Happy New Year

Wishing u all Happy New Year with loads & loads of happiness, health and Wealth..May this year brings everything,u dream for n wish for!!!!!!!

Have a Blast!!!!!!!

Almond Kulfi

Kulfi is an all time favorite Indian dessert, especially in summer.. It’s a little like ice cream but Kulfi has it’s own unique flavor. Even its too cold here, at home we never stopped having all these delicious things..Sterday i showed the recipe from here to my husband n was saying that am gonna prepare today, as the recipe is quite easy n nothing to heat r cook, he was quite curious to try kulfi by himself, i was surprised n left the kitchen until he finish preparing..needless to say he managed prefectly to prepare these delicious kulfi, first time for me to taste something delicious made by my husband(hehe)...

Am very proud n happy for the last entry of this year been prepared by my husband!!!!!!

20nos Blanched Almonds (grounded)
1cup Sweetened condensed milk
1cup Whipping cream
1/4tsp Cardmom powder
Few Pistachios Chopped

Beat together all ingredients except the pistachios in a large bowl until they turns soft..pour this mixture in kulfi mould..springle chopped pistachios as per ur need..

Keep them in freezer for atleast overnite..Serve them with chopped fruits r with anything as u prefer...

Broccoli N Barley Soup

Broccoli is a spectacular and unique package of versatile disease fighters and abundant in numerous strong, well-known phytochemicals and antioxidants, including indoles, isothiocyanates, quercetin, glutathione, beta carotene, vitaminC, folate, lutein, glucarate, and glutathione. Broccoli is extremely strong in anticancer activity, particularly against lung, colon, and breast cancers. Like other cruciferous vegetables, it speeds up the removal of estrogen from the body, helping suppress breast cancer. Broccoli is rich in cholesterol-reducing fiber and has antiviral and antiulcer activity. It is a super source of chromium that helps regulate insulin and bloodsugar. Broccoli is also a good source of calcium..Barley contains high levels of dietary fiber and selenium (a type of antioxidants). Recent studies showed that a diet high in beta-glucan from barley helps lower blood LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Barley may also help stabilize blood glucose levels, which may benefit people with diabetes...barley water has been used for various medicinal purposes since ancient times. .To increase intake of barley,add barley to stews and soups or other dishes such as risotto to enhance texture..Mix barley flour with wheat flour to make breads and muffins..Use cracked barley or barley flakes to make hot cereal.. cooked barley in salads...

20nos Broccoli florets
1/4cup Barley
1no Onion chopped
2cups Vegetable Broth
1/2cup Milk
2tbsp Corn flour
1/2tsp Pepper powder
Salt
1tbsp Olive oil

Pressure cook barley with 1/2cup of vegetable broth upto one hiss n keep aside...Heat the olive oil in a pan, add the chopped onion n cook until they turns transculent..add the broccoli florets to the pan n stir them with salt n pepper powder until they get bit cooked, add the remaining broth to the veggies n bring them to boil..now add the already cooked barley n cook for a while..mix both milk n corn flour together..dont overcook the broccolis, i liked them bit crunchy..add the corn-milk mixture to the soup n stir them for few minutes..put off the stove..

Serve them hot!!

Sending to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth...
                 Winter Treat Event by Trupti of Recipe Center ..

Christmas Cranberry Cinnamon Brioche

Brioche is a highly enriched French bread, whose high egg and butter content give it what is seen as a rich and tender crumb. It has a dark, golden, and flaky crust from an egg wash applied before and after proofing.The word brioche first appeared in print in 1404, and this bread is believed to have sprung from a traditional Norman recipe. It is argued that brioche is probably of a Roman origin, since a very similar sort of sweet holiday bread is made in Romania... It is often served as a pastry or as the basis of a dessert, with many local variations in added ingredients, fillings and toppings. Here i used dry cranberries n cinnamon powder to this brioche to make them more flavoursome..actually i want to prepare as swirl brioche but at last i added few cranberries to make them more delicious...

2cups All purpose flour +1/2 cup of flour
1/2cup Lukewarm Milk
2tbsp Sugar
2tsp Active dry yeast
1/4tsp Salt
1/2cup Butter ( room temperature)
1no Egg
1/4cup Dry cranberries
2tsp Cinnamon
1tsp Butter( melted)

 Add the active dry yeast to the lukewarm milk n let them sit for 5 minutes..Take a large bowl, add the all purpose flour, sugar n salt...now add egg , butter n foaming yeast..mix everything well with ur fingers, they will be very sticky..dust the dough with the flour n knead them for a while until they turn soft.. keep this soft dough in a warm place for an hour r until they double the volume...

Knead again for a while...add the cinnamon powder to the melted butter n keep aside..also add the cranberries to the dough n knead for few minutes until they get well mixed..dust again n flatten the dough..spread the cinnamon-butter mixture over the dough..roll them as cylinder..u can bake them directly now r else can arrange them in a loaf pan r in a cake mould..here i used savarin cake mould..brush the unbaked brioche with cinnamon-butter mixture r else with beaten egg..just springle few cranberries too..Let them sit again for few minutes until they raise a bit in a warm place..Preheat the oven to 350F..

Arrange the mould in the middle rack of the oven n bake them for 30minutes r until they turn brownish..Keep aside n let them cool for few minutes..

Just springle powdered sugar over the brioche n serve them with any choice of spread!!!!

Best of the Year 2008 - Looking Forward 2009

I have started blogging before 4 months back..i came across this blogsphere just with curiousity also to share my passion for cooking, never thought that am gonna be addict to blogging n posting without nonstop..am enjoying each n every comments given to me by my blogger friends..came to know more about blogging also about certain cuisines i never heard about before...Got a bunch of lovely friends through blogging n also tried many recipes i never wanted to try n taste...My blogger friends honoured me with many awards , really need to say big thanks to all those awesome friends, who gave me more enthu to continue...Blogging is not only for me to share recipes also to learn more n more new recipes n ideas..blogging makes me to keep my mind always thinking to create new recipes,cooking ideas also about presentation..i learned more about presenting a dish also to prepare healthy n trying vegan baked goodies..Being an omnivore, i never tried bakes without eggs, but now i can preparing vegan bake goodies with new egg replacements like tofu , flax seeds etc..

I love all my posts, its kinda hard for me to pick a handful of recipes..however i managed myself to choose my mooooost favourites..

My Top recipes of the year:

1)Strawberry Cream Tart

2)Coffee Pannacotta with Chocolate Chips

3)Paneer Jalfrezi

4)Navratan Pulao

5)Milagai Killi Sambar

Best dish of this Month:

Christmas Dryfruits Fougasse

New things i discovered in this year:

Vegan Bakes

I dont have particularly anything special as resolution for the year 2009...even i talk about resolution i wont continue anything for a long..hehehe!!!!

Wishing you all A Happy New Year 2009..thanks a lot to all my blogger friends n my friends who were all visiting my blogs continously n commenting daily..

Wishing u all more Happiness, Wealth N Health!!!!!

Navratan Pulao / Navratna Pulav

Navatan pulao, my entry for RCI - Awadhi Cuisine host by Siri of Siri's Corner , event started by Lakshmi..Awadhi cuisine is completely new to me, never heard about this awesome cuisine, need to say thanks to both Lakshmi n Siri for this event...i saw this pulao recipe here n changed certain things as per my taste.. this pulao tastes really awesome n great, we enjoyed this pulao much..with plenty of vegetables no doubt this pulao is really healthy n tasty!!!

2cups Basmati Rice
2cups Mixed vegetables
1/4cup Paneer cubes
5nos Cashews ( chopped)
1no Onion (sliced)
1no Whole Spices
1tsp Shah jeera
1tbsp Raisins
1/4tsp Saffron + pinch of food colour
1tsp Ginger paste
1tsp Garlic paste
2nos Green chillies
1cup Curd
1tsp Garam masala
1tsp Chilly powder
1bunch Mint leaves
Salt
Ghee+oil as per need

Wash n soak rice for 30 minutes...Cook the rice with 3 cups of water with 1tbsp of oil, grains should be seperate...meanwhile heat 1tsp of ghee n fry the paneer cubes for few minutes, keep aside..Take a large pan, add the ghee n oil n fry the whole spices n shah jeera until they turn brown, add the onion n fry well..Now mix the vegetables, green chillies, mint leaves, ginger garlic paste , cashews n raisins n fry everything well for few minutes, add the chilli powder, saffron,curd, garam masala n salt..again fry everything for a while (until the water evaporates)..now mix the prepared curry to the cooked rice n mix well...

Squeeze the lemon juice on dish.. Garnish the pulao with mint leaves n serve!!

Kiwi Salad

Kiwi fruits are rich in many Vitamins, flavonoids and minerals. In particular, they contain a high amount of Vitamin C (more than oranges), as much potassium as bananas and a good amount of beta-carotene.children that were fed 5-7 portions a week of citrus and kiwifruits had 44% less probability wheezing compared to children eating less than once a week.The high content in dietary fiber helps improving diseases such as diabetes, by controlling sugar levels, and cancer color, since fiber binds to toxic compounds in the colon and helps us expel them.The health of individuals who consumed it regularly against all kinds of disease, from cardiovascular problems to cancer and obesity. I prepared salad with kiwi by dressing them with honey and orange juice...we loved it..

2nos Kiwi fruits
1/4cup Fresh Orange juice
1tsp Honey

Peel the skin n cut the kiwi fruits as any shape as u desire....slightly warm the fresh orange juice with honey in microwave for 5 seconds...

Just drizzle the warmed orange n honey juice while serving..

Healthy n easy salad with kiwi with plenty of vitamins!!!

On the way to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth

Masala Milk/ Masala Paal

Masala Paal..heard that after dinner, its always good to have this milk to get a nice sleep..Most of us would have had it in India..Delicious Milk with spices n almond paste..

3cups Half & half milk
5nos Cloves
3nos Cinnamon sticks
6nos Almond nuts
1+1/2 pinch Saffron
3tsp Sugar
1tsp Cardomam powder
5nos Pistachios (chopped)

Heat milk in a heavy bottomed pan..add cloves n cinnamon sticks with milk..heat them together n stir it continously for a while, meanwhile soak the almond nuts with a small quantity of boiled milk for atleast 5 minutes... Once the milk starts boiling, put the flame in simmer n stir them for few minutes until they turn a bit thick ..at this stage add the saffron with the milk..grind the soaked almond nicely in a food processor n add the grounded paste to milk stir it well..add enough sugar n put off the stove...add cardomam powder n chopped pistachios pieces to the masala milk...

Serve them when its mildly hot..adjust the sugar as per ur taste..

If u dont like the cloves n cinnamon sticks in the milk..drain them before adding the grounded mix of almond..as i like them much..i didnt drained it.

After having this, hope u will all get a nice sleep...Zzzzzzzz

Chicken Capsicum Curry

Very good side dish for Sambar, rasam...Capsicum r used in cooking for stuffing with fillings with cheese, meat r rice n also used raw in salads, cooked as stir fries ..they r commonly called as bell pepper r chilli pepper, they are also called as paprika in some countries..

1cup Chicken breast pieces
2 nos Green capsicum/bell pepper
1 no Onion
1no Tomato
1/4tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Garam masala powder
4 nos Garlic pods
1 tsp Red chilli powder
1/2 tsp Coriander powder
1/2tsp Mustard seeds n urad dal
1/4tsp Cumin seeds
Salt
Oil ( as per need)
5 nos Curry leaves
2 tsp Coriander leaves chopped

Cut the green bell pepper lengthwise, finely chop the onion n tomatoes into small pieces, Wash thoroughly the chicken pieces with turmeric powder,heat oil in a kadai, add the mustard seeds, urad dal n cumin seeds to the hot oil n let them splutters.... now add the finely chopped onion n tomato pieces n cook them ..add the chicken breast pieces to the veggies n stir them occasionaly until they change their colour, now add the red chilli powder, garam masala powder , dhania powder(corianderpowder) n salt as per need to the chicken, stir them in simmer..

Close the kadai with a lid, chicken pieces may leave water, stir them occasionally, after a while add the green bell pepper pieces to the chicken masala (as the bell peppers get well cooked very easily its better to add them after a while)..if needed add water r else cook them with lid closed n stir them occasionally until the oil gets separated...add the curry leaves n chopped coriander leaves to the curry , put off the stove...

Serve hot..can also do this curry with Paneer instead of chicken pieces...

On the way to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth..

Spiced Redgrapes Juice

Both red and black grapes contain powerful antioxidants and resveratrol, which helps to prevent both the narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Ellagic acid, which has anti-cancer properties, is also contained in grapes.Grapes have been used for treating metabolism disorders, liver, kidney and lung disorders and cardiovascular problems. Grapes improve metabolism and have diuretic, anti inflammation, light laxative and inducing perspiration effect. Grapes help with nervous exhaustion, hypertension, high blood pressure, bronchitis and gout. Eating grapes strengthens your body when you need to recover from anemia, gastritis with high acidity, metabolism disorder, chronic insomnia and constipation. It is recommended to include grapes in your diet in the first stage of tuberculosis. Drinking grape juice daily for a long time helps to lower high blood pressure. I used some spices to prepare my grapes juice a bit different for a trial, for my surprise they tastes delicious ..

1cup Redgrapes
2tsp Sugar
1pinch Black salt
1pinch Roasted cumin seed powder
1pinch Pepper powder
Ice cubes

Blend the red grapes with sugar, enough water for a while..strain the juice... while serving, add the pinch of black salt, cumin powder n pepper powder to the juice with Ice cubes...

Slightly spiced delicious juice!!!!

On the way to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth..

My Entries for Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy

Sangeeth announced for this month Eat healthy Contest  for moms who were eagerly waiting for their babies...All these healthy n delicious dishes go for the event Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy..all these recipes r quite rich in vitamins, calciums etc...

Appetiziers:
1)Cabbage Medhu Vada
2)Tofu Bonda
3)Sprouted Moongdal Pakodas
4)Chickpeas Vegetable Masala Vadai
5)Coriander Medhu Vadai

Soups
1)Redbell Pepper N Mushroom Soup
2)Mushroom Babycorn Soup
3)Drumstick Clear Soup
4)Broccoli N Barley Soup

Juices
1)Dates Milkshake
2)Kiwi Banana Smoothie
3)Beetroot Clementine Juice
4)Orange Pear Cocktail Juice
5)Vegan Choco Almond Shake
6)Spiced Redgrapes Juice
7)Masala Milk
8)Beetroot Kheer

Dals/ Salads/Chutneys/Curries/Raitas/Dips
1)Zucchini Chutney
2)Milagai Killi Sambhar
3)Red Radish Raita
4)Zucchini Dal
5)Radish Chutney
6)Soya Sprouts Stir-fry
7)Buttermilk Rasam
8)Mixed Vegetable Sambhar
9)Zucchini N Sprouted Greengram Kurma
10)Watercress Paruppu Kadaiyal
11)Broccoli Rajma Curry
12)Drumstickleaves Moongdal Stir-fry
13)Badam Paneer
14)Kadai Paneer
15)Sprouted Lentils Gravy
16)Mixed Vegetable Pasta Salad
17)Paneer Jalfrezi
18)Carrot N Ginger Chutney
19)Soyachunks Keema Kuruma
20)Aloo Matar Gobi Sabji
21)Lotus Root Dal Gravy
22)Beetroot Chutney
23)Mushroom Salna
24)Turnip N Lemon Pappu
25)Mixed Vegetable Kootu With Rasam Powder
26)Drumstick Leaves Sambhar
27)Creamy Ricotta Dip
28)Vegetable Manchurian Balls In Hot N Sour Sauce
29)Butternut Squash Chutney
30)Kiwi Salad

Rice Dishes / Parathas
1)Carrot N Paneer Fried Rice
2)Carrot Broccoli Fried Rice
3)Green Capsicum Pulao
4)Beetroot Moongdal Rice
5)Carrot Curd Rice
6)Coriander Pulao
7)Snakegourd Masala Rice
8)Sprouted Moongdal Fried Rice
9)Avocado Parathas
10)Navratan Pulao

Desserts/ Baked goodies
1)Carrot Poha Kheer
2)Vegan Choco-Oats Cookies

Non Vegetarian Dishes
1)Baby Shark N Tomato Kurma
2)Creamy Codfish With Herbs
3)SteamedEgg Cubes Masala
4)Spicy Bombay Toast
5)Scrambled Egg Masala
6)Okra Prawn Fried Rice
7)Italian Flatbean Prawn Curry
8)Snakegourd Egg Curry
9)Schezwan Chicken N Babycorn Fry
10)Chicken Capsicum Curry

Tofu Bonda

Tofu – also known as Soya Bean Curd - has been called the perfect food. It is high in protein, low in saturated fats and a good source of calcium as well as vitamin E. It is also cholesterol free.Tofu is made by grinding cooked soya beans until a milk is produced. The milk is then solidified with a mineral coagulant calcium sulphate. The resulting tofu is naturally bland. It is, therefore an ideal additive to both sweet and savoury dishes. There are two basic types of tofu. Silken tofu is soft and can be utilised as an ideal additive for dressings, sauces and in dairy free versions of ice cream or cheese cake. Firm tofu, on the other hand, comes in a more solid form. It can be stir-fried, grilled, scrambled, pickled, smoked, baked or barbecued.

Steamed tofu is particularly good for vegetarians. It will give the non-meat eater a plentiful supply of calcium  which is derived from the calcium sulphate, as well as phosphorous and iron. Tofu is, therefore, an excellent substitute for meat in many vegetarian recipes. Tofu bonda!!I tried it out with potatoes n carrots with usual spices, its was really yummy, spicy, crispy as well as healthy..a very good appetizier as well as side for any rice dishes also prefect for evening snacks..

1 cup Tofu(grated)
2nos Potatoes (cooked)
1no Carrot
1no Onion
1/2 tsp Fennel seed powder
1/2tsp Turmeric powder
1tsp Red chilli powder
1tsp Garam masala powder
3nos Curry leaves
2tbsp Coriander leaves chopped
Salt as per need
3tsp Oil

For Batter:
1/4 cup Gram flour
1/4cup Rice flour
1/4 tsp Baking powder
1/4 tsp Food colour
1/4tsp Red chilli powder
Salt as per need
Oil for deep frying

Cut the carrotn onions into small pieces, mash the already cooked potatoes..heat oil in a kadai..add the onion pieces to the hot oil n the fennel seed powder to the onion n stir them until the onions turns transculent..now add the carrot n grated tofu pieces to the onion with turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder n salt n stir them well for a while n close the kadai with the lid, keep the flame in simmer..

Once the oil get separates from the veggies add the mashed potatoes pieces n cook them for a while..dont add water no need to sprinkle water too, keep the flame simmer n close the lid, its largely enough to cook the veggies..once they r done add the curry leaves n coriander leaves n keep aside, let them cool...

Meanwhile take a bowl, add the gram flour, rice flour,red chilli powder, salt, food colour n baking powder n make them as thick batter with enough water..make small tiny balls with the cooked tofu n veggies mixture, heat the oil for deep frying in a kadai..dip the tofu-veggies balls one by one in the batter n fry them as deep frying..

Tasty, spicy, crispy n healthy Tofu bondas r ready to have..am damn sure that it will vanish within few minutes..Serve hot..

Sending this to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth
                       EFM - Savouries by SriLekha
                       Sunday Snacks - Hot n Spicy by Pallavi

Stuffed Egg Rolls

Stuffed egg rolls r quite easy n delicious snacks, kids will love this rolls.. Awesome snacks for kids...can serve these rolls for dinner with salad else can have them as appetizier, Y not!!! as side dish with rice dishes, they prefectly suits for both adults n kids..once u try this rolls, sure u will became fan to these delicious rolls n will prepare often for the sure...

3 nos Boiled eggs
2nos Potatoes
3nos Spring onions r shallots
1tsp Green chillies pieces(chopped)
1/2 tsp Garam masala powder
1/4tsp Fennel seed powder
2tbsp Corn flour
2tsp Coriander leaves (chopped)
1/2cup Bread crumbs
Salt as per taste
Oil for deep frying

Pressure cook the potatoes, meanwhile chop finely the spring onions r shallots..peel off the potatoes, smash them nicely in a bowl, add the spring onions,green chilli pieces, garammasala powder, fennel seed powder, salt, corn flour n finely chopped coriander leaves..

Cut the boiled eggs into 2 pieces..make a outer cover with potatoes mix n roll them on the bread crumbs..while rolling shape them as rolls..keep these egg stuffed rolls in fridge for one hour..heat the oil n fry them as deep frying..

Delicious Stuffed Egg Rolls!!!!

On the way to Winter Treat Event by Trupti of Recipe Center..
                      EFM - Savouries by Srilekha..

Tapioca Spicy Chips

Tapioca spicy chips r very perfect for evening snacks.. Eventhough they r very high caloric, its a real pleasure to have them as evening snacks with moderation..prefect to munch them when its too cold...

2 nos Tapioca (maravallikizhangu)
2 tsp Red chilli powder
Salt as per taste
Oil for deep frying
1no Cotton towel

Take the tapioca n peel off the skin until the white layer appears, cut them into 4 cylinderic pieces..take a  mandolin n slice them gently with very much patience..slice them in batches..else they may break into small pieces..

Wash them thoroughly n soak them for 1 hr in cold water..After an hour,wash them again thoroughly 3 r 4 times with cold water..take a cotton towel, spread these tapioca slices one by one gently on the towel n let them get dry for another 1 more hour..before frying check them,they should be dry else once u put them in hot oil they will stick together n will be very difficult to fry them..

Heat the oil n fry them in small batches..oil will bubble vigorously n after a minute they will settle down.. and the chips will float..once they turn lightly brown, should be very careful, they may change their colour very fast...drain the excess of oil in paper towel...Add salt n redchilli powder with the fried tapioca chips..can also add fried curry leaves but its optional...

Spicy chips !!!!!

On the way to EFM - Savouries by Srilekha..
                       Sunday Snacks - Hot n Spicy by Pallavi

Vegan Peanutbutter Chocolate Raisin Cookies

My second cookies with peanutbutter which am started liking few weeks back, before i never tried anything with this delicious butter, i prepared these vegan cookies with raisins easily within few minutes..with vegetables shortening, melted chocolat, applesauce n raisins, this cookies r really fabulous n healthy too..i loved munching them with hot coffee..The health benefit of raisins is that they are an antioxidant. These help to keep the blood clean and flowing.Overall, raisins helps lot for eyesight, oral hygiene and they act as antioxidants. Raisins are sweet and great tasting and promote good health. Raisins are said to beneficial for bone density. The minerals in raisins in conjunction with estrogen in women help make bones stronger and ward off osteoporosis.Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well.Peanut butter contains fairly high quantities of dietary fiber, amounting to about 8%, which again helps in regulating both blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.Dietary fiber has also been shown to significantly reduce the risk of colo-rectal cancer..Proteins are present in high amounts, together with very important micro-nutrients such as Vitamin E, Vitamin B3 and large amounts of beneficial minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and calcium.

1no Dark Chocolate Bar (250grms)
3tbsp Peanut butter
5tbsp Vegetable shortening
3tbsp Apple sauce
1/2cup Raisins
2cups All purpose flour
1tsp Baking powder
1/4tsp Baking soda
1/2cup Sugar

Cut the dark chocolate bar as small pieces, take a cup of chocolate pieces in a microwave bowl, keep aside the remaining chocolate pieces, add the peanut butter, vegetable shortening to the bowl..heat them for 2 minutes n mix them well with a spatula..

Add the sugar, apple sauce to them n beat them well until the sugar get dissolved, add the baking powder n baking soda to the flour...once the chocolate mix turns soft, add the flour gradually n turn them as soft dough..mix the raisins n remaining chocolate pieces to the dough..

Preheat the oven at 350F..line a baking sheet over a baking tray...drop a scoop of the dough over the baking paper, leave some space between the cookies...bake them for 25minutes..as these cookies r made with chocolate, they will be soft once u take off from the oven, let them cool for few minutes before munching them..

Store these delicious cookies in an air tightened box..

Zucchini Chutney

Zucchini, a small summer squash, is botanically a fruit but on gastronomic terms, it is treated as a vegetable.Zucchini helps to cure asthma as it contains Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Zucchini helps to prevent diseases, like scurvy, bruising etc, caused by the deficiency of Vitamin C. Eating zucchini also helps to support the arrangement of capillaries. Regular intake of zucchini effectively lowers high homocysteine levels. Zucchini also prevents the risk of having multiple sclerosis (MS). Zucchinis have high water content (over 95%), so they make perfect food for people on diet. Zucchini contains useful amounts of folate, potassium, and vitamin A, necessary for a human body. Zucchini contains Vitamin C and lutein, both of which are good for eyes. By incorporating zucchini into your balanced diet, you will reap many health benefits including protection against colon cancer as well as preventing heart disease and related symptoms such as high cholesterol.Zucchini is great for cooking because they are available all year round. Avoid ones with bruises or broken skin when picking your zucchini. As they r versatile vegetable, we can prepare them with any spice r as any sort of dish..i tried out chutney with this vegetable, they tastes exactly like mint chutney..

2 nos Zucchini(medium size)
1tbsp Channa dal
1tbsp Urad dal
1 tsp Ginger grated
1tsp Garlic chopped
1 no Tamarind (marble size)
2 nos Red chillies
1 no Green chillies
2tsp Dessicated coconut, oil
Salt as per taste
Oil

For Tempering:
1/2tsp Mustard seeds
1/2tsp Urad dal
3nos Curry leaves

Heat two tsp of oil in a pan, fry the channa dal, urad dal until they turn brownish, keep aside..fry in the same oil ginger, garlic n tamarind until they turns the brownish colour..fry the red chillies, green chillies one by one in the same oil, cut the zucchini into small pieces fry them until they get cooked well( as zucchini cooks very easily)..Keep aside n let them cool..

Take a food processor, put all roasted ingredients to it, add salt as per taste, dont add water, as zucchini have sufficient water, there is no need of adding water..grind them well nicely r coarsely as u like..

Heat oil in a pan ,add the mustard seeds n urad dal n stir them until they splutters, add the curry leaves, pour the grounded mix to the oil, stir them for a while...

Zucchini chutney is ready to serve...

Sending to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth

Milagai Killi Sambhar

Need something as gravy??  should be easiest one also simple u need to try this sambhar, prefect for beginners also for bachelors...this is one of my grandma's special..no need of sambhar powder..i'll prepare this delicious sambhar often, as they need less time to prepare also nourishing one with rice...Potato spicy fry goes as excellent side dish for this sambhar..

3/4cup Toor dal
2nos Onion (chopped lengthwise)
2nos Tomatoes (chopped )
2nos Green chillies
6nos Garlic pods
1tsp Lemon Juice
2tsp Coriander leaves chopped

For Tempering:
1/4 tsp Mustard seeds
1/4tsp Urad dal
3 nos Red chillies
1/4tsp Cumin seeds
1/4 tsp Asafoetida powder

Wash toor dal thoroughly n pressure cook until three whistles with turmeric powder..heat oil in a kadai, add the mustard seeds, urad dal, red chillies, cumin seeds n asafoetida powder n let them splutters..

Now add the finely chopped lengthwise onion pieces n fry them well until they turns transculent, add the tomatoes pieces n fry them until they turns mushy n also add the green chillies n smashed garlic pods n fry them for a while...adjust toor dal with enough water as per need, this sambar should be watery....now add the toor dal with salt n bring them to boil, put the flame in simmer n let them cook until the veggies get cooked..put off the stove n add lemon juice to the sambar, add chopped coriander leaves to the sambar..

Serve hot with rice..Easy to prepare, can serve this sambar with any choice of spicy side dish..

On the way to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth

Red Radish Raita

Quite a healthy raita with red radishes...its really a easiest one with thick yoghurt n grated red radish..usually french peoples have directly red radishes with salted butter as salad, i wanted to try them since long back this raita..lastly i prepared them sterday..

1cup Grated red radish pieces
1cup Yoghurt
1tsp Green chillies (chopped)
Salt

Mix everything in a large bowl except the salt, just add the salt before serving..i didnt tempered this raita..can also add grated carrots r chopped coriander leaves if u like to have them differently...

Quite Easy Raita!!!

On the way to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth

Baby Shark N Tomato Kurma

Kurma with Babyshark ..quite interesting rite...yea absolutely this kurma tastes awesome, usually these fish pieces r prepared as hash r else gravies with tamarind but here we doesnt need of tamarind paste n this is completely new dish which i tried it out as we were bored of usually gravies..with a handful of spices this kurma goes very well with hot rice as well as side for idlies n dosais..this dish will be enough tangy as we were using tomatoes instead of tamarind paste..Even the bones are soft and these can be easily chewed and considered a delicacy in coastal Tamil Nadu.

10nos Shark pieces
6nos Ripe n juicy tomatoes
1no Onion
3nos Green chillies
2 nos Bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, green cardamom
Salt n oil as per need

To Grind:
2tsp Fennel seeds
1tsp Cumin seeds
4nos Red chillies
5nos Shallots
3nos Cloves
1no Cinnamon stick big
1no Mace
1/4cup Grated coconut
2tbsp Coriander leaves
1inch Ginger pieces
6nos Garlic pods
1tsp Peppercorns
1tsp Poppy seeds
1/4cup Coriander seeds


Grind coarsely tomatoes into thick paste..keep aside..cook the shark pieces with enough turmeric powder n enough water until they gets cooked well..peel off the skin of the shark pieces..

Now grind finely all the spices(under the list to grind) with enough water into thick paste..Heat the oil in a kadai, once the oil get heated, add the whole spices(bayleaves, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pieces) n fry them until they turns brown..chop finely the onion pieces n add them to the fried spices, once they turns transculent, add the grounded paste of spices n stir continously until the raw smells goes on, add the ground paste of tomatoes n stir well too..add the slit opened green chillies..add water n salt as per ur need,bring the gravy to boil.

Once they starts boiling add the already cooked fish pieces n cook them well until the gravy is done...add the mint leaves n coriander leaves to the gravy..put off the stove..

Spicy n Tangy Gravy!!!

On the way to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth

Zucchini Dal

Zucchini r versatile vegetables, they goes prefect for soups, stir fries, gravies etc...Simple dal with zucchini, easy to prepare within few minutes..healthy n tasty dal for kids as well as for whole family..these veggies r low caloric vegetables and they r well recommended to have while dieting as like any other low caloric vegetables...

1/2cup Toor dal
1 cup Zucchini(chopped finely)
1 no Onion( chopped finely)
1 no Tomato (chopped finely)
1 no Green chilli (chopped finely)
1 tsp Ginger (chopped)
3 nos Garlic pods (chopped)
1 tsp Peppercorns
1 tsp Cumin seeds
Salt

For Tempering:
1/4tsp Mustard seeds
1/4 tsp Urad dal
1/4tsp Asafoetida powder
2 nos Red chillies
Oil as per need

Wash thoroughly toor dal 3 r 4 times..can peel zucchini's skin r else can keep them intact n chop them finely..

Take a pressure cooker add the already washed toor dal, chopped onion, chopped tomatoes pieces, green chilli,zucchini pieces, ginger n garlic pieces n cook them upto 3 whistles with a cup of water(adjust ur dal as per need but zucchini contains sufficient water so dont add much water else ur dal will turn too watery)...keep aside..

Grind coarsely peppercorns n cumin seed n keep aside...now blend the already cooked veggies with a hand blender coarsely r finely as per ur need with enough salt...heat oil in a pan, add the mustard seed, urad dal, asafoetida powder, curry leaves n red chillies.. let them splutters add them to the blended zucchini dal.. sprinkle the already grounded peppercorns n cumin seed powder to the dal..adjust as per need, if u need spicy can add more the grounded powder ...

Serve hot!!!!

On the way to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth.

Christmas Dryfruits Fougasse

Fougasse is a flat bread typically associated with Southeastern Part of France, they r also prepared in other regions too, they r usually prepared with cheese, olives, bacons ets...Other tasty variations include dried fruit, Roquefort and nuts or olives and goat cheese for It is known by extension as a fougasse even though it is more a sandwich than just a type of bread...this flat bread is one of the traditional bread n they r prepared while christmas with dry fruits soaked in Orange flower water r else in rhum.. i did my christmas fougasse with dry fruits soaked in orange flower water, delicious christmas fougasse n quite easy too..

2cups All purpose flour + flour for kneading n dusting
1tsp Active Dry Yeast
1/2tsp Salt
3/4cup Lukewarm Milk
2tbsp Sugar
1no Egg
4tbsp Butter (room temperature)
1/2cup Dry fruits ( Raisins, Dates, Apricots)
3tbsp Orange flower Water
1tbsp Confectioner's Sugar

Add the dry yeast, salt , sugar to the luke warm milk n let them stand for 5 minutes, add the foaming yeast mixture to the all purpose flour n make a dough by kneading them slowly, dough will be slightly hard even after kneading, dont worry..keep the dough in warm place for 1 hour until they double their volume..

After an hour, add the egg, butter n already soaked dry fruits to the dough n knead again in a floured surface, it will be slightly sticky, knead them slowly with enough flour...

Keep again in warm place for another 1 hour r until they doubled their volume...punch them n knead again as soft dough, flatten them with a rolling pin as like a leaf n cut them with knife as in picture,keep them again in a warm place to get doubled (approximately half an hour)..

Preheat the oven at 350F , line a baking sheet over the baking tray, arrange the flatten dough on the tray n bake them for 30 minutes r until they turn brown...

Let them cool n springle the confectioner's sugar over the baked fougasse...

Delicious Christmas Fougasse Bread!!!

Apricot Pannacotta

Actually i planned to prepare jelly with dry apricots..finally i turned as pannacotta with dry apricots..for my surprise they were really tasty n fruity, as i didnt blended well the apricot pieces well...my better half loved it much , who is quite a picky eater n dont like pannacotta at all...usually i used to finish alone any desserts, but this time i had just few spoons of this delicious pannacotta....

15nos Dry apricots + few apricot pieces
1cup Milk
1/2cup Low fat cream
3tsp Sugar
1tbsp Gelatin powder

Add few tsp of water to the dry apricot n heat them for 3 minutes in microwave bowl...keep aside n let them cool...blend them with half cup of milk into bit coarse paste..meanwhile soak the rest apricot pieces with a tsp of honey , keep them in fridge, this is for garnishing..

Bring boil both milk n cream with sugar  n also add the blended paste, stir them for a while.. add the gelatin powder to the apricot milk , stir them continously  until they get well dissolved..

Pour this mixture to ramequins n arrange them in fridge for atleast 2 hours..serve them chilled n garnish the apricot pannacotta with already soaked apricot pieces!!!!

Radish Chutney

Radish is a vegetable with thin white skin and white flesh, this vegetable can be eaten raw ( appetizer and salads) or cooked (ingredient to soup dishes). To retain the freshness and crunchiness of this vegetable it is advised to soak it in a cold water. Radish is rich in vitamin C, Beneficial for the teeth, gums, nerves, hair and nails. Having radish  in our dish helps to stimulate appetite,relieve nervous exhaustion,respiratory problems ,digestive problems, relieves constipation, runny nose, helps to reduce overweight or obesity and dissolves gall stones,helpful in cases of tuberculosis...Diabetic peoples can have radishes just like cucumber n broccoli...Radishes, like other member of the cruciferous family (cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts), contain cancer-protective properties. Throughout history radishes have been effective when used as a medicinal food for liver disorders. They contain a variety of sulfur-based chemicals that increase the flow of bile. Therefore, they help to maintain a healthy gallbladder and liver, and improve digestion. Radishes are rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid, and potassium. They are a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper, and calcium.A very low calorie vegetable too..i did chutney with radish..it was spicy, tasty n delicious side for rice dishes as well as for chappathis, parathas...

1cup Radish pieces
1no Onion chopped
1no Tomato chopped
2nos Green chillies
2nos Red chillies
1tsp Ginger pieces
1tsp Garlic pods
1/4tsp Mustard seeds
1/4tsp Urad dal
5 nos Curry leaves
Salt as per taste
3tsp Oil

Heat 1 tsp of oil, add green chillies, red chillies, ginger pieces, garlic pods to the oil n stir them continously until they turns brownish..now add the chopped onions followed by chopped tomatoes..cook them well until they r well smashed, now add the radish pieces to the onion n tomato mix..cook everything well with the lid closed..stir them occasionally...keep aside n let them cool...

Grind the cooked vegetables with salt n with half cup of water in a food processor coarsely...heat oil in a pan n add the mustard seeds n urad dal with curry leaves, let them splutters...add the coarsely grounded mix n stir them continously for a while..put off the stove n serve as side with Idlies, dosais as well as with chappathis..

This chutney will ressembles like thuvaiyal..

On the way to: Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth..

Cabbage Medhu Vada

Cabbage is a popular vegetable that is used for cooking and is also known for its medicinal properties (it said to contain chemicals that can prevent cancer). The history of its uses can be traced to the Greek era, where the Greeks used fresh white cabbage juice to relieve sore or infected eyes. During those times, the Romans and Egyptians would drink cabbage juice before meals to prevent intoxication...Cabbage is one of the versatile vegetable n with plenty of vitamins, can do varieties of dishes from this vegetable, i tried it out as Medhu vada..was really tasty n goes well with kaarakuzhambu n sambar...

2cups Urad dal
1+1/2cup Grated cabbage
1/2tsp Black peppercorns
3/4tsp Cumin seed
5 nos Curry leaves
1/2 tsp Ginger chopped
Salt as per taste
Oil for deepfrying

Soak Urad dal for 2 hours...crush them into small tiny pieces in a mortar r with mixie dont make them as powder...i used directly the grated cabbages to make the vadais..if u dont like can use them by cooking the grated cabbages until they turns tendre in hot water, drain them n keep aside to cool..Grind the urad dal until they turns soft batter by adding r sprinkling bit water, batter should be soft, add salt, peppercorn pieces,ginger pieces, cumin seed pieces n curry leaves to the batter as well as the grated cabbages r cooked cabbages..Heat oil in a pan for deep frying, once the oil is hot, make the batter as vada n fry them until they turns brownish colour...

Serve them hot with thengai chutney, can be also a side for kuzhambu n sambar dishes...

In Case if u dont like peppercorns n cumin seeds, can add onions n green chillies with half teaspoon of fennel seed powder...

Sending this to Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth
                       My Legume Affair - Sixth Helping host by Suganya of Tasty palettes, event started by Susan..
                       EFM - Savouries by Srilekha...

Creamy CodFish With Herbs

Cod is a popular food fish with a mild flavor, low fat content and a dense white flesh that flakes easily. Cod livers are processed to make cod liver oil, an important source of Vitamin A, Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids.It belongs to the same family as haddock and monkfish and is a deep sea fish hailing from the Artic waters...this dish is quite typical french way of preparing fishes...here at home everyone love to have this creamy sauce with any sort of fish n herbs along with long grain rice r else simply with pasta, this time i prepared this creamy sauce with cod fish...

1no Onion (chopped finely)
5nos Codfish pieces
1/2cup Low fat Cream
1tsp Thymn leaves
few sprigs Rosemary leaves
2nos Bay leaves
Salt
2tbsp Olive oil + 1tsp Olive oil
Pepper powder
1tbsp Corn flour
1cup Vegetable stock water

Prepare vegetable stock water by adding a cup of hotwater with 2nos vegetable stock cubes...mix well n keep aside..meanwhile marinate the codfish pieces with thymn leaves, rosemary sprigs, bay leaves, pepper powder, 1/4tsp of salt n with a tsp of olive oil n keep in fridge for half an hour..heat the olive oil in a pan, add the chopped onion pieces n stir them until they turns transculent, add the already marinated cod fish pieces n turn them on both sides until they change their colour, add the vegetable stock water n bring them to boil..

Add the lowfat cream to the pan n keep in simmer, cook them for almost 5 minutes in medium high flame...make a thin paste of cornflour n water, add this to the fish-cream mixture, cook them until the creamy sauce get thickens...

Serve them with hot steaming long-grain rice!!!

My Entries for Santa's Holiday Challenge Event

Jz of Tasty Treats recently announced her first challenging event as Santa's Holiday Challenge Event, my entries for this challenging event are

Bread milk Pudding
French Apple Tart
Chocolate Christmas Cake
Vegan Rice Krispies Oatmeal Cookies
Vegan Choco-Oats Cookies
Christmas Fruits&Nuts Savarin Cake
Christmas Morning Muffins
Rice Krispies Bar

Soya Sprouts Stir-fry

Recently i bought  blackbean garlic sauce to prepare my side dishes , i tried to stir fry the soya sprouts with this sauce with carrots n pepperbell pieces , for my surprise they tasted really great n its quite simple to prepare them..even everyone at home were surprised to see this stir fry ressembled quite as we used to order usually in restaurants...Needless to say how healthy the sprouts r, specially soya sprouts..Sprouts are considered the most versatile good food. They are rich in nutrients and you can eat them in any from, raw, with a tangy twist, slightly roasted and can enjoy them while they keep the body rejuvenated. The best thing about sprouts is that people of all age groups can consume it and in any form.Soya sprouts are good for health but they have to be cooked a little before consumption.

1pack Soya Sprouts (250gms)

1no Carrots (chopped lengthwise)
1no Green bell pepper (chopped lengthwise)
1no Onion (chopped lengthwise)
2tbsp Blackbean Garlic Sauce
2nos Garlic pods( crushed)
1tbsp Garlic chives (chopped)
1tsp Soya sauce
2tsp Sesame oil

Heat sesame oil n add the crushed garlic n chopped onion, stir them until the onion turns transculent, now add the carrot pieces with soya sauce n blackbean garlic sauce n stir them for few minutes, carrot pieces should be crunchy, dont over cook them, now add the green bell pepper pieces also the soya sprouts n stir them just for few seconds...put off the stove n garnish them with chopped garlic chives...

This Stir fry goes awesome simply with hot steaming rice...if u need spicy just add a tsp of green chilly sauce...

Sending this healthy dish to: JFI-Sprouts hosted by Ammalu's Kitchen
                                         Eat Healthy - During Pregnancy by Sangeeth..