Tapioca pearl Waffle

My Sabudana waffle recipe is quick and easy to make and very tasty. It’s a popular Maharashtrian delicacy, crispy form outside and soft from inside. It’s best enjoyed warm, with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

1 cup soaked & washed Sabudana

1 cup chopped coriander

1 tsp ginger paste

1 green chilli chopped

3 small potatoes

Salt as needed

1 tbs lime juice

1 tbs sunflower oil

Method

• Wash and soak Sabudana overnight.

• Steam the potatos and mash them.

• Drain the sabudana and & air dry.

• Place the Sabudana, in a bowl, add in the mashed potato, ginger paste, chopped green chilli, chopped coriander. salt and lime juice .

• Mix well

• Make small flat pattys out of the mixture.

• grease the heated waffle maker with oil.

• Now place the flat patty in waffle maker and close it.

• Cook till the waffle patty is crispy from both sides.

saag Tofu

Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Sagg paneer/ sagg tofu is very popular in northern India and originates from the Migdalia cuisine.

Saag tofu is my healthy variation of saag paneer. This is a healthier, low fat version, but Still delicious and full of taste. I prefer to use tofu instead of paneer when making this curry, as tofu contains last calories and fat then paneer. If you prefer to use paneer, please do so.

Tofu paneer is really easy to make, it takes me about 25 minutes to make. It’s a really simple but tasty curry to make, as it only needs a few ingredients. Sagg Tofu is best served with rice, chapati or naan bread.

Ingredients

6 ounces of tofu & cut it into 1 inch cubes

1 bag of spinach chopped up.

2 tbs olive oil

Tomato puree

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsb garam masala

1tsp ground coriander

2 tsp salt

1 medium onion chopped

2 garlic cloves (mashed)

1 tsb of fresh mashed ginger

1 cup low-fat plain yogurt

Instructions

• In a large pan, heat the oil and add in the onion and tofu.

• Let it cook for 10mins on a medium heat (the onion should be soft and brown and tofu golden brown.)

• Now add in the the spices garlic, salt and ginger. Let it cook for 2-3mins till the spices mix together.

• Now add in the tomato puree & chopped spinach.

• Mix it well and let it cook for a further 5-7 mins.

• Lower the heat, stir through the yoghurt.

• Now remove from the heat & garish with fresh coriander.

• Serve warm.

Inflammation in the body: How food can help to fight it.

Food has the power to heal. It’s a potent tool to treat and prevent illnesses.

Inflammation & Nutrition. Inflammation acts like the body’s defense mechanism. The immune system recognises harmful and foreign stimuli and starts to elimate it from the body so it can start the healing process .

Food has power to heal. It’s a potent tool to treat & prevent Illnesses.

There are 2 types of inflammation:

Chronic inflammation: Is referred to as a slow, long-term inflammation lasting for prolonged time in the body. It’s mainly connected to the environment around us, our dietary choices, stress levels and general health. It can be harmful and may increase the risk of several diseases.

Acute inflammation occurs when our body sees harm coming like an infection, and starts to fight in a short period. Thus, known as a normal response for the body ans immune stern to promote the healing process.

Nutrition & inflammation. Our daily diet choices can help to keep both our body and immune system healthy and strong.

Plant based protein. Research over time has shown us that consuming high intake of red meat and dairy products in our diet can increase high level of inflammation in our body. Where as Plant bases proteins such as lentils and beans have a lower levels of inflammation levels. They consist of high fibre levels and anyhocyanin.

Herbs and spices. Herbs and spice have high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients and have many anti-inflammatory properties. They can help to flavour our meals without adding excess salt and fats. Turmeric, Cardamom, Rosemary, Black pepper and Cinnamon are antiinflammatory herb and spices and should be included in our diet to naturally lower inflammation.

Dietary Choices. Eating a high intake of rainbow colour of fruits and vegetables can help to fight inflammation and strengthen our immune health. Fruits such as cranberries, blackberries, and blueberries are known as anti- inflammatory foods. Anti inflammatory veg includes brocli, cabbage and leafy green vegetables.

Garlic consist of organosulfur compounds and flavonoids. These are known to help with fighting inflammation, infections and cardiovascular diseases.

Ginger is packed with antioxidants and contains gingerols. Gingerols has proven to fight inflammation and with high levels of antioxidants, ginger is able to prevent free radical production anti inflammatory disease.

Onions Onions has a flavonoid called quercetin, which is know as the following Anti- carcinogenic, Anti- inflammatory, Antiviral

Other factors that can help with fighting inflammation.

Vitamin D Research has shown that having low levels of vitamin D in the body can cause inflammation. It always good to check Vitamin D levels and correct them if needed to.

Sleep. A good sleeping pattern is vital for optimal health. Disturbed sleep patterns has been associated weak immune system and increased inflammation levels in the body.

Managing stress Excessive stress levels can have an effect on our physical and emotional health. This also contribute to high level of inflammation in the body. The best techniques for stress management at home is to practice meditation daily and simple breathing exercises. Alway consualt a healthcare professional for ongoing support is advised if needed.

Importance of Iodine & foods rich in iodine.

Iodine is a mineral that is found in certain foods. Our body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. It cannot naturally produce iodine itself and relies on certain foods to do the job.

Without enough iodine supply in the body, the thyroid gland is unable to release thyroxine hormone into the bloodstream. These are the hormones that controls our body’s metabolism and other functions. Most of the cells in our body needs thyroxine hormone to function properly. Insufficient levels of thyroxine hormone can cause a feeling of general weakness in the body.

Food such as figs, lentils, oats spinach, quinoa, almonds, seeds, potatoes soybeans, kidney beans, are naturally rich in iodine and should be included daily in a vegan/ vegetarian diet.

Quick & easy lunch box ideas:Turmeric infused rice with green peas.

Ingredients

1 cup of basmati rice

2 cups of water

1/2 cup frozen green peas

2 tsp olive oil

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 turmeric

Season with rock salt

Method:

Boil the rice in water until it’s cooked. Now wash the peas in warm water to remove ice.

In a frying pan heat oil and add in cumin seeds. Once they have coloured & start to crackle slightly, add in the peas and cook for 2 mins. Now add in turmeric, salt & mix well. Remove from the heat.

Once the rice is cooked drained out the water and add it to the pea pan.

Using a fork mix it well through and add salt to taste.

Batata Poha

Batata Poha

Batata Poha is popular and traditional South Indian breakfast recipe. In Maharashtra it’s know as Pohe and in Gujarat as Poha.

Batata Poha Is easy to make and is low in calories. It has aprox 76.9% of carbs and 23% fat, making it an ideal choice for a quick healthy meal. It’s also packed with iron, and ranked low on the glycemic index.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 3 servings

Ingredients

2 cups thick Poha (rice flakes)

1 medium potatoe chopped

1 large onion chopped finely

8 curry leaves

1 tsp Cumin Seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp Asafoetida

1 tsp Turmeric Powder

Salt to taste

1 Lemon

2 tbs oil

1 cup of finely chopped fresh Coriander

Method

Put the poha in a strainer.

Wash the poha throughly and gently. Drain the excess water through a strainer.

In a large wok heat 2 tbs of oil. Add in the mustard seeds, once the seeds start to splut, add in the asafoetida, cumin seeds, green chilies and curry leaves.

Allow the spices to cook for 45- 50 seconds.

Now add in the chopped onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Add in the boiled chopped potatoes and mix well and let it cook for 2mins. Stir to prevent sticking.

Add in the salt and turmeric powder. mix it and leave it for a minute.

Now add the soaked poha and mix well and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add fresh lemon juice, and chopped coriander leaves.

Mix well & turn of the heat.

Batata poha is ready for serving.

Chaas Recipe(Indian Spiced Buttermilk)

The classic Chaas is known as the Indian buttermilk. A refreshingly and cooling drink made up of yogurt and spices. It helps to cool the body , helps the digestive system and makes an excellent appetizer.

All the ingredients is chaas are extremely healthy. It’s gives a good source protein, B vitamins, minerals and potassium. These nutrients help to boost immunity, improve sleep, enable hormone synthesis.

Today I’m sharing with you the simple classic Chaas recipe which is super easy to make and very tasty. It only take 5-7mins to make.

Ingredients

• 400 grams yoghurt (plant base yoghurt)

• 2 tsp roasted cumin powder

• 350ml of cold water

• 1 tsp black salt or add as required to taste

Method

• In a blender add the yoghurt, water, roasted cumin powder and salt.

• Blend for 3 minutes till all the ingredients are mixed well together. At the top there should be frothy foamy layer.

• Pour in glass and garnish with roasted cumin powder and serve immediately.

• For cold butter milk place it in the refrigerator and serve later.

vegan omelette aka a ‘moonglet’

A easy vegetarian/ vegan omelette recipe made from mung bean batter. it’s known as a favourite street food breakfast in New Delhi. it’s mainly served as breakfast, but also makes a good light heathy evening snack. It’s healthy and rich in protein.

INGREDIENTS

Serves 1

for batter:
1 cup moong dal

1/2 tsp turmeric

2 tbsp rice flour
1 tsp salt

For moonglet:

½ tsp ginger paste

1 green chilli (finely chopped)

½ tsp cumin

2 tsp oil
2 tbsp water

pinch chilli powder

1 tbsp coriander (finely chopped)

1 tbsp ghee

INSTRUCTIONS

• Soak 1 cup moong dal for 30 minutes.

• Drain the water and blend to smooth paste.

• add in ¼ tsp turmeric, 2 tbsp of rice flour and 1 tsp salt.

• mix well to form a thick batter.

• In a bowl add 1 tbsp of ghee, ½ tsp cumin, 1 chilli, and ½ tsp ginger paste and mix well.

• now heat a pan and spread 2 tsp oil.

• once the pan is hot, add 1 tbsp water to the batter and mix.

• pour the batter onto the hot pan.

• simmer till the base is cooked well and flip over and press gently.

• Keep flipping till each side is cooked.

• enjoy moonglet with tamarind chutney.

Turmeric Latte

Turmeric Latte with some maple syrup for sweetness. This is a warming drink just before bed, especially on cold nights. It’s also packed with so much goodness for your insides because the curcumin in the turmeric is all kinds of good for you!

I’ve been drinking this since I was little especially to prevent / cure colds in the winter.

Ingredients

300ml Milk (any type)

1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

1tsp maple syrup.

Method In a pan add, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric and 1tsp of maple syrup to approx 300ml of milk. Bring the milk to boil and pour in to a cup. Try it, if you haven’t and let me know what you think.

Sprouted Mung Bean Patties

These yummy patties are made from sprouted mung beans and a great, light alternative to chickpea falafels.

Sprouted mung beans has less calories, with a lot of antioxidants and amino acids. These are some of the health benefits of sprouted mung beans.

Reduces Chronic Disease Risk.

Antioxidants Vitexin and Isovitexin that can help to prevent Heat Stroke.

May lower “Bad” LDL Cholesterol Levels, Reducing Heart Disease Risk.

Ingredients

4 cups of sprouted Ming beans.

I cup of fresh coriander.

2 tsp of cumin.

1 tbsp of olive oil.

1 tsp of baking soda.

Fresh Juice of 1 lemon.

Method

Preheat oven to 350f/175c

Put all the ingredients in a food processor and blitz till the mixture sticks together.

Add in the lemon juice and baking powder and mix throughly.

Place a sheet of baking paper on to over tray.

Start to module the mixture in to small balls and place on tray.

Brush the patties with oils and put them in the preheated oven for 18 minutes or till they they are golden brown and crisp.