Modakam & Panchakhadya for ICC-August

Know what you Eat - A modak is a vegan sweet dumpling popular in Central and South India. The sweet filling is made of fresh coconut and jaggery while the shell is of rice floor. The dumpling can be fried or steamed. Modak has a special importance in the worship of the Hindu elephant god, Ganesh as it is believed to be his favorite food.This posting is for ICC Festival Special August Challenge . This modak recipe from Mints is almost similar to what we make, the only difference being the addition of poppy seeds instead of Bengal gram and Black Sesame seeds. It just turned out great.IngredientsFreshly grated Coconut -2 cups Jaggery grated - 1 cupPoppy seeds - 1 tbspCardamom powder - 1 tspWater - 1 tbspFor the outer coverRice flour - 1 cupWater...

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Sweet Mixed Nuts Ball & Janmashtami Prasadams

Know what you Eat - Eating a handful of nuts daily may help prevent weight gain and possibly promote weight loss. The fat, protein and fiber in nuts help you feel full longer, so you may eat less during the day. By helping induce a feeling of satiety, nuts may help people feel less deprived and not like they're "dieting." Just limit your portion to a healthy handful.I was running in a crazy schedule so couldn't post the recipes earlier, i know i am little late, but just wanted to share these recipes with you all. I didn't want to flood the dashboard with all the posts at the same time, so made the last 4 posts with the date of Aug 26. But don't know what went wrong, all of them got published as of today's date.Preparation Time - 20 mins Cooking...

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Whole Wheat Sweet Appam

Know what you Eat - Whole Wheat is rich in dietary fiber. High fiber foods reduces cholestrol in the digestive system that would otherwise end in the blood stream. Coconut is fruit rich in protein and helps to keep your soft wrinkle free. Panela(jaggery) is a nutritious form of sugar and rich in iron.Cooking Time - 15 minsPreparation Time -10 minsServes - Makes around 10IngredientsWhole wheat flour - 1 CupJaggery powder - 1/2 cup or to tasteCardamom powder - 1/2 tspRice Flour - 2 Tbsp (I used brown rice flour)Coconut(Small Chopped pieces not grated) - 2 heaped table spoonsSalt - 1/4 tspWaterCoconut Oil - 4 tspsMethod1) Add little bit of water to the jaggery and heat it till all the jaggery dissolves. Switch off and let this cool for few minutes.2)...

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Sweet Sesame Seed Balls, Vegan Cracked Wheat Pudding and Urad Gram Filled Rice Dumplings

Ellu Urundai (Sweet Sesame Seed Balls)Know what you Eat - Sesame seeds are a very good source of copper and a good source of magnesium and calcium. Magnesium Supports Vascular and Respiratory Health. Calcium Helps Prevent Colon Cancer, Osteoporosis, Migraine and PMS. Panela(Jaggery) is a pure, wholesome, traditional, unrefined, whole sugar. It contains the natural goodness of minerals and vitamins inherently present in sugarcane juice & this crowns it as one of the most wholesome and healthy sugars in the world. It is rich in iron.It is summer here and is vacation time for kids, so it is even more hectic that regular school days. There are some many recipes to post, but you know with kids around you all the time, there is absolutely no...

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Blueberry & Strawberry Crisp

Know what you Eat - Blueberries are a source of Vitamins A and C, potassium and folate. Blueberries are very low in fat and sodium, and high in dietary fiber and potassium.Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese. They are also a very good source of dietary fiber ,iodine, potassium, folate, vitamin B2, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, copper, and vitamin K. These berries are rich in phytonutrients phenol, which makes them a heart-protective fruit, an anti-cancer fruit, and an anti-inflammatory fruit, all rolled into one.These berries are packed with antioxidants which neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins,...

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Rainbow Meals(A Complete Super Nutritious Meal)-Rainbow Brown Rice, Mixed Veg Raita, Black Eyed Bean Salad & Fruits & Nut Dessert

Know what you Eat - Brown rice is good source of complex carbohydrate. It provides 15 essential nutrients, including B-vitamins, niacin and potassium. Brown rice is a very good source of selenium, which is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism and immune function. Pigeon peas are nutritionally important, as they contain high levels of protein and three important amino acids. Fruits and Vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular...

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Multigrain Banana Nut Bread/Muffin & Awards

Know what you Eat - Bananas are an exceptionally rich source of fructooligosaccharide, a compound called a prebiotic because it nourishes probiotic (friendly) bacteria in the colon. These beneficial bacteria produce vitamins and digestive enzymes that improve our ability to absorb nutrients, plus compounds that protect us against unfriendly microorganisms. When fructooligosaccharides are fermented by these friendly bacteria, not only do numbers of probiotic bacteria increase, but so does the body's ability to absorb calcium. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Walnuts are also a very good source of the manganese and a good source of copper. In addition, walnuts contain the antioxidant phytochemical, ellagic acid....

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