cinnamon – Batter Up With Sujata

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.

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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.

1. Stuffed pointed gourd or potol dolma

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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Bengali Sabur Khichuri Or Sabudana Khichdi With Moong Dal

Sabur khichuri or Bengali style sabudana khichdi with moong dal. A simple yet delicious flavorful no onion garlic fasting recipe. You can make it with potato, cauliflower, carrot or any vegetable of your choice.

This khichuri is not like North Indian sabudana khichdi but a khichdi with sabudana and moong dal or split yellow lentil. On fasting day we usually take one time meal. And it should be vegetarian and without onion garlic and rice. It may be Luchi, Kachodi or Radhabollobhi with Dum aloo or any no onion garlic curry. But this sabudana khichuri is easy and quick to make and better than deep fried foods. I love it simple but sometimes use cubed and fried potato.

I got this recipe from my loving masimaa Utpala Mallick. Usually I spent all my summer vacation with my masimaa, meshomoshai or uncle and my cousins at Ranchi. Masimaa was an excellent cook. I already shared her Orange steamed sandesh. I was a school going girl at that time and never cooked anything. Once she cooked this khichdi on one of her fasting day. I just loved the taste. When she made it in the second time I noticed the method and ingredients. And I made it first time when my maa and masimaa both were not at home. Still remember their surprised face after tasting the khichuri. Both said its too good and perfect. That was a fasting day so I was feeling very happy to see their happy faces. Both my masimaa and mother are left for heavenly abode. But they are always with me in my heart. Learned a lot from maa and her sisters. Do you remember Misti doi recipe? I got it from my sejomashi Gargi Gupta. I will share some more age old recipes soon. Stay tuned.

Its my contribution to 254 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Farali Farmaish suggested by Kalyani Sri who blog at Sizzlingtastebuds. Do visit her blog and YouTube channel for different types of healthy and delicious recipes. I have bookmarked her Coriander garlic walnut pesto and Baked broccoli casserole recipe to try.

Yes we can make luchi puri kachodi anything but this sabudana khichdi is a healthy option for one time meal. After the whole day fasting its better to take something quick and simple food in evening. If you like you can add cubed and fried one potato, fried cauliflower florets, carrot or small pieces of fresh coconut. Add the vegetables before adding water. Vegetables will become soft with dal. Add some more water if using vegetables. You can make the khichdi thick or thin consistency as you like. You can use less ghee or make it with oil and add a dollop of ghee at the end. You can also make it in a pressure cooker. I sometimes do so to save time. You can dry roast the dal before rinsing.

Recipe

Moong dal or yellow split lentil – 1/3 cup

Sabudana or tapioca – 1/4 cup

Grated ginger – 1 teaspoon

Green chilli – 2 – 3

Green cardamom – 2

Cinnamon – 1/2 inch piece

Cloves – 2

Bay leaf – 1

Water – 5 cup

Ghee or clarified butter – 1 – 2 tablespoon

Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Salt to taste

Sugar to taste

Fried cashew nuts and raisins to garnish, optional

Method

1. Rinse the moong dal and sabudana separately. Drain the water and keep aside. I don’t like sabudana much so used less than moong dal. You can use equal quantity or more sabudana and less moong dal. Choice is yours. I have made it one serving so used little less than 1/3 cup moong dal and 1 tablespoon less sabudana.

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

3. Heat ghee in a wok or pan. You can use half oil and half ghee. 1 tablespoon ghee is sufficient but I have used 2 tablespoon to enhance the flavour. If you don’t want to use ghee, you can make it with only oil. But add at least 1 teaspoon ghee at the end.

4. Fry the cashew nuts if using. Fry till golden brown and transfer on a plate. Now fry the raisins. When raisins puffed up immediately remove from ghee.

5. In the same ghee add cumin seeds, bay leaf, crushed cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. When cumin seeds start to splutter add grated ginger and 1 chopped green chilli.

6. Stir and add drained moong dal. Fry the moong dal. See notes for more options.

7. When dal starts to change colour add water, salt, turmeric powder and 1 – 2 slit green chilli. Mix well. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or till dal becomes soft.

8. Now add drained sabudana and sugar. Mix and cook again for 5 minutes or until sabudana becomes transparent.

9. You can add more water if you want your khichdi little thin consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if required. You can add a dollop of ghee at the end.

10. Garnish with coconut slices, fried cashews and raisins. You can also use chopped cilantro or coriander leaves to garnish. Serve hot with Date raisin jaggery chutney with mango bar, Mango raisin chutney, Instant sweet mango pickle , curd or any no onion garlic vegetable curry.

Notes

1. You can add cubed and fried potatoes, fried cauliflower florets, carrot and small pieces of fresh coconut in the khichdi. Add a little more water if using vegetables.

2. You can also use 1 chopped tomato with grated ginger and green chilli.

3. Add green chilli according to your taste.

4. To make it quickly you can cook it in a pressure cooker if you want. Dry roast the dal before rinsing and add everything when cumin seeds start to splutter.

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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Easy Pulao Or One Pot Rice

Easy to make spicy aromatic and delicious pulao. You need only onion, garlic, tomato and some spices to make this one pot meal.

You can use tomato ginger garlic paste if you want. Or use everything finely chopped, grated or minced. Do as per your convenience. This pulao is enough spicy and delicious but you can serve it with raita or any curry. You can also add green peas, sweet corn, cashews or raisins. I kept it simple to serve with mirchi ka salan. But you can add cashew nuts, raisins, green peas or sweet corn if you want. You can get some more 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 and raita

6. Mint rice

7. Spanish moulded rice

8. Aloo chutney pulao

9. Korean rice

10. Corn peas barista fried rice

Sending this post to Facebook group Healthy Wealthy Cuisine.
This time theme is one pot meal suggested by Shalu Jain who blog at Sunny Family Kitchen. Do visit her blog for different types of mouthwatering recipes.
Check out what my fellow bloggers shared on this theme.

Pressure cooker pulao with croutons and cauliflower by Vanitha

Matar paneer by Shalu

Vegetable masala khichdi by Preethi

Mint pulao by Jayashree

Mushroom tikka biryani by Narmadha

Creamy spinach pasta by Swaty

Baby potato pulao by Sasmita

To make this aromatic rice fry the onion, ginger, garlic, tomato and all the spices in a pressure cooker. Add rice gently mix and add water. Pressure cook for 1 whistle and let pressure settle down on it’s own. Your pulao is ready. Simple isn’t it? You can also add some cashew nuts and raisins if you like. I didn’t. I have served it with Mirchi ka salan .

Recipe

Basmati rice – 1 cup

Onion – 1 large, finely chopped

Garlic – 5 – 6 cloves, minced

Ginger – 1 inch piece, grated

Tomato – 2 large, chopped

Green chilli – 2-3 or to taste, chopped

Green cardamom – 3-4

Black cardamom – 1

Cinnamon – 1 inch piece

Cloves – 4

Mace or javitri – 2 strands

Star anise – 1, optional

Bay leaf – 2 medium

Cumin seeds or jeera – 1 teaspoon

Cumin or jeera powder – 1 teaspoon

Coriander or dhania powder – 1 teaspoon

Black pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Red chilli powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Cilantro or coriander leaves – 2 tablespoon, chopped

Salt to taste

Oil or ghee – 2 – 3 tablespoon

Water – 1&1/2 cup

Method

1. Rinse and soak the rice in water for 15 minutes. Drain the water and keep aside.

2. Take out the seeds of black cardamom. Discard the outer layer.

3. In a mortal pastel crush green cardamom, seeds of black cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and mace or javitri.

4. Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker. You can use only ghee or oil. I have used half ghee and half oil.

5. Add cumin seeds, crushed cardamom, cloves, cinnamon mace, bay leaves and 1 star anise.

6. Now add onion, garlic and green chilli. Fry till onion becomes light brown.

7. Add grated ginger and tomatoes. Stir well. You can also use tomato ginger garlic paste. Add all the spices and salt. Saute till tomato becomes mushy.

8. Add rice and chopped cilantro or coriander leaves. You can also add few mint leaves if you want. Fluff the rice gently.

9. Add water and close the lid. Pressure cook for 1 whistle. After 1 whistle wait for 1 minute and then remove from heat. Remember to switch off the heat before second whistle.

10. Let the pressure settle down on it’s own. Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently. Serve hot with raita or any curry.

Notes

1. Green peas, sweet corn, cashew nuts or raisins can be added in the pulao.

2. You can add more green chilli, black paper or red chilli if you want your pulao more spicy.

3. If you want to cook in open pan add 2 cup of water.

4. You can also make this pulao in rice cooker, instant pot or microwave.

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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Corn Peas Barista Fried Rice Or Pulao

Corn peas barista fried rice or pulao. If you have rice and barista or fried onions ready then you can make it in a jiffy. A perfect rice dish for your party. Just prepare the rice and barista earlier. You can keep both in refrigerator. Fry and combine everything before serving. Easy isn’t it?

You may like some more rice recipes on this blog.

1. Korean rice or egg fried rice

2. Aloo chutney pulao

3. Spanish moulded rice

4. Mint rice or pulao

5. Beetroot rice

6. Mexican rice

7. Carrot rice

8. Tricolour rice

9. Mexican green rice

This week 240 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Cooking With Rice suggested by Narmadha who blog at Nams Corner. Narmadha has a wonderful blog with many mouthwatering recipes. I recently bookmarked her Chicken fry and Gluten free brownie recipe to try. Do visit her space for different types of delicious recipes.

Usually we store some frozen peas and corn in freezer. And I also keep some fried onions and barista in refrigerator. So if you don’t have much vegetables in your pantry then these stored ingredients comes handy. Make delicious rice with whole spices, barista, frozen sweet corn and green peas and enjoy. Serve it with any non veg curry or any spicy curry or simple raita. I have served it with Dum aloo.

Recipe

Sweet corn – 1 cup, boiled

Frozen peas – 1/2 cup

Onion – 3, thinly sliced

Basmati rice – 1 & 1/2 cup

Bay leaf – 2

Green cardamom – 3

Cinnamon – 1 inch piece

Cloves – 3

Star anise – 1, optional

Mace or javitri – 2 strand

Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon

Ghee or clarified butter – 2 tablespoons

Water – 2 cup

Salt to taste

Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon

Oil – 1 tablespoons + to fry the onions

Method

1. Wash the rice well. Soak in water for 15 minutes.

2. Drain and add salt, bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon ghee or clarified butter and 2 cup water. Pressure cook for 1 whistle or microwave for 10 – 12 minute. Fluff the rice gently and discard the bay leaf. Rice shouldn’t be over cooked.

3. Fry the sliced onions till brown to make barista and keep aside.

4. In a pan heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon ghee. You can skip oil and use 2 tablespoon ghee if you like. Add cumin seeds.

5. When seeds starts to splutter add frozen peas and boiled sweet corn. Add little salt and fry for 2 minutes.

6. Add the rice and fried onion slices. Reserve little barista to garnish. Mix well. Taste and adjust salt if require. Mix gently, rice shouldn’t be break.

7. When everything combines well remove from heat. Garnish with barista or fried onion slices. Serve hot with any mutton or chicken curry or any spicy gravy. Or you can enjoy this aromatic rice with raita only.

Notes

1.You can use green chilli if you want. Add chopped green chilli after adding cumin seeds.

2. Be careful while making rice. Rice shouldn’t be mushy.

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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Gobhi Palak Paneer Or Cauliflower With Spinach And Cottage Cheese

Gobhi palak paneer or cauliflower with spinach and cottage cheese.
A spicy, rich and delicious curry to serve with any type of bread or rice.
Paneer, cashew nuts, melon seeds and spices made this cauliflower curry rich spicy and mouthwatering.

You may like some more cauliflower recipes on this blog.

1. Cauliflower with ginger julienne

2. Cauliflower with coconut and poppy seeds

3. Fulkopir paturi

4. Spicy cauliflower stir fry

Monday again and our this week’s 228 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is winter delight suggested by Priya Iyer who blog at The World Through My Eyes. Priya is a very talented blogger and a very dear friend. Do visit her space for lots of healthy and yummy recipes. I love her healthy and delicious recipes. Recently loved her Thai pineapple salad. I am going to try it soon.

I have used two winter special vegetables cauliflower and spinach in this curry. We can get all the vegetables round the year these days. But seasonal vegetables taste best. This curry is also perfect for a party side dish. Its goes well with any type of Indian bread or rice dishes. Sauteed and ground onion, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, chili, cashews, melon seeds, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves made this curry thick, creamy and delicious.

Recipe

Cauliflower – 1, medium

Spinach – 100 grams

Paneer or cottage cheese – 1 cup, crumbled

Cashew nuts – 7 – 8

Melon seeds – 2 tablespoon

Onion – 1 large, sliced

Garlic cloves – 5 – 6

Ginger – 1 inch piece

Tomato – 2 medium, chopped

Green chilli – 3 – 4 or to taste, chopped

Green cardamom – 2

Cinnamon – 1 inch piece

Cloves – 3

Oil – 4 tablespoon

Salt to taste

Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Method

1. Cut the cauliflower in small florets. Rinse well and keep aside.

2. Clean wash and chop the spinach.

3. Peel and chop the ginger and garlic roughly.

4. Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a pan. Add green cardamom, cloves and cinnamon.
Add sliced onion, chopped green chilli, ginger and garlic. Fry until onion becomes brown.

5. Add chopped tomatoes and saute till tomatoes becomes mushy.

6. Add cashew nuts, melon seeds and chopped spinach. You can use almond instead of cashew nuts if you want. Use soaked and peeled almonds if using.
Saute till spinach cooked well.

7. Add crumbled paneer or cottage cheese. I have used homemade paneer or cottage cheese. Mix well and saute for 2 minutes. Let the mixture cool down.

8. Now grind into a smooth paste with the help of little water.

9. Heat remaining 2 tablespoon oil in a pan. Add cauliflower florets and salt. Fry till the florets becomes golden brown.

10. Add ground mixture, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and garam masala powder. Mix well.
Saute for 2 minutes or till dried up.

11. Add 2 cup water and mix. When it starts to rolling boil reduce the heat. Cover and cook on simmer for 15 minutes or until the cauliflower becomes tender. Stir in between.

12. Taste and adjust salt if require. You can add little more water if you want more gravy. Or if you want thick gravy or dry curry cook for some more time.
When you get your desired consistency remove from heat.

13. Garnish with onion rings and cilantro or coriander leaves. Serve with steamed rice, pulao, fried rice, jeera rice, roti, paratha, naan, puri 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. Please share your thoughts and suggestions in comment.
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Mediterranean Green Lentil Soup

Mediterranean green lentil or sabut moong soup. Delicious, flavourful, filling and comfort bowl of this lentil soup is perfect for winter.
Flavour of different powder spices like cumin, cinnamon etc. and the goodness of power packed green lentil and carrots with drizzle of extra virgin olive oil made this soup nutritious and mouthwatering.

After green gram Kabab here is a soup with green gram or lentil or beans.
This lentil is packed With Healthy Nutrients.
Mung beans (Vigna radiata) are small, green beans that belong to the legume family.
Mung beans are incredibly versatile and typically eaten in salads, soups and stir-frys.
They’re high in nutrients and believed to aid many ailments.
Mung beans are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Mung beans are high in nutrients and antioxidants, which may provide health benefits.
In fact, they may protect against heat stroke, aid digestive health, promote weight loss and lower “bad” LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Since mung beans are healthy, delicious and versatile, consider incorporating them into your diet.
To read more about health benefits of green beans click here.

You may like some more green lentil recipes on this blog.

1. Oats soya green gram toast

2. Green moong idli

3. Egg dal tadka

4. Sprouts and oats pan fried cutlets

5. Sprouts and oats appe

6. Green gram veg Kabab

I have already shared three more lentil or dal soup on this blog. Click on the name below for recipe.

1. Lebanese lentil lemon soup

2. Red lentil soup

3. Green gram carrot spinach soup

Monday again and this week’s 222 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Mystique Mediterranean suggested by Archana who blog at The Mad Scientists Kitchen.
Archana is a very dear friend and a talented blogger. She has a vast collection of recipes. Visit her space for different types of delicious recipes. I have already bookmarked her Ridge gourd chutney and Gobhi musallam to try.

According to Wikipedia Mediterranean cuisine is the foods and methods of preparation by people of the Mediterranean Basin region.
When Archana suggested the theme I was searching for a simple but comforting dish for winter. And loved this healthy and delicious recipe.
I have made little changes according to my taste and availability of the ingredients.
I have pressure cooked the lentil to make it quickly. But if you don’t want to use pressure cooker, you can make it in pan. After frying onion, garlic, ginger and carrots add the lentils and all the spices with salt. Mix and add 3 – 4 cup water. When it starts to rolling boil reduce the heat. Cover and cook on simmer for 40 – 45 minutes or till lentils becomes soft. Check in between and add more water if require.

You can also add chopped spinach in the soup.

Recipe

Green lentil or sabut moong – 1/2 cup

Carrot – 2

Onion – 2 medium, chopped

Garlic – 2 – 3 cloves, minced

Ginger – 1/2 inch piece, grated

Tomato – 4 medium, chopped

Cilantro or coriander leaves – handful, chopped

Salt to taste

Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tablespoon + to drizzle

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Black pepper powder – 1/2 teaspoon or to taste

Red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon

Cinnamon powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon or to taste

Water – 3 & 1/2 cup

Method

1. Soak the lentil in sufficient water for 15 minutes.

2. Rinse well and pressure cook with 2 cup water, salt and turmeric powder. After 1 whistle reduce the heat. Cook on simmer for 10 – 15 minutes or until lentils becomes soft. Let the pressure settle down on it’s own.

3. Wash, peel and chop the carrots into small cubes.

4. Crush or grind the tomatoes.

5. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and fry till translucent.

6. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Saute till onion becomes brown.

7. Add chopped carrots and saute for 2 minutes.

8. Add crushed or ground tomatoes, all the spice powder and salt. Add salt carefully, we have added salt in lentil also.

9. Saute till everything dried up.
Add boiled lentils and mix well.

10. Add 1 & 1/2 cup water and let it boil. When it starts to rolling boil, reduce the heat. Cover and cook on simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if require. You can add little more water if you want. But don’t make too runny.

11. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice and mix. You can add more lemon juice if you like your soup tangy.

12. Delicious lentil soup is ready. Drizzle olive oil. Garnish with cilantro or coriander leaves and lemon wedges. Serve hot.

Notes
1. Recipe adopted from here.
2. You can also use green chilli if you want your soup spicy.
3. If you don’t want pressure cook soak the lentil for 30 minutes and add after frying onion, garlic, carrots and toqmatoes. Add water as require. When it starts to rolling boil cover and cook on simmer for 40 – 45 minutes or till the lentil becomes soft.
4. Spinach can be used in the soup with carrots.
5. You can also use potato if you like.

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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Kathal Paneer Kofta Curry Or Raw Jackfruit And Cottage Cheese Balls In Gravy

Kathal paneer kofta curry or raw jackfruit and cottage cheese balls in gravy.
Gravy is rich creamy and delicious without cashew nuts or almond. Only nutritious melon seeds are used to thickened the gravy.
Low calorie and protein, vitamins and mineral rich melon seeds are not only excellent for thickened the gravy but also enhance the taste.

Melons derive their rich colour from beta carotin, which is good for eye.Dried melon seeds contain unsaturated fats and fibers. Watermelon seeds are rich in lysine, which can work wonders for diabetics.

Summers are here! And if there is one thing we can be thankful for in this scorching weather, it would have to be all the delicious fruits the season brings with it. A variety of Melons are seen at this time of the year, being sold by fruit vendors across the country at local vegetable markets.
Summer melons, be it musk melon, watermelon or honey dew melon, are packed with a dozen health benefits. But while relishing on the juicy flesh, have you been discarding the seeds laden with nutrition and health benefits? According to Healing Foods, it strongly recommends loading up on these miniature nutritional bombs you have ignored all your life. It notes, “Eat the seeds: The dried seeds contain unsaturated fats and fibers, makes nutritious addition to savoury dishes”.

Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner, Shilpa Arora says, “Everything begins with the seeds. These are living foods that give each cell in our body a renewed energy. All seeds are loaded with enzymes that aid digestion and absorption. In fact they have more enzymes than the actual fruit in the concentrated form.”

She goes on to say, “Summer melon seeds are great source of energy like magnesium, which is vital for a healthy heart. It is great for diabetics as it is loaded with essential amino acids like lysine and tryptophan. Melon seeds also provide a wonderful cure for insomnia because tryptophan induces relaxation and sleep.”

To read more about health benefits of melon seeds click here.

You may like some more kofta recipe on this blog.

1. Methi paneer kofta in palak gravy or fenugreek and cottage cheese balls in spinach gravy

2. Paneer kala chana kofta curry

3. Mint paneer kofta

4. Matar kofta

5. Aloo kofta curry

6. Soya kofta

7. Malai kofta

Monday again and this week’s 198 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is Eid With Foodies.

My contribution is this delicious and easy to make kathal paneer kofta curry or raw jackfruit and cottage cheese balls in gravy. You can use your appe pan to fry the kofta in less oil. Fresh cream can be added in the gravy, I didn’t. If you don’t have melon seeds then you can use cashew nuts or almond or poppy seeds paste instead of melon seeds.

Recipe

For kofta

Kathal or jackfruit – 250 gram, boiled

Paneer or cottage cheese – 1 cup, crumbled

Besan or chickpea flour – 2 tablespoon

Salt to taste

Ginger – 1 inch piece, grated

Green chilli – 1 – 2, finely chopped

Bhaja moshla or roasted mixed spice powder – 1 teaspoon, get a recipe here
https://batterupwithsujata.wordpress.com/2018/03/18/roasted-mixed-spice-powder-or-bhaja-moshla/

Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon

Garam masala powder – 1/2 teaspoon

For gravy

Onion – 2, medium

Garlic – 4 – 5

Ginger – 1 inch piece

Tomato – 2, large

Green cardamom – 3

Clove – 3

Cinnamon – 1 inch piece

Salt to taste

Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon

Melon seeds – 3 tablespoon

Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon

Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Garam masala powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Kashmiri red chilli powder – 2 teaspoon

Slit green chilli – 2, optional

Oil – 3 – 4 tablespoon

Water – 2 cup

Method

1. Soak the melon seeds in warm water for 15 minutes.

2. Grind onions, garlic and ginger into smooth paste.

3. Grind tomatoes, green cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and melon seeds separately.

4. Mash the crumbled paneer or cottage cheese well to make smooth.

5. Squeeze the water of boiled kathal or jackfruit.

6. Mix with mashed paneer, besan or chickpea flour, salt, grated ginger, chopped green chilli, bhaja moshla or roasted mixed spice powder, cumin powder and garam masala powder.

7. Mix everything well and make small balls.

8. Heat oil in a pan. Fry the balls till golden brown from all the sides. Place the fried balls on a paper towel. If you want, you can use appe pan to fry the kofta in less oil. Or use your air frier to make kofta balls brown.

9. In the same oil fry onion, garlic and ginger paste till onion mixture starts to change it’s colour.

10. Now add ground tomatoes, green cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and melon seeds paste.

11. Saute and add salt, sugar, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder and kashmiri red chilli powder.

12. Saute till oil leaves the sides. Add water and 2 slit green chilli. Let it boil.

13. When it starts to rolling boil reduce the heat. Cook on simmer for 15 – 20 minutes.

14. Add fried kofta and cook for 2 minutes more.

15. You can add 1 – 2 tablespoon cream if you want. Remove from heat.

16. Garnish with cilantro or coriander leaves.
Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, paratha, naan, puri pulao, jeera rice, fried rice or any bread.

Notes

1. Cashew nuts, almond or poppy seeds paste can be used instead of melon seeds.

2. You can use your appe pan or air frier to fry the kofta in less oil.

3. Use chilli according to your taste.

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

Gluten Free Cornmeal Carrot Cake

Gluten free eggless cornmeal carrot cake.
A super soft, moist and delicious eggless cake with cornmeal, oats and Soyabean flour. You will love the taste and flavour of cinnamon and carrot.

I have already shared two more carrot cake on this blog.

Sugar free carrot cake

Whole wheat carrot cake

You may also like some more carrot recipes here.
Sugar free carrot bottle gourd fudge or barfi

Carrot rice

Green gram carrot spinach soup

Carrot bean beet almond soup

4th April is celebrated as World Carrot Day.

Ahhh the ubiquitous carrot, favorite food of rabbits, amazing for your eyesight, and the foundation of what is easily one of the greatest cakes ever conceived.
The history of Carrot Day is really the history of the carrot, and research of this incredibly popular root has revealed that it likely finds its origins in Central Asia. Through thousands of years of careful cultivation, we have ultimately arrived at the bright orange, slightly sweet, not at all bitter variety of carrot we have today! http://www.carrotday.com established Carrot Day in 2003, and it’s spread throughout the world to all the places the carrot is known.
Source

Monday again and this week’s 189 #Foodiemonday bloghop theme is gajar ka jalwa suggested by Poonam Bachhav who blog at Annapurna.
Do visit her space for some healthy and delicious recipes. So we bloghop members are celebrating Carrot day with different carrot recipes.

Earlier I have used Soyabean flour and oats in my cakes. But this time also used cornmeal. And very happy with the taste and texture. Coming soon with one more bake with cornmeal.
Till then enjoy this soft and moist carrot cake. I have made it simple. But you can add choco chips or any dry fruits like raisins, cashews, almond or walnut etc in the batter.
I have made it in bundt pan but you can use round, square or any baking pan or loaf pan. Or use muffins or cupcake moulds to make cupcake.

Recipe

Grated carrot – 1 & 1/2 cup

Cornmeal – 1/2 cup

Oats powder – 1/2 cup

Soyabean flour – 1/2 cup

Cinnamon powder – 1 teaspoon

Cardamom powder – 1/2 teaspoon

Nutmeg powder or grated nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon

Baking powder – 1 teaspoon

Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon

Milk powder – 1/2 cup

Milk – 3/4 cup

Vinegar – 1 tablespoon

Olive oil or butter – 1/4 cup

Powdered sugar – 1/2 cup

Method

1. Preheat the oven at 180°.

2. Grease a baking pan and dust with cornmeal.

3. Grate the carrot with fine grater. You can use your food processor but use the attachment accordingly. I have used box grater.

4. Mix vinegar in room temperature milk and keep aside.

5. In a bowl sift cornmeal, oats powder, soya flour, baking powder, soda, cardamom powder, cinnamon powder and nutmeg powder.

6. In a large bowl whisk oil or butter and powdered sugar.

7. Add vinegar mixed milk and whisk again.

8. Add milk powder and whisk well.

9. Add all the dry ingredients gradually and mix. Make a smooth and lump free batter.

10. Fold in grated carrot.

11. Pour the batter into greased and flour dusted baking pan.

12. Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles.

13. Bake in preheated oven at 180° for 30 – 40 minutes.
Every oven take different time so check after 25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the middle, it should comes out clean.

14. Let the cake cool down completely before serving.

Notes

1. You can add any dry fruits or choco chips in the batter.
2. Refined flour, whole wheat flour or any mixed flour can be used instead of cornmeal oats and Soyabean flour.
3. Instead of bundt pan you can use any baking pan. Or muffins or cupcake moulds can be used to make cupcakes with this batter.

Check out some different carrot recipes shared by my fellow bloggers.

Gajar ka khatta mitha achar by Swaty

Gluten free cornmeal carrot cake by Sujata

Carrot oatmeal pancake by Poonam

Healthy Thai carrot salad by Priya

Carrot oatmeal cookies by Mayuri

Carrot Vada by Preethi

Indian spice roasted carrot hummus by Kalyani

Oven roasted carrot by Archana

Carrot mini crescent rolls by Sasmita

Instapot carrot halwa

So join the fun and celebrate Carrot Day yourself !

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

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Vegan Fruity Golden Smoothie With Turmeric And Aloe Vera

Vegan fruity golden smoothie with fresh turmeric and Aloe Vera.
Dairy free golden smoothie with fresh turmeric, ginger, Aloe Vera gel, grapes, orange, carrot, cucumber, coconut milk and flavoured with mint and cinnamon. A perfect breakfast smoothie for weight watchers.

You don’t need to make juice of orange and carrot. Just use finely chopped or grated carrot and remove the skin and seeds of orange before using. Smoothie is enough sweet due to orange and carrot so you don’t need any sweetener.
You can get some more smoothie recipe here.

Turmeric is known for it’s healing compounds curcumin. Ginger is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Earlier I have shared turmeric shot recipe. Click here to get the recipe.

Here are some health benefits of the ingredients used in this smoothie.
1. Orange is high in Vitamin, C. Healthy immune system. Prevents skin damage. Keeps blood pressure under check. Lowers cholesterol. Controls blood sugar level. Lowers the risk of cancer.
Source

2. Grapes are packed With Nutrients, Especially Vitamins C and K. High Antioxidant Contents May Prevent Chronic Diseases. Plant Compounds May Protect Against Certain Types of Cancer. Beneficial for Heart Health in Various Impressive Ways. May Decrease Blood Sugar Levels and Protect Against Diabetes.
Source

3. Carrots health benefits includes supporting healthy eyes, a good source of antioxidants, supporting healthy heart, supporting health teeth and gums, treating wounds, improving brain health and cognitive functions, fighting cancer, supporting better digestion, maintaining youthful age, supporting healthy hair and skin and lowering the risk of developing diabetes.
Source

4. Though commonly thought to be a vegetable, cucumber is actually a fruit.
It’s high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.
Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.
Source

5. Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds With Powerful Medicinal Properties .Curcumin Is a Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound. Turmeric Dramatically Increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the Body. Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases.
Source

6. Aloe Vera contains healthful plant compounds. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Accelerates the healing of burns. Reduces dental plaque. Helps treat canker sores. Reduces constipation. May improve skin and prevent wrinkles. Lowers blood sugar levels.
Source

Now coming to the easy and simple recipe. Just combine everything and blend till the mixture becomes smooth. I don’t like the flavour of fresh turmeric so I have added cinnamon. Because of mint leaves and cinnamon you hardly notice turmeric flavour. If you want you can omit mint or cinnamon. But I recommend to use both for a lovely flavour.

Recipe

Grapes – 1 cup

Orange – 1 large or 2 small

Carrot – 1, grated or finely chopped

Cucumber – 1, optional

Ginger – 1/2 inch piece, optional

Fresh turmeric – 1/2 inch piece

Mint leaves – few

Lemon juice – 1 – 2 tablespoon or as require

Aloe Vera gel – 1 – 2 tablespoon

Coconut milk – 1/2 cup

Cinnamon powder – 1/2 teaspoon, optional

Method

1. Peel and remove the seeds of orange. I have small oranges so used two oranges. If you have large orange then use one.

2. Peel and chop the cucumber. Taste before using. Cucumber should not be bitter.

3. Peel and grate or finely chop the ginger and fresh turmeric.

4. Combine everything, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and blend till smooth and frothy. Taste and add more lemon juice if require.

5. Pour in your favourite glass. You can add some ice cubes in the glass if you want.

6. Garnish with mint leaves, cucumber and lemon wedges. Serve chilled or in room temperature.

Notes
1. If you want sweeter smoothie omit the cucumber
2. If you don’t like cinnamon then you can skip it.
3. Add lemon juice according to your taste.

If you tried my recipe, you can share your food pictures with me in the social network sites by using hash tag, #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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