Soups

Creamy Peas Soup

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Pea soupCreamy Peas Soup

The green peas are not taken as an exotic food in terms of nutrient composition as green peas do contain some sugar and starch . But they also contain a unique assortment of health-protective phytonutrients.  Since one cup of green peas contains at least 10 milligrams of coumestrol, it’s not difficult for us to obtain this remarkable health benefit.

Hi friends ! Please try peas soup this winter. The green peas soup is very delicious and really easy to make.

Prep time: 7 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Cuisine: North Indian

Course: Soups

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 cup  green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp All purpose flour / Maida
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 2 cups Milk (low fat)
  • 2/3 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 cups water
  • 8 Mint leaves, for garnishing

Method:

Step 1.

In a pressure cooker place the shelled peas with 1/2 cup of water. Close the lid and pressure cook on high flame. The moment full pressure is formed, switch the stove off. Let the cooker cool down to room temperature, and take out the peas in a bowl.

Step 2.

Use a blender to puree the steamed peas. Set aside.

Step 3.

Place a saucepan over medium-high heat and add butter. When hot, add the crushed garlic and sauté for 50 seconds.

Step 4.

Add  maida/all purpose flour. Stir and cook the butter-flour mixture/roux over low heat with a wooden spoon.

Step 5.

Once it gets the sandy texture, add cold milk and bring it to a boil, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 6.

Simmer gently for two minutes. Add pureed peas, salt and pepper powder and mix well. Serve hot, garnished with a pair of fresh mint leaves.

Health benefits of green peas:

  • Green peas are one of the most nutritious leguminous vegetables rich in health benefiting phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.
  • Fresh, tender peas are relatively low in calories on comparison to beans, and cowpeas. 100 g of green peas carry just 81 calories, and no cholesterol. Nonetheless, they are a good source of protein, and soluble as well as insoluble fiber.
  • Fresh pea pods are an excellent source of folic acid. 100 g provides 65 µg or 16% of recommended daily levels of folates. Folates are one of the B-complex vitamins required for DNA synthesis inside the cell. Studies suggest that adequate folate rich foods when given in expectant mothers would help prevent neural tube defects in the newborn babies.
  • Fresh green peas are very good in ascorbic acid (vitamin C). 100 g of fresh pods carry 40 mg or 67% of daily requirement of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful natural water-soluble anti-oxidant. Vegetables rich in this vitamin help human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
  • Peas contain phytosterols, especially ß-sitosterol. Studies suggest that vegetables like legumes, fruits and cereals rich in plant sterols help lower cholesterol levels inside the human body.
  • Garden peas are also good in vitamin K. 100 g of fresh seeds contain about 24.8 µg or about 21% of daily requirement of vitamin K-1 (phylloquinone). Vitamin K has been found to have a potential role in bone mass building function (mineralization) through promotion of osteotrophic activity inside the bone cells. It also has established role in Alzheimer’s disease patients by limiting neuronal damage inside the brain.
  • Fresh green peas also carry adequate amounts of anti-oxidants flavonoids such as carotenes, lutein and zea-xanthin as well as vitamin-A (provide 765 IU or 25.5% of RDA per 100 g). Vitamin A is an essential nutrient required for maintaining healthy membranes, skin and eye-sight. Additionally, consumption of natural fruits/vegetables rich in flavonoids helps to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
  • In addition to folates, peas are also good in many other essential B-complex vitamins such as pantothenic acid, niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine. Furthermore, they are rich source of many minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese.

Ref.http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/green-peas.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.

 

 

Yellow Pumpkin Soup

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Pumpkin soup 2

Pumpkin nutrition facts

Pumpkin fruit is one of the widely grown vegetables that is incredibly rich in vital antioxidants, and vitamins. While this humble backyard vegetable is less in calories but contains vitamin A, and flavonoid poly-phenolic antioxidants such as leutin, xanthin, and carotenes in abundance.The plant is a fast-growing vine that creeps along the ground surface in a similar fashion like that of other Cucurbitaceae family vegetables and fruits such as cucumber, squash, cantaloupes…etc. It is one of the most popular field crops cultivated around the world, including the USA at the commercial scale for its fruit, and seeds.

Pumpkin soup simply exotic.

Preparation Time : 10 minutes

Cooking time : 10 minutes

Servings : 4

Cuisine : Indian

Course: Soup

Level Of Cooking: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 250 gms Yellow pumpkin , cut into small cubes
  • 5 tbsp Butter
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 12 Black peppercorns
  • 1 medium size Onion/ 1 cup, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp Maida/ all purpose flour
  • 1 level tsp Salt or / salt to taste
  • 3 cups milk

Method :

Step 1

In a pressure cooker heat 2 tbsp butter, add bay leaf and black peppercorns. Add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add cubed pumpkin, sauté for two minutes.

Step 2

Add one cup water and close the lid. Pressure cook until pressure is formed, switch off the stove. Let the cooker cool down to room temperature, open the lid strain excess stock and reserve. Remove the bay leaf and put it in the pumpkin stock. Puree  only the pumpkin onion mix.

Step 3

Add the reserved stock to the puree, keep aside.

Step 4.

Heat in a non-stick pan three tbsp butter, add all purpose flour, stir fry on medium flame. When it gets the sandy texture remove from the heat and cool.

Step 5.

Take boiling milk and pour the boiling milk into the fried cold all purpose flour and butter mix/roux, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer gently for two minutes. Stir this white sauce, and then add pureed pumpkin mix.Cook the mixture on medium flame for about 2 minutes while stirring it continuously. Add salt, mix and switch off the heat.

Step 6.

Pour the soup in bowls and serve hot.

Possible Health benefits of Pumpkin:

It is one of the very low calorie vegetables. 100 g fruit provides just 26 calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol

it is rich in dietary fiber, anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins. The vegetable is one of the food items recommended by dieticians in cholesterol controlling and weight reduction programs.

Pumpkin is a storehouse of many anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-A, vitamin-C and vitamin-E.With 7384 mg per 100 g, it is one of the vegetables in the Cucurbitaceae family featuring highest levels of vitamin-A, providing about 246% of RDA. Vitamin A is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and is required by the body for maintaining the integrity of skin and mucus membranes.

It is also an essential vitamin for good visual sight. Research studies suggest that natural foods rich in vitamin A help a body protects against lung and oral cavity cancers.

It is also an excellent source of many natural poly-phenolic flavonoid compounds such as α, ß carotenes, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zea-xanthin. Carotenes convert into vitamin A inside the body.Zea-xanthin is a natural anti-oxidant which has UV (ultra-violet) rays filtering actions in the macula lutea in retina of the eyes. Thus, it helps protect from “age-related macular disease” (ARMD) in the elderly.

The fruit is a good source of B-complex group of vitamins like folates, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin and pantothenic acid.It is also rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Ref. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pumpkin.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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Onion Soup

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Onion soup.jpg

History : Onions are native to Asia and the Middle East and have been cultivated for over five thousand years. Onions were highly regarded by the Egyptians. Not only did they use them as currency to pay the workers who built the pyramids, but they also placed them in the tombs of kings, such as Tutankhamen, so that they could carry these gifts bestowed with spiritual significance with them to the afterlife. Onions have been revered throughout time not only for their culinary use, but also for their therapeutic properties. As early as the 6th century, onions were used as a medicine in India. While they were popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans, they were oftentimes dressed with extra seasonings since many people did not find them spicy enough. Yet, it was their pungency that made onions popular among poor people throughout the world who could freely use this inexpensive vegetable to spark up their meals. Onions were an indispensable vegetable in the cuisines of many European countries during the Middle Ages and later even served as a classic healthy breakfast food. Christopher Columbus brought onions to the West Indies; their cultivation spread from there throughout the Western Hemisphere. Today China, India, the United States, Russian, and Spain are among the leading producers of onions.

Hi friends !While many people love to eat onions are most often used as a seasoning, I want to share with you how to enjoy them as a healthy soup. For great flavor and nutrition I recommend Heatlhy Sautéeing of sliced onions.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Serves :6

Ingredients:

  • 3 Medium size Onions, cut into thin slices
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cups white sauce
  • 1tsp level tsp salt / or salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 3 cups water

White sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons Refined flour /maida
  • 3tablespoons Butter
  • 3 cups Milk
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon White pepper powder

Method :

 White sauce:

 Step 1

Melt three tablespoons of butter in a thick-bottomed pan. Add the flour, stir and cook the butter-flour mixture/ roux over low heat with a wooden spoon.

Step 2

When it gets the sandy texture remove from the heat and cool.

Step 3

When the milk boils, pour the boiling milk into the cold butter-flour mixture/ roux stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer gently for two minutes, till sauce thickens slightly. Switch off the stove add salt,  and pepper powder keep aside.

Step 4.                                       

In a pressure cooker heat the butter and fry the onions on a very slow flame until golden brown colour.

Step 5.

Add 3 cups of water, and salt close the lid and the moment pressure is formed, reduce the heat to low flame and cook for five minutes. Switch off the stove.

Step 6.

When cooker cools to room temperature, open the lid and add the white sauce, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper mix well bring it to boil. switch off the stove .Serve hot.

 Health Benefits of Onions:

Onions, like garlic, are members of the Allium family, and both are rich in sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for their pungent odors and for many of their health-promoting effects. A wide variety of allyl sulfides are found in onion, including the four major diallyl sulfides: DMS (diallyl monosulfide), DDS (diallyl disulfide), DTS (diallyl trisulfide), and DTTS (diallyl tetrasulfide). Also present are a wide variety of sulfoxides, including (+) S-methyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide (MCSO), (+)-S-(1-propenyl)-L-cysteine sulfoxide (PRENCSO), S-methyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide, S-propyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide, and S-propenyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide. Onions are an outstanding source of polyphenols, including the flavonoid polyphenols. Within this flavonoid category, onions are a standout source of quercetin.

Cardiovascular Benefits

In human studies, most of the cardiovascular benefits have been demonstrated in the form of overall diet. Multiple studies show onion to be a food that provides protection for the heart and blood vessels when consumed in a diet that is rich in other vegetables and fruits—especially flavonoid-containing vegetables and fruits. The benefits of onion in this overall dietary context extend to prevention of heart attack. In virtually all of these diet-based studies, participants with the greatest intake of vegetables (including onions) gain the most protection. The outstanding flavonoid content of onions supports these research findings. It’s also interesting to note that onion is most commonly consumed in relatively small amounts along with other foods rather than by itself.

Support for Bone and Connective Tissue

Human studies have shown that onion can help increase our bone density and may be of special benefit to women of menopausal age who are experiencing loss of bone density. In addition, there is evidence that women who have passed the age of menopause may be able to lower their risk of hip fracture through frequent consumption of onions. “Frequent” in this context means onion consumption on a daily basis! In this research on bone density in older women, very sporadic eating of onion (once a month or less) did not provide much benefit. That finding, of course, was very expected. But less expected was the finding that it took daily consumption of onion to show robust benefits for bone density. Just as in the cancer-related onion research, the take-away message here is clear: you don’t want to skimp on onions when you are incorporating them into your meal plan.

In and of itself, the high sulfur content of onions may provide direct benefits to our connective tissue. Many of our connective tissue components require sulfur for their formation. For example, with the exception of hyaluronic acid, all glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) are sulfated. (GAGS are the premiere family of molecules found in the ground substance of our connective tissue.)

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

While onion is not as well researched as garlic in terms of specific inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or allergic airway inflammation, this allium vegetable has nevertheless been shown to provide important anti-inflammatory benefits.

Ref.http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=45

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 Soup

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Spinach Soup.jpg

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup blanched and pureed spinach
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 clove of garlic, mashed
  • 11/2 tbsp fine flour/ Maida
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or salt to taste
  • 2 tsp fresh cream (optional)

Method:

Step1.

In a pressure cooker place the washed and finely chopped spinach (palak) with 1/2 cup of water. Close the lid and pressure cook on high flame. The moment full pressure is formed (one whistle) switch the stove off.

Step 2.

When cool enough to handle, open the lid. Puree the spinach in a blender.

Step 3.

Heat butter in a non-stick pan. Add the mashed garlic and sauté for half a minute. Add all-purpose flour and stir fry on medium flame. When it gets a sandy texture remove from heat and cool.

Step 4.

Take boiling milk and pour into the fried, cold all purpose flour and butter mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer gently for two minutes. Stir this white sauce, and then add pureed spinach.

Step 5.

Cook the mixture on medium flame for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add salt, mix and switch off the heat.

Step 6.

Pour the soup in soup bowls and add freshly ground pepper on top. Serve hot.

Health benefits of Spinach / Palak:

Spinach is an excellent food loaded with tons of nutrients and a low calorie package. Greens like spinach are important for skin and hair, bone health, and provide protein, iron, vitamins and minerals.As per studies the possible health benefits of consuming spinach include improving blood glucose control in diabetics, lowering the risk of cancer, lowering blood pressure, improving bone health, lowering the risk of developing asthma and more.

 Ref.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270609.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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Carrot Soup

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carrot Soup

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

Cuisine: North Indian
Serves : 2
Level: Easy
Ingredients :

  • 4 carrots, medium size, peeled and cut into 1/2″ pieces
  • 1 apples, peeled, cored, and cubed
  • 1 onion , medium size, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
  • 9 cloves of Garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 cups milk , low fat
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp Salt or / salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup water

Method:

Step 1.

Melt butter in a pressure cooker. Add onion sauté till they are translucent add ginger , garlic and sauté for a minute on low flame.

Step 2.

Add cubed apple and carrots and sauté for 2 minutes. Add water and close the lid. On high flame, the moment full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. Let the cooker cool down to room temperature.

Step 3.

Remove the cooked mixture from the cooker into a blender jar and puree the vegetables. Strain and add 2 cups of milk bring to a boil , and then simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt and black pepper.

Step 4.

While the soup is simmering, cut the bread into cubes and in a frying pan over medium flame, heat 2/3 cup of the olive oil until it is just below smoking. Add the bread pieces and fry until crisp and golden brown on all sides. Remove and drain on a kitchen paper towel.

Step 5.

Pour the soup in bowls, garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with croutons on the side.

Possible Health benefits of Carrots:

An overwhelming body of evidence exists suggesting that increased intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables reduce cancer and cardiovascular disease risks, carrots included.

Cancer: A variety of dietary carotenoids have been shown to have anti-cancer effects due to their antioxidant power in reducing free radicals in the body.

Lung Cancer: One study found that current smokers who did not consume carrots had three times the risk of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate carrots more than once a week.2

Colorectal Cancer: Beta-carotene consumption has been shown to have an inverse association with the development of colon cancer in the Japanese population.3

Leukemia: Carrot juice extract was shown to kill leukemia cells and inhibit their progression in a 2011 study.4

Prostate Cancer: Among younger men, diets rich in beta-carotene may play a protective role against prostate cancer, according to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition.5

Vision: According to Duke ophthalmologist Jill Koury, MD, vitamin A deficiency causes the outer segments of the eye’s photoreceptors to deteriorate, damaging normal vision. Correcting vitamin A deficiencies with foods high in beta-carotene will restore vision.6

Studies have shown that it is unlikely that most people will experience any significant positive changes in their vision from eating carrots unless they have an existing vitamin A deficiency, which is common in developing countries.

So where did all the hype surrounding carrots and vision come from? During World War II, the British Royal Air Force started an advertising campaign claiming that the secret to their fighter pilots clear, sharp vision was carrots. Realistically, the fighter pilot’s accuracy was due to a new radar system the British wanted to keep secret from the Germans, but the rumor spread and remains popular today.

Other possible benefits: The antioxidants and phytochemicals in carrots may also help with blood sugar regulation, delay the effects of aging, and improve immune function.

Ref.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270191.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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Tomato Soup

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Tomato soup G

Hi friends ! Whether you refer to a tomato as a fruit or a vegetable, there is no doubt that a tomato is a nutrient-dense, super-food that most people should be eating more of.The tomato has been referred to as a “functional food,” a food that goes beyond providing just basic nutrition, additionally preventing chronic disease and delivering other health benefits, due to beneficial phytochemicals such as lycopene. Here is a simple yet delicious recipe of tomato soup.

Servings: 4

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients: 

    • 8  medium size tomatoes- chopped (into four quarters each)
    • 1 medium size onion ,finely chopped /or 1 cup chopped onion
    • 2 carrots, finely chopped / or grated
    • 4 cloves of garlic , finely chopped
    • 1/2 ” piece ginger ,finely grated
    • 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • 2 tsp salt or /to taste
    • 4 cups of water

To garnish:

    • 2 tsp fresh cream for garnishing

Method: 

Step 1.

In the pressure cooker take halved tomatoes, carrot ,onions, garlic, ginger with 4 cups of water close the lid and place the cooker on high flame.The moment full pressure is formed switch off the stove.

Step 2.

Let the pressure cooker cooled down to room temperature,open the lid and strain the the tomatoes and vegetables with a strainer.Keep the strained soup in a mixing bowl aside.

Step 3.

Remove the tomato skins with a fork from the strained vegetables and blend all the vegetables in a blender.

Step 4.

Put the blended vegetable mix through soup strainer in to the strained soup, mix well.

Step 5.

Bring to a boil again, and then simmer. Add salt, sugar and black pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 6.

Pour the soup in bowls, and garnish with the cream. Serve the croutons on the side.

Health benefits of Tomatoes:

Recent developments on the health benefits of tomatoes from MNT news

A tomato-rich diet may reduce breast cancer risk, study shows.

Risk of breast cancer for postmenopausal women may reduce with a tomato-rich diet, after a study showed the diet increased levels of adiponectin – a fat and blood sugar regulator.

Soy And Tomato Combination May Help Prevent Prostate Cancer.

Men who consume plenty of soy and tomato combinations probably have a much lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those who don’t.

Tomato extract ‘improves blood vessel function’ in CVD patients

Results of a study published in the journal PLOS One, revealed that CVD patients who received lycopene supplementation showed improved blood vessel response to acetylcholine, compared with healthy volunteers, which indicated normalized endothelial function.

Ref.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/273031.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.