TOP TEN FRUITS
How you rank fruit depends upon the reason you're eating the fruit and your individual tastes. The four most valuable nutrients in fruits are fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids (e.g. beta carotene), and phytonutrients (health-building substances). Here are our rankings - an overall "Top Ten Fruits" list and our top choices for fiber and vitamin C.
Our top ten ranking of fruits is based upon their content of these nutrients: vitamin C, fiber, carotenoids, calcium, and folic acid. Availability, safety, and versatility also influenced these choices.
1. Avocado
2. Papaya
3. Guava
4. Cantaloupe
5. Orange
6. Apricots (dried, unsulfured)
7. Mango
8. Strawberries (organic)
9. Kiwi
10. Grapefruit (pink or red)
FRUITS THAT ARE KIND TO THE INTESTINES
Allergies or illness can make the intestines more sensitive.. Some fruits contain sugars that are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, while the sugar in other fruits may ferment and cause gas to build up in the intestines. This is hard on an intestinal lining already irritated by allergens or viruses. The ratio of fructose to glucose in the fruit as well as the fiber content determine how much of the sugar is absorbed. The higher the glucose-to-fructose ratio, the more intestinal-friendly the fruit. The most intestines-friendly fruit, especially if you are suffering from a diarrhea illness, is white grapes since they contain equal amounts of fructose and glucose. The high glucose content helps all the fructose be absorbed so little is left over to ferment into intestinal gas. And, white grape juice contains no sorbitol. Here's how these fruits rank:
Most Kind to the Intestines:
1) White grapes
2) Strawberries
3) Raspberries
4) Blackberries
5) Pineapples
6) Oranges
Least Kind to the Intestines
1)Prunes
2)Pears
3)Sweet cherries
4)Peaches
5)Apples
The reason these fruits are less intestinal-friendly is because they have a higher fructose-to -glucose ratio, some contain sorbitol and some fruits have higher levels of fiber. If you are suffering from sluggish bowels or constipation, then use this nutritional quirk to your advantage since juices, such as prune and pear nectar, tend to be laxative in effect.
Monday, January 18, 2010
6 Super Foods For Women
The Six Super Foods Every Woman Needs
Super Food # 1: Low-fat yogurt
Goal: 3 to 5 servings a week
What it does: As a health food, yogurt is almost as old as, well, good health itself. But experts say evidence continues to accumulate that reveals its benefits in many new and exciting ways. And not just yogurt. Somer tells WebMD that any fermented dairy product -- including kefir -- contains healthy “probiotics” -- bacteria with the power to protect you in myriad ways.
“There is a suggestion [that yogurt] may decrease the risk of breast cancer,” Somer says. ”And there’s very strong evidence it can reduce problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory digestive tract disorders -- both conditions that impact women more than men.” Additionally, she says, yogurt can help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and vaginal infections.
Enjoy a cup of yogurt at breakfast, lunch, or snack to help meet the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommendation for three servings of low fat dairy each day. “It’s loaded with bone-healthy calcium -- something every woman needs more of at every age,” Somer says. One cup of yogurt has about 448 mg of calcium, compared to just 300 for eight ounces of skim milk.
The key, according to Somer, is to choose a low fat yogurt with live cultures -- like Lactobacillus acidophilus. And do check the label, Somer advises. Some store brands may not have the level of cultures found in more established brands.
Also important: Skip the fruit-on-the-bottom or other flavored varieties. “Too much sugar,” says Somer, who also reminds us that, no, those two blueberries on the bottom of the container do not constitute a serving of fruit!
Super Food # 2: Fatty fish -- like salmon, sardines, and mackerel
Goal: 2 to 3 servings every week
What it does: The healthy factor in fish is omega-3 fatty acids, and specifically two types known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
“Fatty fish not only plays a vital role in the health of the membrane of every cell in our body, it also helps protect us from a number of key health threats,” says Laurie Tansman, MS, RD, CDN, a nutritionist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.
Some of those threats include heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression, joint pain, and a number of illnesses linked to inflammation, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Somer says fish may even offer some protection against Alzheimer’s disease.
While many foods -- such as walnuts, flaxseed oil, and some mayonnaise brands -- claim the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, Somer cautions that only the DHA or EPA forms of omega-3 can be directly used by the body.
“What you get in foods like walnuts and flaxseed oil is an omega-3 acid known as ALA -- alpha-linoleic acid,” says Somer. “And while it’s certainly good for you, it requires a process in the body to convert it to DHA. And that conversion process can be influenced by a variety of individual factors.”
The good news: You are likely to see a wheelbarrow full of new products supplemented with DHA slowly making their way to market in the coming year. Currently, Kellogg is reportedly developing a cereal fortified with DHA, while a company called Nutri-Kids has already launched a DHA fortified ready-to-drink milk product. You can also find eggs fortified with DHA and, says Somer, certain brands of soymilk.
Super Food # 3: Beans
Goal: 3 to 4 servings every week
What it does: Low in fat, beans are a good source of protein and fiber and may have protective effects against heart disease and breast cancer. Beans may also play a role in stabilizing female hormones, says nutritionist Susan Krause, MS, RD.
“Beans have been around so long that most people don’t view them as a fancy new health food,” Krause says. “But in fact, they are among one of the healthiest things a woman can eat.”
In studies published in the International Journal of Cancer, researchers found that beans in general, and lentils in particular, may have some protective effects against breast cancer. In research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, doctors found a relationship between a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and a higher intake of legumes. Well known legumes include peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts.
As a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, Krause says, beans can help lower cholesterol, while their level of a nutrient known as isoflavone can help in the regulation of hormones and may aid with PMS, perimenopause, or menopause symptoms. Although soybeans have among the highest levels of isoflavones, other sources include red clover, kudzu, mung beans, alfalfa sprouts, black cohosh, and chickpeas.
“Beans also contain something called protease inhibitors, which may help protect against breast cancer,” says Krause. Protease inhibitors help slow the division of cancer cells and in this way may prevent tumor formation.
Last but not least, if you are in your reproductive years, beans can give you a steady supply of folic acid -- essential if you should become pregnant.
Super Food # 4: Tomatoes (or watermelon, red grapefruit, red navel oranges)
Goal: 3 to 5 servings each week
What it does: The powerhouse nutrient in all these fruits is lycopene. And, according to Miller, while the headlines touted its protective effects against prostate cancer, more quiet research has shown it has tremendous health benefits for women as well.
“Research is starting to show that lycopene may protect against breast cancer,” Miller says. "And it’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help a woman fight heart disease.”
The very latest research shows it may also help keep you looking younger longer by protecting against UV damage from the sun.
Super Food # 5: Vitamin D fortified low fat milk or orange juice
Goal: At least 400 IUs of vitamin D daily
What it does: “Essential to helping the bones absorb calcium from the gut,” says Somer, “vitamin D helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may be vital in reducing the risk of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and tumors of the breast, colon, and ovary.”
Indeed, recent studies from the University of California San Diego suggest that vitamin D has the potential to prevent up to one–half of all breast, colon, and ovarian cancer in the United States.
Somer tells WebMD that a growing body of research indicates many women may be vitamin D deficient. “A combination of staying out of the sun (which the body uses to manufacture vitamin D) and using sunscreen, which blocks the synthesis of vitamin D, has resulted in many women hitting a dangerously low level of this nutrient,” says Somer.
While Vitamin D is found in salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, experts say fortified foods, such as milk, are the best source.
Super Food # 6: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries)
Goal: 3 to 4 servings every week
What It Does: In a way similar to wine, these fruits may protect your body with powerful anti-cancer nutrients known as anthocyans, which are believed to play a role in cell repair. Krause says research shows anthocyans may decrease the risk of several cancers, including those in the breast and gastrointestinal tract.
“These berries,” says Krause, “are also high in vitamin C and folic acid, which is essential for all women in their childbearing years. And they offer powerful anti-oxidant protection, which not only protects the heart but also may protect against skin aging, from the inside out.” Moreover, she tells WebMD that cranberries may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in women, while the nutrient, lutein found in all the berries, can help protect vision.
Super Food # 1: Low-fat yogurt
Goal: 3 to 5 servings a week
What it does: As a health food, yogurt is almost as old as, well, good health itself. But experts say evidence continues to accumulate that reveals its benefits in many new and exciting ways. And not just yogurt. Somer tells WebMD that any fermented dairy product -- including kefir -- contains healthy “probiotics” -- bacteria with the power to protect you in myriad ways.
“There is a suggestion [that yogurt] may decrease the risk of breast cancer,” Somer says. ”And there’s very strong evidence it can reduce problems associated with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory digestive tract disorders -- both conditions that impact women more than men.” Additionally, she says, yogurt can help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and vaginal infections.
Enjoy a cup of yogurt at breakfast, lunch, or snack to help meet the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommendation for three servings of low fat dairy each day. “It’s loaded with bone-healthy calcium -- something every woman needs more of at every age,” Somer says. One cup of yogurt has about 448 mg of calcium, compared to just 300 for eight ounces of skim milk.
The key, according to Somer, is to choose a low fat yogurt with live cultures -- like Lactobacillus acidophilus. And do check the label, Somer advises. Some store brands may not have the level of cultures found in more established brands.
Also important: Skip the fruit-on-the-bottom or other flavored varieties. “Too much sugar,” says Somer, who also reminds us that, no, those two blueberries on the bottom of the container do not constitute a serving of fruit!
Super Food # 2: Fatty fish -- like salmon, sardines, and mackerel
Goal: 2 to 3 servings every week
What it does: The healthy factor in fish is omega-3 fatty acids, and specifically two types known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
“Fatty fish not only plays a vital role in the health of the membrane of every cell in our body, it also helps protect us from a number of key health threats,” says Laurie Tansman, MS, RD, CDN, a nutritionist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.
Some of those threats include heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression, joint pain, and a number of illnesses linked to inflammation, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Somer says fish may even offer some protection against Alzheimer’s disease.
While many foods -- such as walnuts, flaxseed oil, and some mayonnaise brands -- claim the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, Somer cautions that only the DHA or EPA forms of omega-3 can be directly used by the body.
“What you get in foods like walnuts and flaxseed oil is an omega-3 acid known as ALA -- alpha-linoleic acid,” says Somer. “And while it’s certainly good for you, it requires a process in the body to convert it to DHA. And that conversion process can be influenced by a variety of individual factors.”
The good news: You are likely to see a wheelbarrow full of new products supplemented with DHA slowly making their way to market in the coming year. Currently, Kellogg is reportedly developing a cereal fortified with DHA, while a company called Nutri-Kids has already launched a DHA fortified ready-to-drink milk product. You can also find eggs fortified with DHA and, says Somer, certain brands of soymilk.
Super Food # 3: Beans
Goal: 3 to 4 servings every week
What it does: Low in fat, beans are a good source of protein and fiber and may have protective effects against heart disease and breast cancer. Beans may also play a role in stabilizing female hormones, says nutritionist Susan Krause, MS, RD.
“Beans have been around so long that most people don’t view them as a fancy new health food,” Krause says. “But in fact, they are among one of the healthiest things a woman can eat.”
In studies published in the International Journal of Cancer, researchers found that beans in general, and lentils in particular, may have some protective effects against breast cancer. In research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, doctors found a relationship between a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and a higher intake of legumes. Well known legumes include peas, beans, lentils, and peanuts.
As a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, Krause says, beans can help lower cholesterol, while their level of a nutrient known as isoflavone can help in the regulation of hormones and may aid with PMS, perimenopause, or menopause symptoms. Although soybeans have among the highest levels of isoflavones, other sources include red clover, kudzu, mung beans, alfalfa sprouts, black cohosh, and chickpeas.
“Beans also contain something called protease inhibitors, which may help protect against breast cancer,” says Krause. Protease inhibitors help slow the division of cancer cells and in this way may prevent tumor formation.
Last but not least, if you are in your reproductive years, beans can give you a steady supply of folic acid -- essential if you should become pregnant.
Super Food # 4: Tomatoes (or watermelon, red grapefruit, red navel oranges)
Goal: 3 to 5 servings each week
What it does: The powerhouse nutrient in all these fruits is lycopene. And, according to Miller, while the headlines touted its protective effects against prostate cancer, more quiet research has shown it has tremendous health benefits for women as well.
“Research is starting to show that lycopene may protect against breast cancer,” Miller says. "And it’s also a powerful antioxidant that can help a woman fight heart disease.”
The very latest research shows it may also help keep you looking younger longer by protecting against UV damage from the sun.
Super Food # 5: Vitamin D fortified low fat milk or orange juice
Goal: At least 400 IUs of vitamin D daily
What it does: “Essential to helping the bones absorb calcium from the gut,” says Somer, “vitamin D helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis and may be vital in reducing the risk of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and tumors of the breast, colon, and ovary.”
Indeed, recent studies from the University of California San Diego suggest that vitamin D has the potential to prevent up to one–half of all breast, colon, and ovarian cancer in the United States.
Somer tells WebMD that a growing body of research indicates many women may be vitamin D deficient. “A combination of staying out of the sun (which the body uses to manufacture vitamin D) and using sunscreen, which blocks the synthesis of vitamin D, has resulted in many women hitting a dangerously low level of this nutrient,” says Somer.
While Vitamin D is found in salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, experts say fortified foods, such as milk, are the best source.
Super Food # 6: Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries)
Goal: 3 to 4 servings every week
What It Does: In a way similar to wine, these fruits may protect your body with powerful anti-cancer nutrients known as anthocyans, which are believed to play a role in cell repair. Krause says research shows anthocyans may decrease the risk of several cancers, including those in the breast and gastrointestinal tract.
“These berries,” says Krause, “are also high in vitamin C and folic acid, which is essential for all women in their childbearing years. And they offer powerful anti-oxidant protection, which not only protects the heart but also may protect against skin aging, from the inside out.” Moreover, she tells WebMD that cranberries may help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in women, while the nutrient, lutein found in all the berries, can help protect vision.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Chicke Pepper Fry Recipe
Ingredients:
Marinate :
Chicken - 1 kg
Lime - 1 no
Ginger-garlic paste - 3 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - Acc to taste
Powder:
Whole black pepper corns - 2 tsp
Cumin seeds(Jeerakam) - 2 tsp
Cloves(Grambu) - 6 nos
Cinnamon(Patta) - 4 nos
Oil - 3 tbsp
Curry leaves - 10 nos
Onion(large) - 2 nos
Coriander leaves-1/2 cup
Preparation:
(1)Extract the juice from the lime and mix with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder and enough salt .
(2)Clean the chicken ,Make into small pieces.
(3)Marinate the chicken with the above mixture for an hour.
(4)Roast the whole spices listed under 'Powder' and grind them coarsely.
(5)Heat oil in a sauce pan,now add curry leaves.
(6)Add the thinely sliced onion and saute in medium flame .
(7)When it turns golden brown, add the powdered spices and fry for 2 mins.
(8)Now add the marinated chicken pieces.
(9)Fry on low heat for 5 mins.
(10)Add half a cup of water and allow the chicken to cook.
(11)When chicken is tender enough, keep on the heat till all the water is absorbed.
(12)Continue frying till the chicken browns evenly and all the masalas should stick to chicken.
(13)Now Chicken Pepper Fry is ready to serve
Notes:
(1) To Garnish ,Use chopped coriander leaves.This recipe goes well with any rotis or rice.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Chicken Masala
Ingredients:
Tender Chicken - 1 kg
Red chilli powder -1 tsp
Dhania(Coriander) Powder-1 tsp
Jheera Powder-1 tsp
Turmeric Powder- 1/2 tsp
Large Onion - 1 No
Tomatoes -2 Nos
Green Chillies - 4
Ginger Garlic paste- 2 spoons
Coriander/Curry leaves- little
Water - Needed Quantity
Salt -Acc to taste
Oil -4 tbsp
Bay leaf -2
Cinnamon-1
cardamom-2
cloves -2
Chicken Masala-1 tsp(Any brand,Just to add flavor)
Preparation:
(1)Heat oil in a kadhai or a frying pan.
(2)When hot, add whole spices(bay leaf,cardamom,cloves and cinnamon)
and after they splutter add the onions and green chilli.
(3)Fry the onions in low heat until they turn slight golden brown.
(4)Now add the ginger garlic paste and stir/mix well with a spatula.
(5)Add the masalas dhania, jeera, turmeric, red chilli.
(6)Mix well and fry for 10-15 seconds and add a little water, about 2 Tbs.
(7)Stir so that masala don’t stick to pan.
(8)When oil and mixture separates( will take about 30-40 seconds), now add the chicken.
(9)Cover the pan and let it cook for 5 minutes.
(10)Open the pan and Put the thinely sliced tomatoes and mix well.
(11)Let the chicken cook in low heat.Now add salt and chicken Masala.
If needed water can be added in this stage.
(12)Increase the heat, Mix well, and cook for 5 minutes with lid open.
(13)If chicken is cooked and it is tender,turn off the flame.
(13)Chicken Masala is ready to seve..
Notes:
(1) Garnish this recipe with chopped coriander leaves.
(2) Fried curry leaves can also be used to decorate.
(3) The same recipe could be done with potatoes too..Instead of chicken ,you can use potatoes.
Tender Chicken - 1 kg
Red chilli powder -1 tsp
Dhania(Coriander) Powder-1 tsp
Jheera Powder-1 tsp
Turmeric Powder- 1/2 tsp
Large Onion - 1 No
Tomatoes -2 Nos
Green Chillies - 4
Ginger Garlic paste- 2 spoons
Coriander/Curry leaves- little
Water - Needed Quantity
Salt -Acc to taste
Oil -4 tbsp
Bay leaf -2
Cinnamon-1
cardamom-2
cloves -2
Chicken Masala-1 tsp(Any brand,Just to add flavor)
Preparation:
(1)Heat oil in a kadhai or a frying pan.
(2)When hot, add whole spices(bay leaf,cardamom,cloves and cinnamon)
and after they splutter add the onions and green chilli.
(3)Fry the onions in low heat until they turn slight golden brown.
(4)Now add the ginger garlic paste and stir/mix well with a spatula.
(5)Add the masalas dhania, jeera, turmeric, red chilli.
(6)Mix well and fry for 10-15 seconds and add a little water, about 2 Tbs.
(7)Stir so that masala don’t stick to pan.
(8)When oil and mixture separates( will take about 30-40 seconds), now add the chicken.
(9)Cover the pan and let it cook for 5 minutes.
(10)Open the pan and Put the thinely sliced tomatoes and mix well.
(11)Let the chicken cook in low heat.Now add salt and chicken Masala.
If needed water can be added in this stage.
(12)Increase the heat, Mix well, and cook for 5 minutes with lid open.
(13)If chicken is cooked and it is tender,turn off the flame.
(13)Chicken Masala is ready to seve..
Notes:
(1) Garnish this recipe with chopped coriander leaves.
(2) Fried curry leaves can also be used to decorate.
(3) The same recipe could be done with potatoes too..Instead of chicken ,you can use potatoes.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Cabbage Chutney Recipe
Ingredients :
Small size cabbage - 1
Red chillies - 5
Tamarind - small ball size
Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
Split urad dal - 3 tsp
Asafoetida a pinch
Turmeric a pinch (optional)
Salt-Acc to taste
Gingelly oil- 2tsp
Preparation:
(1)Fry red chillies, urad dal, cumin seeds and asafoetida in a pan.
(2)Roast each one seperately and make a powder of it and keep aside.
(3)Soak tamarind in water .
(4)Add oil in a pan and fry finely chopped cabbage for 5 mins in medium flame.
(5)Then add salt and soaked tamarind and fry until cabbage turns light brown and all the water is evaporated.
(6)Add a pinch of turmeric(optional).
(7)Grind this mixture with powdered spices.
(8)The cabbage chutney is ready to serve...
Notes:
(1)Fry mustard seeds,curry leaves and urad dhal in oil .And add the chutney to it.
Small size cabbage - 1
Red chillies - 5
Tamarind - small ball size
Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
Split urad dal - 3 tsp
Asafoetida a pinch
Turmeric a pinch (optional)
Salt-Acc to taste
Gingelly oil- 2tsp
Preparation:
(1)Fry red chillies, urad dal, cumin seeds and asafoetida in a pan.
(2)Roast each one seperately and make a powder of it and keep aside.
(3)Soak tamarind in water .
(4)Add oil in a pan and fry finely chopped cabbage for 5 mins in medium flame.
(5)Then add salt and soaked tamarind and fry until cabbage turns light brown and all the water is evaporated.
(6)Add a pinch of turmeric(optional).
(7)Grind this mixture with powdered spices.
(8)The cabbage chutney is ready to serve...
Notes:
(1)Fry mustard seeds,curry leaves and urad dhal in oil .And add the chutney to it.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Carrot Halwa Recipe
Ingredients:
Carrots - 2 cups
Milk - 2 cups
Sugar - 1 cup
Ghee/unsalted butter - 3 tbsp
Cardamom powder - 1tsp
Cashew nuts,Pistachios,Almonds,raisins -1/4 cup.
Preparation:
(1)Peel the carrots and grate them into fine thin slices.
(2)Soak the grated carrots in the milk and pressure cook it.
(3)Heat ghee in a non stick pan or a heavy bottomed wide pan.
(4)Fry all the nuts and raisins.After frying,remove them from pan ,now add the pressure cooked carrots and milk. Stir well in medium heat.
(5)Keep the lid closed , as there may be some splashes, when the milk and ghee boil together.But continue stirring in between.
(6)The milk condenses and the halwa begins to thicken.Now add sugar.
(7)When oil is seperating in the pan,carrot halwa is ready.
(8)Garnish with nuts and raisins which we already roasted in ghee.
Notes :
(1) You can fry the sliced carrots in ghee , before you pressure cook it.This will give added flavor to this recipe.
(2)This recipe could be served as a snack to the kids.It is an alternate way to give vegetables to kids in the form of sweets .
Carrots - 2 cups
Milk - 2 cups
Sugar - 1 cup
Ghee/unsalted butter - 3 tbsp
Cardamom powder - 1tsp
Cashew nuts,Pistachios,Almonds,raisins -1/4 cup.
Preparation:
(1)Peel the carrots and grate them into fine thin slices.
(2)Soak the grated carrots in the milk and pressure cook it.
(3)Heat ghee in a non stick pan or a heavy bottomed wide pan.
(4)Fry all the nuts and raisins.After frying,remove them from pan ,now add the pressure cooked carrots and milk. Stir well in medium heat.
(5)Keep the lid closed , as there may be some splashes, when the milk and ghee boil together.But continue stirring in between.
(6)The milk condenses and the halwa begins to thicken.Now add sugar.
(7)When oil is seperating in the pan,carrot halwa is ready.
(8)Garnish with nuts and raisins which we already roasted in ghee.
Notes :
(1) You can fry the sliced carrots in ghee , before you pressure cook it.This will give added flavor to this recipe.
(2)This recipe could be served as a snack to the kids.It is an alternate way to give vegetables to kids in the form of sweets .
Badam Kheer Recipe
Ingredients:
Almond (Badam)-1/2 cup
Milk -2 cups
Sugar -3 tbsp
crushed Cardamoms - little
a pinch of Saffron (Kesar), soaked in lukewarm milk
Preparation :
(1)Add the almonds in the boiling water and let it cook for 2 minutes.
Remove from the flame and drain.
(2)Peel out the skin of almonds and grind to a fine paste.
(3)Boil the milk in a heavy bottomed pan/Non stick pan. when the milk begins to boil add the almond paste and the sugar and cook for 5 minutes over a low flame stirring continuously.
(4)Remove from the flame.. add the dissolved saffron and the crushed cardamoms.
(5)Let it cool for some time ,then keep it in fridge .Serve Chilled.
Notes:
(1) You can use dried or fresh fruits to decorate this recipe.
Almond (Badam)-1/2 cup
Milk -2 cups
Sugar -3 tbsp
crushed Cardamoms - little
a pinch of Saffron (Kesar), soaked in lukewarm milk
Preparation :
(1)Add the almonds in the boiling water and let it cook for 2 minutes.
Remove from the flame and drain.
(2)Peel out the skin of almonds and grind to a fine paste.
(3)Boil the milk in a heavy bottomed pan/Non stick pan. when the milk begins to boil add the almond paste and the sugar and cook for 5 minutes over a low flame stirring continuously.
(4)Remove from the flame.. add the dissolved saffron and the crushed cardamoms.
(5)Let it cool for some time ,then keep it in fridge .Serve Chilled.
Notes:
(1) You can use dried or fresh fruits to decorate this recipe.
Badam Halwa
Ingredients:
Badam(Almond) -2 cups
Sugar -2 1/2 cups
Ghee/unsalted butter-1 cup
Milk -1 cup
Kesar Colour- 2 drops
Preparation:
(1) Leave the raw almonds(badam) in hot water for 1 hour.
(2) Remove the outer skin and grind to a paste with the milk.
(3)Make sugar syrup(sugar +water) and boil till it reaches one string consistency.
(4)Now add the badam paste and cook till it thickens,add the color to this.
(5)Add ghee little by little stirring continuously on low heat.
(6)When the ghee seperates from the dish ,halwa is ready to serve .
Notes:
(1)You can use fried /sliced almonds to decorate this recipe.
Badam(Almond) -2 cups
Sugar -2 1/2 cups
Ghee/unsalted butter-1 cup
Milk -1 cup
Kesar Colour- 2 drops
Preparation:
(1) Leave the raw almonds(badam) in hot water for 1 hour.
(2) Remove the outer skin and grind to a paste with the milk.
(3)Make sugar syrup(sugar +water) and boil till it reaches one string consistency.
(4)Now add the badam paste and cook till it thickens,add the color to this.
(5)Add ghee little by little stirring continuously on low heat.
(6)When the ghee seperates from the dish ,halwa is ready to serve .
Notes:
(1)You can use fried /sliced almonds to decorate this recipe.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Lemon Rice/Lime Rice
Lemon/Lime rice is one of the easiest recipe.Whenever we plan for a trip,this recipe will come in our mind..Its taste remains unchanged even after many hours.
Ingredients:
Cooked rice - 3 cups (leftovers work perfect)
Raw peanuts - 3 tbsp
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Lemon/Lime -4 (medium size)
Salt-Acc to taste
Gingelly oil / nallennai - 3 tbsp
Red chillies torn into halves-3
Garlic -5 pods
Mustard seeds -1tbsp
Urad dhal -2 tbsp
Chana dal / kadala paruppu -3 tbsp
A generous pinch of hing / asafoetida / perungaayam
curry leaves -10
Preparation:
(1) Heat oil in a pan and add the peanuts. Roast until nicely browned. Drain and set aside.
(2) To the hot oil, add the mustard seeds , after they popped add urad and channa dal fry till they turn golden brown, add chopped garlic ,red chillies and fry it.Finally add the turmeric powder,hing and salt. Now add peanuts, curry leaves mix well and remove from fire.
(3) Add cooked rice to the above mixture and mix well. Squeeze lime on the rice and mix again. Depending on the lime / lemon you use, the sourness will vary.
(4)Now the lime rice is ready to serve or pack for a trip.
(5)Lime rice could be served with potato fry or any chutney.
Notes:
Ingredients:
Cooked rice - 3 cups (leftovers work perfect)
Raw peanuts - 3 tbsp
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Lemon/Lime -4 (medium size)
Salt-Acc to taste
Gingelly oil / nallennai - 3 tbsp
Red chillies torn into halves-3
Garlic -5 pods
Mustard seeds -1tbsp
Urad dhal -2 tbsp
Chana dal / kadala paruppu -3 tbsp
A generous pinch of hing / asafoetida / perungaayam
curry leaves -10
Preparation:
(1) Heat oil in a pan and add the peanuts. Roast until nicely browned. Drain and set aside.
(2) To the hot oil, add the mustard seeds , after they popped add urad and channa dal fry till they turn golden brown, add chopped garlic ,red chillies and fry it.Finally add the turmeric powder,hing and salt. Now add peanuts, curry leaves mix well and remove from fire.
(3) Add cooked rice to the above mixture and mix well. Squeeze lime on the rice and mix again. Depending on the lime / lemon you use, the sourness will vary.
(4)Now the lime rice is ready to serve or pack for a trip.
(5)Lime rice could be served with potato fry or any chutney.
Notes:
(1) Always make sure the rice is not sticky.
(2)You can use fried cashewnuts to garnish.This will add richness to the lemon rice.
(3) Chopped coriander leaves can also be used to garnish..
Curd Rice
Curd rice recipe is the favorite recipe in summer season.This curd rice is the most delicious food for kids.
Ingredients :
Boiled Rice - 2 cups
Curd/Yogurt- 2 cups
Oil - 2 tbsp
Mustard seeds - 2 tbsp
Urad dhal - 2 tbsp
Red Chillies -2 Nos
Green Chillies -2 Nos
Curry Leaves - 8
Coriander leaves- chopped 1/4 cup
Ginger -1 tsp (optional)
Salt -Acc to taste
Preparation:
(1)Take the boiled rice in a big pan, let it cool down.After this add green chillies and coriander leaves and mix it well.
(2)Mix salt with the curd and beat well.
(3) Heat oil in the pan and add mustard seeds, after it splutters add urad dal and red chillies.Now switch off the stove and add curry leaves and ginger .
That heat is enough for them to cook.After cooling it down add to the rice.
(4)Now add the curd to the rice and mix everything.
If you want more curd you can add it.Mostly use fresh curds.
(5) Your favorite Curd Rice is ready to serve.
(6) The best side dish is Pickle.
Notes:
(1)We can mix fruits like grapes ,Pomegranate with curd rice..This will increase the taste and also it will be colorful.
(2) If you are a veggie lover ,then you can mix grated Carrots to the curd rice.
Ingredients :
Boiled Rice - 2 cups
Curd/Yogurt- 2 cups
Oil - 2 tbsp
Mustard seeds - 2 tbsp
Urad dhal - 2 tbsp
Red Chillies -2 Nos
Green Chillies -2 Nos
Curry Leaves - 8
Coriander leaves- chopped 1/4 cup
Ginger -1 tsp (optional)
Salt -Acc to taste
Preparation:
(1)Take the boiled rice in a big pan, let it cool down.After this add green chillies and coriander leaves and mix it well.
(2)Mix salt with the curd and beat well.
(3) Heat oil in the pan and add mustard seeds, after it splutters add urad dal and red chillies.Now switch off the stove and add curry leaves and ginger .
That heat is enough for them to cook.After cooling it down add to the rice.
(4)Now add the curd to the rice and mix everything.
If you want more curd you can add it.Mostly use fresh curds.
(5) Your favorite Curd Rice is ready to serve.
(6) The best side dish is Pickle.
Notes:
(1)We can mix fruits like grapes ,Pomegranate with curd rice..This will increase the taste and also it will be colorful.
(2) If you are a veggie lover ,then you can mix grated Carrots to the curd rice.
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