Healthy Vegetarian Recipe: Dahi Soya Chunks

A protein-rich vegetarian recipe with a different tasty tinge is on the plates today. Dahi is none other than yogurt which is known for its great nutritional values, rich in calcium easy to digest & light on the stomach. Soya chunks or soya nuggets possess the qualities of soy protein, an excellent source of plant protein.

Dahi Soya Chunks

Ingredients:
Soya nuggets: 100 g (2-3 cups)
Yogurt: 200 ml
Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Paprika or Kashmiri Lal powder: 1 teaspoon (This is for the red color)
Coriander powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Onion:1 medium
Ginger: 1/2 inch
Garlic: 1-2 cloves
Chili: 2-3
Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon
Dried Chili: 2-3
Kadi patta or Curry Leaves: 4-5 twigs
Rice bran oil or any white oil of your choice: 1 tablespoon
Salt & Sugar to taste

Preparation:
1. Soak the nuggets in hot water & boil till soft (3-5 min in boiling water).
2. Blend the yogurt with the spices turmeric powder, Red Kashmiri mirch powder, coriander powder & cumin powder with salt to taste.
3. Heat the oil in a pan, add the mustard seeds, dried chilis, chopped onion, ginger, garlic, chili, curry leaves. Add the nuggets till they turn slightly golden.
4. Add the blended yogurt, Stir it well & let it boil. Stirring helps the curry to remain smooth. Check the salt & add a pinch of sugar before taking off.
5. Serve hot with Indian breads or rice.

A simple tasty & healthy recipe for the family to enjoy. 

Curry Leaves-Health Benefits

Curry Leaves are leaves used widely in preparations from southern part of India. They are strong flavoring agents with a great no. of health benefits. I have personally seen lot of people throwing away the curry leaves or kadi patta while eating. Once you know the health benefits you will really not feel like throwing away. I actually feel very proud that our Indian food habits are very scientifically devised thousands of years ago; the spices, the food & the cooking methods. And addition of curry leaves to the cuisine is just one example.

1. Great to fight anemia: Both iron & folic acid are in abundance in kadi patta which makes it a desired choice to fight against anemia. Folic acid is the carrier of iron in the body so both are essential to keep anemia at bay.

2. Controls Diabetes: The leaves are known to affect the insulin production & performance which helps control diabetes. Also the fiber presents helps the diabetic tendency.

3. Lowers Cholesterol: Curry leaves are known to reduce the LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol by lowering the fat absorption in the body. This also helps in losing weight naturally also.

4. Reduces hair fall & promotes growth of hair: The quality of hair improves considerably on using dry curry leaves mixed with oil as it strengthens the  hair roots & promotes hair growth. It is  also considered useful for graying hair.

5. Reduces congestion in chest & nose:It s packed with Vitamin C and A along with compounds like kaempferol that acts as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It helps loosen & decongest mucous. It is good for people suffering from wet cough, sinus & chest congestion.

6. Prevents Skin infection: Because of it's anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties it helps cure any skin infections with its anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties. This makes it a great home remedy to deal with common skin infections like acne and fungal infections of the nail that are often difficult to treat.

7. Improves digestion & good for diarrhea: It helps a number of digestive issues along with aiding in excretion. Regular intake cleanses the system of toxins as well. Also an upset stomach is taken care with its antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties.

All these benefits are just a few leaves away. Also it is small plant & can be planted in your garden or also in a pot. And you can use the leaves of the plant without any problem.