snacks

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.

Suji Methi crackers

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Suji methi namak pare 1Suji Methi crackers

Hi friends! here is a quick and easy to do recipe of  a healthy snack for you all enjoy.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all purpose flour / maida
  • 1 cup semolina/ Suji
  • 3 tbsp Kasuri methi
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or any other cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup cold water, to make the dough
  • Oil – for deep frying

Method:

 Step 1.

Soak the kasuri methi in half cup of water for 30 minutes.

Step 2.

In a mixing bowl take all purpose flour / maida, Suji / semolina, and salt together and rub the 1/4 cup oil in lightly so that the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Step 3.
Add soaked kasuri methi along with the water it was soaked in, knead into a stiff dough adding gradually required amount of water.

Step 4.

Cover the dough and set aside for at least 15 minutes.

Step 5.

Divide the dough into 28 equal portions. Make tiny smooth balls and roll out the dough gently into a 1/4 cm in thick circles each. Prick with a fork all over the surface.

Step 6.

Heat the oil in a wok /kadhai till a tiny piece of dough dropped in, rises to the top at once. Then, put in as many six discs or as will fit in comfortably.
Step 7.

Reduce the heat to medium flame, turn occasionally. Fry till light golden brown on both sides.
Step 8.
Lift out and place on absorbent paper Kitchen towel. Fry the rest similarly.

Step 9.

Cool and store in an airtight container.

Health benefits of Kasuri Methi:

Used as an accent flavor for curries and meat, kasoori methi are fenugreek leaves used in Indian cooking. Their taste is a cross between celery and fennel with a bitter bite. Although used in small amounts, kasoori methi may help you get more fiber, calcium and iron.

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.

Paniyaram/ spiced dumplings

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Paniyaran 1

Paniyaram /spiced dumplings originated in Tamil Nadu ,south of India, these are made in a special utensil or cookware called paniyaram chatti which have molds in it like a muffin pan . It is the traditional cookware used for making the paniyaram / spiced dumplings and gives the them round ball like appearance. It is made with rice and black lentil/ urad dal batter . These are basically called appams or spicy dumplings, and are generally served for breakfast or as a snack. These are also known in South India as Kuzhi paniyaram ,appe, guliappa, gulittu, and gundponglu, etc.

The batter is made by soaking the ingredients like rice, black lentils and Fenugreek seeds overnight in water, grinding the contents, then letting the batter ferment. Salt is added after mixing, the batter and  is poured into the cookware pan’s compartments and placed on a low flame. After couple of minutes, the appams / paniyaram / spiced dumplings are flipped over to cook from the top . The Kuzhi paniyaram /spiced dumplings are ready to serve when they turns golden-brown  all around .

Hi friends !masala paniyaram/ spiced dumplings are very easy to make. These can be made with leftover idli batter at home. There are different versions of masala Paniyaram / spiced pancakes. Here is one recipe for you to enjoy!

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cook time : 10 minutes

Cuisine : Indian , South Indian

Course: Breakfast / healthy snack

 Serves:

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups idli batter
  • 1 medium size onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp asafetida/hing
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder(optional)
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro / coriander, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp grated coconut
  • 2 tbsp carrot, finely grated
  • 1/4 tspsalt if required

Method:

Step1.

In a mixing bowl take the left over batter , add coconut, onions, green chili, ginger, carrot and salt, mix well.

Step 2.

On a medium flame heat the paniyaram chatti/ dumpling cookware with circular moulds . In each mould add a drop of cooking oil.

Step 3.

Take a spoonful of the batter mix and put in each mould leaving 1/4 of the mould empty.

Step 4.

Reduce the heat to low flame and allow the batter mix to cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5.

When the batter is firmed in the moulds, turn each paniyaram/ dumpling, in each mould with the help of a skewer or tip of the knife so that the other side get cooked and becomes golden brown.

Step 6.

Check the paniyaram/ dumplings for even cooking, turn once or twice for uniform cooking. Remove the cooked paniyaram/ dumpling from the cookware mould and serve hot with coconut chutney / sambar or both chutney and sambar.

 Note: Many variations can be tried with the basic recipe.

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.

Oats Dosas

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Oats Dosa 1

Oats Dosa

Hi friends ! Doasas are crispy savory pancakes/ crepes from South India is a staple food in its home region. In entire country too, Dosas are hugely popular. Instant dosas always come handy when nothing is preplanned for breakfast. There are many instant version dosas, my oats dosa recipe is easier to make than you think ! The good thing about these dosas is that they are thin and crisp and are delicious and healthy for you.For complete range of various breakfast options do check out my recipe menu.

VARITIES OF DOSAS: There are more than hundred different varieties of Dosas in India with a brilliant blend of taste, flavors, nutritional balance and seasonings. Oats dosas are special Dosas in this catagory and make healthy, nutritious breakfast or  great all time snacks! There are many instant version dosas, my Oats Dosa recipe is easier to make than you think !This recipe of Oats dosa is simple, easy,instant and gluten-free recipe. Once tasted, will definitely become hot favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white oats, I used Quaker’s quick white oats
  • 1/2 cup rice flour
  • 1 carrot, finely grated
  • 1/2 cup yogurt , whisked well
  • 1 pinch asafetida
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 2″ ginger piece,finely grated
  • 1 tsp salt / or salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp cilantro/ coriander, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 2 level tsp ENO fruit salt,Regular / 1 small pouch
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil

Method:

Step 1.

Make fine powder of oats in a grinder, keep aside.

Step 2.

In a mixing bowl take the powdered oats, rice flour, salt, asafetida, cumin seeds  and whisked yogurt, mix the ingredients well. Gradually add water as needed to make batter consistency of dosa/ pancake mix. Set aside for about ten minutes.

Step 3.

Add green chilies, finely chopped cilantro /coriander, grated carrots, add  ENO fruit salt mix it well, batter will become little frothy.

Step 4.

Place a non-stick tava / griddle over medium flame. Grease the non-stick tava / griddle lightly. Test by sprinkling a few drops of water on it if water sizzles right away non-stick tava / griddle is ready for making dosa.

Step 5.

Pour a ladle full of the batter mixture onto the non-stick tava / griddle and spread evenly with the back of the ladle, about six to eight inches in diameter.

Step 6.

When the batter begins to dry a bit, gently pour one tsp of oil over and around it. Wait about 20 seconds, then flip the dosa using a spatula.

Step 7.

Press the dosa very gently with the spatula all around to ensure even cooking, when dosa is golden brown on both sides, fold it once with the help of spatula and slide it gently on a plate.

Step 8.

Repeat this process for the remaining dosas.

Step 9.

Serve oat dosa hot. The best accompaniments with the Oats Dosas are coriander/ coconut/ curry leaves or tomato chutney.

Note:

  • The key for the perfect and crisp lacy dosas lies in the consistency of batter, so please stick to the measurements provided in the recipe.
  • Mix the batter well before use.
  • The tawa / griddle used to prepare dosas, preferable should be flat an iron or non-stick tawas work best, use a properly heated tawa /griddle ( not cold , not too hot) for best results.
  • For the instant dosas pour the batter mixture onto the tawa / griddle and spread in a circular way evenly with the back of a ladle, about six-eight inches in diameter.
  • Dosas are best when eaten hot. Cold Dosas turn soggy and become slightly sticky.
  • For complete range of various chutney options do check out my recipe menu.
The Benefits of Eating Oatmeal Every Morning :
Whole Grain

Oatmeal is a whole grain, and eating whole grains can lower your risk for several diseases, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Oatmeal also contains lignans, a plant chemical that has been found to prevent heart disease. The food label on your package of oats should list one ingredient: whole grain oats. Avoid prepackaged oatmeal that may be high in both sodium and sugar and lower in beneficial fiber. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 recommends eating whole grains to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, whole grains such as oats are a source of iron, magnesium and B vitamins.

Lower Cholesterol

Eating oatmeal can lower your cholesterol, especially your LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol, consider adding oatmeal to your daily menu. MayoClinic.com even recommends oatmeal as one of the top five foods to eat to improve your cholesterol numbers.

Lower Weight

Oatmeal is a source of fiber. That means when you eat oats for breakfast, you’re going to feel full for a long time. Breakfast foods high in sugar and fat can make you feel full for a brief period, but then you’re hungry again. A breakfast smoothie, consisting of blended oats, fruit and ice, can satisfy your hunger easily until lunch.

Oatmeal Options

If you’ve tried oatmeal before and didn’t like it, reconsider. Combining fruit or nuts with your oats while they’re cooking adds more nutrients. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg give great flavor to your oats. Limit any sugars and let the natural flavor of the fruits and spices take over. Blend your oats with different fruits into a healthy oatmeal smoothie. Because oatmeal is such a beneficial food, try to find a different way to eat it every day.

 

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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Gram Flour/Besan Uttpam

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Besan Dosa with cheese 1

Gram Flour / Besan Uttapam

Gram flour, also known as garbanzo bean flour, chickpea flour, or besan, is a pulse flour made from ground chickpeas. Used in many countries, it is a staple ingredient in Indian, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi cuisines.

Hi friends! Gram Flour / Besan Uttapam is a tasty dish for breakfast or as a snack. This recipe is easy and quick to prepare and can be served with coriander / cilantro chutney. It is a favorite dish of the family for breakfast, folded with cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup gram flour / besan
  • 150 gms fresh cottage cheese / paneer, grated
  • 1/4 cup rice flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 level tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp Ajwain / Carom seeds
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tbsp cilantro / coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 6 tbsp of oil to cook

Method:

Step 1.

Grate the the cottage cheese/ paneer and keep aside.

Step 2.

In a mixing bowl take Gram Flour / Besan, rice flour , add salt, baking soda, carom seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder slowly add water mix to make a smooth batter. The mix consistency of pancake batter or Dosa batter.

Step 3.

Take  a non-stick pan /tava and place on medium flame. To check the heat level required, test by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. Water should sizzle right away.

Step 4.

Pour about 1 ladle of the batter onto non- stick pan / tava stick and spread evenly with a back of ladle. Starting from the center, with spiral movement spread the batter outward evenly to form a circle about 6″ in diameter.

Step 5.

Immediately after spreading the batter onto non-stick pan /tava , spread evenly two tbsp grated cottage cheese/ paneer, 1 tsp finely chopped cilantro / coriander leaves on the dosa.

Step 6.

When batter starts to dry a little, slowly spread little cooking oil over and around it. After 30 seconds; flip the uttpam using a flat spatula. Press the uttpam lightly all around with the spatula to make the cheese and uttpam cook evenly until crisp and golden brown on both sides.

Step 7.

Repeat the process for the remaining uttpam. Serve uttpam hot with cilantro / dhania / coriander chutney.

Note:

Quick spread of the batter on hot non-stick pan / tava, will make the spreading easier and will give better results.

Health benefits of Besan/ gram 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.

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Matar/Green peas Samosas

~ saanjhachullha ~ 1 Comment

Samosa Matarwala G

Matar/Green peas Samosas

Samosa : A samosa /səˈmoʊsə/ or samoosa is a fried or baked pastry with savory filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, peas, lentils and also with ground meat. They may or may not also contain pine nuts. The samosa originated in the Middle East (where it is known as sambosa) prior to the 10th century. Its size and consistency may vary, but typically it is distinctly triangular or tetrahedral in shape. Indian samosas are usually vegetarian, and often accompanied by a mint sauce or chutney. Vegetarian samosas originated in Uttar Pradesh. Samosas are a popular entree appetizer or snack in the local cuisines of Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Southwest Asia, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, the Horn of Africa and North Africa. Due to cultural diffusion and emigration from these areas, samosas are today also prepared in other regions. Alternative names :  Samsa, somsa, sambosak, sambusa, samoosa, singada, samuza, somasi, somaas

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

Hi friends! Here is the recipe of a crispy and spicy, yummy Indian snack which is crisp  and filled with peas and spices.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.

Cooking time: 20-25 minutes

Cuisine : Indian

Course : Savory Snack

Ingredients:

For Pastry/ dough

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour/ Maida
  • 1 tbsp Semolina /sooji
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1/2 tsp Ajwain/ Carom seeds
  • 1/2 tsp salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup warm water

For Filling:

  • 200 gms  frozen green peas, boiled
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp dry mango powder /amchoor
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt or/ to taste
  • 8-9 cashew nuts, coarsely ground

 Method:

For  pastry/ dough

Step 1.

In a bowl mix all-purpose flour/ Maida, Semolina /sooji, salt, ajwain /carom seeds, oil and mix well. Gradually add  warm water to make a soft dough (adding water as much required).

Step 2.

Knead the dough well to make it smooth and pliable.Cover the dough and keep aside for ten minutes.

For Filling

Step 1.

In a pressure cooker take green peas add 1/4 cup of water. On a high flame, when full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. When pressure cooker cools down to room temperature, open the lid and drain the water take out the peas in a bowl. keep the peas aside.

Step 2.

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat, and put the coriander powder, chili powder, dry mango powder/ amchoor, gram masala, cashew nuts and salt. Saute for few seconds add green peas mix, stir fry and  mash the peas to get a coarse mixture. Cook on low flame for about 5-8 minutes. Switch off the stove.

Step 3.

Let the let the filling cool to room temperature. Keep aside.

For making samosas

Step1.

Before starting, knead the dough for a few seconds again.

Step 2.

Divide the dough into 6 equal parts and roll each portion of dough with a drop of oil on the rolling board, into a thin flat round shape with about 5 inch diameter.

Step 3.

Cut the rolled dough circle from the center into two halves with kinfe. Make each half into a cone by sticking seam together with a little water. Pinch gently the side of this cone so that it is completely sealed.

Step 4.

Fill the cone with about 1.5 tablespoons of the cooked pea mixture. Press this filling down gently.Close the slightly wet top of the cone edges to form a triangular shape, pinching the top edge to seal it completely.This way fill in all the samosas and keep ready on a tray.

Step 5.

Heat sufficient oil in a wok, kadahi /frying pan on medium heat. To check if oil is hot enough place a tiny piece of dough in oil and if dough come to the surface , oil is ready for frying.

Step 6.

Slide in the samosas in the hot oil one by one carefully,frying a few at a time. Samosas should not overlap in the frying pan.When samosas starts floating on top of the oil, slowly turn them .

Step 7.

Fry the samosas until the samosas are golden-brown on all sides. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Take the Samosas out over a  paper kitchen towel for removing extra oil.

Step 8.

Green Pea/ Matar samosas are ready to serve!  Serve hot as tea time snack with fresh coriander / dhaniya chutney.

Note:

  • If you use a high flame for frying, the samosa crust will remain soft and not cook properly.
  • Fresh shelled peas can be used too.
  • Raw Samosas can be made and refrigerated for two days
  • For a healthy snack, take just sufficient oil in the wok, kadahi /frying pan for frying the samosas and discard the used oil after frying.

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.

Semolina Crackers

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Semolina Crackers

Hi friends! Salted crackers are a very crisp and delicious tea time snack.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: North Indian

Course: Snack

Makes: 24 discs

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Semolina/Sooji flour
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 2/3 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 cup Water (use as required)
  • Oil to deep fry

Method:

Step 1.

Mix Semolina/Sooji flour, salt, pepper, oil and rub it well with your finger tips.

Step.2

Add water little at a time, kneading the mix well with your palm into a soft firm dough. Cover and set aside for 15 minutes.

Step 3.

Divide the dough into about four equal portions. Take each portion of the dough and roll it into 4″ circles. With a cookie cutter cut 4-6 crackers/discs from each rolled out circle.

Step 4.

Prick each cracker/disc with a fork. Heat the oil for deep frying on medium heat. To check if the oil is ready (hot enough for frying), put a tiny piece of dough in the oil to see if it comes up slowly.

Step 5.

On low flame, fry the crackers/discs in batches, until both sides are light golden in colour.

Step 6.

Drain the fried crackers on a paper kitchen towel lined dish to drain out the excessive oil, if any.

Note:

  1. Cool and store in air tight containers.
  2. When you add the water little at a time the Semolina/Sooji flour will look scattered but slowly it will form a dough.

Health benefits of Semolina /Sooji:

  • 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.healthbeautyblogs.com/articles-flours-benefits/assorted-benefits-of-sooji-for-health-and-diet

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.

 

Yam/Jimikand Kebabs

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Yam Kebabs NG 1

What is Yam / elephant yam?

The elephant yam can be described as an edible tuber, which is one of the most widely consumed food crops, mainly in the tropical regions. This tuber is called elephant yam because the plant that it is derived from is quite huge and resembles the foot of an elephant to a great extent. Therefore, some of the other synonyms for the elephant yam are elephant foot yam, sweet yam and elephant bread. The highest consumption of the elephant yam is in Africa, followed by some Asian countries such as India. Although in the United States sweet potatoes are often mistaken for the elephant yam, the two are actually quite different, since they belong to two completely different plant families.

Hi friends!On the health and nutrition front, elephant yams are very high in carbs and are also good sources of proteins and certain vitamins. Elephant yam antioxidants make it a nutritious food to eat. Here is recipe for Yam/Jimikand Kebabs.

Difficulty level : Medium

Cuisine : North Indian

Course: Appetizers / snack

Prep Time : 25 minutes

Cook Time : 15 minutes

Ingredients :

  • 250 gm Yam, cut into tiny cubes
  • 1 cup Bengal gram split and skinned / Chana Dal
  • 2 small size Onions, finely Chopped Onions
  • 3 tbs Corn flour
  • 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
  • 1 tbsp White Vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro/Coriander , finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Ginger , finely grated
  • 1 tsp Garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp Garam masala
  • ½ tsp Aamchur/Dry Mango Powder
  • ½ tsp Jeera/Cumin Powder
  • 4 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2/3 tsp Salt or / salt to taste

For filling:

  • 100 gms cottage cheese
  • 2 tsp Melon Seeds
  • 4 tbsp pista, coarsely ground
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Method:

Step 1.

Peel and clean Yam / Jimikand, cut into small cubes wash it well.

Step 2.

On a high flame in a pressure cooker put yam with white vinegar and 1 cup of water . Close the lid, when full pressure is formed reduce the heat to low flame and cook for 5 minutes. Switch off the stove and let the pressure cooker cool to room temperature.

Step 3.

Open the lid drain yam and using a colander drain the water and wash the cubes under running water to remove some starch. place it in the food processor and grind into a fine paste. Lightly fry the ground yam in oil for 10 minutes. Switch off the stove and let cool it to room temperature.

Step 4.

On a high flame in a pressure cooker put washed chana dal with 3cups of water . Close the lid, when full pressure is formed reduce the heat to low flame and cook for1 5 minutes. Switch off the stove and let the pressure cooker cool to room temperature.

Step 5.

Open the lid strain chana dal using a colander, drain the water and mash the cooked dal into a coarse paste.

Step 6.

Add boiled and mashed chana dal, coriander, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, gram masala, amchoor/ mango powder, salt, red chili powder to the yam and mix well.

Step 7.

Divide into 12 equal portions. and keep aside.

Step 8.

For the filling, mix 1/2 tsp salt to grated cottage cheese, green chilies, melon seeds and pista. Make roundels with it, cover each roundel with yam mix.

Step 9.

Press each kebab and make it flat. Coat each kebab lightly in corn flour and set aside.

Step 10.

Heat about 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry Yam kebabs in batches until golden brown on both sides. Between batches, add oil as needed.and shallow fry in oil. Serve with green chutney.

Elephant yam health benefits:

There are several elephant yam health benefits that are quite well known.

Given below are some of the most common elephant yam health benefits:

  • The trace minerals and key minerals present in elephant yam include copper, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.
    • The fiber content in elephant yam is naturally high and therefore, it is usually considered a slimming food, as it promotes weight loss and reduces the levels of cholesterol in the body. If elephant yam is cooked in the right way, it can be eaten without any fear of weight gain.Several low fat elephant yam recipes are easily available through online resources as well as recipe books.
    • It has a cooling effect on the body, which is why it is good for people who suffer from hypertension.
    • Elephant yams are very high in omega 3 fatty acids; they help reduce the bad cholesterol in the body and increase the good cholesterol instead.
    • People who are undergoing treatment for piles are usually advised to eat high amounts of elephant yam.
    • The anti-coagulating properties present in yam can prevent the blood from clotting.

Ref. http://www.diethealthclub.com/articles/360/diet-and-wellness/elephant-yam-and-health-benefits.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.

Multigrain Munn/Multigrain Cookies

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Multigrain Cookies Munn

Multigrain Munn / Millet and Sorghum cookies

Safe snacking

Hi friends!In these cold winter months, we often find ourselves reaching for the blanket in bed or a recliner chair near a room heater with unsuitable snacks. Avoid piling on the winter kilos with my very delicious and nutritious multigrain fat free treat substitute. In nations with high sorghum consumption, the grain is often eaten as porridge or boiled like rice as a base for other dishes. The Ethiopian bread injera is made from sorghum, as are a variety of gluten-free beers.

Preparation & Cooking Time : 10 -15 minutes

Serves: 4

Course: Snack/ Healthy snack

Cuisine: Indian, North Indian, Punjab
Ingredients :

  • 2 cups Bajra / Millet Flour
  • 2 cups Jowar /Sorghum flour
  • 200 gms Jaggery
  • 4 tbsps Til/ Sesame seed
  • 1/2 cup powdered almonds
  • 11/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp khopra finely chopped (optional)

Method:

Step 1.

Add 1 1/2 cup of water to jaggery and heat until the jaggery melts. Keep aside for cooling.

Step 2.

In a pan on medium flame dry roast the Til/ Sesame seed till slightly pink, switch off the stove. Keep aside for cooling.

Step 3.

Combine the Bajra /millet flour and Jowar /Sorghum flour, almond powder and Til/ Sesame seed in a mixing bowl.  Add the melted jaggery to it and make a soft dough.

Step 4.

Divide the dough into 6-7 equal sized balls.

Step 5.

Now flatten each dough ball on a dusted rolling board or plastic sheet to form a small and thick circle with your palm or rolling pin.With a fork pierce the surface of the Munn / cookie

Step 6.

Place it on a heated tava / griddle and cook on a low flame covered with a lid for a minute.

Step 7.

Carefully flip the cookie cover and cook on the other side for a minute. Flip again third time cover and cook for a minute or so till golden and flip again a fourth time cover and cook for a minute. Remove from the tava / griddle and cool on a wire rack.

Step 8.

Cool and serve as a snack.

Health Benefits of Millet:

Millet is more than just an interesting alternative to the more common grains. Our food ranking system qualified it as a good source of some very important nutrients, including copper, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Heart-Protective Properties

Although oats have been widely publicized for their heart-protective properties, millet is a grain that should also be included on your list of heart-healthy choices because of its status as a good source of magnesium. Magnesium has been shown in studies to reduce the severity of asthma and to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Magnesium has also been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack, especially in people with atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

Development and Repair of Body Tissue

The phosphorus provided by millet plays a role in the structure of every cell in the body. In addition to its role in forming the mineral matrix of bone, phosphorus is an essential component of numerous other life-critical compounds including adenosine triphosphate or ATP, the molecule that is the energy currency of the body. Phosphorus is an important component of nucleic acids, the building blocks of the genetic code. In addition, the metabolism of lipids (fats) relies on phosphorus, and phosphorus is an essential component of lipid-containing structures such as cell membranes and nervous system structures.

Millet and Other Whole Grains Substantially Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Millet and other whole grains are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body’s use of glucose and insulin secretion.

The FDA permits foods that contain at least 51% whole grains by weight (and are also low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol) to display a health claim stating consumption is linked to lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Now, research suggests regular consumption of whole grains also reduces risk of type 2 diabetes. (van Dam RM, Hu FB, Diabetes Care).

Helps Prevent Gallstones

Eating foods high in insoluble fiber, such as millet, can help women avoid gallstones, shows a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Fiber from Whole Grains and Fruit Protective against Breast Cancer

When researchers looked at how much fiber 35,972 participants in the UK Women’s Cohort Study ate, they found a diet rich in fiber from whole grains, such as millet, and fruit offered significant protection against breast cancer for pre-menopausal women. (Cade JE, Burley VJ, et al., International Journal of Epidemiology).

Ref.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=53#healthbenefits

Health Benefits of Jowar /Sorghum flour:

Sorghum, an ancient cereal grain that’s a staple crop in India and throughout Africa, has long been considered a safe grain alternative for people with celiac disease and gluten insensitivity. New molecular evidence confirms that sorghum is completely gluten-free, and reports that the grain provides health benefits that make it a worthy addition to any diet.

Benefits Your Metabolism

Consuming sorghum benefits your health, thanks to its magnesium and copper content. Magnesium contributes to healthy bone tissue and regulates your body’s calcium levels, while copper boosts your immune system and promotes red blood development. Both minerals also play a role in your metabolism and help your cells produce useable energy. A serving of sorghum offers 91 milligrams of magnesium and 518 micrograms of copper. This provides 58 percent of your daily copper requirement, determined by the Institute of Medicine, as well as 22 and 28 percent of the recommended daily magnesium intake for men and women, respectively.

Helps Support Your Metabolism

Adding sorghum to your diet also helps you consume more iron and niacin, or vitamin B-3. Like copper and magnesium, iron and niacin support your metabolism — iron aids in fuel production, and niacin helps you break down and metabolize nutrients into energy. Niacin and iron also support healthy circulation, and iron plays a role in immune function. Each serving of sorghum provides 2.1 milligrams of iron and 1.4 milligrams of niacin. This makes up 12 percent of the daily recommended iron intake and 10 percent of the daily niacin intake, recommended by the Institute of Medicine, along with 26 and 9 percent of the daily recommended intakes of iron and niacin, respectively, for men.

It’s Tasty in Baked Goods, Salads and More

Use sorghum flour in place of wheat flour for gluten-free baking — its mild flavor works well in breads, wraps, muffins and other baked goods. Alternatively, cook whole sorghum grains in water to use in place of other grains in recipes. Combine sorghum with your favorite chopped veggies, fresh herbs in a lemon-juice vinaigrette for a hearty salad, toss a handful of cooked sorghum into a bowl of soup before serving, or ladle stir-fries or stews over a bed of sorghum grains, instead of rice.

Ref: http://www.livestrong.com/article/441156-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-sorghum/

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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Bajre ka Munn/Millet cookies

~ saanjhachullha ~ 1 Comment

Bajra Mun Millet cookies

Bajre ka Munn/Millet cookies

Hi friends! Another Safe snacking winter treat. In these cold winter months, we often find ourselves reaching for the blanket in bed or a recliner chair near a room heater with unsuitable snacks. Avoid piling on the winter kilos with my very delicious and nutritious treat substitute.Bajre ka Munn / Millet cookies, are a Winter bonanzas!

Preparation & Cooking Time : 10 -15 minutes

Serves: 6

Cuisine: Indian, Punjab

Course: Snack, healthy snack

Cuisine: Indian, North Indian, Punjab

Ingredients :

  • 3 cups Bajra / Millet Flour
  • 200 gms Jaggery
  • 3 tbsps Til/ Sesame seed
  • 1/2 cup powdered almonds
  • 1 cup water

Method:

Method:

Step 1.

Add 1 cup of water to jaggery and heat until the jaggery melts. Keep aside for cooling.

Step 2.

In a pan on medium flame dry roast the Til/ Sesame seed till slightly pink, switch off the stove. Keep aside for cooling.

Step 3.

Combine the Bajra /millet flour, almond powder and Til / Sesame seed in a mixing bowl.  Add the melted jaggery to it and make a soft dough.

Step 4.

Divide the dough into 6-7 equal sized balls.

Step 5.

Now flatten each dough ball on a dusted rolling board or plastic sheet to form a small and thick circle with your palm or rolling pin. With a fork pierce the surface of the Munn / cookie.

Step 6.

Place it on a heated tava / griddle and cook on a low flame covered with a lid for a minute.

Step 7.

Carefully flip the cookie, cover and cook on the other side for a minute. Flip again third time cover and cook for a minute or so till golden and flip again a fourth time cover and cook for a minute. Remove from the tava / griddle and cool on a wire rack.

Step 8.

Cool and serve as a snack.

Health Benefits of Millet:

Millet is more than just an interesting alternative to the more common grains. Our food ranking system qualified it as a good source of some very important nutrients, including copper, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Heart-Protective Properties

Although oats have been widely publicized for their heart-protective properties, millet is a grain that should also be included on your list of heart-healthy choices because of its status as a good source of magnesium.  Magnesium has also been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack, especially in people with atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

Development and Repair of Body Tissue

The phosphorus provided by millet plays a role in the structure of every cell in the body. In addition to its role in forming the mineral matrix of bone, phosphorus is an essential component of numerous other life-critical compounds including adenosine triphosphate or ATP, the molecule that is the energy currency of the body. Phosphorus is an important component of nucleic acids, the building blocks of the genetic code. In addition, the metabolism of lipids (fats) relies on phosphorus, and phosphorus is an essential component of lipid-containing structures such as cell membranes and nervous system structures.

Millet and Other Whole Grains Substantially Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Millet and other whole grains are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body’s use of glucose and insulin secretion.

Helps Prevent Gallstones

Eating foods high in insoluble fiber, such as millet, can help women avoid gallstones, shows a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology.

Fiber from Whole Grains and Fruit Protective against Breast Cancer

When researchers looked at how much fiber 35,972 participants in the UK Women’s Cohort Study ate, they found a diet rich in fiber from whole grains, such as millet, and fruit offered significant protection against breast cancer for pre-menopausal women. (Cade JE, Burley VJ, et al., International Journal of Epidemiology).

Ref.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=53#healthbenefits

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.

 

Pua/Wheat Flour Pancakes

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Puras   Kheer Pua.JPG Kheer

Pua/Wheat Flour Pancakes

Hi friends! Pua / wheat flour Pancakes is one of our favorite comfort foods for cold weather!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole-wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup Semolina
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 24 Almonds, powdered
  • 1 2/3 cups sugar
  • 4 tbsp clarified butter / ghee for frying
  • 2 tbsp Fennel seeds / Saunf
  • 12 Black peppers
  • 1 cup grated khopra

Method:

Step 1.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, semolina, baking soda, sugar and salt.

Step 2.

In the flour mixture pour in the milk. Whisk together thoroughly.

Step 3.

Gently fold the , almond powder and grated khopra, Fennel seeds and black pepper into the batter with a spatula.

Step 4.

Heat a griddle or a non stick pan over medium-high heat. Swirl enough ghee around the pan until it is well coated. Add pancake batter using a deep ladle.

Step 5.

When the pancakes start becoming golden brown on the bottom, flip them over to cook the other side.

Step 6.

Serve with warm kheer.

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.

Spinach Leaf Fritters

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Palak leaf Pakodas

Spinach leaf fritters

 

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a wonderful green-leafy vegetable often recognized as one of the functional foods for its wholesome nutritional, antioxidants and anti-cancer composition. Its tender, crispy, dark-green leaves are one of the favorite ingredients of chefs all around the planet. Botanically, it belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, and its scientific name: Spinacia oleracea. Spinacia plant grows about 1 foot in height. Although, it can be grown year round, fresh greens are best available just after the winter season in the Northern hemisphere from March through May and from September until November, in the South of the equatorial line.At least, two varieties of spinach are cultivated for their edible leaves; Savoy type with dark-green crinkle (wrinkled) leaves and flat-leaf type with smooth surfaced leaves.

Hi friends! Follow the recipe and absolutely delicious crispy spinach fritters ready in no time !

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

Cooking Time: 2 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • 15 Spinach , fresh leaves
  • 1 cup Chickpea flour / gram flour
  • 1/2 cup rice flour
  • 1/4 tsp Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp Red chili powder
  • 1 level tsp salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp carom seeds / Ajwain
  • 1 tsp coriander powder

Method:

Step 1.

Wash Spinach leaves very well and keep aside.

Step 2.

Take a mixing bowl, add gram flour, rice flour, baking soda, red chili powder, coriander powder and salt. Now take a cup of water and make a medium consistency (neither too thin nor too thick) batter.

Step 3.

Heat the oil in wok / kadahi /pan. Take one by one each spinach leaf and dip in the batter, making sure spinach leaf is well coated with the batter from both the sides and then gently slid it in to the hot oil.

Step 4.

Fry it on medium flame till golden brown from both sides. Serve hot with fresh coriander chutney.

Health benefits of Spinach leaves:

  • pinach is store house for many phyto-nutrients that have health promotional and disease prevention properties.
  • Very low in calories and fats (100 g of raw leaves provide just 23 calories). Its leaves hold a good amount of soluble dietary fiber and no wonder green spinach is one of the finest vegetable sources recommended in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs!
  • Fresh 100 g of spinach contains about 25% of daily intake of iron; one of the richest among green leafy vegetables. Iron is an important trace element required by the human body for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for oxidation-reduction enzyme, cytochrome-oxidase during the cellular metabolism.
  • Fresh leaves are rich source of several vital anti-oxidant vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and flavonoid poly phenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zea-xanthin and beta-carotene. Together, these compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a healing role in aging and various disease processes.
  • Zea-xanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, is selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. It thus helps protect from “age-related macular related macular disease” (ARMD), especially in the elderly.
  • In addition, vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for normal eye-sight. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin A and flavonoids also known to help the body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  • Spinach leaves are an excellent source of vitamin K. 100 g of fresh greens provides 402% of daily vitamin-K requirements. Vitamin K plays a vital role in strengthening the bone mass by promoting osteotrophic (bone building) activity in the bone. Additionally, it also has established role in patients with Alzheimer’s disease by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
  • This green leafy vegetable also contains good amounts of many B-complex vitamins such as vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin, folates and niacin. Folates help prevent neural tube defects in the offspring.
  • 100 g of farm fresh spinach has 47% of daily recommended levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.
  • Its leaves also contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper and zinc. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Zinc is a co-factor for many enzymes that regulate growth and development, sperm generation, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis.
  • It is also good source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Regular consumption of spinach in the diet helps prevent osteoporosis (weakness of bones), iron-deficiency anemia. Moreover, its soft leaves are believed to protect human body from cardiovascular diseases and cancers of colon and prostate.

Ref. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/spinach.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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Masala Potatoes

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Baby Potatoes 1  Masala Potatoes

Hi friends! A different snack! It is a quick and easy to cook  recipe made with small baby potatoes. Cooked in few mild spices and can be served as a Appetizer / starter/ snack dish for dinners and lunches. These potatoes are extremely delicious to serve as evening snack.

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cooking time: 6-7 minutes

Course: Snack / Appetizer

Cuisine: Indian, North Indian

Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 250 gms Potatoes Small,baby potatoes
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil for frying (or any other cooking medium)
  •  1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp coriander powder
  • 2 tbsp chaat masala powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder, or / as per your taste
  • 1 level tsp Salt or / Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander/ cilantro leaves, finely chopped

Method:

Step 1.

Wash the potatoes nicely, put in the pressure cooker, add 2 cups of water and 1/2 tsp of salt. On high flame when pressure is formed, reduce the heat to low flame and cook for 5 minutes switch off the stove.

Step 2.

Let the pressure cooker cool to room temperature, open the lid and take out the potatoes, peel the potatoes and keep aside.

Step 3.

In a wok / kadahi heat oil on medium flame, add cumin seed, when cumin seeds start crackling add coriander powder, red chili powder fry for few seconds add baby potatoes, salt and chaat masala.Mix well, cover and cook for 5-6 minutes stirring the potatoes intermittently (baby potatoes should be well coated with the spices.

Step 4.

Remove in a serving dish and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves toss well and serve hot as a tea-time snack!

Note: While I have used baby potatoes for this recipe, if not available, you can use any sized potatoes. Just cut them into suitable bite size pieces.In-case chaat masala is not available you can use same quantity of dry mango powder/ Aamchoor.

Health benefits of the potatoes:

Yet far from being the devil’s food, a cooked new potato has only 26 calories and is packed with nutrients. A key to lasting weight loss is eating foods that make you feel full for longer.’You should eat complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, rather than simple carbohydrates like sugar or biscuits which give a short energy boost followed by hunger pangs,’ she says. ‘In this way, potatoes can help you reduce binge-eating.’

Nutritious: Potatoes provide the body with an essential source of fuel and energy, which you need even when dieting. Potatoes provide the body with an essential source of fuel and energy, which you need even when dieting. As a rich carbohydrate source, they help to fuel all reactions in the body which you need for movement, thinking, digestion and cellular renewal.

Vitamin Booster:

Potatoes were eaten by 19th Century English and Spanish sailors to fend off scurvy. Surprisingly rich in immune-boosting Vitamin C, a medium potato (150g) with the skin provides 27mg, almost half of the recommended daily intake. Potatoes are also a rich source of Vitamin B, folate and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. Potatoes are underground tubers, meaning that they store all the vitamins and minerals needed for growing new potato plants in spring. Rather than being bland and starchy, they’re actually full of nutrients.

Super food: One new potato contains just 26 calories

BLOOD PRESSURE

Potatoes have kukoamines. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a plant, Lycium chinense – which also contains kukoamines – as a tea to lower blood pressure. A few good servings of potatoes a day would have some blood-pressure lowering activity.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Potatoes have flavonoids, which help protect against cardiovascular-disease by lowering levels of bad LDL-cholesterol and keeping arteries fat-free. The B vitamins in potatoes also protect arteries. Vitamin B6, found in potatoes, reduces levels of a molecule called homocysteine which is involved in inflammation and the furring up of arteries. High homocysteine levels are associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

GUT HEALTH

A single baked potato will provide nearly 12 per cent of the daily recommended amount of fibre, giving similar levels to whole grain breads, pastas and cereals. High levels of dietary fibre and ‘bulking agents’ support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, while giving a protective effect from colon cancer.

 

STRESS

Potatoes are exceedingly rich in Vitamin B6, a substance needed for cellular renewal, a healthy nervous system and a balanced mood. Just  100g of baked potato contains 21 per cent of the daily value of the vitamin. It is used to make neurotransmitters –substances that deliver messages from one cell to the next. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are needed for the regulation of mood and Vitamin B6 is needed to make them. It is also used to make adrenaline, hormones that help us respond to stress, and GABA, a substance linked to relaxation and a feeling of well being.

 

DON’T PASS ON THE POTATOES

Cut out the extra fat and deep frying, and a typical baked potato suddenly becomes a healthy high-fibre food. Packed with vitamins: Potato skins contain fibre and flavonoids and other nutrients, so keeping them on if you boil or mash potatoes will give extra nutrition.

Potato skins contain fibre and flavonoids and other nutrients, so keeping them on if you boil or mash potatoes will give extra nutrition. As Vitamin C leaches into water, bake your potatoes if you want to get the most of this vitamin.

Chips that have been cooked in deep-fried oil will be soaked in artery-clogging fat and packed full of unhealthy calories. Instead, eat oven-baked chips, which are virtually fat free.

Ref. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1206765/Why-potatoes-suprising-health-benefit-key-lasting-weight-loss.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.

 

Matara/Dried White peas

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Matar white peas

White peas dried / sukha matar/ Matra- No onions no garlic recipe! Light and delicious matra served with warm kulchas is replicated at home!Matar kulcha is one of the popular street food of Delhi.

Cook time: 25 minutes

Course: snacks / brunch

Cuisine: Indian / North Indian

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

for the matar/white peas curry:

  • 1 cup, white peas dried / sukha matar
  • 2 cups water, for pressure cooking the peas
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ¼ tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds powder, roasted and powdered

Masala chutney:

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp fennel seeds/saunf
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 tsp of asafetida/hing
  • 1 black cardamom, seeds only
  • 1 tsp dry mango powder/amchur powder
  • 1 red chili
  • 1 1/2 tsp black salt/kala namak
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1small lemon size tamarind, seedless
  • ¼ cup water for grinding

For garnishing:

  • 1 onion, medium size, finely chopped (Optional, do not use if no onion cooking required)
  • 1 tomato ,medium sized, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely grated
  • 1 lemon, small, cut in to small cubes
  • 1 tbsp coriander leaves , finely chopped

Method:

cooking the peas:

Step 1.

Clean, wash and soak the matar / dried white peas overnight.

Step 2.

Put soaked matar / dried white peas in the pressure cooker with 4 cups of water on high flame, the moment pressure is formed, reduce the heat to low flame for fifteen minutes.

Step 3.

Let the pressure cooker cool to room temperature, open the lid and take out the cooked peas in a bowl and keep aside.

preparing Masala chutney:

Step 3.

Grind all the ingredients, cumin seeds, fennel seeds/saunf, fresh mint leaves, of asafetida/hing, cardamom, seeds , dry mango powder/amchur powder, red chili, black salt / kala namak, black pepper powder, and tamarind with water to a smooth paste. keep aside.

preparing white peas curry:

Step 4.

In a pan, heat oil. On a high flame, add the cumin seeds, when it starts crackling remove the pan from stove.

Step 5.

Add the dry spices like chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, amchur powder and red chili powder. Stir and add the cooked matar to these masalas. Place the pan on the stove and heat the matar for 5 minutes, add the prepared masala chutney and mix well. Cook the matar or peas curry till masala is well blended, for about 2 minutes.

Step 6.

Serve hot the matar garnished with coriander leaves,onions, tomato, ginger and chilies squeeze some lemon juice on top and mix lightly with Kulcha.

Dried Peas Health Benefits :

Although dried peas belong to the same family of beans and legumes, they are classified in a separate group due to the preparation. The fully matured pea pods are dried to get dried peas. It is harder and starchier than that of fresh peas and can be readily used when fresh peas are not available. Dried peas are available in yellow, green, and red colors. Health benefits of dried peas are numerous due to their nutritional value.

Dried peas benefits are numerous owing to the presence of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

They are packed with dietary fiber and are a good source of nutrients such as proteins, molybdenum, thiamin, folate, potassium, and phosphorus.  Half a cup of cooked dried peas provides:

  • 144 calories
  • 26 g carbohydrates
  • 10 g proteins
  • 10 g dietary fiber
  • 1 g fat
  • 2 mg sodium
  • 0 mg cholesterol
Some of the health benefits are as follows:
  • Since dried peas have high fiber content, they have a cholesterol lowering effect.
  • People with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or insulin resistance problems suffer from irregular glucose metabolism. Dried peas helps to maintain blood sugar levels as it slows down the burning process, thereby providing steady amounts of glucose to the blood.
  • A cup of dried peas provide 65.1% of the daily value of fiber, and the fiber helps to relieve constipation and prevent gastrointestinal disorders.
  • The isoflavones present in dried peas prevents health conditions like prostate and breast cancer.
  • Dried peas are good sources of iron and by eating a quarter cup of peas daily, one can meet 8% of his/her daily iron needs.
  • Other dried peas benefits include the lowering risk of heart disease. The ingredients folate and magnesium present in dried peas help to maintain the level of homocysteine and help to avert heart diseases.
  • Dried peas are rich in magnesium and potassium. The former helps to improve blood flow, and the latter helps to maintain blood pressure, thus lowering the chance of plaque buildup in blood vessels.
  • Sulfites that are commonly used in salads and processed foods cause headache and disorientation. Molybdenum present in dried peas play a vital role in detoxification of sulfites. One can obtain 196% of the daily value of molybdenum by consuming a cup of cooked dried peas.
  • Dried peas are also great protein snack with fiber that helps with weight loss. They will curb hunger pangs by keeping the blood sugar levels under control.

 

Ref. http://www.diethealthclub.com/therapeutic-value-of-different-foods/beans-and-legumes/dried-peas.html

 

 

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

Broccoli Kebabs

~ saanjhachullha ~ 2 Comments

Broccoli Kebabs 1Broccoli Kebabs

The health benefits of broccoli are very extensive. Not only is the vegetable loaded with essential nutrients, it also has therapeutic properties.

Hi Friends! My recipe of this appetizer is sure to start your meal on a healthy and delicious note!

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Course: Appetizers, snack

Cuisine: North Indian

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 500 gms Broccoli, cut into florets,washed
  • 1/2 cup green gram lentil / moong dal dhuli, washed
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
  • 2 Green Chilies
  • 1 level tsp Salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup Chickpea Flour / Besan
  • 1/4 tsp Cumin seeds, roasted and Powdered
  • 1 tsp Dry Mango Powder
  • 1 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1/4 tsp or to taste Red Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsp Almonds powdered
  • 3 tbsp Gingili / sesame seeds

Method:

Step 1.

Take the broccoli and green gram lentil / moong dal dhuli in a pressure cooker add 1/4 cup water and 1/4 tsp salt. Place the cooker on the high flame, as soon as pressure is formed, switch off the stove. Cool the cooker, open and take out the broccoli, green gram lentil / moong dal dhuli, in a strainer and keep aside.

Step 2.

Mash Broccoli and cooked moong dal well.

Step 3.
In a separate bowl, combine Chickpea Flour, Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder, Dry Mango Powder, Salt, Coriander Powder and Red Chili Powder, broccoli moong dal mashed and almond powder mix well.

Step 4.
Add lemon juice and mix again. Shape into medium size rounds and pat them flat with your palm.

Step 5.

Roll the kebabs in sesame seeds /gingili seeds . Deep fry the sesame seeds /gingili seeds -studded kebabs on low to medium flame till golden brown .

Step 6.

Serve hot Broccoli kebabs with fresh coriander / mint chutney.

Note:

sesame seeds:  

1    a tropical herbaceous plant, Sesamum indicum, of the East Indies, cultivated, esp. in India, for its small oval seeds: family Pedaliaceae

2    the seeds of this plant, used in flavouring bread and yielding an edible oil (benne oil or gingili),   (Also called)    benne, gingili, til         
(C15: from Latin sesamum, from Greek sesamon, sesame, of Semitic origin; related to Arabic simsim)

Health benefits of Broccoli:

Over recent years researchers all over the world have identified a wide range of therapeutic properties associated with broccoli. So, apart from being a nutritional powerhouse, what other health benefits does broccoli provide?

Research reveals that broccoli can:

Prevent osteoarthritis – a British study revealed that broccoli contains a compound called sulfophane which may help fight osteoarthritis – sulforaphane can block cartilage-destroying enzymes by intercepting a molecule that causes inflammation.

Protect your skin against the effects of UV light – broccoli may help prevent skin cancer, not by eating it though, but by applying it directly to the skin.

Reverse diabetes heart damage – eating broccoli promotes the production of enzymes that help protect heart blood vessels5 and reduce the molecules that damage them.

Reduce cancer risk – eat broccoli just three times each month and you could potentially reduce the chance of developing bladder cancer by around 40 percent, according to experts at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, USA.

Broccoli plant compound detoxifies air pollutants in the body – research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, MD, suggests new benefits of eating broccoli.

Ref. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266765.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.

 

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Pav Bhaji

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji

Hi friends! Why Is it Important to Eat Vegetables? Eating vegetables provides health benefits – people who eat more vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. Vegetables provide nutrients vital for health and maintenance of your body.Pav Bhaji is a delicious preparation with mixed vegetables.

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Indian, Mumbai

Level Of Cooking: Easy

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium size potatoes, washed, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup Yellow Pumpkin, cut in to small Cubes
  • 1/2 cup cauliflower, tiny florets
  • 1/2 cup carrot,cut into tiny pieces
  • 1/2 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup French beans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Brinjals / Aubergine / egg plant, cut into small cubes
  • 2 capsicums /green bell peppers, finely cut chopped
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 3 large tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 15 cloves garlic, grind into a paste
  • 2 tbsp ginger, finely grated
  • 3 green chilies, chopped
  • 3 tbsp pav bhaji masala
  • 1/4 cup Fresh coriander leaves
  • 1/4 tsp Red chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds, roasted, powdered
  • 200 gms butter
  • 2 tsp salt or / salt to taste
  • 3 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 12 pavs

Method:

For the Bhaji:

Step 1.

Take all the mixed vegetables except onions and capsicum in a pressure cooker add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 tsp salt. Place the cooker on the high flame, as soon as pressure is formed, switch off the stove. Let the cooker come to room temperature, open the lid and lightly mash the vegetables, keep aside.

Step 2.

On a high flame in a wok / Kadahi / or deep heavy bottom pan take butter ,  add the chopped onions, saute the onions.

Step 3.

Saute the onions till they become transparent, add the ginger-garlic paste, fry for a minute.

Step 4.

Add the Capsicums and fry till they are well cooked. Add the chili powder, turmeric powder and pav bhaji masala, roasted cumin seeds powder. Mix and fry for few minutes till the capsicum get cooked a bit.

Step 5.

Now add the mashed vegetables to the fried masala mix well add 1 cup water. Keep on stirring and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes on low flame. Switch off the stove.

Step 6.

Add the lemon juice and mix it well. Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves with lightly butter fried pavs and a blob of butter in each bowl of bhaji.

The buttered pavs:

Step 1.

Slice pav horizontally into two and pan fry in butter for half a minute, pressing two or three times or till pav is crisp and light brown. Serve hot.

For Serving:

  • 1 cup onions, finely chopped
  • 6 fresh lemon wedges
  • 6 knobs of butter

How to serve:

  • For a single serving take a small bowl of hot bhaji, 2 pavs freshly fried,1 tbsp of finely chopped onions, a lemon wedge on a plate.
  • Top the hot bhaji with a knob of butter and serve immediately garnished with 1/2 tsp of finely chopped coriander.
  • Serve hot.

Notes: Instead of butter in the bhaji Olive oil or any other cooking oil can be used. In case pavbhaji masala is not available , garam Masala can be a good substitute .The vegetables that are usually added to the bhaji are cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, peas, capsicum and french beans pumpkin etc. Depending on the combination of these vegetables, the final taste of the  bhaji will be different. You can  make the bhaji with any of these veggie combination.

Health Benefits of mixed vegetables:

    • Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
    • Eating a diet rich in some vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may protect against certain types of cancers.
    • Diets rich in foods containing fiber, such as some vegetables and fruits, may reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
    • Eating vegetables and fruits rich in potassium as part of an overall healthy diet may lower blood pressure, and may also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss.
    • Eating foods such as vegetables that are lower in calories per cup instead of some other higher-calorie food may be useful in helping to lower calorie intake.
    • Nutrients
    • Most vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories. None have cholesterol. (Sauces or seasonings may add fat, calories, or cholesterol.)
    • Vegetables are important sources of many nutrients, including potassium, dietary fiber, folate (folic acid), vitamin A, and vitamin C.
    • Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure. Vegetable sources of potassium include sweet potatoes, white potatoes, white beans, tomato products (paste, sauce, and juice), beet greens, soybeans, lima beans, spinach, lentils, and kidney beans.
    • Dietary fiber from vegetables, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. It helps reduce constipation and diverticulosis. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.
    • Folate (folic acid) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant should consume adequate folate from foods, and in addition 400 mcg of synthetic folic acid from fortified foods or supplements. This reduces the risk of neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly during fetal development.
    • Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections.
    • Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption.

Ref. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/vegetables-why.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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Crispy Potato Rolls

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Potato rolls NG

Hi friends! An easy to make and tasty appetizer for Potato lovers! Use Air frier as a healthier option for cooking it.

Serves: 4
Style: Indian Vegetarian

Ingredients:

  • 4 potatoes, medium size
  • 6 slice bread, multigrain
  • 1tsp cumin seeds, roasted and powdered
  • 2  green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2  tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tsp Dry mango powder
  • 1 level tsp salt or / salt to taste
  • 1  tsp ginger, finely grated
  • 4 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Oil for deep frying

Method:

Step 1.

Put the washed potatoes in a pressure cooker with two cups of water and close the lid. Place the cooker on high flame. The moment full pressure is formed , reduce the heat to low flame for 5 minutes. Switch off the stove. When pressure cooker is cooled to room temperature, open the lid and take out the boiled potatoes.

Step 2.

Peel and mash the potatoes in a mixing bowl keep aside.

Step 3.

Take a bowl with water to wet the bread. Dip the bread slices one by one and dampen them with water, place the slices between your palms and press, squeezing out the excess water from the bread slices and mash them well.

Step 4.

 Now in the mixing bowl take mashed potatoes, mashed bread slices, green chilies, chopped coriander leaves, salt, cumin powder, red chili powder, dry mango powder, grated ginger and mix very well.

Step 5.

Take twenty four equal portions of the mix and make a roll with each portion and keep aside.

Step 6.

In a plate sprinkle sesame seeds, take each roll and roll over the sesame seeds in a way that each roll is well quoted with the sesame seeds. Keep aside.

Step 7.

Heat the oil for deep frying on high flame. Drop in the rolls slowly. Reduce the heat and fry on medium flame stirring frequently till the rolls are crisp and golden brown in color. Drain on a kitchen paper towel.

Step 8.

Serve hot with green coriander Chutney or tomato ketchup.

Health benefits of the potatoes:

Yet far from being the devil’s food, a cooked new potato has only 26 calories and is packed with nutrients. A key to lasting weight loss is eating foods that make you feel full for longer.’You should eat complex carbohydrates such as potatoes, rather than simple carbohydrates like sugar or biscuits which give a short energy boost followed by hunger pangs,’ she says. ‘In this way, potatoes can help you reduce binge-eating.’

Nutritious: Potatoes provide the body with an essential source of fuel and energy, which you need even when dieting. Potatoes provide the body with an essential source of fuel and energy, which you need even when dieting. As a rich carbohydrate source, they help to fuel all reactions in the body which you need for movement, thinking, digestion and cellular renewal.

Vitamin Booster:

Potatoes were eaten by 19th Century English and Spanish sailors to fend off scurvy. Surprisingly rich in immune-boosting Vitamin C, a medium potato (150g) with the skin provides 27mg, almost half of the recommended daily intake. Potatoes are also a rich source of Vitamin B, folate and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. Potatoes are underground tubers, meaning that they store all the vitamins and minerals needed for growing new potato plants in spring. Rather than being bland and starchy, they’re actually full of nutrients.

Super food: One new potato contains just 26 calories

BLOOD PRESSURE

Potatoes have kukoamines. Traditional Chinese Medicine uses a plant, Lycium chinense – which also contains kukoamines – as a tea to lower blood pressure. A few good servings of potatoes a day would have some blood-pressure lowering activity.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Potatoes have flavonoids, which help protect against cardiovascular-disease by lowering levels of bad LDL-cholesterol and keeping arteries fat-free. The B vitamins in potatoes also protect arteries. Vitamin B6, found in potatoes, reduces levels of a molecule called homocysteine which is involved in inflammation and the furring up of arteries. High homocysteine levels are associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

GUT HEALTH

A single baked potato will provide nearly 12 per cent of the daily recommended amount of fibre, giving similar levels to whole grain breads, pastas and cereals. High levels of dietary fibre and ‘bulking agents’ support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements, while giving a protective effect from colon cancer.

 

STRESS

Potatoes are exceedingly rich in Vitamin B6, a substance needed for cellular renewal, a healthy nervous system and a balanced mood. Just  100g of baked potato contains 21 per cent of the daily value of the vitamin. It is used to make neurotransmitters –substances that deliver messages from one cell to the next. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are needed for the regulation of mood and Vitamin B6 is needed to make them. It is also used to make adrenaline, hormones that help us respond to stress, and GABA, a substance linked to relaxation and a feeling of well being.

 

Ref. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1206765/Why-potatoes-suprising-health-benefit-key-lasting-weight-loss.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.

 

 

Bread Rolls

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Paneer Rolls 

Hi friends! Bread rolls with potato/paneer filling are very crisp and enjoyable with a hot cup of tea.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Recipe type: snacks, Appetizers

Cuisine: Indian

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of bread, white / brown / or multi grain bread
  • 4 medium sized potatoes, washed, boiled, peeled and mashed
  • 50 gms Paneer/cottage cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp cumin seed
  • 1 tsp Dry mango powder/ amchoor
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin, roasted and powdered
  • 1 tbsp, coriander leaves ,finely chopped
  • 2/3 tsp salt or / salt as required
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil

Method:

Step 1.

Put the potatoes in a pressure cooker with two cups of water and washed potatoes close the lid. On high flame the moment full pressure is formed , reduce the heat to low flame for 4-5 minutes. Switch off the stove, let the pressure cooker cool to room temperature. Open the lid, take out the potatoes peel and mash in a bowl and keep aside.

Step 2.

Heat the oil in a pan and add the cumin seed. When the cumin seed starts to crack, add the mashed potatoes, grated Paneer/cottage cheese and all the spices like chili powder, mango powder, salt, black pepper powder, cilantro and stir-fry for a minute, mix the spices well. Turn off the heat. When cool, take small portions of the filling and make rolls of filling and keep aside.

Step 3.

Take a bowl with water to wet the bread. Take a slice of bread, trim the edges of the bread slices and dampen it with water, place the slice between your palms and press, squeezing out the excess water from the bread. This makes the bread moist for rolling in the filling.

Step 4.

Take each filling roll place it on the bread slice, roll the bread gently and close the edges, roll it between your palms to get smooth outer texture, see that filling is not left uncovered anywhere. Prepare all bread rolls similarly and keep aside.

Step 5.

Heat oil in a kadai or wok or frying pan, fry the bread rolls two three at a time till they become light golden brown in color.

Step 6.

Drain the bread rolls on a paper kitchen towel lined plate to remove excess of oil. Serve the crisp bread rolls with coriander or mint chutney.

Note: Do not soak bread slices in water. Just dip the slice and squeeze out the water from the slice thoroughly.

 

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.

 

 

Nei Appams/Sweet Appams

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Nei Appam 1st stage                                      Nei appams

Neyyappam Appams / Sweet

Appams/Unniyappam 2nd Recipe (  with Variation)

Hi friends!Unniyappam-Neyyappam is the traditional recipe and popular snack of keralites. Both Neyyappam and Unni appam is often used as a ritual offering in temples in Kerala ,South India.Unni in malayalam means small, Ney means ghee/clarified butter and Appam means small rice cake.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Makes: 15

Recipe Cuisine: South Indian/ Kerala delicacies

Recipe Category: Snacks

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup Rice flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp of Baking soda
  • 1/2 cup Jaggery, grated
  • 4 tbsp Fresh grated coconut, Optional
  • 4 Cardamoms, powdered
  • 1 banana, Ripe and mashed
  • 1 /4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Pure Ghee/clarified butter

Method:

Step 1.

In a bowl take wheat flour, mashed bananas,rice flour, cardamom powder, grated coconut, baking soda and mix well .

Step 2.

In a pan heat water add jaggery, heat till all the jaggery dissolves.

Step 3.

Mix the jaggery syrup to the flour gradually, stirring and mixing all the ingredients well.

Step 4.

Add slowly milk to  the mix  to have a thick batter.

Step 5.

Keep the batter aside for half an hour.

Step 6.

Heat the appam pan and put a drop of oil into each indent of the mould . Now add the required amount of batter into the mould indents to make them 2/3 full.

Step 7.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on low flame .When it gets cooked (golden brown) on one side, using a skewer or a knife flip over gently  (each appam )and let the other side also cook for 2-3 minutes.Make sure appams are fully cooked. Serve hot.

Note:

Add jaggery according to your sweet taste. Add little amount of more to the batter and mix well.

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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Nei Appam/Neyyappam-1

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Nei appams while cooking  Nei appams

Nei Appam/Neyyappam

Hi friends! Nei Appam or neyyappam as its called is made in all South Indian households on festivals as a neivedhyam / prasadaam. To make it healthier in this recipe it is made using appam moulds.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Wheat Flour
  • 1/2 cups-Jaggery, dissolved in one cup water
  • 2 Bananas, mashed well
  • 2 tsp Rava / semolina
  • 6 green cardamoms, powdered
  • 2 tsp dry ginger powder
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • Oil for lining the mould indents

Method:

Step 1.

In a bowl take wheat flour, mashed bananas, rava, cardamom powder, ginger powder, baking soda and mix well .

Step 2.

In a pan heat water add jaggery, heat till all the jaggery dissolves.

Step 3.

Mix the jaggery syrup to the flour gradually, stirring and mixing all the ingredients well.

Step 4.

Add slowly milk to  the mix  to have a thick batter.

Step 5.

Keep the batter aside for half an hour.

Step 6.

Heat the appam pan and put oil into each mould . Now add the required amount of batter into the moulds. When it gets cooked (golden brown), turn other side and make sure appams are fully cooked. Serve hot wheat appams.

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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Tea Cake

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Tea cake   Tea Cake sliceTea Cake

Hi friends! This is a simple butter cake that is good with tea or coffee. Easy to make, and very delicious.

Cook time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: Approx.40 minutes

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Butter (melted)
  • 11/4 cup White sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1/4 cup Powdered sugar for dusting

Method:
Step1.
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt.
Step 3.
If the batter is too stiff, a tablespoon or two of milk can be added.
Step 4.
Grease and flour a round pan. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 5.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F /175 degrees C Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6.
Take out the pan from the oven. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack, then turn out onto a plate. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Here are a few things your less-than-perfect cake may be trying to tell you:

  1. Your cake is too dense.
    A cake that is overly dense typically has too much liquid, too much sugar or too little leavening (not excess flour, as is commonly thought).

Solutions: Make sure you’re using wet measures for wet ingredients and dry measures for dry; check the freshness of your baking soda and powder, and check your oven temp to make sure it’s hot enough. A cake that bakes too slowly takes longer to set and may fall, causing a dense texture.

  1. There are holes and tunnels in your cake.
    Cakes that have holes are problematic, especially if you plan to slice them horizontally. Holes in cakes are caused by improper mixing (generally over-mixing). You can always fill the holes with frosting to cover them up, but of course preventing them in the first place is the better plan.

Solutions: Consider what mixing method you’re using. If you have a recipe that calls for hand-mixing, yet you use a hand blender, you’ll need to mix much less. Standing mixers are incredibly efficient, but will mix your cakes very quickly. Make sure your ingredients (eggs, liquid and dairy) are as close to room temperature as possible to encourage proper mixing.

  1. Your cake is dry.
    The culprits for dry cake are ingredients that absorb moisture, such as flour or other starches, cocoa or any milk solids. A second, and equally damaging culprit, is over-baking.

Solutions: Ensure that you’re measuring your flour properly. To do so, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level off evenly. Avoid dipping your measuring cup into the bag as this presses the flour into your cup and you’ll end up with too much flour. Measure cocoa powder the same way. To avoid over baking, there are three indicators that you should look for to determine if your cake is done: The cake should be slightly pulling away from the side of the pan, a cake tester inserted into the deepest part of the cake comes out clean, and the cake should spring back when gently pressed.

  1. Your cake is tough.
    Mixing is a tricky thing when it comes to cakes. You need to find the perfect speed, temperature and duration to form perfectly-sized little air cells to make the ideal texture. Toughness in cakes is caused by over-mixing, or the wrong type of flour.

Solutions: Mix your cake according to the recipe — there is a function to the order in which ingredients are added to create the right texture. As soon as you begin mixing flour with a liquid and a fat, gluten is developed. Gluten is not desirable in cakes, so mix thoroughly but as little as possible. Make sure you’re using the correct flour. If your recipe calls for a cake or pastry flour then an all-purpose flour or bread flour will be too hard, creating a tough crumb.

  1. The cake broke when turned out of pan.
    A cake has gone through a lot over the last 30 minutes, not to mention turning from a liquid to a solid! It needs a minute or two to gain its composure once removed from the oven.

Solutions: Line the bottoms of your pan with parchment paper. Cakes should rest in their pans on a rack for 15 minutes after coming out of the oven. By lining the bottom of the pan you give yourself some added insurance that the cake will slide out after cooling. (Running a sharp knife between the inside of the pan and the cake is a good idea, too.)

  1. The icing is full of crumbs.
    Crumbs are the cake-decorator’s nemesis! They’re inevitable if you build a layer cake and have to split the layers, but there is a fix to minimize these irritating little morsels.

Solution: Do a ‘crumb coat’ when frosting your cake. Whether you’re making the simplest of cakes or the most extravagant of gateaus, put a very thin layer of icing on the cake for starters. This layer glues down the crumbs. Chill the cake until that crumb coat is firm, then continue icing your cake. There shouldn’t be a crumb in sight.

To sum it all up, here are my best cake-making practices:

  1. Always grease the pan and line with parchment.
    2.Allow the oven to fully preheat before putting your cake in.
    3. Bake in the center of the oven unless otherwise specified.
    4. Bake in the size of pan specified, otherwise uneven baking will mean an uneven cake.
    5. Don’t try to double a recipe — cake recipes are more complex than that. Source out a recipe for a larger volume instead.
    6. Use fresh ingredients. Old ingredients taste bad, and old leaveners simply don’t work.
    7. With the exception of spices, don’t substitute ingredients. Especially ones that have structural impact.

Now that you have all those rules…have fun and go bake a cake!

Ref. http://www.chatelaine.com/recipes/cakes-recipes/what-your-cake-is-trying-to-tell-you/

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.

 

Sago Khichdi

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sago khichadiSago/ sabudana Khichdi

Hi friends! This delicious Sabudana khichadi is an Indian dish made from soaked Sabudana. It is typically prepared in parts of Western India such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, & Gujarat. Wikipedia

Recipe serving: 4

Preparation Time : 15-20 minutes

Cooking time : 6-10 minutes

Cuisine: Maharashtra

Course: Snack, Healthy snack

Level Of Cooking: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 2 cup Sago / sabudana
  • 2 medium size potatoes
  • 1/2 cup peanuts, shelled, roasted, coarsely pounded
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds/ Jeera
  • 2 Red chilies, whole
  • 1 sprig kadhi patta /curry leaves
  • 1 tsp salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp green chilies, chopped
  • 1 small lemon’s juice

Method:

Step 1.

Wash Sabudana/ Sago well. Soak in 4 cups of water over night . Drain out the water with a strainer, spread it on a paper kitchen towel for drying for ten minutes. To avoid sticky or lumpy khichadi, it is necessary to dry out the water very well. Sabudana / sago grains should be separate and moist.

Step 2.

Roast peanuts on a hot griddle, peel off the skin and then grind coarsely.Keep aside.

Step 3.

Wash green chilies, and coriander, chop finely . Peel and cut the potato into tiny cubes and keep aside.

Step 4.

Heat the oil in kadahi / wok or a heavy bottom pan and add Jeera, when it starts crackling, add Curry leaves /kadhi patta , red chilies and fry for few seconds, add the potato cubes. Cook till the potatoes are done. Add sabudana, roasted peanuts, salt, and chili powder, mix well .

Step 5.

Switch off the stove, sprinkle the lemon juice and mix well. Garnish the khichadi with finely chopped coriander leaves. Sprinkle lime juice and chopped coriander leaves on the khichadi, mix well.

Step 6.

Serve hot garnished with the finely chopped green chilies.

Note:

The Saboodana/Sago should be well soaked. Use a strainer or a colander to drain the water. Excess water in saboodana vada mixture will make it difficult to handle the mixture while making vadas . For better taste use roasted ground nuts. For best results Saboodana vada should be fried in a moderately hot oil till light golden on both sides.

Health benefits of eating sago / saboodana:

Sago or sabudana or tapioca pearls is a food which is full of energy and carbohydrates. It is extracted from the center of sago palm stems in the form of starch. It is also known as tapioca pearls. If is one of the wholesome diet of starch and carbohydrates and is used in a lot of Indian dishes. Sago is used in puddings, gruel or soups, and upma dishes. In gruel form, it is used in various carbonated drinks to provide energy without any addition of artificial chemicals and sweeteners. It is one food which possess a high cooling effect in the system and it is quite easy to digest. It is also used in making cakes and breads. Sago is helpful as a substitute in binding the dishes or making them thick. It is  low in calories and is preferred as a light meal option.

The benefits of eating sago are associated with its starch form as

  1. Aid in digestion: Pearl sago is used as one easily digestible non-irritating baby food, as well as a food in inflammatory cases. In such cases, sabudana is boiled with milk or water  and then added with sugar or spices to enhance the flavour.
  2. Nutritional value: Sago grains are about 2mm in diameter. They are a source of pure carbohydrates with very little protein, vitamin C, calcium and minerals. A hundred gram of dried sago yields about 355 calories, with an inclusion of 94 gms of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
  3. Sago and the body: The main content of sago is carbohydrates and has an ancient history in aiding to certain herbal medicines. Sago alongwith  rice is used to cool the body. It is helpful in treating ailment resulting from too much heat, such as the production of excess bile. As we know it is a renowned food in Indian culture and moreover, it is a staple diet in some continents. The herbal remedy of sago is not hidden outside the Indian subcontinent such as Sri Lanka, New Guinea and other Asian pacific countries.
  4. Sago dishes: Various dishes are made from sago as it is easily mixed with wide variety of tastes and spices. However, sago is low in proteins, vitamins and minerals, its combination with other supplements can result  into high nutrition and taste. In various  parts of India, it is used as fasting food in the form of khichdi or pilaf, soaked sabudana fried with potatoes and other vegetables. Sago possess a high usage in baking breads and pancakes.
  5. A high energy booster:  Sago food is full of energy, and often served as a food  to break the fast. It has high beneficiaries for sick people as a supplement providing enough energy to combat the weakness and ailments.

Keep them in dry and airtight container. It should be kept away from moisture for long storage. The white pearls of sago becomes white when soaked in water and turns translucent when cooked. Fermentation may improve the nutritional value of sabudana. In Papua New Guinea, sabudana paste is partially fermented by mixing it in palm leaves,which are then stored  in cool place. Therefore, a lot of recipe with high in energy, you should not be missing it. As experiments can really turn it out in high taste value.

Ref. https://beautyhealthtips.in/health-benefits-eating-sago/

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.

Idlis

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IdliesIdlis
Idlis and dosas fall in the fermented food category. The urad dal & fenugreek seeds South Indian cuisine is almost synonymous with idli! idli is not only easy to make but also extremely healthy and easy to digest. In fact, when stranded on a highway with nothing to eat, people wouldn’t hesitate to walk into a roadside hotel and buy a few idlis, as it is steamed, and therefore quite safe to eat anywhere!

Soaking time:  over night

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Fermenting time:  Over night

Cooking Time: 12 minutes per batch

Makes: 16 idlis in one batch

Cuisine: India, South India

Course: Breakfast

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups par-boiled rice (ukda chawal)
  • 1 cup urad dal husked /split black gram husked
  • 1 tsp fenugreek (methi) seeds
  • 2/3 tsp or / salt to taste
  • oil for greasing
  • coconut chutney for serving with Idlis
  • sambar for serving with Idlis

Method :

Step 1.

Wash and soak the urad dal with fenugreek seeds and rice separately in sufficient water overnight.

Step 2.

Drain and blend the urad dal and fenugreek seeds in a mixer, adding water slowly as required,till smooth and frothy . Remove it in a big mixing bowl and keep aside.

Step 3.

Drain and blend the rice in the mixer till smooth. Remove and keep aside.

Step 4.

Combine the urad dal and rice paste together in the mixing bowl . Cover and keep aside to ferment overnight.

Step 5.

After the batter is fermented, add salt to the batter and mix well.

Step 6.

Take the Idli mould, fitting in your pressure cooker, ( in five liter capacity pressure cooker, we have an Idli mould for making sixteen Idlis in one batch) . Grease the moulds with oil.

Step 7.

Put spoonfuls of the batter into greased idli moulds. When the mould is filled with batter, place it in the pressure cooker with 3 cups of water.

Step 8.

After closing the pressure cooker lid, place the cooker on a medium high flame, (without the weight) when steam starts coming out , note the time and cook for 12 minutes. Switch off the stove.

Step 9.

Keep it standing for five minutes. Open the lid and carefully take out the Idli mould from the pressure cooker. Let it cool for 7-8 minutes.

Step 10.

After the Idli mould is outside for five minutes, remove the idlies one by one from the moulds with the tip of kitchen knife in to a serving bowl.

Step 11.

Repeat the process with the remaining batter to make more idlis.

Step 12.

Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.

 

 

Palak Pakodas

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Palak Pakora NG

Spinach fritters / Palak Pakodas

Hi friends! Palak pakoda is an easy to prepare, tasty and crispy snack prepared with fresh spinach leaves. It goes very well with a hot cup of tea.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Level: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups fresh Palak /spinach leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cup Besan/ bengal gram flour
  • 1/2 tsp carom/ajwain seeds
  • 1/2 tsp red Chili powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 2/3 level tsp Salt or/ to taste
  • 1 tbsp rice flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • Oil for deep frying

Method:

Step 1.

Wash the spinach leaves well, drain the water and finely chop the spinach and keep aside.

Step 2.

In a bowl, mix together besan, baking soda and salt. Now add the chopped palak leaves, carom/ajwain seeds, red chili powder, coriander powder and mix well. Add water little by little and mix all the ingredients to a thick batter.

Step 3.

Heat oil in a kadai. To check if the oil  is hot enough, drop a small drop of batter into the oil, if it raises to the surface immediately, then the oil is hot enough to fry the pakodas.

Step 4.

Now reduce the heat to medium and take spoonful of batter ( 7-8 spoons) and gently slide in to the hot oil. Fry the pakoda in hot oil till they are golden brown in color. Remove pakoras from the oil and drain them on a kitchen towel . keep them aside.

Step 5.

When all the pakodas are half fried, press the each one with the rolling pin. Re fry the pressed pakodas to crisp pakodas!

Step 6.

Serve hot with coriander/ mint chutney.

Health Benefits of Spinach/Palak:

  • Spinach is a storehouse for many phytonutrients that have health promotional and disease prevention properties.
  • It is very low in calories and fats (100 g of raw leaves provide just 23 calories). Also, its leaves hold a good amount of soluble dietary fiber; no wonder why this leafy greens often recommended by dieticians in the cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs!
  • Fresh 100 g of spinach contains about 25% of daily intake of iron, one of the highest for any green leafy vegetables. Iron is an essential trace element required by the human body for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for an oxidation-reduction enzyme, cytochrome oxidase during the cellular metabolism.
  • Fresh leaves are a rich source of several vital antioxidant vitamins like vitamin-A, vitamin-C, and flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-carotene. Together, these compounds help act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a healing role in aging and various disease processes.
  • Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, is selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it thought to provide antioxidant and protective UV light-filtering functions. It thus helps protect from “age-related macular related macular disease” (ARMD), especially in the older adults.
  • Further, vitamin-A is required for maintaining healthy mucosa and skin and is essential for night vision. Consumption of natural vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin-A and flavonoids are also known to help the body protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  • Spinach leaves are an excellent source of vitamin-K. 100 g of fresh greens provides 402% of daily vitamin-K requirements. Vitamin-K plays a vital role in strengthening the bone mass by promoting osteoblastic activity in the bones. Additionally, it also has an established role in patients with Alzheimer’s diseaseby limiting neuronal damage in the brain.
  • This green leafy vegetable also contains good amounts of many B-complex vitamins such as vitamin-B6(pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), riboflavin, folates, and niacin. Folates help prevent neural tube defects in the newborns.
  • 100 g of farm fresh spinach has 47% of daily recommended levels of vitamin-C. Vitamin-C is a powerful antioxidant, which helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.
  • Its leaves also contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper and zinc. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. The human body uses manganese and copper as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.Copper is also required for the production of red blood cells. Zinc is a co-factor for many enzymes that regulate growth and development, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis.
  • It is also a small source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Regular consumption of spinach in the diet helps prevent osteoporosis (weakness of bones), iron-deficiency anemia. Moreover, its soft leaves are believed to protect the human body from cardiovascular diseases and cancers of colon and prostate.

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

 

 

Maddur Vade

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Meddur vade

Maddur Vade

Hi friends! Maddur Vade is a very popular snack of the state of karnataka, in India. Maddur Vade got its name from a little town called ‘Maddur’ which is situated in between Bangalore and Mysore. These delicious vade are a good for breakfast or evening snack and can be served with or without coconut chutney . Vade are easy and quick to make and have a crispy crust and soft from inside.

Preparation Time : 10 minutes
Resting Time : 10 minutes
Cooking Time : 1 to 2 minutes for frying each batch
Serves: 15 vade

  • 2 cups Rice flour
  • 1 cup fine Sooji/Semolina
  • 1/4 cup Maida/ all-purpose flour
  • 2 medium size Onions, finely chopped
  • 2 Green Chilies , finely chopped
  • 8-10 fresh curry leaves, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp oil, heated
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt or / salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

Method:

Step 1.

Take all purpose flour, sooji, rice flour, salt in a bowl mix all the ingredients well . Sprinkle three table spoon of oil and rub the mixture with your hands so that it resembles bread crumbs and oil is fully absorbed.
Step 2.

Now add onions, chilies, curry leaves to the mixture, adding water slowly make a firm dough.

Step 3.

Cover and leave the dough for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4.

Divide the dough into equal lemon size balls.Pat and flatten the dough balls between your palms and set aside.

Step 5.

Take the patted dough and slide it carefully into hot oil for deep frying. Fry these vade on low to medium flame.

Step 6.

Fry the vade until they turns golden brown.Remove vade from the oil and drain them on a paper kitchen towel , keep them aside. Fry three to four vade at a time . Serve these hot vade just like that or with coconut chutney.

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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Tomato Macaroni pasta

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tomato Macroni.jpg

Tomato Macaroni pasta

Tomato macaroni is a delicious and simple Indian way of enjoying macaroni with few select spices and fresh tomatoes and onions . The boiled macaroni is tossed with onion, tomato, and served hot, with garlic bread. It is a fusion cooking.

Main Ingredients: Macaroni, tomatoes, onions

Cuisine: Fusion, Indian / Italian

Course: Noodles and Pastas

Cooking Level :Easy

Preparation Time: 25-30 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

  • 200 gms shell macaroni
  • 5 ripe big sized tomatoes / 1/2 kg tomatoes
  • 4 medium sized onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1/2 tbsp Chili Flakes (optional)
  • 3 cup milk
  • 3 tbsp all purpose flour / Maida
  • 25 gms butter
  • 4 cubes processed cheese, finely grated
  • 11/2 tsp salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Tomato ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil

Method :

Step 1.

In a sauce pan boil 500 ml water, 1 tbsp oil (because of the oil the macaroni doesn’t stick together after boiling), when the water starts boiling, add macaroni, let it boil for 3-4 minutes (macaroni is approx. 90% cooked). drain and keep the macaroni aside.

Step 2.

Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan, add finely chopped onions, sauté the onions till light golden in colour.

Step 3.

Add pureed tomatoes, chili powder , salt and cook till tomatoes are well cooked (approx. 10-15 minutes on low flame) and well blended.

For white sauce:

Take a heavy bottom pan add the all purpose flour/maida , dry roast on medium flame for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4.

Pour milk gently in to the pan and keep on stirring. Mix flour and milk and on medium flame continue stirring till sauce starts getting thickened slowly. Add grated cheese,  pepper and oregano, chili  flakes and mix well.

Step 5.

When the sauce starts to thicken and reaches to thick pouring consistency, fold in the pasta and sautéed vegetables mix well. Switch off the stove.

Step 6.

Add chili flakes, Oregano , add tomato ketchup cook for few minutes more. Fold in boiled macaroni gently and add prepared white sauce, mix well till gets blended well . Switch off the stove.

Step 7.

Serve hot the delicious pasta with garlic bread or potato fingers!

Peanut Brittle

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Peanut brittles NG

Hi friends! A tasty peanut brittle or chikki made with jaggery. It is an excellent snack to enjoy in winters .

Recipe Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 100 gm peanuts, dry roasted
  • 90 gm jaggery
  • 1/2 tsp butter/ ghee-clarified butter

Method:

Step 1.

Peanuts can be roasted in the microwave oven. Peanuts spread out one layer deep in a microwave safe dish, heat for one minute. Take out the dish, shake and mix the peanuts and once more put in the microwave for one more minute.Take out from the microwave, cool to room temperature, keep aside.

Step 2.

Coarsely crush the roasted peanuts and keep aside.

Step 3.

On medium flame heat the ghee in a pan add jaggery ( without water) till it melts.

Step 4.

Cook the syrup for six to seven minutes on slow fire.

Step 5.

Add the roasted and crushed peanuts and mix well.

Step 6.

Grease a tray and spread the mixture evenly, roll it flat to desired thickness.Cut into squares when hot, when cooled separate the pieces and store in an airtight container.

Health Benefits of Peanuts:

  1. Helps Promote Fertility (Folate)Peanuts contain a good amount of folate.
  2. Aids in Blood Sugar Regulation (Manganese) a mineral which plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation.
  3. Helps Prevent Gallstones-It may come as a surprise that peanuts can help prevent gallstones.
  4. Helps Fight Depression (Tryptophan) –Peanuts are good sources of tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is important for the production of serotonin, one of the key brain chemicals involved in mood regulation. When depression occurs, a decreased amount of serotonin may be released from the nerve cells in the brain. Tryptophan may raise serotonin’s antidepressant effects when there is an increased amount of serotonin in the blood.
  5. Boosts Memory Power (Vitamin B3) –Do you know what can be found in peanuts that gave them the “brain food” tag? This is due to their vitamin B3 or niacin content whose many health benefits include normal brain functioning and boosting memory power.
  6. Helps Lower Cholesterol Levels (Copper) –The same nutrient which gives peanuts their memory enhancing power also helps lower and control cholesterol levels. Added to that is their copper contents which aids in reducing bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels.
  7. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease-Peanuts are rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as oleic acid. Reach for a handful of peanuts and other nuts at least four times a week to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease.
  8. Protects Against Age-related Cognitive Decline (Vitamin B2)-the most niacin-rich foods like peanuts were 70% less likely to have developed Alzheimer’s disease.

9 Cancer Protection-a form of phytosterol called beta-sitoserol (SIT) is found in high concentrations in some plant oils, seeds, and legumes including peanuts. Phytosterols not only protects against cardiovascular disease by interfering with the absorption of cholesterol, they also protect against cancer by inhibiting tumor growth.

  1. Lowers Risk of Weight Gain-Surprise! Eating nuts regularly is associated with a lowered risk of weight gain.

Ref. https://bodybuildingindia.com/health-benefits-of-peanuts/

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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Crispy Chiplets

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Crisy sticks

Crispy Chiplets

Hi friends! Crispy Chiplets/Namak  paras are a traditional Indian savory all time snack. They are tasty and crunchy  snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup maida/ All purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rice flour
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp carom seeds/ Ajwain
  • 1/2 cup water

Method:

Step 1.

In a bowl, mix all purpose flour and rice flour, oil and salt, carom seeds. Rub in the mix well, till it resembles bread crumbs.

Step 2.

Add water slowly and mix until you get a smooth, soft dough. Divide the dough into equal portions – roughly the size of a big marble. Dust your work space with enough flour and roll out a circle.

Step 3.

Cut the circle in to thin strips.Once all the strips are ready, heat about two cups of oil in a wok or deep bottomed pan and fry them in batches of six to eight strips, until golden on both sides.

 Note:

Crispy sticks are India’s popular snack item at tea time.

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.

 

 

 

Kalonji/Nigella Seeds

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Kalongi kalongi bottle

What is Kalonji?

Kalonji is a herb, producing blue flowers and black seeds,  from which Kalonji oil is extracted.The half meter bush is, in fact, originated in Turkey and Italy.Kalonji black seeds are being eaten for centuries in the Gulf countries, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.It is abundantly found in these areas. Kalonji oil is used in food in many parts of the world, especially the Middle-East. The plant is given more importance in the Middle-East and Muslim world as Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W.) said that Kalonji, the black granules is the remedy for all diseases except death, according to Hazrat Abu Hurerah (R. A). Kalonji are small black seeds, also known as nigella seeds.Kalonji seeds are about the same size as sesame seeds, though they have a more triangular instead of oval shape.

Kalonji Medicinal Composition

The seeds of Nigella sativa have many chemical compositions.

  • Volatile oil:  1.5%
  • Non Volatile Oil:  37.5%
  • Albumen Sugar
  • Organic acids
  • Glucoside

Kalonji in Different Languages

Kalonji is found throughout India. Kalonji is known by different names in different languages.  In English, Kalonji is known as Samal Fennel, the Hindi name of Kalonji is Kalonji or Mangralia; Kalonji is known Mogrel in Bengali, and in Gujarati it is called Kalonji.  In Malayalam, Kalonji’s name is Ell or Karum Jiragam and in Telugu it is called నల్ల సీడ్ Nalla sīḍ.

Culinary Uses

The seeds are used as a spice in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. The dry-roasted nigella seeds flavor curries, vegetables and pulses. The black seeds taste like a combination of onions, black pepper and oregano, and have a bitterness to them like mustard seeds. It can be used as a “pepper” in recipes with pod fruit, vegetables, salads and poultry. Nigella seeds are also used in the dough of salty snacks like ‘ Samosa’ ,  ‘ Kachori’ , ‘Namkeen’ and in  Indian  ‘ Nan’.They may be added to any type of curry or stew, and to dal/Lentils. Kalongi /Nigella, little black seeds are appriciated for their nutlike, somewhat peppery taste. To make this taste most evident, kalonji may be roasted in a pan before using. Nigella is an essential ingredient in the Bengal mix of five whole spice seeds known as panch phora or panch puran. Added to cooking oil, the seeds impart a distinctive flavour. Nigella is also used for sprinkling over the popular bread, naan, and in rice and some curries.

Health Benefits of Black Seeds

Type 2 diabetes – Researchers found that just two grams daily of black seed could result in reduced fasting blood sugar levels, along with decreased insulin resistance, and increased beta-cell function in the pancreas.

Epilepsy –  Published in Medical Science Monitor, one study found black seed to be effective at reducing the frequency of seizures in children who resisted conventional treatment. Black seed indeed has anti-convulsive properties.

Colon Cancer – In cell studies, black seed has been found to have anti-cancer properties, inhibiting the growth of colon cancer cells specifically. In one animal study, the seed was able to fight colon cancer in rats successfully with no observable side effects. The same obviously can’t be said for conventional cancer treatments.

MRSA – The deadly and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection known commonly as MRSA responded favorably to treatment with black seed in this study from the University of Health Sciences in Lahore, Pakistan

Protection Against Heart Attack Damage – An extract from black seed has been shown to possess heart-protective qualities, dampening damages associated with heart attacks and boosting overall heart health.

Storage

These can be kept in airtight containers.

Precaution

Nigella seeds lose their flavor in course of time so  it is advisable to keep a note of its packaging date.

Ref. http://www.gyanunlimited.com/health/kalonji-oil-benefits-and-uses-of-nigella-seeds/7888/

Ref. http://secretindianrecipe.com/about/nigella-seeds

Ref. http://naturalsociety.com/10-health-benefits-of-black-cumin-seed-nigella-sativa/

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.

Sabudana/Sago Vada

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Sago Vadas 1sago Sago/Sabudana/Tapioca pearls

     Sabudana/Sago Vada

Hi friends!A very popular Maharashtrian snack prepared especially on days of fasting during Navratri. Sago vada can also be enjoyed as a tea time snack. This easy to make snack  is very delicious.

Cook time: 30 mins

Recipe type: breakfast, savory snacks

Cuisine: Maharashtra, western Indian

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sabudana/ tapioca pearls
  • 4 medium potatoes/aloo
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds/jeera (optional)
  • 1-2 green chillies finely chopped
  • 1 tsp finely chopped ginger/adrak
  • ½ cup peanuts/mungphali
  • 2 tbsp coriander leaves/dhania , finely chopped
  • 2-3 tsp Rice flour, for dusting (optional)
  • 1 tsp Lemon juice, or as per taste
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt or / to taste
  • oil for frying

Instructions:

Step 1.

Wash the sabudana well and then soak it overnight with just enough water to cover it. The water gets absorbed and Sago/ Sabudana looks plumped up. With the help of a strainer drain off all the water completely from the soaked sabudana.

Step 2.

Boil the potatoes. Peel and mash them. take a mixing bowl, put the mashed potatoes and sabudana together.

Step 3.

In a nonstick pan, roast the groundnuts/peanuts till they become slightly golden brown. Cool to room temperature and then coarsely powder in a dry grinder.

Step 4.

Add peanuts, salt, sugar, ginger, green chilies, coriander leaves and lemon juice, blend the mixture well.

Step 5.

Now take some portion of the mixture in your hands and shape them into flat round vadas. Do this till all the mixture is utilized. keep aside the vadas in a tray.

Step 6.

Heat the oil, deep fry the vadas till golden brown. Serve hot with any accompaniment like Coriander chutney.

Note:

The Saboodana/Sago should be well soaked. Use a strainer or a colander to drain the water. Excess water in saboodana vada mixture will make it difficult to handle the mixture while making vadas . For better taste use roasted ground nuts. For best results Saboodana vada should be fried in a moderately hot oil till light golden on both sides.

Health benefits of eating sago / saboodana:

Sago or sabudana or tapioca pearls is a food which is full of energy and carbohydrates. It is extracted from the center of sago palm stems in the form of starch. It is also known as tapioca pearls. If is one of the wholesome diet of starch and carbohydrates and is used in a lot of Indian dishes. Sago is used in puddings, gruel or soups, and upma dishes. In gruel form, it is used in various carbonated drinks to provide energy without any addition of artificial chemicals and sweeteners. It is one food which possess a high cooling effect in the system and it is quite easy to digest. It is also used in making cakes and breads. Sago is helpful as a substitute in binding the dishes or making them thick. It is  low in calories and is preferred as a light meal option.

The benefits of eating sago are associated with its starch form as

Aid in digestion: Pearl sago is used as one easily digestible non-irritating baby food, as well as a food in inflammatory cases. In such cases, sabudana is boiled with milk or water  and then added with sugar or spices to enhance the flavour.

Nutritional value: Sago grains are about 2mm in diameter. They are a source of pure carbohydrates with very little protein, vitamin C, calcium and minerals. A hundred gram of dried sago yields about 355 calories, with an inclusion of 94 gms of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.

Sago and the body: The main content of sago is carbohydrates and has an ancient history in aiding to certain herbal medicines. Sago along with  rice is used to cool the body. It is helpful in treating ailment resulting from too much heat, such as the production of excess bile. As we know it is a renowned food in Indian culture and moreover, it is a staple diet in some continents. The herbal remedy of sago is not hidden outside the Indian subcontinent such as Sri Lanka, New Guinea and other Asian pacific countries.

Sago dishes: Various dishes are made from sago as it is easily mixed with wide variety of tastes and spices. However, sago is low in proteins, vitamins and minerals, its combination with other supplements can result  into high nutrition and taste. In various  parts of India, it is used as fasting food in the form of khichdi or pilaf, soaked sabudana fried with potatoes and other vegetables. Sago possess a high usage in baking breads and pancakes.

A high energy booster:  Sago food is full of energy, and often served as a food  to break the fast. It has high beneficiaries for sick people as a supplement providing enough energy to combat the weakness and ailments.

Keep them in dry and airtight container. It should be kept away from moisture for long storage. The white pearls of sago becomes white when soaked in water and turns translucent when cooked. Fermentation may improve the nutritional value of sabudana. In Papua New Guinea, sabudana paste is partially fermented by mixing it in palm leaves,which are then stored  in cool place. Therefore, a lot of recipe with high in energy, you should not be missing it. As experiments can really turn it out in high taste value.

Ref. https://beautyhealthtips.in/health-benefits-eating-sago/

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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Chickpea Sundal

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Sundal-Recipe

Chickpea / Kabuli Chana Sundal

Chickpea/ Kabuli chana/ Garbanzo Beans Sundal-It is known as ‘sundal’ in Tamil and ‘gugari / ghugari’ in Kannada.

Hi friends! Here is one easiest recipes to put together. Channa/Chickpea sundal are made during Navaratri or Ganesha chturthi in South India. It is great as a snack at any other time too.We can always make a variety of sundal for any festival as it is very easy to prepare and an absolutely guilt free snack or breakfast to compensate the extra calories from the fried stuff and sweets made on festivals.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Kabuli Channa/ Chickpeas(white chole)
  • 2-3 tbsp grated fresh Coconut
  • 1 tsp chopped Coriander,to garnish
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 level teasp /Salt to taste

For seasoning:

  • 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
  • a sprig of Curry leaves
  • 1 tbsp Oil

Method:

Step 1.

Soak Chana overnight or at least for 8-9 hrs, Add salt and pressure cook ,after the first whistle, reduce the heat and after 20 minutes remove from the stove.

Step 2.

Let the pressure cooker cool, open the Chana should be soft and firm to touch and should not be either hard or mushy.

Step 3.

Drain the chana and keep it aside, you can use this drained water to make healthy soups.

Step 4.

Heat oil in a kadai and crackle mustard seeds , add curry leaves fry for few seconds ,add grated coconut and fry it for a minute.

Step 5.

Add cooked and drained chana and mix well and blend it with seasoning on low flame for two minutes.

Step 6.

Switch off the flame and add lemon juice and mix well. Serve them hot, warm or cold as a snack or with breakfast.

 Note:

  • If using canned chickpeas, drain water and use.
  • I used here dry white chickpeas/Garbanzo beans/Kabuli chana. I soaked and cooked according to instructions given above.
Possible health benefits of consuming chickpeas:

Chickpeas have been associated with a number of possible health benefits for medical conditions. We will go through each condition one at a time.

1. Diabetes

Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels.

2. Bone health

The iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K content present in chickpeas all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.

3. Blood pressure

Maintaining a low-sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important because of its vasodilation effects.

4. Heart health

The high fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6 content all support heart health. Chickpeas contain significant amounts of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.

5. Cancer

Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables, but can be found in chickpeas. It plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates.

6. Cholesterol

Research shows that including chickpeas in the diet lowers the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

7. Inflammation

Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient in chickpeas that help with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

8. Digestion and regularity

Because of their high-fiber content, chickpeas help to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

Ref. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280244.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.

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.

Chickpeas and Beans Sundal

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Chickpeas and beans Sundal 2

Chickpeas and Black eyed beans Sundal

Hi friends! We can always make a variety of sundals for  protein rich breakfast, it is very easy to prepare and an absolutely healthy and delicious snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Kabuli Channa/white channas
  • 1/2 cup Black eyed beans/ Lobiya
  • 2-3 tbsp grated fresh Coconut
  • 1/2 lemon’s juice
  • 1 level teasp /Salt to taste

For seasoning:

  • 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
  • a sprig of Curry leaves
  • 1 tbsp Oil

Method:

Step 1.

Soak Chana and Lobiya overnight or at least for 8-9 hrs, Add salt and pressure cook ,after the first whistle, reduce the heat and after ten minutes remove from the stove.

Step 2.

Let it cool to room temperature, open the Chana, Lobiya should be soft and firm to touch and should not be either hard or mushy.

Step 3.

Drain the chana/ Lobiya and keep it aside, you can use this drained water to make healthy soups.

Step 4.

Heat oil in a kadai / wok or heavy bottom pan and crackle mustard seeds , add curry leaves fry for few seconds ,add grated coconut and fry it for a half a minute. Switch off the stove.

Step 5.

Add cooked and drained chana /Chickpeas, Lobiya/ Black eyed beans mix to the above seasoning. and blend well .

Step 6.

Add lemon juice and mix well. Serve these protein rich Sundals hot, warm or cold as a snack or with breakfast.

Possible health benefits of consuming Black eyed beans:

Inflammation is at the root of most diseases, but a healthy diet including one to two servings of black-eyed peas per day can help fight chronic inflammation and prevent so many serious health problems. This anti-inflammatory effects is what provides so many of the following black-eyed pea benefits.

  1. Improve Digestion-One of the biggest black-eyed pea benefits is the high levels of dietary fiber, which helps to promote regular bowel movements and improve the health of the entire body, especially the digestive system.
  2. Prevent Anemia-Getting adequate iron in your diet prevents anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
  3. Lower Blood Pressure-Black-eyed peas are rich in potassium, a mineral that helps keep your blood pressure levels at healthy numbers and lowers your risk of heart disease.
  4. Increase Folate Intake-Black-eyed peas are especially high in folate, which is a water soluble B vitamin that plays a slightly different role from the other B vitamins because it doesn’t participate in energy metabolism. Folate’s main function is to help the body make new cells, specifically by playing a role in copying and synthesizing DNA. It also helps the body utilize vitamin B12 and amino acids.
  5. Boosts Skin and Eye Health-Black-eyed peas are surprisingly high in vitamin A. They have over a quarter of your daily vitamin A needs in one cup. Not only does vitamin A help form and maintain healthy skin and mucus membranes, but it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye.

Ref. https://draxe.com/black-eyed-pea-benefits/

Possible health benefits of consuming chickpeas:

Chickpeas have been associated with a number of possible health benefits for medical conditions. We will go through each condition one at a time.

1. Diabetes

Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels.

2. Bone health

The iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K content present in chickpeas all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength.

3. Blood pressure

Maintaining a low-sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure, however increasing potassium intake may be just as important because of its vasodilation effects.

4. Heart health

The high fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6 content all support heart health. Chickpeas contain significant amounts of fiber, which helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, thereby decreasing the risk of heart disease.

5. Cancer

Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables, but can be found in chickpeas. It plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates.

6. Cholesterol

Research shows that including chickpeas in the diet lowers the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.

7. Inflammation

Choline is a very important and versatile nutrient in chickpeas that help with sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

8. Digestion and regularity

Because of their high-fiber content, chickpeas help to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

Ref. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/280244.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.

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Cutlets with Oats

~ saanjhachullha ~ 1 Comment

 

(vegetable Cutlets with oats)

What Are Oats and Oatmeal?

Oats are a whole-grain food, known scientifically as Avena sativa. Oat groats, the most intact and whole form of oats, take a long time to cook. For this reason, most people prefer rolled, crushed or steel-cut oats.

Hi friends! Oats Tikki or oats cutlet is easy and healthy snack made with oats, potato, mixed vegetables and spices.

 

Ingredients:

  • 3 medium size Boiled and mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup White oats ( I used quaker’s)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Green peas
  • 1/2 cup French beans finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Broccoli cut in to small florets
  • 8 Almonds finely cut
  • 1/4 tsp Red chili powder
  • 2 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 level tsp Salt/ or to taste
  • 1/2 cup Semolina

Method:

Step 1.

Take the mixed vegetables in a pressure cooker add 1/4 cup water and 1/4 tsp salt. Place the cooker on the high flame, as soon as pressure is formed, switch off the stove. Cool the cooker, open and take out the vegetables, keep aside.

Step 2.

Boil and mash potatoes, mix in steam cooked vegetables. Add white oats, salt, chili powder, chopped coriander. Mix the ingredients well.

Step 3.

Shape into medium size cutlets . Roll the cutlets in semolina . Cook both sides adding cooking oil slowly on slow fire till golden brown (preferably nonstick tava/ plate/ pan) .

Serve hot with coriander chutney.

  1. Oats Are Incredibly Nutritious

They are a good source of carbs and fiber, including the powerful fiber beta-glucan. They also contain more protein and fat than most grains . Oats are loaded with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidant plant compounds.

  1. Whole Oats Are Rich in Antioxidants, Including Avenanthramides

Whole oats are high in antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. Most notable is a unique group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are almost solely found in oats.

  1. Oats Contain a Powerful Soluble Fiber Called Beta-Glucan

Oats contain large amounts of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber. Beta-glucan partially dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like solution in the gut.Oats are high in the soluble fiber beta-glucan, which has numerous benefits. It helps reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, promotes healthy gut bacteria and increases feelings of fullness.

  1. They Can Lower Cholesterol Levels and Protect LDL Cholesterol From Damage

Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. One major risk factor is high blood cholesterol.Oats may lower the risk of heart disease by reducing both total and LDL cholesterol levels and protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation.

  1. Oats Can Improve Blood Sugar Control

Type 2 diabetes is a common disease, characterized by significantly elevated blood sugars. It usually results from decreased sensitivity to the hormone insulin.Oats may help lower blood sugar levels, especially in people who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes . Due to the soluble fiber beta-glucan, oats may improve insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels.

  1. Oatmeal is Very Filling and May Help You Lose Weight

Not only is oatmeal (porridge) a delicious breakfast food — it’s also very filling. Eating filling foods may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight. Oatmeal may help you lose weight by making you feel more full. It does this by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and increasing production of the satiety hormone PYY.

Ref. https://authoritynutrition.com/9-benefits-oats-oatmeal/

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 Onion Pasties

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

 

 

Cheese Onion Pasties

Hi friends! Looking for an appetizer made using cottage cheese and onions? Then check out these onion and cheese pastries – tasty snacks.

Ingredients:

  • 250 gms. all purpose flour /Maida
  • 140 gms.Cold margarine or butter
  • 1 level teaspoons Baking powder
  • A pinch Salt

For Pasties Filling:

  • 500 gms Cottage cheese / paneer
  • 250 gms Onions, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • 1” piece Ginger, finely grated
  • 1 tsp Cumin seed, for seasoning
  • 1tbsp Oil,for seasoning
  • 1 level tsp Salt / or salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper powder

Method for making the filling:

 Step 1.

 Heat the oil in the pan put cumin seeds in it , when cumin starts spluttering add onions.

Step 2.

Fry onions till golden, add ginger, coriander leaves and grated paneer / cottage cheese and mix well.

Step 3.

Add salt and pepper powder, mix and fry for 3 to 5 minutes more. Cool the filling and use for pasties.

 Method:

 Step 1.

 Sieve the flour, salt and baking powder together.

Step 2.

Cut the margarine / butter with a knife. Rub into the flour with finger tips till it looks like bread crumbs.

Step 3.

Gradually add enough ice-cold water to make the dough in to a rolling consistency

Lightly flour the rolling pin and board.

 Step 4.

Roll the pastry to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into three inches diameter.

Step 5.

Put two tablespoons of cheese onion filling in the centre of the round pastry, turn the upper half of the pastry on the lower half, and close the edges with a fork.

 Step 6.

Lightly brush the patsies with milk for the glaze and bake in preheated oven for 10 -15 minutes. Serve hot with freshly made coriander chutney.

Note: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6.

Health benefits of Cottage cheese / paneer :

Cottage cheese provides many health benefits, including a high protein content, as well as significant calcium, phosphorus, and potassium contents, and it can be used for weight management.

Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer: The calcium and vitamin D found in dairy products, especially in cottage cheese, reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Rich in Protein: One of the biggest benefits of cottage cheese is the high amount of casein protein found in it. It is believed that cow’s milk contains the highest amount of casein protein among various milks. The amount of protein contained in cottage cheese is ideal for vegetarians in supplying them with the required amount of daily protein. Cottage cheese does not require any amount of cooking and it can be consumed directly.

Best Foods for Pregnant Women: Cottage cheese is recommended for pregnant women along with athletes due to various essential nutrients found in it.

Rich Source of B-Complex Vitamins: B-complex vitamins found in cottage cheese are helpful in various metabolic activities in our bodies. Some of them include vitamin B12, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, niacin, and folate.

-Vitamin B12 is needed for proper brain functioning and helps in absorbing iron.

-Riboflavin helps in converting carbohydrates into energy.

-Pantothenic Acid acts as a synthesizer that helps in forming proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids in our body.

-Thiamin helps in converting sugars into energy in the pyruvate dehydrogenase system.

-Niacin, on the other hand plays an important role in digestion, energy production, and cholesterol reduction.

-Folate helps in fetal development in pregnant women, helps in producing red blood cells and keeps the heart healthy.

Strengthens Bones: Calcium is one of the major elements associated with milk and their products. Some of the benefits of calcium-rich foods include bone strengthening and weight loss.

Heart-Friendly and Maintains Blood Sugar Levels: Cottage cheese is a good source of magnesium. In the human body, most of the magnesium is concentrated in our bones. Magnesium also acts as a catalyst, promotes biochemical reactions, activates various enzymes in the body, maintains muscle and nerve functioning, and supports the immune system. It helps in maintaining blood sugar levels and prevents heart attacks, constipation, psychiatric disorders, migraine, and collagen.

Prevents Strokes and Controls Anxiety: Apart from other nutrients, cottage cheese contains potassium. Potassium acts as a fluid-balancing element in the body and is an important component in neural activities of the muscle and brain. It also relieves muscle cramps. Intake of potassium on a regular basis prevents the risk of getting brain stroke, since it lowers blood pressure and the contraction of vessels. It is also helpful in decreasing stress levels and anxiety. Potassium, along with sodium, act as electrolytes, but potassium does not have the side effects of sodium such as increased blood pressure and cardiovascular stress.

Improves Biological Functions: Zinc found in cottage cheese is about 4% of the daily recommended value.  In the human body, it is found in the brain, muscles, bones, kidneys, liver, prostate, and eyes. It helps in the metabolism of DNA and RNA.  Zinc is one of the trace elements whose presence in our body helps in improving the immune system, digestion, diabetes control, fights stress and anxiety, cures night blindness, improves ocular health, prevents appetite loss, prevents prostate disorder, fights various infections and also acts as an antioxidant.

Improves Digestion: Cottage cheese contains phosphorous, which plays a major role in the formation of DNA and RNA. It is a major component in forming bones along with calcium. Phosphates also help in digestion, excretion, and in the production and extraction of energy in the cells.

Antioxidant Properties: Selenium is a trace element found in cottage cheese. It is required in very small quantities, not more than 50 mcg to 70 mcg in adults. Selenium is useful as an antioxidant that protects cells and DNA from damage. It is also believed that an optimum intake of selenium-rich foods reduces the risk of prostate cancer. New study suggests that a diet rich in dairy products may slightly extend lives of people diagnosed with colon cancer.

Quick Serving Tips

Salad– Add chopped/grated cottage cheese to salads such as green salads and tuna salads.

Omelet– Add chopped cottage cheese and vegetables to the egg mixture for making a delicious omelet.

Curries/Stew– Cottage cheese can be used for making stew/curries, along with meat and vegetables.

Ref.https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/animal-product/health-benefits-of-cottage-cheese.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.

Cheese Kebabs

~ saanjhachullha ~ 1 Comment

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.

Samosa

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samosa

Samosa – Potato Stuffed Pastry

Hi friends! A samosa, samoosa, sambusa, or samboksa is a fried or baked dish with a savoury filling, of spiced potatoes.

Ingredients

 For pastry:

  • 2 cups flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoon oil
  • 6 tablespoon water

For potato stuffing:

  • 5 medium potatoes
  • 4 tablespoon oil
  • 1 cup green peas
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 hot green chili (finely chopped)
  • 3 tablespoon green coriander (cilantro), chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp amchoor/ Dry mango powder
  • Oil for deep frying

Method:

 Dough for Samosa Pastry

Step 1.

Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Add four tablespoons oil and rub until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 2.

 Slowly add about six tablespoons water ( or little more if required) and knead the dough for about 10 minutes or until it is smooth.

Step 3.

 Rub dough with oil. Cover it and set aside for 30 minutes or longer.

Potato stuffing for Samosa

Step 1.

Boil, cool and peel the potatoes. Dice it into 1/4 inch size cubes.

 Step 2.

 Heat four tablespoons oil in kdahi /wok on medium flame. Lower the heat and carefully put the cumin seed, wait for it to splutter, add coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder and cubed potatoes. Stir fry until golden brown on medium heat.

Step 3.

Add peas, ginger, amchoor powder, and fresh coriander (cilantro). Mix and cook on low heat for 3-4 minutes. Do not forget to stir while cooking, finally add garam masala.

Making Samosa

 Step 1.

Knead the dough again. Divide it into about ten equal portions.

Step 2.

Roll it into flat round shape with about five inch diameter.

Step 3.

Cut the rolled dough into two halves. Make each half into a cone by sticking seam together with a little water.

Step 4.

Fill the cone with about two to three tablespoons of the potato filling.

Step 5.

Stick the top of the cone together with a little water. The seam should be about 1/4 inch (5 mm) wide.

Step 6.

Repeat this process until all the Samosas are filled and ready.

Cooking Samosa

 Step 1.

 Heat oil for deep frying using a wok/ Indian kadhai over a medium-low flame.

Step 2.

When the oil is hot, carefully put in as many samosas as fit in the kadahi /wok. Fry slowly, turning the samosas until they are golden brown and crisp.

Step 3.

Drain excess oil on a paper kitchen towel and serve hot with mint/ coriander/ Imali chutney.

Health benefits of potatoes :

The health benefits include their ability to improve digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, boost heart health, protect from polyps, prevent cancer, manage diabetes, strengthen the immune system, reduce signs of aging, protect the skin, increase circulation, reduce blood pressure, maintain fluid balance, reduce insomnia, and boost eye health.

Weight Gain: Potatoes are primarily made of carbohydrates and contain very little protein. This makes it an ideal diet for those excessively lean or thin people who desperately want to put on weight. The vitamin content includes vitamin-C and B-complex, which also help in proper absorption of carbohydrates. That is one of the reasons that potatoes make up a large part of the diet of sumo wrestlers, as well as many other athletes who need large energy reserves to burn off in order to compete!

Digestion: Since potatoes predominantly contain carbohydrates, they are easy to digest and facilitate digestion. This property makes them a good diet for babies or for those who cannot digest hard food, but need energy.
Skin Care: Vitamin-C and B-complex as well as minerals like potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc are good for the skin.

Scurvy: The vitamin-C present in potatoes can help prevent this disease, caused by a deficiency of vitamin-C. It is characterized by cracked lip corners, spongy and bleeding gums, and frequent viral infections. Although it has been eliminated from most first and second world countries with ready access to vitamin C, it still exists in certain nations of the world, so the prolific presence of potatoes in the world helps with this problem.

Rheumatism: There are two parts to the effect of potatoes on this condition. Vitamins like the calcium and magnesium in potatoes help to provide relief from rheumatism. Also, water obtained from boiling potatoes can relieve the pain and inflammation of rheumatism.

Inflammation: Potatoes are very effective in reducing inflammation, both internal and external. Since it is soft, easily digested and has a lot of vitamin-C (a very good antioxidant that repairs tissue wear and tear), potassium and vitamin-B6, it can relieve any inflammation of the intestines and the digestive system.

Cancer Prevention: Certain types of potatoes, particularly red and russet potatoes, contain high levels of flavonoid antioxidants and vitamin A like zeaxanthin and carotenes, they can protect you against many types of cancer. Also, research at the Agricultural Research service has shown that potatoes contain a compound called quercetin, which has been proven to have anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties. Finally, the high levels of vitamin A and C both have antioxidant qualities that can protect your body from the devastating effects of cancer.

High Blood Pressure: Since high blood pressure can occur for a number of reasons that include diabetes, tension, indigestion, nutrient balance, food content and many others, different treatments are required. Luckily, potatoes can alleviate multiple possible causes; potatoes can be used to relieve high blood pressure due to tension.

Brain Function: Proper functioning of the brain depends largely on the glucose level, oxygen supply, various components of the vitamin-B complex and certain hormones, amino acids and fatty acids like omega-3. Potatoes cater to almost all the needs mentioned above.

Heart Diseases: Apart from the vitamins (B-complex, C), minerals and roughage, potatoes also contain certain substances called Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin). Carotenoids are beneficial for heart health and the functioning of other internal organs.

Kidney Stones: Kidney Stones, also known as Renal Calculi, are caused mainly due to increased levels of uric acid in the blood. potatoes also contain magnesium, which inhibits the accumulation or deposition of calcium (calcification) in the kidney and other tissues, thereby proving beneficial for treatment of renal calculi.

Diarrhea: They are an excellent component of an energy-rich diet for those suffering from diarrhea, since it is very easy to digest and contains mild roughage. However, eating too many potatoes can cause diarrhea due to the excessive ingestion of starch.

Ref. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-potato.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.

 

Semolina Upma with Vegetables

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 Upma

Semolina/Suji/Rava Upma with Vegetables

Hi friends! Vegetable upma is an easy to prepare, tasty  healthy delicacy.

Serves: 6-8
Cooking time (approx.): 15-20 minutes
Course: Healthy Breakfast

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup semolina (or cream of wheat)
  • 2 medium size onions finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup French beans finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup Broccoli florets cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup green peas shelled
  • 1/2 cup carrots finely cubed
  • 1 ” piece ginger grated
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 3  cups water
  • 2/3 level tsp salt or salt to taste
  • 8 cashew nuts broken into small pieces
  • 2 tbsp roasted chana dal
  • 4 tbsp Olive oil

Method:

Step 1.

In a kadahi/wok, dry roast semolina, stirring continuously (to a slight or no color change), on medium flame. Keep aside.

Step 2.

In a pressure cooker, add all the chopped vegetables, 1/4 cup water and 1/4 tsp of salt. On high flame when the pressure is formed switch off the stove. Let the cooker cool open the lid and take out the steamed vegetables and keep them  aside.

Step 3.

Heat the remaining oil in the kadhai/wok. Toss in the mustard seeds, wait for them to splutter and then add the curry leaves, red chillies, onions, cashew nuts, roasted chana dal and ginger. Stir-fry on medium heat till the onions are transparent or golden and soft.

Step 4.

Add water and salt to the seasoning. Bring the water to boil.

Step 5.

Slowly add the roasted semolina/suji/rawa to the boiling water and stir continuously. Mix in the steamed vegetables.

Step 6.

Cook on low heat stirring continuously for about four-five minutes, till the mixture is set and solidifying. Serve hot with coriander or coconut chutney.

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.

Besan Laddoos

~ saanjhachullha ~ 1 Comment

Besan ladoos

Hi friends! The Besan ladoo is a popular and very delicious traditional Indian snack/ Indian dessert in North India, made with gram flour, powdered sugar and ghee.

Ingredients:

  •  500 gms besan / gram flour
  • 300 gms Sugar powdered
  • 12 green cardamoms seeds finely powdered
  • 250 gms Pure Ghee

Method:

Step 1.

In a kadhai / wok / heavy bottom pan, heat ghee.

Step 2.

Add the besan/ gram flour to it. On medium flame, mix well and continuously stirring, fry the besan / gram flour till it gets fried well and has golden colour .

Step 3.

When besan/ gram flour is well fried, take it off the heat. Gradually add powdered sugar, cardamom powder mixing constantly.

Step 4.

Mix very well, cool the mixture to a bearable / handle able level and make( round) laddoos!

Step 5.

Cool the laddoos before storing in a container.

Makes 36 medium sized laddoos.

Health Benefits of Besan / Chick pea flour:

Lowers diabetes- Besan is known to have very low levels of glycemic in it, which is great for those who have high diabetes. One can use the flour to make parathas and rotis, or replace the wheat flour to make desired dishes too.

Happy heart- Besan assures you with a happy heart, since it has high soluble fibre in it, which helps the heart stay strong and healthy for a very long time to come. Even the most reputed heart surgeons and specialists recommend the use of besan over any other flour for the heart, say experts

Lose weight now- Since besan has low glycemic index, the calorie count would be low too, which is why fitness freaks and experts swear by the consumption of besan, smoothie of besan is known as SATTU in India.

Fights allergies- Besan doesn’t have gluten in it, which is grain and especially wonderful for those who have allergies to gluten induced foods. Besan flour is highly nutritious and helps the body with immense benefits, especially when fighting allergies of any kinds.

Gluten free- Those who suffer from celiac ailments cannot have gluten, which is a protein. Gluten is found in barley and wheat extensively, but not in besan. Besan helps the immune system stay strong in the process, and the patient would be able to absorb all the nutrients as well as stay well nourished too.

No more anaemia to worry of- The flour of besan helps with fatigue, weight loss and even iron deficiency in the body, and we all know  when someone has low iron content in the body, they suffer from anaemia.

Besan is also good for those who suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis, autoimmune disorders, sclerosis, autism, ADHD and more.

One can use besan for the skin with a pinch of turmeric powder and milk. The paste can be applied on the visible parts of the face and neck and left for ten minutes to dry. This is a pack which would help exfoliate the skin and brings back the moisturising effects too. Besan flour helps tighten the skin, gives it a glow and brings back elasticity too

As a body scrub, the flour of besan has been used time again since our grandmothers young hood days. To remove spots, back acne, body marks and oiliness of the body, try using the flour as a pack with milk and turmeric twice a week. This is a pack which would remove the tan and keep the skin healthy and fresh.

Ref . http://stylesatlife.com/articles/besan-benefits/

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.

Urad Dal/Husked Black Gram Vada

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Husked Black Gram lentil-Hindi Name: Dhuli Urad:

Husked Black gram is popularly sold as white lentil in the market. It is obtained by removing the skin of black gram. They are small black and narrow lentils somewhat cylindrical in shape. Since it is made from black gram it is only cultivated in India and is commonly used in Indian cooking. Also called as urad, it is also very popular in Punjabi cuisine of India.

Hi friends!Urad dal Vada is a popular breakfast or snack dish in south India. The delicious vadas are served with sambar and coconut chutney.

Soaking the dal :  45-50 minutes

Cook time: 45 mins

Recipe type: breakfast, snacks

Cuisine: south Indian/ North Indian

Gives: 8-10 vadas

Ingredients :

  • 1 cups urad dal/ husked black gram (soaked for 45 minutes)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2/3 tsp salt / or salt to taste
  • oil for deep frying
  • 1/2 cup water if needed to make the batter

Method:

Step 1.

Soak the urad dal for at least 4o -50 minutes .(can soak dal overnight also). Drain and grind the urad dal to a smooth batter.

Step 2.

In the grinder jar, some water needs to be added. Try and add very little water. The batter should become fluffy, thick.

Step 3.

Add salt, cumin seed. Mix well.

Step 4.

Heat oil for frying the vadas. Take a empty bowl cover it with a hanky size muslin cloth. Gather and hold the cloth tightly under the bowl such as the cloth is stretched tightly on the bowl. Keep a small bowl of water next to you. Apply some water from the bowl the stretched cloth as well as your hand.

Step 5.

Since you are holding the stretched cloth bowl in your left hand, take some batter in your right hand from the bowl put it on the stretched cloth and pat the batter gently to give it a round shape, making a hole in the center with your index finger ( with the hole in the center, vadas will be cooked well from inside and not leave a wet core! you can also use polythene zip lock bags to give the vada shape).

Step 6.

Gently slid the vada in to the oil. The oil should be not very hot, frying is done on medium flame.(very hot oil will quickly make the vadas brown from outside but they will remain uncooked from inside. )

Step 7.

Fry all the vadas this way till they are fried evenly brown and crisp. Drain vadas on paper kitchen towel to remove excess oil.

Step 8.

Serve the vadas, hot with coconut chutney/ sambar.

Note: A tip to add a few drops of batter in a bowl of water. The batter drop should float, if they float and do not get dissolved, then that’s the right consistency. If the batter becomes watery, then quick control measure will be to add some semolina to the batter.

Health Benefits of Urad Dal/ Black gram lentil:

  • It is highly valued due to its numerous health benefits. For example, Urad dal has protein, fat, and carbohydrates which is required by the body. If you are looking for a protein-friendly diet, then opt for urad dal.
  • This dal is one of the richest sources of proteins and Vitamin B. Urad dal is also good for women as it has iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium which makes it a healthy pulse.
  • For those who do not eat meat or fish, have black gram as it is rich in protein which is much required by the body. For strong bones and a healthy body, have urad dal.
  • Urad dal is also rich in fibre which makes it easy to digest.
  • Some types of dals are good for the heart as well. For example, urad dal benefits the health as it is good for the heart. Consuming urad dal helps to reduce cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health.

Ref.http://www.ipga.co.in/health-benefits-of-urad-daal

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.

 

Moong Pakori Raita

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Bundi raita     moong dal pakori   Moong Pakori Raita

Hi friends! Here is a simple,delicious and very healthy recipe of an Indian side dish of yogurt/curd/Dahi containing fried lentil balls and spices.

Serving: 6

Dal soaking time: 3-4 hours

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:      

 For Pakori

  •  1 cup soaked overnight ( or for  at least 3-4 hours) dhuli moong daal (husked green gram)
  • 1  tsp red chili powder / or add more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds/ geera
  • 1 level tsp salt or/ salt to taste
  • 1 tsp adrak (ginger) finely grated
  • Oil for deep-frying

For Raita

  •  1 liter Curd/ yogurt
  • 1 tsp roasted and powdered cumin seeds/ geera
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 tsp salt / or salt to taste

Method:

Step 1.

wash and soak moong dal for 3-4 hours. Grind the daal to a smooth consistency with using very little water or no water.

Step 2.
Heat the oil and drop teaspoonfuls into the hot oil and fry the pakoris, fry to a golden color, strain and keep aside on a paper kitchen towel till all the pakoris are fried.

Step 3.

Soak the pakoris in water for ten minutes. Then take out the pakoris from water and gently squeeze out the water and keep aside.

Step 4.

Whisk the curd/ yogurt in a bowl very nicely. Mix salt, roasted geera powder, pepper, add the ready pakoris to the curd. Mix well, refrigerate till served.

Note: Imali /tamrind, khatti meethi chutney, goes very well with this Raita.

Curd Cooking tips:

A bowl of fresh curd and dal pakori (Raitas)is a great accompaniment to lunches and dinners.  Add sour curd to salads which make it taste better.

Sour curd is added to vegetable curries instead of tomatoes to make it rich and delicious.

Health benefits of curd:

Being rich in calcium, curd is good for the health of bones as well as the teeth. For those who have difficulty in the digestion of lactose in milk, yogurt is an important source of calcium. Curd contains an enzyme which breaks down lactose to aid proper digestion.

Curd / Yogurt is rich in vitamin D which helps our body to absorb and use calcium.

Curd / Yogurt helps you feel fuller and is thus, a very good snack for those trying to lose weight.

Eating  curd / yogurt on a regular basis can help absorb the nutrients in other foods as well.

Ref. http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/9-reasons-curd-is-great-for-your-health/

Health benefits of moong dal:

Among other moong dal nutrition benefits, this dal is a good source for a variety of vitamins and minerals.  Provides folate (vitamin B9). Moong dal also provides significant amounts of thiamine (vitamin B1), as well as vitamin B5 and vitamin B6. In addition to this, it contains high levels of the minerals iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zin.

A great moong dal nutrition benefit is the amount of fiber it has.

Moong beans are packed with protein.

Moong dal can be a great, nutritious addition to a balanced diet. It is a healthy meal that provides high levels of protein and fiber while containing relatively few calories and little fat.

Ref.http://weightloss.answers.com/nutrition/5-nutrition-facts-for-moong-dal

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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