Ginger & Curry Leaf Rasam(Spiced Soup)

With the temperature dropping down to below freezing and with snow all around, it is very much common to find signs of cold and cough in the house hold. Apart from a healthy diet, exercise and optimum levels of Vitamin D, certain spices like ginger which is a warming herb can help knock out a fever. The warming effects make it a natural decongestant as well as an antihistamine, making it the perfect remedy for colds.This rasam(a spiced soup) can be had with warm rice or warm quinoa. It not only tastes excellent, stimulating your taste buds but really helps out when you have a cold, fever or any kind of digestive disorder. There is no reason for not trying this easy, healthy and tasty one. Do let me know how you like it.Preparation Time - 5...

Read more »

Sugar free Badam Halwa (Almond Fudge) using Xylitol as a Sugar substitute

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and can be used a substitute for sugar. It is found naturally in fibers of many fruits and vegetables. For people with diabetes the best form of natural sugar alternate are Xylitol and Stevia. With a low glycemic index, xylitol doesn't have any aftertaste. Xylitol also doesn't cause any cavities like sugar so can be used as a sugar substitute and is safe even for kids. The only side effect of xylitol is consuming large amounts will cause abdominal discomfort. So watch out the quantity you eat. Almonds are high in protein, containing about 12% of our needs. They contain no cholesterol and are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus. They also contain potassium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and trace amounts of B...

Read more »

Blackchickpea Snack (Konda Kadalai Sundal)

Looking for a super healthy snack, low in carbohydrate, high in protein, gluten free, filling, inspite of all these good things still tastes great. Then this one is a must try for you. If you are of a South Indian (South East Asian - South Indian) then this sundal is a no big deal and you would have tasted it so many times. If not do try this out and i am sure you will be glad you did. You can get this black chick pea, in an Asian Indian store. This is a much more nutritionally superior variety than garbanzo in terms of protein and lower in glycemic index. So if you are a carb watcher either to watch your weight or to watch your sugar level, this one will fit the bill.Preparation Time - 10 MinutesCooking Time - 25 MinutesServes - 2IngredientsKala...

Read more »

Black Eyed Beans Sundal (snack)

Good to Know – Beans supply high quality protein which provides a healthy alternative to meat or other animal protein. Beans also contain protease inhibitors which frustrate the development of cancerous cells.IngredientsBlack eyed bean - 2 cups (Soaked and Cooked)Coconut Oil - 1 tspCumin seeds - 1/2 tspCurry leaves fewAsafoetida powder - 1/4 tspCurry powder - 1 tspFresh grated Coconut - 2 table spoonsSalt to tasteLime juice - 1/4 tsp (optional)Method1) Heat oil and add the mustard seeds, once it stops spluttering add the asafetida powder, curry leaves and black eyed bean.2) Add salt and curry powder and stir and switch off in a minute.3) Once it slightly cools down add the lemon juice and the freshly grated coconut.4) Enjoy this protein rich...

Read more »

Morkuzhambu (Spicy Yogurt Sauce)

Have you tried Morkuzhambu before, it is a spicy, tangy sauce made with Yogurt and spices and tastes fantastic with cooked Quinoa, rice or flat breads. You can add your choice of vegetables like eggplant, white pumpkin etc. This yogurt sauce is made in different regions of Indian and they are called by different names with different recipes. This is my Mom's recipe and we all love it.Preparation Time - 15 MinutesCooking Time - 10 MinutesServes - 4IngredientsThick Sour Yogurt - 1 CupWater - 3 CupsAsafoetida - pinchWhite pumpkin pieces - 1 cup cubedTurmeric powder - 1 TspSalt - 1 Tsp or to tasteFor grindingGrated Coconut - 4 TbspSplit Chick Pea - 1/2 TbspRice - 1/2 TbspCumin Seeds - 1 TspGinger - 1 inch pieceGreen chili - 2 or...

Read more »

Split Chick Pea Savory Pancake (Besan Puda/Pudla)

If you are looking for a protein rich, low carb, gluten free, infact grain free breakfast or lunch option, this spicy pancake would fit perfect for all the above dietary requirements. I make it atleast once a week, and you can add different vegetables like spinach, cabbage to suit your taste buds. Try this and let me know how you liked it.Preparation Time - 10 MinutesCooking Time - 15 MinutesMakes - 4 Pancakes (This depends on the size and the thickness of the pancake you make)IngredientsBesan Flour (Split Chick Pea Flour) -1 CupYogurt - 1/4 CupWater - 1/4 CupTurmeric powder - 1/2 TspGreen Chili - 2 or to tasteSalt - 3/4 th Tsp or to tasteChopped Cilantro or Spinach - 1/4 CupGrated Ginger - 1/2 TspOnion - 1Garlic - 1 Clove (optional)Ajwain...

Read more »

Trail Mix - Easy, Healthy & On the go Snack

What else can be easier to make snack than a trail mix? Healthy, easy and quick to make and on the go snack. Make them at home so that you can mix and match ingredients based on your diet needs and is much easier on your wallet than store bought ones. Takes less than 15 minutes to make and you can make batches to satisfy craving attacks.I make these on a regular basis, you can make it without adding raisins and cranberries if you are looking for no sugar snacks. For kids you can add some toasted peanuts and dry fruits or choco chips. My little one insisted on adding candy, so i added a few of Sunspire Natural Chocolates  - Sundrop. Lesser evil than the other ones available in the store. For the sake of taking photos, i added...

Read more »