vrat Recipes

Panjiri Prasad

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Dhaniya pangiri1Panjiri Prasad

Prasad  also called prasada or prasadam is a material substance of food that is a religious offering in both Hinduism and Sikhism. It is normally consumed by worshippers. ‘Prasad‘ literally means a gracious gift.

Dear friends! HAPPY JANMASHTAMI TO ALL OF YOU!! Dhaniya Panjiri Prasad is specially  eaten during  fasting on Lord Krishna’s birthday / Janam ashtami for breaking the fast. The dhaniya panjiri is very flavorsome and nutritious.

Ingredients :

  • 100 gms  dry Coriander/dhaniya seeds, finely powder
  • 100 gms Jaggery Powder
  • 1 cup Makhana/fox nuts
  • 4 tbsp clarified butter/pure Ghee
  • 1/2 cup khopra / dried coconut, finely grated
  • 15 Cashew nuts , roasted and cut into small pieces

Method:

Step 1.

Take dry coriander seeds in a grinder and grind it to fine powder.

Step 2.

Heat two tablespoon olive oil or clarified butter /cow’s milk ghee, in a pan add makhana/ Fox nuts and stir fry for 3-6 minutes on medium heat. Cool fried makhanas/ Fox nuts and grind in the grinder to a coarse powder. Keep aside.

Step 3.

Dry roast cashew nuts in a small pan on medium flame or microwave for 2 minutes. Cool and cut in to small pieces. keep aside.

Step 4.

In a non stick pan/ wok heat two table spoons clarified butter/pure ghee add the powdered coriander/dhaniya powder and  fry on medium to low heat for 6-8 minutes. When lightly fried powdered coriander/dhaniya gives a nice fragrance. Switch off the stove.

Step 5.
 Add jaggery powder, roasted nuts, roasted makhanaa/Fox glove powder and  finely  grated khopra /dried coconut. Mix well let panjiri/ mixture come to room temperature dhaniya panjiri is ready.

 

Health benefits of coriander seeds:

  • Coriander seeds possess many plant-derived chemical compounds that known to have been anti-oxidant, disease preventing, and health promoting properties.
  • The characteristic aromatic flavor of coriander seeds comes from their essential volatile oils and fatty acids. Some important fatty acids in the dried seeds include petroselinic acid, linoleic acid (omega 6), oleic acid, and palmitic acid. In addition, the seeds contain essential oils such as linalool (68%), a-pinene (10%), geraniol, camphene, terpine etc. Together; these active principles are responsible for digestive, carminative, and anti-flatulent properties of the seeds.
  • As in other spices, coriander is also rich in dietary fiber. 100 g seeds provide 41.9 g of fiber. Much of this fiber is metabolically inert insoluble fiber, which helps increase bulk of the food by absorbing water throughout the digestive system and help easing constipation condition.
  • In addition, dietary fibers bind to bile salts (produced from cholesterol) and decrease their re-absorption in colon, thus help lower serum LDL cholesterol levels. Together with flavonoid anti-oxidants, fiber composition of coriander helps protect colon mucusa from cancers.
  • Its seeds are an excellent source of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. Copper is required for the production of red blood cells. Iron is essential for cell metabolism and red blood cell formation. Zinc is a co-factor in many enzymes that regulate growth and development, sperm generation, digestion and nucleic acid synthesis. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is utilized by the body as a co-factor for the powerful anti-oxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
  • Unlike other dry spice seeds that lack in vitamin C, coriander seeds contain an ample amount of this anti-oxidant vitamin. 100 g of dry seeds provide 21 mg or 35% of RDI of vitamin-C.
  • Furthermore, the seeds are the storehouse of many vital B-complex vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.

Selection and storage:

Coriander seeds as well as its oil can be readily available in the markets year around. The seeds used as spice. Good-quality coriander seeds should release pleasant, slightly peppery flavor when squeezed between index and thumb fingers. In the store, buy whole seeds instead of coriander powder since, oftentimes it may contain adulterated spicy mix.

At home, store seeds in cool, dry, dark place, in airtight containers. This way, they keep well for many months and can be milled using a hand-mill whenever required. Ground or powdered coriander should be stored inside airtight containers and placed in the refrigerator. Use this spicy powder as early as possible since it loses its flavor rather quickly due to evaporation of essential oils.

Culinary uses:

Dried coriander seeds are one of the common spice ingredients used worldwide. In general, completely dried seeds gently roasted under low flame just before milling in order to get fine powder. Roasting releases special aromatic compounds and essential oils in the seeds.

Here are some serving methods:

  • Coriander seeds are used as flavoring agent in confectionery, stews, sausages, sweet breads, and cakes.
  • Coriander leaves as well as seeds are being used as an aromatic spice in Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Middle-eastern and European cooking.
  • Russian dark rye bread, “Borodinsky bread” uses coriander seeds.
  • In India, ground powder of coriander seeds is a common household spice powder that is used in pickling, chutneys, stews, curries, marinades as well as in sausag

Ref. http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/coriander-seeds.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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Raw Banana Cutlets

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Raw banana cutlets G

Raw Banana Cutlets

Hi Friends! Another of my never failing , healthy, delicious cutlet recipe with raw bananas and potatoes. It can be ready in no time, a perfect tea time snack.

Preparation time: 15-20 minutes

Cook time: 10-15 minutes

Cuisine: Indian

Course : Healthy snack/Appetizers

Serves: 4

Cooking time : 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 400 gms Raw bananas
  • 2 medium size boiled Potatoes / to give 2/3 cup mashed
  • 2 tbsp Buckwheat flour/Kuttu ka aata
  • 2/3 level tsp salt /or salt to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 green chili , finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger, finely grated
  • 1 tbsp Green coriander/ Cilantro / dhaniya , finely chopped
  • 10 Cashew nuts, lightly roasted, and cut into small pieces
  • Oil – to fry cutlets

Method:

Step 1.

Wash the bananas properly, put bananas in a pressure cooker, add 1/2 cup of water. Close the cooker lid and place the pressure cooker on a high flame. The moment full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. When cooker cools down to the room temperature, open the lid and take out the bananas. Remove the peel of each banana, mash in a mixing bowl and keep aside.

OR

Place the bananas in a microwave safe dish and cook in the microwave for 3 minutes. When bananas cool down to the room temperature, remove the peel from all bananas and mash. Keep mashed bananas aside.

Step 2.

Wash the potatoes properly, and put in a pressure cooker, add 1/2 cup of water. Close the cooker lid and place the pressure cooker on a high flame. The moment full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. When cooker cools down to the room temperature, open the lid and take out the potatoes. Remove and peel the potatoes, mash in a mixing bowl and keep aside.

Step 3.

In a mixing bowl take mashed potatoes, bananas, buckwheat flour / Kutu ka aata,salt, black pepper, green chilies, grated ginger and green coriander. Mix all the ingredients well . Divide the mixture into eight equal portions and keep aside.

Step 4.
In a non-stick pan take two tbsp oil and heat. Take each portion of the mixture in your hands, roll it into a round ball then press gently with your palms to flatten it. Slide gently as many cutlets as the pan can take easily fry in hot oil. Fry on medium flame till both sides turn light golden brown. Carefully take out the cutlets in a tray lined with the paper kitchen towel.

Step 5.

Serve hot with coriander / mint chutney.

Notes:

  • For best results, while using boiled potatoes, for preparing any type of cutlets , do not use the potatoes immediately after they are boiled. Cool them in the fridge for 1/2 an hour or so and then use for making the cutlets.
  • If NOT making cutlets for fast/Navratri vrats, you can use corn flour instead of Buckwheat flour/Kuttu ka aata

The Health Benefits of Green Bananas :

4 Body Benefits of Green Bananas

GREEN BANANAS ARE HIGH IN FIBER.

Just one cup of boiled green bananas contains 3.6 g of fiber, which satisfies 14 percent of your daily value! And as you may or may not already be aware, there is a decent correlation between the consumption of high fiber food and lowered instances of disease, such as diabetes. Bottom line? The stuff is good for you.

GREEN BANANAS INCREASE YOUR BODY’S ABILITY TO ABSORB NUTRIENTS.

Green bananas contain compounds called short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which nourish the cell tissue lining of the small intestine, dramatically enhancing the body’s capacity to absorb nutrients .

GREEN BANANAS ARE HIGH IN POTASSIUM.

Just like yellow bananas, green bananas are just as high in potassium. For instance, just one cup of boiled green bananas contains 531 mg of potassium. Compare this with the American Heart Association’s recommended intake of 4,700 mg of potassium per day.

GREEN BANANAS CONTAIN RESISTANT STARCH.

By definition, resistant starch (RS) is any starch that is not digested in the small intestine but passes to the large bowel. And according to research conducted by Janine Higgins of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, there is strong evidence to suggest that RS intake is associated with several changes in metabolism which may have positive health benefits such as:

  • Decreases glycemic and insulinemic responses
  • Lowers plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations
  • Improves whole body insulin sensitivity
  • Increases satiety, and reduces fat storage.

Ref. http://runjanellerun.com/2013/06/the-health-benefits-of-green-bananas/

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.

Kuttu ki Puri

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Kuttu ki puri

Kuttu ki Puri/Indian Buckwheat bread

Buckwheat / Kuttu:

A member of the genus Fagopyrum; annual Asian plant with clusters of small pinkish white flowers and small edible triangular seeds which are used whole or ground into flour. Energizing and nutritious, buckwheat is available throughout the year and can be served as an alternative to rice or made into porridge. While many people think that buckwheat is a cereal grain, it is actually a fruit seed that is related to rhubarb and sorrel making it a suitable substitute for grains for people who are sensitive to wheat or other grains that contain protein glutens. Buckwheat flowers are very fragrant and are attractive to bees that use them to produce a special, strongly flavored, dark honey.

Hi friends! Kuttu Ki Puri is a very delicious and crisp bread . You can make Kuttu Ki Puri by following this easy recipe

Prep Time : 10-15 minutes

Cuisine: Indian

Course: Breads

Cook time : 5-10 minutes

Serve : 4

Level Of Cooking : Easy

Ingredients

  • 2 cups kuttu ka atta/ Buckwheat flour
  • 2 medium size potatoes boiled, peeled and mashed , to give one cup mashed potatoes
  • 1 level tsp salt / or to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

Method:

Step 1.

In a mixing bowl take Kuttu ka atta/ buck wheat flour, mashed potatoes and salt mix well and knead into stiff dough, with the water. Cover and leave the dough for at least twenty minutes.
Step 2.
Divide the dough into 10-12 portions, and shape each portion into round, smooth balls, apply little oil in your hands, to make it easy to handle the dough.

Step 3.

With a rolling pin, roll each dough ball portion into a thin rounds and keep ready for frying in a tray.
Step 4.

Heat sufficient oil in a wok / kadai or deep pan. Slide the rolled dough (puris) into the oil slowly and deep fry till golden. Press gently with a slotted spoon in the centre, so that puri puffs up. Drain on an absorbent Kitchen paper before transferring on to a serving dish.

Step 5.

Serve them hot with Aloo ki sabzi.

Note:

Boiled and mashed Potatoes or Arbi / Colocacia has to be added to Kuttu ka Atta as it cannot be easily kneaded with just water. The Puris get crisp and tasty when the flour is kneaded with Potato or Arbi.

Health Benefits of Buckwheat :

Buckwheat is a very good source of manganese and a good source of copper, magnesium, ,dietary fiber, and phosphorus. Buckwheat contains two flavonoids with significant health-promoting actions: rutin and quercitin. The protein in buckwheat is a high quality protein, containing all eight essential amino acids, including lysine.

  • A Grain That’s Good for Your Cardiovascular System

Diets that contain buckwheat have been linked to lowered risk of developing high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Buckwheat is also a good source of magnesium. This mineral relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery while lowering blood pressure—the perfect combination for a healthy cardiovascular system.

  • Better Blood Sugar Control and A Lowered Risk of Diabetes

The nutrients in buckwheat may contribute to blood sugar control. In a test that compared the effect on blood sugar of whole buckwheat groats to bread made from refined wheat flour, buckwheat groats significantly lowered blood glucose and insulin responses. Whole buckwheats also scored highest on their ability to satisfy hunger.

  • Helps Prevent Gallstones

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

  • Health-Promoting Potential Equal to or Even Higher than that of Vegetables and Fruits
  • Lignans Protect against Heart Disease

One type of phytonutrient especially abundant in whole grains such as buckwheat are plant lignans, which are converted by friendly flora in our intestines into mammalian lignans, including one called enterolactone that is thought to protect against breast and other hormone-dependent cancers as well as heart disease.

  • Prevent Heart Failure with a Whole Grains Breakfast
  • Fiber from Whole Grains and Fruit Protective against Breast Cancer

Tips for Preparing and Cooking:

Tips for Preparing Buckwheat

Like all grains, buckwheat should be rinsed thoroughly under running water before cooking, and any dirt or debris should be removed. After rinsing, add one part buckwheat to two parts boiling water or broth. After the liquid has returned to a boil, turn down the heat, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.

How to Enjoy

A Few Quick Serving Ideas:

  • Combine buckwheat flour with whole wheat flour to make delicious breads, muffins and pancakes.
  • Cook up a pot of buckwheat for a change of pace from hot oatmeal as a delicious hearty breakfast cereal.
  • Add cooked buckwheat to soups or stews to give them a hardier flavor and deeper texture.
  • Add chopped chicken, garden peas, pumpkin seeds and scallions to cooked and cooled buckwheat for a delightful lunch or dinner salad.

Ref. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=11

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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Paneer Tikkis/cheese Cutlets

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Vrat ki tikki 1Paneer Tikkis/ Cottage cheese cutlets

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.

 

Hi friends! here is a recipe for your Navratri fast that can never go wrong! You can simply enjoy these tikkis as snacks any other time of the year too. These Paneer tikkis can be prepared instantly and easily for the navratri Vrat. Delicious to eat and simple to make.

Navratri Fast

Navratri literal meaning is ‘nine nights’ and during these nine days the celebration of Durga Puja in India. Nine different incarnations of the Goddess Shakti, Adi Shakti, or the original creator, observer and destroyer of the universe, are worshipped during these nine days. The festival is part of the Hindu tradition and different regions in the country follow different rituals to perform puja on this auspicious occasion. In Eastern India, the last five days of Navratri the Goddess Shakti is worshipped in the form of Durga, in the Northern and Western parts of India people worship nine different incarnations of the Adi Shakti. People Observe fasts during this sacred period, as it is a popular belief that the Goddess fulfill the wishes of their devotees. Fasting has always been part of Indian festivities. Science has attested to the health benefits of fasting.

Ingredients:

  • 150 gms Paneer / cottage cheese
  • 2 medium size boiled Potatoes / 2 t cups mashed or grated boiled potatoes
  • 2 tbsp, Buck wheat flour / kuttu ka atta
  • 10 Cashew nuts, lightly roasted, coarsely powdered
  • 1 Green chili , finely chopped
  • 1 tsp Ginger, finely grated
  • 1/2 tsp Salt/ or as per taste
  • 1 tbsp Cilantro/ fresh coriander leaves, finely chopped
  • Ghee /Oil – for frying

Method :

Step 1.

Cook the potatoes in a pressure cooker with two cups of water. The moment pressure is formed, reduce the heat to low flame for 5 minutes, switch off the stove. Cool the cooker to room temperature, open the lid take out the potatoes, peel and mash the potatoes. keep aside.

Step 2.

In a mixing bowl grate paneer/ cottage cheese. Add mashed potatoes, salt, finely cut green chilies, finely grated ginger, cashew nuts, Buck wheat flour / Kuttu ka atta. Mix everything really well and make a soft dough.

Step 3.

Divide the mixture into eight equal parts. Roll each part of the mixture into round shape and pat each round in an oval.

Step 4.

Preheat three tbsp ghee /oil in a wok / non stick frying pan for frying Tikkis. Place Tikkis in hot ghee /oil for frying. Place 3 to 4 tikkis in the hot ghee /oil and fry until they turn golden brown in color from all sides.

Step 5.

Take out fried Tikkis on a paper kitchen towel lined plate. Similarly fry all the Tikkis.

Step 6.

Serve hot with Vrat wali chutney of coriander/ cilantro.

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.

Health Benefits Of Cottage Cheese:

The health benefits of cottage cheese include weight loss, a good supply of protein, B complex vitamins and healthy fats, and a reduced risk of breast cancer. Cottage cheese is also a good source of various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and selenium which all play vital roles in many of the body functions.

Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer: The calcium and vitamin D found in dairy products, especially in cottage cheese, reduces the risk of breast cancer. Research conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health by Shin et al. found that in case of premenopausal women, the level of calcium and vitamin D actually helped in reducing the risk of breast cancer. This particular study was conducted over a period of 16 years.

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. For example, pregnant women need calcium and cottage cheese is a very good source for it. Cottage cheese also contains phosphorus, which is an important element found in bones that is also recommended during pregnancy.

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. The amount of calcium in cottage cheese is 8% of the daily recommended value. Calcium, found in milk and milk products such as curd or cottage cheese, helps in building strong bones throughout childhood and adulthood. Eating calcium-rich foods during pregnancy and later years is helpful, especially in osteoporosis and colon cancer. It also helps the nervous system in sending nerve impulse and controls weight gain and heart disease. These are just a few of the benefits of eating calcium-rich foods like cottage cheese.

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.

A Few Things to Consider:

There are certain risks involved in eating cheese, both of the cottage and grocery varieties. Some of these are particular risks for those people suffering from diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure).

Higher Levels of Sodium: Salt is a major ingredient used at various stages of cheese and yogurt preparation. As per the research conducted by Demott, Hitchcock, and Sanders at the University of Tennessee, an average of 3.7 mg/g to 4.5 mg/g of sodium chloride is found in various dairy preparations, including cheese. The findings are almost double the federal government’s approved salt content level (2.7 mg/g).

Bacterial Contamination: One may experience bacterial contamination by eating cottage cheese or any other dairy product, if the milk has not been pasteurized properly. One of the most common diseases that is associated with unpasteurized milk, improperly cooked meat, poultry, and fish is listeriosis, which is caused by Listeria monocytogenes. This bacteria is particularly known to be risky for pregnant women and their developing fetus.

Cholesterol Levels in Cottage Cheese: The level of cholesterol in cottage cheese depends upon the type of milk used for preparing it. If whole milk is used for cheese preparation, the cholesterol content would be as high (33 mg per 1cup) as compared to low fat milk (10 mg per 1 cup) or no fat milk (4 mg per 1 cup). So, if you are health conscious, use low fat versions of cottage cheese to avoid extra fat intake and excessive cholesterol.

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.

bottle gourd Barfi

~ saanjhachullha ~ Leave a comment

Lauki Barfi 1

Lauki/bottle gourd Barfi

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

Hi friends!Here is the recipe of a yummilicious bottle gourd barfi . It is easy to make and is very tasty to eat!

Preparation Time : 5-10 minutes

Cooking time : 20-25 minutes

Servings : 6-8

Cuisine: Indian

Course: Indian Desserts

Level Of Cooking: Easy

Ingredients:

  • 500 gms Bottle gourd /lauki/Ghiya, grated
  • 150 gms Khoya/mawa, grated
  • 500 ml Milk
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 10 Almonds
  • 10 Cashews
  • 15 Pistachoos
  • 1/2 tsp Ghee for greasing
  • 6 Green cardamoms, powdered

Method :

Step 1.

Wash, peel and grate the Bottle gourd /lauki/Ghiya.

Step 2.

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

Step 3.

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

Step 4.

Grease an aluminum tray with ghee. Remove from heat, pour into the greased tray and spread evenly.

Step 5.

Sprinkle chopped nuts and set aside for cooling.

Step 6.

Cut into squares and serve.

 Possible health benefits of Bottle gourd /lauki/Ghiya:

In fact, traditional healers recommended consumption of this bottle gourd to treat various conditions. Here are some of its benefits you must know.

Aids digestion: People suffering from constipation should eat bottle gourd as it is high in fibre and helps clear the food stuck in your colon. Additionally, juice made out of bottle gourd also helps in the treatment of acidity as it is alkaline in nature [1].

Great for weight loss Bottle gourd is one of the best foods you can have if you want to lose weight as it is 96% water, and a 100g serving contains as little as 12 calories. The high fibre content will take care of your hunger, and keep you feeling full.

Helps treat urinary disorders Bottle gourd has a cooling effect on your body, and a glass of bottle gourd juice is a great diuretic that can be used to treat burning sensation while passing urine. This burning sensation is caused due to high levels of acid in the urine, which can be countered by the alkaline nature of bottle gourd juice.

Refreshes you during summers: Just like cucumber, bottle gourd too has a high amount of water which keeps you hydrated during summers. Drinking a glass of its juice will ensure that you do not face loss of sodium, fatigue or extreme thirst while you are out in the sun. This makes it great for people whose jobs require them to travel in daylight.

Prevents heart disease: Unhealthy lifestyles are leading to several cases of heart disease in urban India. So much so that, 70% of the urban population is at risk of heart disease due to wrong lifestyle choices like eating fried and processed foods, smoking, etc. Like a lot of fruits and vegetables, bottle gourd has zero cholesterol and is rich in vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants making it good for your heart [3].

Reduces stress It is quite easy to feel stressed in today’s times, and unhealthy eating can only worsen the situation. Bottle gourd has a high water content has a cooling effect on your body which makes you feel better the very moment you take it. It also has diuretic, sedative and antibilious properties which makes your body feel better internally, and keeps stress at bay.

Ref. http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/health-benefits-lauki-dudhi-bottle-gourds-sa114/

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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