Tag: bachelor recipe

2. Olive chutney with jaggery and panch phoran

Panch Phoran Dal / Red Lentil With Five Spice

Panch phoran dal or red lentil/masoor dal with Bengali five spice. A flavorful and delicious dal to serve with steamed rice or bread. Aroma of roasted and ground panch phoran made this dal delectable.

You don’t need much ingredients to make this dal. You need only onion, tomato, chilli, some dry spices and panch phoran. Panch phoran consists of fenugreek seeds or methi, Nigella seed or kalaunji, cumin seed or jeera, mustard seed or sarso and fennel seed or sounf. To make panch phoran or five spice mix 1 tablespoon each nigella seed or kalonji, cumin seeds or jeera, mustard seeds or sarso, fennel seeds or sounf and 1/2 tablespoon fenugreek seeds or methi. Used less methi because of it’s bitterness. You can use equal amounts methi if you like. And for roasted panch phoran powder dry roast panch phoran till light brown and fragrant. Be careful seeds shouldn’t be burned. Let the roasted panch phoran cool down. Grind the roasted spices into fine powder. Store in airtight container. Use in chutney or curries.

You may like some recipes with panch phoran.

1. Panch phoran tarkari

3. Gur aam or instant sweet mango pickle

4. Tender drumstick potato dry curry

5. Kumro chokka or pumpkin stir fry

6. Sukto or Bengali mixed vegetable

Masoor dal is power-packed with nutrients and has immeasurable benefits. A mere cup of masoor dal has 230 calories, about 15 grams of dietary fibre and about 17 grams of proteins. Here are some other dietary and health benefits of masoor dal. Here are some other dietary and health benefits of masoor dal:

1.Helps Stabilise Blood Sugar Level.

2. Keeps The Heart Healthy by Lowering Cholesterol.

3. Effective Remedy Against Weight Loss.

4. Anti-Ageing Properties.

5. Nourishes Teeth and Bones.

6. Helpful In Maintaining A Healthy Vision.

7. Beneficial For A Glowing And Radiating Skin.

Read more about health benefits of red lentil or masoor dal here.

Here are some more dal or lentil recipes below. Click on the name to get recipe.

1. Beetroot dal

2. Whole masoor dal

3. Mediterranean green lentil soup

4. Dal rasam

5. Dal makhani

6. Red lentil soup

7. Lebanese lentil lemon soup

8. Goan dal curry

9. Dal kanda or dry chana dal fry

10. Dal palak

11. Egg dal tadka

12. Green gram carrot spinach soup

This post is my contribution to 267 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Luscious Lentils suggested by Poonam Bachhav who blog at Annapurna. Poonam has a wonderful blog with many healthy and mouthwatering recipes including thali. I have to try her delicious and nutritious different types of quinoa recipes like Curd quinoa and Mexican one pot quinoa . Do visit her space for many more traditional, fusion and baked recipes.

This dal or lentil recipe is very easy to make. If you don’t have panch phoran make it at home as mentioned above. You can store these mix spices in a airtight container for later use. I always store two jars, one of panch phoran and one dry roasted and ground panch phoran.

Recipe

Masoor dal or red lentil – 1/2 cup

Panch phoran or five spices – 1 teaspoon (mixture of fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, cumin, mustard seeds and fennel seeds)

Dry red chilli – 1

Onion – 1 finely chopped

Green chilli – 1 – 2 , chopped

Tomato – 2 medium, finely chopped

Ginger – 1/2 inch piece, grated

Oil – 1 & 1/2 tablespoon

Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Kashmiri red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon

Dry roasted and ground panch phoran – 1 teaspoon

Cilantro or coriander leaves – 1 tablespoon

Salt to taste

Water – 2 cup

Method

1. Rinse the dal or red lentil well. In a pressure cooker add 2 cup water and dal. Close the lid cook on high heat. When hissing sound starts immediately reduce the heat. Cook on low heat for 15 minutes. Let the pressure settle down on its own.

2. Dry roast panch phone in a pan till light brown and fragrant. Seeds shouldn’t be burned. Grind the spices into fine powder when cool. Store the roasted and ground panch phoran in a airtight container.

3. Heat oil in a pan or wok. Add 1 teaspoon panch phoran and dry red chilli.

4. When the seeds starts to splutter add chopped onion and green chilli. Fry till onion becomes light brown.

5. Add grated ginger and tomatoes. Add salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli and chopped cilantro or coriander leaves. Saute till tomato becomes mushy and oil leaves the sides.

6. Add boiled red lentil with water of boiled dal. Mix well.

7. When dal starts to rolling boil reduce the heat. Cook on low heat for 10 – 15 minutes. Stir in between. I like it thick but if you like thin dal then you can add more water

8. Now cook dal on high heat for 1 – 2 minutes or until you get your desired consistency. Add dry roasted and ground panch phoran. Mix well and switch off the heat.

9. Garnish with cilantro or coriander leaves. You can also garnish with ginger julienne and lemon wedges. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, paratha or any bread.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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9. Korean rice or Korean egg fried rice

Saffron Rice With Pickled Jalapeno And Ginger Julienne

Saffron rice with pickled jalapeno and ginger julienne. A no onion garlic aromatic rice with fried paneer or cottage cheese cubes, saffron or kesar and all the aromatic whole spices. Easy to make and absolutely delicious one pot rice dish. You can enjoy it without any side dish. Add lots of dry fruits of your choice and enjoy.

I used pickled jalapeno because I love the taste but if you want you can use chopped green chilli instead. Or you can use little more pickled jalapeno pieces if you like. It will be a great party dish with spicy curries. You may like some more one pot rice recipes on this blog. Click on the name below for recipe.

1. Mexican green rice

2. Tricolor rice

3. Carrot rice

4. Mexican rice

5. Beetroot rice

6. Mint rice

7. Spanish moulded rice

8. Aloo chutney pulao

10. Corn peas barista fried rice

11. Easy pulao or one pot rice

Sending this post to 266 #Foodiemonday bloghop. This week’s theme is Exotic Saffron suggested by Mayuri Patel who blog at Mayris Jikoni. Mayuri is a very talented blogger. She always amazed us with her different continental, traditional and baked dishes. You will definitely love her different types of bread recipes. I have to try her Onion olive bread, Semolina sesame seed bread and many more. Also check out her different mouthwatering cake recipes.

Long grain basmati rice is best for this recipe. But you can also use any aromatic rice like Gobindobhog rice, Indrayani rice etc. Long grain rice looks good. As I mentioned above if you don’t have pickled jalapeno, use chopped green chilli instead. You can use cauliflower, beans, carrot or any vegetable in this rice. Chop and fry the vegetables before adding to the rice. If you don’t like to use ginger julienne then you can use minced or grated ginger. Serve this delicious and flavorful rice with any spicy curry. I have served it with dim kosha or spicy egg curry. I will share the recipe soon.

Recipe

Basmati rice – 1 cup

Saffron – 1/2 teaspoon

Green peas – 1/2 cup

Pickled Jalapeno – 8 – 10 pieces

Ginger – 1 inch piece, julienned

Paneer or cottage cheese – 1/2 cup, cubed

Cashew nuts – 2 tablespoon

Raisins – 2 tablespoon

Green cardamom – 4

Cloves – 4

Cinnamon – 1 inch piece

Mace or javitri – 2 strands

Star anise – 1

Bay leaf – 1

Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon

Salt to taste

Sugar – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon or to taste

Turmeric powder – 1/4 + 1/4 teaspoon

Oil – 1 tablespoon

Ghee or clarified butter – 2 tablespoon

Water – 2 & 1/2 cup

Method

1. Rinse the rice well. Soak in sufficient water for 15 minutes. Drain the water and keep aside.

2. Mix saffron with 1/4 cup hot water.

3. Cut the paneer or cottage cheese into small cubes. Marinate with little salt and 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder.

4. Peel and chop the ginger into thin slices to make julienne.

5. Chop the pickled jalapeno into small pieces.

6. Crush green cardamom, cloves and cinnamon in a mortar pestle.

7. Heat oil in a wok. Fry the cashew nuts. When cashews becomes light brown remove from oil.

8. Now fry the marinated paneer or cottage cheese cubes till brown. Remove the paneer cubes from oil.

9. Add ghee or clarified butter. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, star anise, mace or javitri, crushed green cardamom, cloves and cinnamon.

10. When cumin seeds starts to splutter add ginger julienne and fry for a minute. If you are using green chilli add it with ginger julienne.

11. Add turmeric powder, pickled jalapenos and green peas. Stir well.

12. Add drained rice, salt, sugar, fried paneer or cottage cheese cubes Stir and saute for 1 – 2 minutes or till the rice coated well with ghee.

13. Add saffron mixed water, fried cashew nuts, raisins and remaining water. Mix well. When water starts to rolling boil, cover and cook on high flame for 15 minutes.

14. Reduce the heat. Stir the rice. Cover and cook again on low heat for 10 minutes or till the rice becomes soft and water absorbed completely. Keep checking in between. If you want more soft rice then you can add 1/4 cup water more and cook for a few minutes more. Fluff the rice gently.

15. Garnish with fried paneer cubes, ginger julienne, saffron, jalapeno and fried cashew nuts. Serve hot with raita or any spicy curry. You can get some curry recipes here.

Notes

1. You can use more dry fruits if you want.

2. If you don’t have pickled jalapeno use 2-3 chopped green chilli.

3. Small pieces of cauliflower, beans or any vegetable can be used with rice. Fry the vegetable pieces before adding in the rice.

4. If you don’t have star anise omit it.

5. You can use minced or grated ginger instead of ginger julienne.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

Please visit my facebook page and hit the like button to get the latest update

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1. Focaccia with whole wheat and soybean flour

Herbed Milk Bread With Honey

Herbed milk bread stuffed with sriracha sauce and Italian herbs. A super soft, flavorful and delicious bread with honey. For a change add grated cheese in the stuffing. You don’t need anything with it. Just slice and enjoy as a snack with your tea or coffee. Or make crisp toast and serve.

I have used warm milk to knead the dough because I love the soft texture of milk bread. But if you want to make it for vegan people use warm water instead of milk. I love this soft spicy bread as a snack. And for breakfast crisp toast.

You may like some more bread recipes on this blog. Click on the name below for recipes.

2. Cheesey bread

3. Whole wheat bread

4. Oats flaxseed whole wheat bread

5. Multigrain bread

6. Zimbabwe cornbread

7. Olive Jalapeno savoury cornbread

8. Gluten free vegan multigrain bread

This post is my contribution to Facebook group Healthy Wealthy Cuisine for Wheat Flour Savoury Baking theme suggested by Sasmita who blog at First Timer Cook. I always love her blog with beautiful pictures. Do visit her space for many healthy and delicious recipes. I am sure you will love her wonderful blog. I recently bookmarked her Eggless chocolate piped cookies and Vegan orange blueberry mini bundt cake to try. Check out the recipes of my fellow bloggers shared for this theme.

Baked wheat crackers by Jayashree

Baked aloo kulcha by Preethi

Buttermilk bread with savory swirls by Sasmita

Savoury cheese and vegetable muffins by Poonam

This bread is also made of whole wheat flour or atta but I also used 1 cup all purpose flour/maida for better texture. If you like you can skip all purpose flour/maida and use only whole wheat flour. Just increase the amount of whole wheat flour. I have used my most favourite sriracha sauce but you can use any chili garlic sauce or use green chutney or any chutney of your choice. For spreading chopped cilantro or coriander leaves, parsley, rosemary or any herbs can be used over sauce or chutney. Choice is your.

Recipe

Whole wheat flour or atta – 2 cup

All purpose flour or maida – 1 cup

Dry yeast – 1 & 1/2 teaspoon

Honey – 1 tablespoon

Salt – 1 & 3/4 teaspoon

Vinegar – 1 & 1/2 tablespoon

Milk powder – 2 tablespoon

Olive oil – 2 tablespoon + for greasing

Warm milk – 1 & 1/2 cup

Sriracha sauce – 2 tablespoon

Oregano – 2 teaspoon

Dried basil – 1 teaspoon

Method

1. Mix yeast in 1/4 cup warm milk. Milk should be warm not hot. Add honey and stir well. Cover and keep in a warm place for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes it will becomes foamy.

2. In a large bowl mix whole wheat flour, all purpose flour, milk powder, salt, vinegar and oil. Mix well. If you want to add cheese in the stuffing then use 1 teaspoon salt only.

3. Make a hole in the middle and pour the yeast mixture and 1 cup slightly warm milk. Mix well. Knead the dough using remaining 1/4 cup warm milk. Add water as require to make soft and smooth dough. Dough will be sticky.

4. Sprinkle little flour on your cleaned kitchen counter and place the dough on it. Knead the dough for 8 – 10 minutes. You can use your kneading machine to knead the dough in less time. It will take 5 minutes in kneading machine.

5. Knead the dough by pressing with your palm and heel of your palm by pushing and stretching. Gather the dough and stretch it again. After kneading well dough will becomes less sticky. Make a ball with the dough and drop few times on the kitchen counter. Don’t use too much flour. Add little oil for easy kneading and make the dough non sticky.

6. Grease a bowl generously. Smear the dough with oil and place in the greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and keep in a warm place for an hour or till the dough becomes double. Timing depends on the temperature of your place. Its summer time here so 1 hour is sufficient.

7. Grease baking pan and keep aside.

8. After 1 hour punch down the dough and knead again.

9. Flatten the dough with a rolling pin or your oil greased palm. Roll or press the dough into flat and rectangular.

10. Spread sriracha sauce all over it. Sprinkle oregano and basil. You can use any herbs of your choice. You can also spread some grated cheese. See notes for more options.

11. Start rolling it from shortest side. After rolling pinch the seam well.

12. Turn the roll upside down. Cut the roll lengthwise from the center. Rotate both the pieces to place cut sides facing upwards. Place both pieces side by side.

13. Now make a braid with both pieces by overlapping each other. Place one side piece on other side piece.

14. Repeat the process and pinch the both ends. I have cut the braid into half. You can make half before rolling the dough. Make two separate rolls. Place the rolls carefully in greased baking pan or loaf pan.

15. Cover and keep aside for 30 minutes or till it becomes double.

16. Preheat the oven at 190° for 10 minutes. Bake the braided bread in preheated oven for 40 – 50 minutes or bread becomes golden brown.

17. Take out the bread from oven and place on cooling rack.

18. Slice the bread after 1 – 2 hours or when the bread become completely cool.

Notes

1. You can use any grated cheese in stuffing.

2. You can use rosemary, parsley, chopped cilantro or coriander leaves, mint or any herbs of your choice.

3. Schezwan sauce, pizza sauce or any chili garlic sauce can be used instead of sriracha sauce. Even you can use green chutney or any chutney of your choice.

4. You can use water instead of milk.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

Please visit my facebook page and hit the like button to get the latest update

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4. Spinach curry with corn and soya chunks

Soya Nuggets Curry With Poppy Seeds, Coconut And Sweet Corn

Soya nuggets curry with poppy seeds, coconut and sweet corn. A delicious and flavorful curry with protein rich soya nuggets. Different aromatic spices, almonds and poppy seeds made this curry rich and absolutely delicious. A perfect accompany with naan, paratha, roti or any type of rice. You can also make this delectable curry with chicken, eggs or any non vegetarian dishes.

You may like some more recipes with soya nuggets, chunks or granules on this blog. Click on the name below for recipe.

1. Soya loaf

2. Soya nugget korma

3. Protein rich soya nuggets

5. Soya egg shami Kabab

6. Soya paneer lollipop

7. Soya kofta balls in gravy

8. Oats soya green gram toast

9. Veg calzone

To make this curry you will need onion, garlic, poppy seeds, almonds fresh coconut, sweet corn and some aromatic spice powder. I have used paste of poppy seeds, ginger, garlic, coconut and almond to make thick and rich gravy. Cubed tomatoes made the curry attractive. You can also make this gravy with eggs, chicken or any non vegetarian dishes.

Recipe

Soya nuggets – 1 & 1/2 cup

Fresh coconut – 1/3 cup, grated or finely chopped

Sweet corn – 1/2 cup

Tomato – 2, cubed

Onion – 1, chopped

Ginger paste – 1/2 tablespoon

Garlic paste – 1/2 tablespoon

Green chilli – 2 – 3 or to taste

Poppy seeds or khaskhas – 2 tablespoon

Almond – 2 tablespoon

Cinnamon powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Clove powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon

Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Kashmiri red chilli powder – 2 teaspoon

Black pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Yogurt or curd – 1/4 cup

Salt to taste

Oil – 2 tablespoon

Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon

Bay leaf – 1

Water – 1 & 1/2 cup

Method

1. Boil the soya nuggets with 3 cup water and 1 teaspoon salt. Let it cool down. When it cool down drain the water. Rinse 2 times with fresh water. Drain and squeeze well.

2. Cut the tomatoes in cubes.

3. Soak the almond in hot water. Peel the almonds when cool.

4. Grind the poppy seeds. When it becomes powder add soaked and peeled almonds, fresh coconut and 1 – 2 green chilli. Add 3 – 4 tablespoon water and make a smooth paste.

5. In a bowl mix yogurt, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, clove powder, cinnamon powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder. Whisk well.

6. Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a pan or wok. Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. When cumin seeds starts to splutter add chopped onion and fry till onion becomes translucent.

7. Add ginger garlic paste. Saute till raw smell goes out and onion becomes brown.

8. Reduce the heat to low and add spices mixed yogurt. Saute till oil leaves the sides. Stir continuously.

9. Now add poppy seeds, coconut, green chilli and almond paste. Saute till the mixture dried up.

10. Add cubed tomatoes. Saute for a minute. We don’t want the tomatoes mushy.

11. Add squeezed soya nuggets, sweet corn and salt. Mix well and saute till soya nuggets coated with spices.

12. Add water and 2 – 3 green chilli. When it starts to rolling boil reduce the heat. Cover and cook on simmer for 15 minutes. If you want thick gravy add 1 cup water only.

12. Remove the cover add remaining 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder, mix and switch off the heat. You can add 1-2 tablespoon fresh cream I didn’t.

13. Garnish with sliced tomato, almond and coconut pieces. You can also garnish with cilantro or coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, pulao, jeera rice, roti, paratha, puri naan or any bread.

Notes

1. Cashew nuts can be used instead of almond.

2. Add chilli according to your taste.

3. You can also make this gravy with eggs, chicken or fish instead of soya nuggets.

4. Fresh cream can be used at the end.

This post is my contribution to A to Z monthly challenge. Wherein a group of bloggers come together and we choose key ingredients alphabetically to cook and post a dish every month. This month’s alphabet is letter P. And my star ingredient is poppy seeds.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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Herbal Tea

Herbal tea. Sharing my morning tea recipe today. Black tea with all the immunity booster ingredients. Every ingredient is full of numerous health benefits. You will love the aroma of boiling tea. No negative side effects shown of these common ingredients. But before using these supplements always talk to your doctor.

You can also try two more healthy drink Turmeric shot and Smoothie with turmeric and aloe vera .

These days everyone is taking kadha or different immunity booster food or drink using Ashwagandha, Giloy, Tulsi or Holy basil, cinnamon, nutmeg, raw turmeric, cumin, fennel seeds etc. I don’t have Ashwagandha so I didn’t use it. If you are living in a cold place then you can also add 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg or nutmeg powder.

I have used Tulsi or Holy Basil, Giloy stem, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, black pepper and lemon juice with tea leaves.

Now let’s see the health benefits of these ingredients.

Tulsi or Holy Basil or Queen of herbs. Yes this herb called queen of herbs. I remember my mother used to give Tulsi leaves juice with honey daily to my daughter and she never had cold or cough.

Many studies support the use of the entire plant of holy basil for human use and its therapeutic value. The nutritional value is also high, as it contains: vitamin A and C calcium zinc iron chlorophyll Holy basil has been shown to boost your body’s health in a variety of ways. It can help protect against infection, lower your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol, ease joint pain, and protect your stomach. Source

Giloy

This age-old miraculous herb is also known as “Amrita” in sanskrit, which means “immortality.” In fact, according to the Ayurvedic experts consuming giloy on a daily basis can keep disease at bay. This is the reason why giloy extracts have been used as an active ingredient in several Ayurvedic medicines. Apart from that, giloy is one such ingredient that can be consumed in several ways. However, the stem of this plant has maximum nutrition. This might sound unbelievable, but according to the books of Ayurveda, Giloy can cure as well as prevent hundreds of diseases. Right from seasonal ailments like cold, cough, flu to stomach issues to diabetes to chronic arthritis, giloy has been used for its medicinal purpose since times immemorial. Source

Ginger or adrakh

Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. Ginger is one of the very few superfoods actually worthy of that term. Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. To read all the 11 health benefits of ginger click here.

Cinnamon or darchini

Cinnamon is a highly delicious spice. It has been prized for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Modern science has now confirmed what people have known for ages. Cinnamon is one of the most delicious and healthiest spices on the planet. It can lower blood sugar levels, reduce heart disease risk factors and has a plethora of other impressive health benefits. Source

Green cardamom or chhoti ilaichi

The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are thought to have impressive medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Cardamom is an ancient remedy that may have many medicinal properties. It may lower blood pressure, improve breathing and aid weight loss. What’s more, animal and test-tube studies show that cardamom may help fight tumors, improve anxiety, fight bacteria and protect your liver, though the evidence in these cases is less strong. Source

Bay leaf or tej patta

The presence of vitamin A and C along with folic acid and various minerals in bay leaf makes it a nutrient-dense herb. Bay leaves are commonly found in biryani, pulao, soups, curries and most Indian dishes. Also known as tej patta, this culinary herb makes for an integral part of the Indian cuisine, thanks to its distinctive flavour and fragrance. Apart from this, it is also known for its age-old medicinal properties. Scientifically known as Laurus Nobilis, bay leaves are used for treating various health conditions. Source

Cloves or laung

Cloves are best known as a sweet and aromatic spice, but they have also been used in traditional medicine. In fact, animal studies have found that the compounds in cloves may have several health benefits, including supporting liver health and helping stabilize blood sugar levels. This article reviews 8 of the most impressive health benefits of eating cloves.

1. Contain important nutrients.

2. High in antioxidants.

3. May help protect against cancer.

4. Can kill bacteria.

5. May improve liver health.

6. May help regulate blood sugar.

7. May promote bone health.

8. May reduce stomach ulcers. Source

Black pepper or kali mirch

Black pepper is more than just a kitchen staple. It has been deemed the “king of spices” and used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds. Black pepper and its active compound piperine may have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Laboratory studies suggest that black pepper may improve cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and brain and gut health. Read all the 11 health benefits of black pepper here.

Lemon or nimbu

Research shows lemon water has many potential health benefits. Aside from those, adding lemon to your water may help you drink more throughout the day and keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated is critical to good health, so lemon water is pretty much a win-win. Here are seven ways your body may benefit from lemon water.

1. It promotes hydration.

2. It’s a good source of vitamin C.

3. It supports weight loss.

4. It improves your skin quality.

5. It aids digestion.

6. It freshens breath.

7.It helps prevent kidney stones. Source

Why I am sharing my morning tea? Well this week’s 263 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Herbal And Health suggested by Aruna SarasChandra who blog at Vasusvegkitchen. Aruna suggested to share some herbal tea or anything with immunity booster ingredients. Aruna has a wonderful blog with different types of mouthwatering recipes. Her Chocolate and custard jelly cake and Sabudana coconut laddu is in my list to try. You can also visit her YouTube channel for recipe videos.

This recipe is for 3 cup of tea. You can increase or decrease the ingredients. You can also make it without tea and serve hot as kadha. Use black pepper powder or freshly crushed black pepper according to your taste.

Recipe

Tulsi or holy basil – 8 – 10 leaves

Tea leaves – 1 teaspoon

Ginger – 1 teaspoon grated or dry ginger powder

Cinnamon – 1 inch piece crushed or 1/2 teaspoon powder

Green cardamom – 2, crushed

Bay leaf – 1

Giloy stem – 1/2 inch

Cloves – 4 – 5 crushed or 1/4 teaspoon clove powder

Black pepper powder or freshly crushed black pepper – 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon or to taste

Lemon juice to taste

Water – 4 cup

Method

1. Crush the giloy stem with a mortar pestle. You can use 1/2 inch stem more but remember giloy taste bitter.

2. Crush the cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. I have used cinnamon and clove powder. You can grind the cloves to make powder.

3. Tear up tulsi or holy basil leaves and bay leaf with your hands.

4. Mix all the ingredients with water in a pan or kettle.

5. Add black pepper powder to taste. I have used 1/8 teaspoon only.

6. Heat the pan or kettle. When it starts to rolling boil reduce the heat. Let it boil on low heat for 15 minutes.

7. After 15 minutes add tea leaves and switch off the heat. Steep the tea for 3 minutes. If you like strong tea boil for a few seconds more. Or if you like you can strain the tea immediately after removing from heat. I always steep the tea for 3 minutes.

8. Stir and strain the tea in teapot or cups. Add any sweetener of your choice. You can add jaggery powder, sugar, unrefined sugar, honey, stevia etc. Now add lemon juice and enjoy hot aromatic tea anytime.

Stay healthy stay happy!

Notes

1. This recipe is for 3 cup tea. You can increase or decrease the ingredients.

2. Use black pepper powder or freshly crushed black pepper according to your taste.

3. You can also make it without tea leaves and serve hot as kadha.

4. You can also add 1/4 teaspoon grated or powdered nutmeg or jaefhal.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

Please visit my facebook page and hit the like button to get the latest update

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2. Gujarati bitter gourd stir fry

Crispy Bitter Gourd And Potato Or Aloo Karela / Less Oil Recipe

Crispy bitter gourd and potato or aloo karela. Crispy but cooked with only one teaspoon oil in halogen oven. You can also use your microwave or OTG to bake or grill the karela and potato in the same way. Or use your air fryer to fry with less oil. An easy to make yet delicious no onion garlic bitter gourd recipe.

Bitter gourd has numerous health benefits.

Bitter gourd is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. It contains iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamins like A and C. It contains twice the calcium of spinach and beta-carotene of broccoli. Various anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds are present in bitter gourd.
It also helps in lowering the bad cholesterol levels, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. That’s not all. It strengthens the immune system, improves respiratory health, boosts skin health and contains anti-ageing properties. Source

You may like some more bitter gourd recipes on this blog.

1. Bitter gourd dopyaza

3. Bitter gourd with tomato

4. Sukto

And some more recipes using halogen oven.

1. Cauliflower corn butter masala

2. Olive Jalapeno savoury cornbread

3. Greek pizza

4. Beetroot dip

5. Moong dal bhaja pithe

6. Grilled potatoes

7. Piperade with Indian spices

8. Baked egg burger

9. Cooking in halogen oven

This week our 262 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Bitter But Good suggested by Sasmita who blog at First Timer Cook. You will definitely love her mouthwatering recipes. I would love to try her Dalgona muffins and also visit her YouTube channel for beautiful and heavenly Layered coffee panna cotta and many more.

Recipe is very easy to make. Slice the potato and bitter gourd and boil with salted water till fork tender. Drain the water completely and marinate with salt and spices. I have used coriander powder, turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder and little garam masala with salt. You can use any spices of your choice. I don’t like bitter gourd dishes hot so used Kashmiri red chilli powder for colour. You can use hot variety red chilli powder or black pepper powder if you like. You can also add amchur or dry mango powder if you want. And use very little oil to spray over marinated potato and bitter gourd before baking. You can use olive oil or any other oil of your choice.

Recipe

Karela or bitter gourd – 1 large

Potato – 1

Salt to taste

Coriander or dhania powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Kashmiri red chilli powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala powder – 1/4 teaspoon

Oil – 1 teaspoon

Method

1. Peel and chop the potato into round slices.

2. Discard the both tips and chop the bitter gourd or karela into round slices.

3. Wash well and drain the water.

4. Boil the karela and potato slices with 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon salt for 4 minutes or till fork tender. Don’t make mushy. Check with a knife or fork.

5. Drain the water and let it cool down. Marinate karela and potato slices with little salt, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder and Kashmiri red chilli powder.

6. Spread the slices on a baking sheet. Spray little oil all over it.

7. Press the speed up button. Set temperature at 200° and set the timer for 5 minutes. Keep an eye if the slices becomes golden brown switch off the oven.

8. Turn the slices upside down and cook again at 200° temperature for 4 minutes or till golden brown. If require cook for a few minutes more.

9. If you are using microwave convection mode or OTG follow the same method. Sprinkle little chaat masala powder before serving if you like. Serve with rice or roti as a side dish.

Notes

1. You can use any spices of your choice.

2. Red chilli powder or black pepper powder can be used instead of Kashmiri red chilli powder.

3. You can use any oven to make this crispy bitter gourd.

4. You can use chaat masala or amchur/ dry mango powder if you like your karela little tangy.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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1. Stuffed pointed gourd or potol dolma

Doi Potol Or Pointed Gourd / Parwal In Yogurt Gravy

Doi potol or pointed guard/parwal in yogurt gravy. A no onion garlic delicious and flavorful parwal curry from Bengali cuisine made with a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt.

Soft whole parwal or pointed gourd in spices infused rich aromatic gravy is best accompany with steamed rice, pulao, jeera rice, roti, paratha, puri or any bread. All the spices, yogurt or curd, poppy seeds, melon seeds and cashew nuts will make your parwal curry rich and mouthwatering. You may like some more parwal or pointed gourd recipes on this blog. Click on the name below for recipe.

2. Pointed gourd with poppy seeds and coconut

3. Paneer stuffed parwal mithai

4. Pointed gourd with poppy seeds

Sending this post to Facebook group Healthy Wealthy Cuisine for Satwik Treat theme suggested by Ruchi Shah who blog at Ruchis Veg kitchen. I love her vast collection of recipes. I recently bookmarked her Pinwheel samosa and Pressure cooker khandvi recipe to try. Do visit her space for many more wonderful recipes.

Check out the recipes of my fellow bloggers on this theme.

Bhindi kadhi by Preethi

Creamy pine nuts pasta by Shalu

Coconut rice by Jayashree

Satvik paneer butter masala by Poonam

Moong dal dosa by Ruchi

I have used cashew nuts in the recipe. But you can use almonds if you want. Any unsweetened thick yogurt can be used to make this parwal or pointed gourd curry. I have used homemade curd. To grind poppy seeds easily first dry grind the poppy seeds and then add other ingredients to grind. Or soak the poppy seeds in hot water for 15 minutes or microwave for 1 minutes to make smooth paste.

Recipe

Parwal or pointed gourd – 10 – 12

Ginger – 1/2 inch piece

Green chilli – 2 – 3 or to taste

Curd or yogurt – 4 tablespoon

Poppy seeds or khaskhas – 2 tablespoon

Cashew nuts – 1 tablespoon

Melon seeds – 1 tablespoon

Cumin or jeera powder – 1 teaspoon

Coriander or dhania powder – 1 tablespoon

Kashmiri red chilli powder – 2 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon

Green cardamom – 3

Cloves – 3

Cinnamon – 1/2 inch piece

Bay leaf – 1

Salt to taste

Sugar – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon or to taste

Mustard oil – 3 tablespoon

Ghee or clarified butter – 2 teaspoon

Method

1. Wash the pointed gourd or parwal well. Cut off both the ends. Peel in strips. Make slits on both sides. Parwal should be intact.

2. Rinse again and drain the water. Marinate the parwal with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder and little salt. Keep aside.

3. Soak the melon seeds and cashew nuts in hot water. Grind the poppy seeds to make powder or you can also soak the poppy seeds in hot water or microwave for 1 minute.

4. Now grind ginger, green chilli, soaked cashew nuts and melon seeds with poppy seeds. Add little water to make smooth paste. You can also grind ginger and 1 – 2 green chilli separately.

5. In a bowl mix cumin powder, coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and Kashmiri red chilli powder with 3 tablespoon water.

6. Crush the green cardamom, cloves and cinnamon in a mortar pestle.

7. Heat mustard oil in a pan or wok. Fry the marinated parwal from all the sides till light brown. Remove from oil.

8. In the same oil add bay leaf and crushed green cardamom, cinnamon and cloves.

9. Stir and add mixture of cumin, coriander, turmeric and Kashmiri red chilli powder. Fry the spices on low heat for 2 – 3 minutes or till oil leaves the sides.

10. Now add all the ground mixture and saute for 2 -3 minutes again. Add fried parwal, salt and sugar. Mix well. Saute till parwal coated with spices. Add 1 cup water and cover the pan. I have made thick gravy but you can add more water to make thin gravy. I sometime do so. You can add 2 – 3 slit green chilli if you want.

11. Cover and cook on low medium heat for 5 – 6 minutes or till the parwal becomes soft. But be careful parwal should be intact.

12. Whisk the curd well. Add well beaten curd in the curry. Remember to keep the flame low while adding curd. Mix well. Cook on low heat for 3 – 4 minutes. You can add little more water if required to make thick gravy. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

13. Add ghee or clarified butter and switch off the heat.

14. Serve with steamed rice, pulao, jeera rice, roti, paratha, puri or any bread.

Notes

1. Add green chilli according to your taste.

2. Almond can be used instead of cashews.

3. Ghee or clarified butter is optional. If you don’t like skip it.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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Quick dry fruit coconut modak

Oats Date Dry Fruits Modak / Sugar Free Modak

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi. May God bless you all 🙏 Celebrating 5th year blog anniversary. Thanks to all my readers for your love support and encouragement. 5 years with 500 posts, its possible because of you. Thanks a lot to everyone.

Oats date dry fruits modak. Not authentic but a super healthy sweet for health conscious people. Sugar free and low calorie delicious modak made with reduced skimmed milk, oats, dates and dry fruits. Sweetened with natural sweetener dates and raisins only. A healthy treat for kids and adults both.

You can make modak by using modak mould or shape with your hand or make barfi or fudge. I have made modak using modak mould. You can easily shape them into modak with your hands. And used my sandesh mould to shape remaining mixture.

Earlier shared three more modak recipes.

Stuffed chocolate modak

Gulkand stuffed chocolate modak

I have used gluten free oats to make these modak. Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. Many studies have shown that the beta-glucan fiber in oats is effective at Oats are an incredibly nutritious food packed with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In addition, they’re high in fiber and protein compared to other grains. Oats contain some unique components — in particular, the soluble fiber beta-glucan and antioxidants called avenanthramides. Benefits include lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, protection against skin irritation and reduced constipation. In addition, they are very filling and have many properties that should make them a weight loss friendly food. At the end of the day, oats are among the healthiest foods you can eat. To read more benefits of oats click here.

Earlier shared some oats recipes on this blog. Get the recipes here.

Modak sweetened with dates.

Dates boast an impressive nutrient profile but are quite sweet. Yet, they’re packed with fiber, which helps your body absorb its sugars more slowly. When eaten in moderation, they’re a safe and healthy choice for people with diabetes. Source

According to experts, diabetics can also benefit from the high fiber content of dates. It is okay to eat 2-3 dates a day for diabetics so long as they exercise caution and maintain healthy eating habits overall. Source

So diabetic people can also enjoy these modak but in moderation. You may like some more recipes with dates on this blog. Click on the name below for recipe.

1. Sugar free carrot cake

2. Sugar free carrot bottle gourd fudge or barfi

3. Sugar free mawa nariyal peda

4. Sugar free sheer khurma or vermicelli pudding

5. Sugar free date sandesh

6. Sugar free mango coconut laddu

7. Date walnut fudge or barfi

8. Sugar free low calorie gajar halwa

9. Date walnut muffins

10. Vegan smoothie bowl

11. Date oats cookies

12. Watermelon date tulsi almond smoothie

Sending this post to 261 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Milky Way suggested by Swaty Malik who blog at Food Trails. Swaty suggested to share recipes with any form of milk. I am sharing a recipe with khoya/mawa or reduced milk. Swaty has a wonderful blog with many mouthwatering and healthy recipes. You will definitely love her Ganesh Chaturthi special recipes. And I also bookmarked her super healthy Oats jaggery laddu to try. Do visit her space for many more recipes.

I have used almond, cashew nuts and raisins but you can use any dry fruits of your choice. You can also stuff the modak with chopped dry fruits. If you want your modak more sweet add 5-6 dates and 2 tablespoon more raisins. We like mild sweetness so its perfectly sweet for me. Soak the dates and raisins in hot milk or boil with milk and you have to dry roast the oats and dry fruits only. Blend or grind everything and saute the mixture for few minutes. Let it cool down and shape them into modak, laddu or use any mould of your choice. Or you can spread the mixture on a greased plate when hot, level with a spatula, let it cool down and cut into your desired shape to make barfi or fudge. I have made some modak using modak mould and used my sandesh mould to shape remaining mixture.

Recipe

Rolled Oats – 1 cup

Almond – 1/4 cup

Cashew nuts – 2 tablespoon

Dates – 3/4 cup, pitted and chopped

Raisins – 2 tablespoon

Milk – 1/4 cup

Khoya/mawa or reduced milk – 3/4 cup

Desiccated coconut – 1/2 cup

Green cardamom – 3 – 4

Rose essence – 1/4 teaspoon

Method

1. In a pan heat 1/4 cup milk with pitted and chopped dates and raisins. When milk starts to boil switch off the heat and keep aside to cool down.

2. Dry roast the almond and cashew nuts for 2 – 3 minutes. Nuts shouldn’t be burned.

3. In a pan dry roast the oats till light brown. Transfer the roasted oats on a plate and let it cool down.

4. Take out the seeds of the cardamom. I have small sized cardamom so used 4. Add the seeds in boiled milk date raisin mixture. Don’t discard the peel. You can add these in tea for lovely flavour.

5. Grind roasted almonds and cashew nuts into a fine powder.

6. Grind roasted oats and keep aside.

7. Now blend milk soaked dates and raisins with cardamom seeds in your mixer grinder or food processor. Add khoya/mawa or reduced milk. I have used homemade khoya or mawa. Get the recipe here. Add 2-3 tablespoon milk for easy blending. Blend everything well till smooth.

8. Heat a heavy bottom or nonstick pan. Add blended milk mixed date, raisins, cardamom seeds and desiccated coconut. Saute for 2 minutes. You can also grind or blend the desiccated coconut with dates, I didn’t.

9. Add ground oats, almonds and cashew nuts. Mix well. Keep stirring. Cook till mixture comes together and becomes like a dough. Remove from heat and let it cool down.

10. Mash the mixture well to make smooth. Make balls and shape them using modak moulds or shape with your hands. Or you can make laddu or use any moulds. Or spread the mixture on a greased plate when hot. Level with a spatula or spoon and cut into your desired shape when cool to make barfi or fudge. I have made some modak and shaped remaining dough with my sandesh mould.

11. Sprinkle desiccated coconut over the modak. This step is optional. Your delicious nutritious and aromatic modak is ready to serve.

Stay happy stay healthy stay safe!

Notes

1. If you want your modak more sweet use 5-6 dates and 2 tablespoon more raisins.

2. You can stuff the modak with chopped dry fruits.

3. Pistachio or any dry fruits can be used with almond, raisins and cashew nuts.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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Caramel Custard

Eggless caramel custard.

Today sharing one of my favourite dessert. Its my 500 post on the blog. Thanks to all my readers for your love, support and encouragement.

You don’t need gelatin or agar agar, eggs or bread to make this caramel pudding. Even you don’t need oven because it is steamed pudding. Very easy to make yet taste is heavenly.

This chilled caramel custard pudding can be also served as a party dessert. Have you made custard with paneer or cottage cheese yet? If no try it I am sure you will love the taste. You can make it in a cake pan or in small ramekins for individual serving. Make caramel in a cake tin or pan. Make a thick custard and pour over the caramel. Steam for 30 – 40 minutes and let it cool down. Place in refrigerator to chill. Slice and enjoy. You can get many more dessert recipes on this blog.

This caramel custard is my contribution to 260 #Foodiemonday bloghop. This week’s theme is Meethe Pal suggested by me. This pandemic time dramatically changes our lives. Switched to only homemade healthy foods. No outings or restaurant hopping. Our only motto is to stay safe. So I thought if we can share some heavenly desserts to fill some sweetness in life. Dessert or sweets improve our mood. We can enjoy sweet in moderation or in small amount once or twice in a week. And we have to make some sweets for our kids. And I am sure kids will love this mouth melting and yummy pudding. Let’s see what my fellow bloggers share for this theme. Check out all the recipes below.

Kesar pista shrikhand by Priya Vijaykrishnan

Badam halwa by Kalyani Sri

Khubani ka meetha by Archana

Sweet sundal by Priya Iyer

Paneer kheer by Preethi Prasad

Bellam undrallu by Aruna

Churma laddu by Poonam

Oats jaggery laddu by Swaty Malik

Chocolate modak by Mayuri Patel

Now coming to the recipe. Not only kids as I mentioned caramel pudding is my favourite. When I started cooking after marriage I usually make caramel pudding with eggs, milk, vanilla essence and bread. But this custard caramel is different but taste is equally good. So it is perfect for vegetarian people. I didn’t use gelatin in it so we have to make slightly thick custard. I have used 2 teaspoon cornflour to make the custard thick. If you don’t have cornflour use 2 teaspoon more custard powder. I love strong caramel flavour so made caramel with 3 tablespoon sugar. If you want your custard with light caramel use 2 tablespoon sugar only.

Recipe

Milk – 2 & 1/2 cup

Custard powder – 3 tablespoon

Cornflour – 2 teaspoon

Sugar – 1/3 cup + 3 tablespoon

Paneer or cottage cheese – 1/4 cup

Vanilla essence – 1/2 teaspoon

Water – 1 tablespoon

Method

1. In a metal cake tin or pan heat 3 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon water. Keep the flame low to avoid burning. I have used 3 tablespoon sugar for strong caramel flavour. If you want light caramel flavour use 2 tablespoon sugar to make caramel.

2. When sugar melts and starts to change it’s colour switch off the heat. Caramel shouldn’t be burned. With the help of a tong tilt the pan to spread the caramel evenly in all over the pan. Keep it aside.

3. In a bowl mix 1/4 cup cold milk, custard powder and cornflour. You can also add 2 tablespoon milk powder if you like.

4. Boil remaining milk in a pan. Add 1/3 cup sugar. When sugar dissolved and milk starts to boil reduce the heat.

5. Stir the cornflour and custard powder mixed milk well and add in the milk. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.

6. Cook till milk becomes thick. Keep stirring. Remove from heat. Add vanilla essence and mix. You can also add chopped dry fruits in custard.

7. Mash the paneer or cottage cheese well to make smooth. Best to use fresh paneer. Get the paneer recipe here.

8. With a hand blender or whisker blend the paneer and custard well. Mixture should be lump free and smooth.

9. Pour the mixture on caramel. I have used my rice cooker to steam the custard.

10. You can steam in pressure cooker or any pan. Pour water in the pan. Place a stand in the middle. When water starts to boil place the caramel custard pan on the stand. Cover and steam on low medium heat for 30 minutes.

11. Let it cool down completely. Keep in refrigerator for 4 – 5 hours or overnight. Run a knife gently through the sides. Place the pan upside down on plate. Demould the custard. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy……

Stay safe stay healthy and happy!

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hashtag, #batterupwithsujata I would love to see your creations.

I would love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.

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