jaggery has melted in water completely.

Step 2.

Dry roast lightly the nuts in a non stick heavy bottom pan, keep aside to cool. When cooled coarsely grind cashew nuts, almonds and pistachios. Keep aside.

Step 3.

Heat ghee in a wok/kadahi add millet flour to it. Stir frying cook on low-medium flame until it changes colour and slightly golden brown in color.

Step 4.

Add the hot jaggery syrup. Mix well and cook on medium flame stirring continuously until it gets thick in consistency.

Step 5.

When halwa gets thick add ground nuts and cardamom powder. Mix all ingredients really well and cook for one more minute. Millet flour halwa is ready.

Step 6.

Garnish the halwa with a tabsp of ground nuts and serve hot.

Note:

You can increase or decrease the quantity of sweetness in halwa as per your choice.

Top of Form

Nutritional Value :

Bajra is high in proteins, iron, calcium, folic acid and prevents anemia. It is higher in calorie count than wheat. It also promotes a healthy nervous system. Many claim bajra is the key to a slim waist since it aids in burning fat. It helps to overcome acidity due to its alkaline nature.
Ref. http://food.ndtv.com/ingredient/pearl-millet-700926

Health Benefits of Millet:

  1. Millet is alkaline and it digests easily.
  2. The Hunzas – who live in a remote area of the Himalayan foothills and are known for their excellent health and longevity – enjoy millet as a staple in their diet.
  3. Millet will hydrate your colon to keep you from being constipated.
  4. Millet acts as a prebiotic feeding microflora in your inner ecosystem.
  5. The serotonin in millet is calming to your moods.
  6. Millet is asmart carbwith lots of fiber and low simple sugars. Because of this it has a relatively low glycemic index and has been shown to produce lower blood sugar levels than wheat or rice.
  7. Magnesium in millet can help reduce the effects of migraines and heart attacks.
  8. Niacin (vitamin B3) in millet can help lower cholesterol.
  9. Millet consumption decreases triglycerides and C-reactive protein.
  10. All millet varieties show high antioxidant activity.
  11. Millet is gluten-free and non-allergenic. A great grain for sensitive individuals.
  12. Millet’s high protein content (15 percent) makes is a substantial addition to a vegetariandiet.

Ref. http://www.care2.com/greenliving/12-health-benefits-of-millet.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.

 

Dates / Khajur Ladoos

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Dates Ladoos

 Dates / Khajur Ladoos

Hi friends! Tasty laddoo made with a combination of dates and dry fruits.There is no sugar added in this recipe!

Preparation Time :15 minutes

Cooking time : 15 minutes

Serves : 15 Ladoos

Cuisine: Indian, North Indian

Course: Indian deserts

Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 275 gms Dates, seeded
  • 30 gms Almonds
  • 30 gms Cashew nuts
  • 30 gms Pistachios
  • 2 tsp Ghee
  • 2 tbsp Gum resin /gond, fried and powdered
  • 3 tbsp Poppy seeds /Khuskhus
  • 6 Green cardamoms, powdered

Method :

Step 1

Take the dates , remove the seeds and coarsely grind in a mixer and transfer into a bowl.

Step 2

Dry roast lightly the nuts in a non stick heavy bottom pan, keep aside to cool. When cooled coarsely grind cashew nuts, almonds and pistachios. Keep aside.

Step 3

Heat one tablespoon of ghee in a pan, add gum resin and fry till golden brown. Drain and cool ,make a powder keep aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add the poppy seeds, roast them lightly, remove and keep aside .

Step 5

In the same pan, add 1 tbsp ghee add dates and mix well. Sauté till dates are heated. Remove into a plate and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 6

Add coarsely ground roasted nuts, green cardamom powder and crushed gum resin,poppy seeds to the dates. Mix everything well switch off the stove.

Step 7.

Cool the dates mixture, divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into small lemon size ladoos.

Cool ladoos and store in an airtight container.

Possible health Benefits of Dates:

  • Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat. Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals.
  • They are rich source of protein, dietary fiber and rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5 along with vitamin A1 and C.
  • It helps improve the digestive system as it contains soluble and insoluble fibers and different kinds of amino acids.
  • Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose. To get more advantage add dates to milk and make it a very nutritious snack. Dates are very low in calories and are extremely suitable for health conscious people.
  • Dates are rich in potassium and reduced in sodium. This helps regulate a healthy nervous system. Researchers have revealed the fact that potassium intake up to a certain extent can reduce risk of stroke. Dates also help in lowering of the LDL cholesterol.
  • Dates have high iron content and are very useful in treating anemia. The patients can eat many dates for better advantages. Dates also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.
  • It helps people suffering from constipation. Soak dates overnight and take it along with water to have added advantage.
  • Dates help in weight gain and are beneficial for those who suffer from over slimming problem.
  • Cures abdominal cancer. The best thing is that it does not have any side effect on the body and is completely natural as well as it works better than medicine. It also helps in improving eye sight and helps in curing night blindness as well. Cures abdominal cancer. The best thing is that it does not have any side effect on the body and is completely natural as well as it works better than medicine. It also helps in improving eye sight and helps in curing night blindness as well.

Ref. http://www.indiaparenting.com/health/325_3792/top-10-health-benefits-of-dates.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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Rava Laddoos

~ saanjhachullha ~ 2 Comments

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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Carrot Pudding/Gaajar ka Halwa

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Carrot Halwa NG.JPG

Hi friends! Carrots the world’s healthiest food ! Carrots are perhaps best known for their rich supply of the antioxidant nutrient that was actually named for them: beta-carotene. However, these delicious root vegetables are the source not only of beta-carotene, but also of a wide variety of antioxidants and other health-supporting nutrients.Carrot pudding / Gajjar ka halwa is a delicious,  halwa /pudding rich with nuts and dried fruits is very popular all over the world. It is winter season dessert in India.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg  carrots, fresh and grated
  • 1 liter milk full cream
  • 1 tin (400 gms ) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup sugar or as per taste
  • 1/2 cup ghee
  • 100 gms khoya /dry thickened milk
  • 1/4 cup almonds, soaked over night and slivered
  • 2 tbsp kuskhus / Poppy seeds
  • 12 Green cardamoms, powdered

Method:

Step 1.

Wash the carrots very well, peel and grate and keep aside., soak the Khaskhas / poppy seeds in one cup water for an hour or so.

Step 2.

In a deep heavy bottom pan take carrots, milk and cook on a high flame till milk starts to boil. reduce to medium flame till all the milk thickens and reduces and blends with carrots. Add sugar and mix well.

Step 3.

Add khaskhas / poppy seeds and ghee to the carrot-milk mix and fry on slow / medium flame till the carrots are well fried and turn darker in color, add cardamom powder, mix well.

Step 4.

Add the slivered dry fruit, mix well and turn off the stove. Serve hot in bowls garnished with grated khoya.

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 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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