Showing posts with label vitamins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vitamins. Show all posts

Saturday, March 26, 2016

Recipe: Mutton Kofta Curry

Hi! Today I am sharing the recipe of Mutton Kofta Curry an Indian delicacy. I would just like to share a few health benefits of Mutton or Goat meat.
  • Improves blood cholesterol levels
  • Reduces the risk for atherosclerosis
  • Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease
  • Contains Vitamin B which helps you burn fat
  • Reduces the risk of obesity
  • Helps you have a healthy skin
  • Helps beats stress and depression
  • Rich in calcium and helps in bone building and teeth strengthening
  • Enhances producing new body cells thus delay the aging
  • Helps in maintaining the functioning of thyroid gland
Let's start with the preparation of this simple recipe, which is going to be super delicious.

Ingredients:

Mutton or Goat Meat minced: 400 g
Ginger garlic paste: 4 teaspoons
Onion: 1 large
Tomato: 1 large
Chili: 1-2 as per taste
Clove- 2-4
Green cardamom: 1
Cinnamon: 1 inch
Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon
Red Kashmiri Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
Kasoori methi: 1 teaspoon
Mustard oil: 1 tablespoon
Salt: to taste

Preparation:

1. Take the minced meat in a bowl, add 2 teaspoons of ginger garlic paste, and mix it well. Keep the marinated meat in the refrigerator for half an hour.
2. Dice the onion into small pieces, and make a paste of  tomato, the ginger garlic paste,, turmeric powder, coriander powder and the chili powder.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan, add the crushed, cloves, cardamom & cinnamon and the diced onion. Fry till it turns golden in color.
4. Add the tomato paste and mix it well add water as per requirement & let it boil. Add salt to taste.
5. Once it reaches boiling point add small balls of the marinated meat giving shape with the help of your hand.
6. Cover the pan & cook on low flame for 10-15 min. Check whether your meat is cooked in this time.
7. Now add chili cut in small pieces and sprinkle the kasoori methi. In a minute turn off the flame, let it stand for 5 minutes. 

Your dish is ready to serve, Serving is suggested with steamed rice or hand made Indian breads or roti.

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Low Carb Breakfast Ideas with Eggs!

Here I am with a few ideas of low carb breakfasts, a day started with protein packed diet will keep you satiated & energized for hours. What better to start your day with eggs... they are protein packed & filled with nutrients you would love to start your day with. Here are a few egg recipes to try for breakfasts.

Sunny side upOmelette: Make your omelette your way! Add low fat goat cheese or crumbled cottage cheese to your omelette or spice it up with bell peppers & tomatoes. Spice up your mornings!

Scrambled Eggs: Add herbs oregano or parsley to your scrambled eggs with a flavour of cayenne pepper with a pinch of lemon. Your scrambled would taste heavenly.

Baked Eggs with cream & mushroom: Bake your eggs with cream & mushroom, they make a good way to start your day, if you are not fond of mushrooms choose your veggies.

Devilled Eggs: Boil the eggs & change the taste of the yolk as you want. Add herbs, spices & molten low fat cheese & fill your egg whites again. Cilantro added as garnishing makes it taste the best.

Poached eggs: Use fresh eggs to poach & if you want some flavours added to your egg, make small pouches of eggs in food grade plastic & add the spices. Put the pouches in boiling water & in 5 min your poached eggs are ready.

Sunny-side Up: Just have it like that!

Let me know your pick of recipe for your eggs for a healthy low carb breakfast. Thanks!


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Best Food for the New Mom

Post pregnancy the food you eat can make you and your baby healthy. The right food not only gives you a good health, lose the extra pounds but also will ensure a healthy baby. Foods that give you constant energy the new mom needs & the nutrients both mom and the baby needs, because if it doesn't come from the food it goes away from the mother's body.

1. Water: The body consists of 75% water and the body needs it for making milk for the baby also, so definitely increasing water intake will help you to make more milk. Also the breast-feeding can cause dehydration in the lactating mother, so drinking water helps.

2. Salmon: Salmons like any other fatty fish have a compound called DHA, which is essential for the nervous system of the baby. The mother's milk has DHA but the nutrient might not be enough if not taken in mother's diet.

3. Low fat dairy product: Dairy products like milk, yogurt & cheese help provide the body with essential calcium, protein, Vitamin D & Vitamin B complex to the body & also the milk you feed to your baby gives him the strength for stronger bones with the calcium & Vitamin D.

Good nutrition is essential for the nursing mother for her & her child's well being
4. Legumes: A good source of proteins for vegetarians & vegans. Intake of the dark colored legumes like kidney beans & black beans also provide a good amount of iron in the milk.

5. Oranges: Powerhouse of antioxidant & rich in Vitamin C, they are very much needed by the nursing mother, if sipping on juices check out for natural ones without high sugar levels.

6. Garlic: Garlic has been known as age old remedy for boosting milk in new mothers. Adding it to food not only adds flavor but also the bonus. If not fan of garlic in food, can take pills which are equally good & does not have the afterward pungent smell.

7: Leafy Greens: They are a great source of Vitamin A which is good for the baby. They are also a great source of calcium for vegans. They also provide ample amount of iron & Vitamin C and known for excellent heart healthy anti-oxidants.

8. Eggs: They are versatile way to provide the body with protein & nutrients. If DHA fortified eggs are available in your area, you stand a better chance to increase your DHA intake.

There are also other advised foods which are good during & after pregnancy, you can add the best to your diet for your & your baby's health. A sick mother cannot be a great mom. Thanks!

Monday, June 8, 2015

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.

Curry Leaves are great for health


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.

Friday, May 29, 2015

Coconut Water- Health Benefits

It is summers & what best other than cool drinks to quench your thirst. Making some healthy choices in the drinks is extremely important. Coconut water is a drink which is widely recognized for its health values. I will just try to point down a few so, there is more reason to include in your diet. Coconut water is the water which is present in the tender or green coconut & not to be confused with coconut milk or oil which are very high is fats & carbohydrates. Rich in natural vitamins (especially the B vitamins), minerals, and trace elements (including zinc, selenium, iodine, and manganese). Full of amino acids, organic acids, enzymes, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Rich source of electrolytes and natural salts, especially potassium and magnesium. 

Let's count the benefits:

1. Weight Loss: As the fruit's water is light, low-calorie and nearly fat-free, as well as low in sugars as well as containing a little fiber to moderate absorption, it can play an important part in weight loss. As water is important part of diet & the calorific value & other benefits makes you feel full, suppresses the appetite.

2. Improves Digestion: Coconut water claims to be a cure for all digestive problems. If you face problem of acid reflux, definitely you will be benefited drinking coconut water. Other problems like stomach flu, indigestion, constipation are also treated by drinking coconut water regularly. Also urinary problems & kidney problems are also taken care with this.

3. Isotonic drink or Refresher: The composition of coconut matches our blood plasma, so it is also known to use instead of blood for transfusion in third world countries during emergencies. So, drinking this drink helps your body also gain good vitamins & minerals apart from water.

4. Reduces Blood Pressure: Coconut water is known to have more potassium than 4 bananas. It helps lower elevated blood pressure and reduce risks of heart attacks & strokes. Also it is known to regulate blood sugar levels due to low calorific value and also moderate sugar absorption in the blood stream.

5. Flawless Skin: Not only drinking but applying it on the skin helps repair the wear & tear of the skin. It is known to reduce the blemishes & helps treat acne due to its purifying powers of antioxidants. It moisturizes the skin when you drink eliminating excess oils from the skin.

6. Anti-ageing properties: It's a natural source of cytokinins, a group of plant hormones known to affect the cell growth & ageing. Rich in antioxidants, potassium & cytokinins balance the pH levels, & strengthens tissues & cells to become firmer, also help fight ageing related diseases.

This article speaks about benefits of coconut water

Luckily this drink has no known side effects, if you are allergic to nuts please check with your doctor.  It is also known for stronger bones, reduces muscle cramps, manage stress & many more. It is great for children & pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised to drink coconut water especially to avoid heart burns & digestion related problems. Drink fresh coconut water only, the more its is exposed to air it gets oxidized & rapidly loses its nutritional value. This drink is also called the fruit of God for this reason. Thanks Friends!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Spa Water- Health Benefits

Hi Friends! Today I will write about Spa Water & it's benefits. What it is? Why is it good for you? When I say Spa Water you don't need to think that it is something which is very costly or cannot be made at home. Spa Water is just flavored water with natural elements, just add cut lemon pieces, cucumber, limes, mint, watermelon etc. Choose your flavor, just add it to the water you drink, refrigerate it & cold flavored water is ready for you. It actually has some benefits which you cannot deny, especially in summers when you are thirsty and can't just keep on drinking plain water.

Benefits of Spa Water:

1. It is Easy: Your flavored water is ready without any hassle just cut a few pieces of lemon or anything you like the flavor & add it to the water you drink. You do not have to make juices or any other cumbersome process. And readily you have access to a different flavor, in your drink.

2. It is refreshing: Spa Water is much more refreshing as compared to plain water. It is filled with anti-oxidants from the ingredients energizing & recharging your senses. Like cucumber helps fight free radicals & thus slowing your aging. Lime has loads of Vitamin C, important for your body.

3. Get Rid of Soda: This will quench your thirst & will help you get rid of the calorie filled sodas & beverages. You can definitely lose a few inches once you switch your sugar filled beverages with spa water. Also the presence of the nutrients from the ingredients make it power water to lose weight.

4. Heal a Hangover: It is a great way to get rid of head ache from last night's hangover. You replenish your dehydrated body with H2O by drinking spa water. Also essential electrolytes, vitamins & minerals help you detoxify your body.

5. Great for supple skin: Water is great for your skin & so is cucumber, lemon, tangerine etc. why not add their benefits together in the spa water. You will definitely have a supple soft baby skin you always wished for. It increases the moisture & elasticity of the skin by keeping the skin hydrated, also detox yourself with the benefits of the other ingredients.
Enjoy great benefits of Spa water

Hope these benefits will encourage you ditch that cola & help you choose this option. Please do share your views with me, if you want to add anything. Thanks!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Healthy Vegan Recipe: Spicy Okra

Hi Friends! Today I will share a great recipe with you with less oil & fats with the benefits of Okra or Lady's finger. It is filled with nutrients Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, Vitamin-C & folates without any fats. It has good amount of dietary fiber with a very low calorie composition of 30-35 cal per 100 g. Along with this it is also rich in minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium & manganese. The usual Indian recipes use a lot of oil to cook okra, this is a simple & low fat spiced version.

Spicy Okra
Ingredients:
Okra: 250 g
Olive oil or Rice bran oil: 1 tablespoon
Turmeric: 1 teaspoon
Kashmiri Red Chili powder or Paprika powder: 1 teaspoon
Corriander Powder: 2 teaspoon
Cummin Powder: 2 teaspoon
Aam chur powder or Dried Raw Mango Powder: 1 teaspoon
Lime juice: 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste

Preparation:
1. Wash the okra well & slice of a part of it's top, not exposing the inner edible part. Now make a long slit across the length of each of the okra. Dry them in a towel & keep them aside.
2. Take a mixing bowl & mix all the spices  and salt well. Now add the lime juice & some oil to get a paste, it should avoid being too liquid to avoid spilling over.
3. Start filling each okra with this paste. Make sure that the filling is not too much, it should not come out. Press the okra well after filling to bind it. Once all is done just add the rest of the oil to the mixing bowl & let all the spices be in the oil now take the okra in the mixing bowl, toss it so that it gets coated with the oil & spices.
Making the bhindi masala in an air fryer

4. You can now preheat the oven or airfryer (3min) at 180C or 355F.
5. Place the filled okra in the oven or the airfryer & cook for 7 min. And your Spicy okra is ready. If you want it crispy like chips can continue for another 2-3 min.
Bhindi masala made low calorie in air fryer


You can enjoy this recipe with Indian bread or Roti & yogurt. Also if you made it like chips, go snack them any time. I find this recipe very tasty & easy to cook. You can make simple changes as per your taste & you can have variety of okra chips. If you don't like spices just go ahead with the lie juice & salt. Share your ideas with me. Thanks Friends!

Monday, May 4, 2015

Healthy Vegetarian Recipe: Dahi Parwal

Hi Friends! Here is a tasty & healthy recipe you will love. This recipe is light for the summers and easy to digest. Let's see how it is made:

Dahi Parwal:

Ingredients:
Parwal or Pointed Gourd: 6-8
Onion: 1
Ginger: 1/2 inch
Chili: 2
Yogurt:1 cup
Corriander powder:1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Cummin Powder: 1 teaspoon
Cardamom: 2 small
Cinnamon: 1 inch
Olive oil: 2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Yogurt with Parwal preparation


Preparation:
1. Take the Parwal or pointed gourd, Cut the ends, peel off the skin. Make side-slits on the side on the body of the parwal for the cooking to take place properly.
2. Chop the onion and slit the chili.
3. Mix the yogurt with ginger paste, and corriander, turmeric, cummin powder.
4. In a heated pan, add the olive oil. Then add cardamon & cinnamon after making it into small pieces.
5. Then add the chopped onion, once light golden in color add the parwal  & chili and after mixing it well cover it for some time on low flame.
6. When the parwal becomes tender add the yogurt with spices. Add the salt to taste.
7. Let it cook for a while on low flame. You will see a uniform mix in the gravy.
Yogurt with Parwal preaparation
It would taste awesome. Serve hot! You can enjoy this recipe with rice. This would be a light & healthy recipe. Hope you like it friends!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Yogurt based Smoothies

Hi Friends! Today I am writing about 3 simple to make yogurt based smoothies with fruits. Make your yogurt taste yum in the summers also perfect for people who can't have milk.

Mango Smoothie

Ingredients:
Mango (Ripe) :1
Yogurt: 1 cup
Cinnamon powder: To sprinkle
Dried Cranberries: few pieces

Preparation:
1. Peel the mango & cut the flesh into pieces.Add it to the mixer grinder.
2. Add the yogurt to the mixer grinder & churn it well to get a smooth paste.
3. Pour it in the glass & sprinkle the cinnamon powder and garnish with the cranberries & your cool smoothie is ready.
Cool ideas for this summer

Berry Smoothie

Ingredients:
Strawberries: 1/2 cup
Cranberries: 5-6
Blueberries: 5-6
Raspberries: 5-6
Yogurt: 1 cup
Honey: 2 teaspoons

Preparation:
1. Wash the berries & place it in the mixer grinder.
2. Add the yogurt to the mixer grinder & churn it well to get the smoothie.
3. Add the honey & run the mixer once more. And pour it to enjoy the chilled berry smoothie.

Cool ideas for summer

Orange Smoothie

Ingredients:
Oranges/ Tangerine:2
Yogurt: 1 cup
Slices of Tangerine: for garnishing

Preparation:
1. Peel of the tangerines or oranges & remove the seeds, then add to the mixer grinder.
2. Add a cup of Yogurt to the mixer & run till a smooth paste is got.
3. Pour it into a glass & keep the slices on the edge to present.


Cool ideas for summers


So these super cool ideas for this summer are going to be great as a mid time snack as well.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

A Vegan Recipe: Aloo Posto

Hi Friends! A vegan recipe to start the week, it is a loved Bengali recipe. It is made of potato which might make you feel that how it can be healthy. But to bring to your notice potatoes are rich with dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, Iron, Magnesium, & Potassium. Also they provide phosphorus, niacin, folate, choline & zinc. They have high carbohydrate content but no fats & cholesterol and to add you can reduce the calorie content in a potato by boiling the same & rest assured you will benefit from this food.

Aloo Posto

Ingredients:
Potato: 4 boiled (medium)
Chili: 3-4
Panch Phoron: 2 teaspoons (This is an equal mix of fenugreek seed, nigella seed, cumin seed, mustard seed, fennel seed)
Posto or Khuskhus: 1/2 cup (Poppy seeds)
Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Mustard oil or Soyabean oil: 1 tablespoon

Aloo posto preparation

Preparation:
1. Soak the Khuskhus in some water for 2-3 hours. Then grind the same with a little salt & 2 chilies. Keep the paste aside.
2. Cut the potato into small cubes.
3. Heat the oil in the frying pan. Add the panch phoron & slit chilies to oil.
4. Add the potato, and stir it for a minute or two. Add the khuskhus paste to the same.
5. Mix it well, check the salt and adjust. Add the turmeric as well. Let it stand a bit keep stirring till it becomes dry.


This is a simple recipe & a favorite amongst Bengalis. Do let me know how you find the recipe.
Thanks!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Heart Healthy Food

Hi Friends! Heart diseases are the no.1 killer across the world. The foods which help us keep our heart in good should be in our diet & today my topic will be the same. The risk of heart attacks & strokes (cardiovascular diseases) can be reduced by healthy eating & healthy living. Find the below list to make a difference in your diet.

Nuts: They are a source of plant Omega-3 fatty acids, mono & poly unsaturated fatty acids favorable for the heart, magnesium, Vitamin E, phytosterols, which prove an excellent combination for the heart, especially walnuts & almonds.

Salmon or Other Fatty Fish: The most important source of Omega-3 fatty acids. They also have good amount of folate & Niacin & have shown excellent food to keep your heart healthy.

Black or Kidney Beans:
 They are a source of healthy protein without unhealthy fats. They are also rich in Vitamin B complex, niacin, calcium & soluble fiber. They help fight diabetes as well which has shown a big role in connection to cardiovascular diseases.

Tofu: Soy products like Tofu & soy milk are excellent source of protein & have no unhealthy fats. They are rich sources of polyunsaturated fats, potassium, niacin, folate, & magnesium. It also reduces blood pressure & LDL levels.

Broccoli & Spinach:
They are high in dietary fibers which help cleanse your system. Other nutrients like Vitamin A, B complex, Vitamin C magnesium, potassium & calcium make it a power packed food for salads & veggies.

Red Bell Peppers:
They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, betacarotene & lutein along with folate, potassium & fiber, also tasty to add in your veggies & salads.

Oranges & other citrus fruits: These fruits are rich source of Vitamin C which is a super antioxidant in fighting free radicals in the body responsible for damage. Also they have Beta-cryptoxanthins, beta & alpha carotenes & lutein and folate, potassium & fiber.

Tomatoes: Mentioned in my previous posts as well, they are rich in potassium healthy for blood pressure levels. Vitamin C, Alpha & Beta Carotene lycopene, lutein, folate & fiber are the other nutrients present in tomatoes like citrus fruits. Due to their low calories & sugar level they are a very good source of dietary nutrients.

Papaya:
They are rich in a variety of Vitamins & minerals. They contain Vitamin C & E, beta carotene, lutein & beta cryptoxanthin, calcium, magnesium & potassium. High in soluble fiber as well makes it an excellent choice for heart patients.

Tea:
It is rich in catechin & flavonols (antioxidants), a much preferred beverage in Asian countries. It helps reduce the risk of heart attack & stroke by around 20% as suggested in research.

Oatmeal:
High in soluble fiber which help in fighting cholesterol. They also are a source of calcium, folate, niacin, magnesium & potassium. Other whole grain meals are also considered to be great foods for heart health.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olives both green & black are great for health & a source of good fat for the body. The presence of Monounsaturated fats which help reduce blood cholesterol & blood sugar levels.

Pomegranates: Numerous antioxidants like polyphenols & anthocyanins have shown to help improved flow of blood to the heart. It helps prevent the stiffening of arteries.

Dark Chocolates: My favorite addition to the list as usual high in antioxidants have been known to fight bad cholesterol in the body with the help of flavonoids present. This can only be seen in chocolates with content of 60-70% minimum  cocoa & not milk chocolates.

Water: Last but not the least water, it helps your system by acting as a cleaning agent. Drinking lots of water helps you excrete toxins from the body.

what food is best for your heart

Eat Healthy & Stay Happy! Thank You Friends...

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Fishy Story- Rohu

Dear Friends, my topic today is a tribute to my Bong friends who love to have a piece of fish everyday. The good news is you can enjoy it without any guilt. You can happily tell others a fish a day keeps the doctor away :). Mostly all fish have a good nutrient value but Rohu being a very common fish in our daily diet. Lot of people prefer only eggs & meat over fish but technically fish thrice a week is a better option. The presence of the following nutrients make fish an awesome choice.

Rohu is a good source of high quality protein which has been valued around 80. Fish protein should be banked upon as much as possible due to low fat and low carbohydrate content. The fat present in Rohu is low & is good for health. It is rich in Omega-3 fatty acid. The fish is usually full of different kind of minerals Iron, Zinc, Iodine, Potassium, Calcium & Selenium and such kind of various minerals are very difficult to find in one source of food. Rohu is a river fish & is known to be rich in  Vitamin C, it keeps diseases like cold & cough away.

Apart from this fish & brains are correlated. It is said a fish eater has a better memorizing & analyzing skills along with fewer occasions of mood swings. Also antioxidants in fish are believed to fight cancer to a great extent.

I hope this would be an interesting short read. And hope all the fish eaters will have more reasons to enjoy it.

Rohu fish has loads of benefits

Monday, February 9, 2015

Low calorie Baked Dinner Recipe: Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Hi Friends!!
Today I will speak about two low calorie dinner options which can be enjoyed guilt free. The recipes are easy to prepare & have good nutrient value. I have one vegetarian baked recipe for all my friends.

Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:
Bell peppers: 2 large (choose your color make your impression)
Onion: 1 medium
Tomato: 1 small
Cottage cheese: 100 g (fat free)
Peas: 1/4 cup
Green Chili: 1
Dried Parsley leaves: 1/2 teaspoon
Olive oil: 1 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

Preparation:
1. Cut the bell peppers into half. Clean the inside, to make them look like bowls. Grease the inside with a brush.
2. Chop the Onion, tomato, green chili finely. Crumble the cottage cheese (paneer) into small pieces.
3. Mix the ingredients above in a bowl. Add the salt, parsley leaves, pepper to the mix. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil.
4. Fill the bell pepper halves with the mix & place it on a plate to bake.
5. Preheat the oven at 350 F. In the pre-heated oven place the plate & bake for 10-15 min. It can be done on the stove also on a low flame on the tawa with a cover.

a recipe worth trying- baked shimla mirch

It is known that cooking reduces the nutrients in the food so try avoid too much cooking. I have used the filling raw & cooked the whole at once only. This is a twist to the usual Shimla mirch ka bharwa. It has less spices, oils & simple. Hope you guys like this. Thanks Friends!!





Friday, February 6, 2015

Recipe- Healthy & Yummy for Weight Loss

Hi Friends!! I have been talking about ingredients which should be there in your diet which promote a healthy lifestyle. Today thought of spicing up a bit with recipes which are easy to make & tasty to eat. Giving two recipes which are powered with great ingredients already spoken about some.

Tofu Shimla Mirch:

Ingredients:
Tofu: 250 g (Generally it is cooked with Paneer or cottage cheese, tofu chosen over the same for                               providing high quality proteins)
Green bell pepper: 1
Yellow bell pepper: 1
Red Bell Pepper: 1
Onion: 1 large
Tomatoes: 2 medium
Garlic: 2 cloves
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder or Kashmiri mirch powder
Some Oregano leaves for flavor
Black Pepper
Olive Oil for cooking
Salt to taste

Preparation:
1. Cut the 3 bell peppers into one-inch squares. The three colors have been chosen to make the food look colorful. Also their good nutrient source can be used. Cut the onion also in the same way. Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes
2. Puree the tomatoes & garlic.
3. Heat a non-stick deep frying pan. Pour small amount of olive oil into the pan. Add the onions & the bell peppers. Cook till they are sauteed well & move in a separate bowl.
4. In a little oil add the puree & the turmeric & Chilli powder. Cook till the gravy thickens & changes color. Add salt to taste.
5. Add the tofu & stir for some time later add the cooked onion & bell peppers. When the preparation is well mixed & gravy is well spread over the ingredients add half ground black pepper & some dry oregano leaves powder. Adding Oregano will give a nice different flavor to the preparation and also help in case of any stomach ailments.

Grilled Garlic Chicken:

Ingredients:
Chicken: Breast pieces 4
Lime juice: 1/2 cup
Garlic: 4-6 cloves (small) or 2 cloves (large) minced
Mustard paste: 1 teaspoon
Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
Olive oil: 1/2 tablespoon
Salt if required

Preparation:
1. Wash the chicken pieces & make 2-3 slits on both sides of the pieces.
2. Mix the rest of the ingredients. Add salt if the soy sauce does not have any according to your taste.
2. Coat the chicken pieces well with the mix & keep it refrigerated for 1-2 hours in a closed container. The chicken would be marinated well in this time.
3. Spread the chicken on the grilling plate over a piece of aluminium foil & place it in a pre-heated oven at 160F, or in case of microwaves you can choose grill for poultry. You can grill for approx 15 min. turn around in between to grill both the sides well.
4. You can check the chicken whether it is cooked or not by poking it with a fork. If it is cooked it will go inside well.

Don't have photos for the same, sorry for that.

I hope you like these recipes. They are low fat & low cal recipes & very easy to cook, don't require too much preparation time as well. Tell me whether you like it or not. Awaiting you suggestions & comments. Thanks!!