All About Life: Healthy Recipes, Family Wellness, Festival Traditions & Everyday Inspiration

Papad is a dried lentil chip which has been mixed with some spices like pepper and garlic.This recipe is a great appetizer and I have used roasted urad dal with garlic papad.You can also make it with fried papads. Ingredients: Urad dal papad-4 medium size Tomatoes-4 teaspoons,finely chopped Onions-5 teaspoons,finely chopped Green chillies-2 teaspoons Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped Lime juice-2 teaspoons Kala namak/salt-a pinch for each papad Method: -Roast the papad over mediun heat on a gas stove flipping the sides.Do not burn the papads. -Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl. -Spread the salad over each papad and serve immediately.

Broken wheat also called dalia is a product of wheat and has all the benefits of wheat  in addition to the nutrient rich outer bran and the germ of wheat.It is also rich in calcium, iron and phosphorous.This recipe is ideal for growing children as their little bodies need lots of carbohydrate,vitamins and minerals.It is also high in fiber. Ingredients: Broken wheat-1 cup Split Moong Dal(yellow)-1/4 cup Carrot-1/2,finely chopped Green peas-1/2 cup Cauliflower-3-4 florets,chopped Onion-1/2,finely chopped Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon Green chilli-1,finely chopped Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped Salt to taste Oil-1 teaspoon Water-3 cups Method: -Dry roast the dalia on medium flame till you get a nice aroma. -Take a pressure cooker and heat 1 teaspoon of oil in it. -Add the cumin seeds and let it crackle. -Add onions and green chillies and saute till it becomes translucent. -Now add the moong dal and fry it for another ...

Winters can be hard on health.While most of us prefer staying indoors and sipping hot cup of tea and soups,it is also a good time to enjoy all the seasonal fresh green veggies, fruits and nuts. Make sure you eat healthy this winter by including all the winter foods in your diet. Today I'm going to share a paratha recipe with spring onions and fresh green coriander leaves.Serve this paratha for breakfast or lunch with a bowl of curd and some pickle.This is also another way to sneak veggies into your kid's tiffin.Pack them in their lunch box with some healthy salads and pickles. Ingredients: Spring onions-1 bunch , finely chopped Green coriander leaves-1/2 bunch,finely chopped Whole wheat flour(Atta)-4 cups Gram flour(Besan)-3 teaspoons Lime juice-1 teaspoon Chilli powder-1 teaspoon Black pepper-1 teaspoon,crushed Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste Oil/Ghee-2 teaspoons Water-1.5 cups,to knead the dough Method: -Wash the spring onions well to remove all th...

This spinach recipe is loaded with vitamins and iron and the taste of fresh green peas gives it a nice sweet taste.I have also used ginger and garlic which work as an immunity booster especially in winter.Use fresh green peas as they are readily available now.It is a simple and nutritious recipes which can be had with plain chapati or rice along with some dal and veggies. Ingredients: Spinach-3 bunches Green peas-1/2 cup,shelled Onion-1/2,finely chopped Ginger-1/2 teaspoon,finely chopped Garlic-3 cloves,crushed Mustard seeds-1/4 teaspoons Salt to taste Oil-1 teaspoon Cottage cheese(Paneer)-2 teaspoons,grated(for garnishing) Method: -Pluck the tender leaves from the spinach bunch and and wash them twice under running water. -Finely chop the spinach leaves. -Heat a pan and add oil to it. -Add the mustard seeds and let it crackle. -Add onions that have been finely chopped and stir them for 30 seconds and add the crushed garlic and finely chopped ginger to the pan. -S...

This is a nutritious combination of chickpeas and beetroot is very good for kids.It is rich in iron and protein along with some essential vitamins.Beetroot is considered to liver-friendly and is also an immunity booster.I've added some whole spices which not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also add some health-enhancing benefits. Serve it with salad and a bowl of fresh yogurt. Ingredients: Beetroot-3,medium sized Carrot-1,medium sized Chickpeas-1/4 cups Cinnamon-1 big stick Cloves-3 Black pepper-4-5 Mustard seeds-1/4 teaspoons Curry leaves-4-5 Shredded Coconut-2 teaspoons,fresh Salt to taste Oil-2 teaspoons Method: -Soak the chickpeas overnight and boil them with a little salt in a pressure for 3 whistles.Allow it to cool. -Wash the beetroots and carrots and peel them. -Grate the beetroot and carrot or finely chop them. -Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds.Let it crackle. -Add the curry leaves and stir for 30 seconds. -Now add the cinnamon,black...

Bajra is the main kharif crop in Thar (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Bajra also known as perl millet is very popular in Rajasthan.Bajra has a good amount of amino acids and is also high in protein.It is also rich in calcium and iron. I have also added some boiled potatoes to make the rotis more tasty.Bajra rotis are eaten in the cold winter months.Serve it with some spicy curry and a bowl of yogurt. Ingredients: Bajra flour-2 cups Wheat flour-1/4 cups Potatoes-2 medium sized,boiled Salt-1 teaspoon Coriander leaves- teaspoons,chopped Green chilli-1 teaspoon,chopped Ajwain(Bishop's weed)-1/4 teaspoon Ghee-2 teaspoon Warm water-1/4 cup or as needed Method: -Boil the potatoes and allow it to cook.Peel the potatoes and mash them properly. -Take a big bowl and add all the ingredients except oil.Add the mashed potatoes too. -Do not add water now.Mash the mixture properly in the bowl and knead it by adding little water to make a little tight dough. -Let the dough rest fo...

Pumpkin is a low calorie vegetable which is high in antioxidants and vitamins A,C and E.Stir fried pumpkin is an interesting and easy to make recipe.I have used garlic and onions along with some spices to make it more nutritious.Pumpkin is a fruit readily available in the market year around and I think it should be included in kid's diet as a super-food. Ingredients:  Pumpkin-250 gms Garlic-2-3 cloves,chopped and crushed Onion-1 small,finely chopped Dry Red chilli-1 Mustard seeds-1/4 teaspoon Fenugreek seeds-4-5 seeds Asafoetida-a generous pinch Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons Salt to taste Oil-2 teaspoons Method: -Wash and cut the pumpkin into small chunks.You can keep the skin if you want. -Take a pan and heat oil and add the mustard seeds,chilli and asafoetida. -Immediately add the chopped onions and stir fry for 2 minutes. -Add the garlic and mix well. -Put the cut pumpkin and cook for 2-3 minutes. -Add the turmeric powder...

We all know that spinach are rich in iron and vitamin K and B.Children and women can benefit immensely from this green leafy veggie.Try and make this easy soup at least 4-5 times a week to get all the nutritional benefits of spinach in your diet.Serve it as an appetizer with some soup sticks. Ingredients: Spinach-4 bunches Tomatoes-1 medium size Ginger-1 small piece Kala namak-1/2 teaspoon(optional) Salt -to taste Lime juice-1.5 teaspoons Cream-1/2 teaspoon(optional) Water-2 cups Strainer Method: -Wash the spinach under running water and pluck the leaves only.Dip the plucked leaves in a container filled wit water.Wash the leaves properly to make sure that all the dirt has been cleaned. -Roughly chop the spinach leaves -Wash the tomato and dice it. -Take the ginger peel out and grate it. -Boil the spinach,tomato and ginger with a pinch of salt and boil till the spinach is cooked. -Add 2 more cups of water to this boiled veggies. -In a mixer jar put all the above i...

This simple combination of potatoes and unhulled sesame seeds makes the recipe tasty as well as nutritious.It's a good way of introducing sesame seeds in kid's diet.The nutty and crunchy tasting sesame seeds are a rich source of copper and manganese and also contain good amount of calcium,iron and other beneficial minerals. Here's a small tip-Always buy unhulled sesame seeds because the mineral content in hulled and unhulled sesame seeds varies significantly.If you compare the calcium and iron content per 1 tbsp serving of both types of seeds,hulled sesame seeds has 5mg calcium and 0.51mg iron whereas the unhulled sesame seed contains 88mg calcium and 1.31 mg iron. Ingredients: Boiled Potatoes-3 medium sized Sesame seeds-4-5 teaspoons Ginger-1 small piece,grated Green chillies-1,finely chopped Kasuri methi-1 teaspoon Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon Coriander powder-1 teaspoon Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste Oil-2 teaspoons Green coriander leaves-2 tea...

Masala Chai is a blend of tea and spices.This beverage  has become popular in many parts of the world.Spices like cardamom,black pepper and ginger have several health benefits.A cup of warm masala chai can help you relax after a stressful day and can even keep us warm in the cold of winter.You can add sugar-free or even honey as sweetener. Try this spiced tea with some hot crispy pakoras as evening snacks. Ingredients: Tea leaves-2 tablespoons(I prefer Tata Tea Gold) Milk-1cup Water-2 cups Ginger-1 small piece Green cardamoms-2 Bay leaf-1 small Sugar-free powder-1 small teaspoon Black pepper powder -1/4 teaspoon Cloves-1 Method: -Heat 2 cups of water in a pan and let it simmer on slow flame. -Crush the ginger,cloves and cardamoms in a mortar-pastel and make a coarse powder. -Add this powder along with the bay leaf and black pepper powder to the water and let it boil. -Add 2 table spoon of tea leaves and allow it to boil.Stir well. -Now add 1 cup of milk and b...

This recipe requires no cooking at all.This recipe was in fact suggested by my  son.He loves cheese and  came up with this idea of mixing cheese with pickle and believe me,the combination tastes YUMM! I pack this in his school lunch-box. I mix MTR tomato pickle with Amul cheese cubes.You can mix any pickle of your choice. So here goes the very quick recipe... Ingredients: Amul Cheese cubes-3 MTR tomato pickle--3 teaspoons Method: -Cut the cheese cubes into half and add the tomato pickle to it and mix well with hands. -Tada! Achaari cheese is ready to serve. My Notes: Another interesting combination would be cheese with fresh green chutney .

Tomatoes have numerous health benefits.The lycopene in tomatoes are packed with anti-oxidants and phyto-chemicals along with some vitamins and minerals.Studies have also shown that cooked tomatoes are healthier than the raw ones. This simple soup is tomatoes cooked with some garlic,spices and carrots and is very healthy and quick to make.It is just perfect to keep you warm on a cold day! Ingredients: Tomatoes-4 big sized Garlic-3-4 cloves Staranise-1no Clove-2 nos Black pepper- 3-4 nos Carrot-1 small,diced Milk-1/2 cup Sugar-a pinch Salt to taste Olive oil-1/2 teaspoon Fresh parsley-2 teaspoons Method: -Wash the tomatoes and blanch them in boiling water.Cool the tomatoes and take the skin out. -Take a mixie jar and add all the above ingredients except parsley and olive oil and blend to ame a fine smooth puree. -Heat 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan and add the puree.Cook till it becomes a little thick. -You can add a little water if you want a clear soup. -Gar...

Falafel is a famous appetizer from the middle-east which is is popular in many parts of the world.It is usually made from fava beans mixed with some spices,herbs and onions.You can use chickpeas instead of fava beans.Falafel tastes best with pita bread and tahini sauce(Sesame seeds sauce). Ingredients: Chickpeas-2 cups,soaked overnight Fresh parsley-1/2 cup,finely chopped Green coriander leaves-3-4 teaspoons,chopped Garlic-8-10 cloves,peeled and crushed Onions-1 small,chopped Cumin seeds-1/2 teaspoon Black pepper-a generous pinch Red chilli flakes-2 teaspoons Salt to taste Oil-2 cups,for frying Method: -Soak the chickpeas in water for 8-10 hours or overnight. -Take a mixie jar and add all the above ingredients except oil and blend to make a smooth paste. -Heat 2 cups of oil in a pan and deep fry the falafels taking small portions at a time. -Serve then in pita bread with some cut onions,lettuce and pickled vegetables.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Puffed rice or murmura is made from rice and is a common snacks food in many parts of India.Being a part of bhel-puri which is a popular street food,murmura is also offered as prasad in temples. In this tangy and spicy recipe,I've added grated carrot,tomatoes and diced cucumbers along with some spices and sprouts. Ingredients: Puffed rice/Murmura-3 cups Onions-3 teaspoons,finely chopped Tomatoes-2 teaspoons,finely chopped Green moong dal sprouts-1.5 teaspoon Bengal gram-2 teaspoons Cucumber-2 teaspoons,diced Green chillies-1 teaspoon(Optional) Lime juice-2 teaspoons Sev bhujia-2 teaspoons Roasted peanuts-2 teaspoons Fresh coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,chopped Fresh Coconut- 1 teaspoon,scraped Salt-a pinch Mustard oil-1 teaspoon Method: -Soak the green moong dal and bengal gram over night and boil the bengal gram and wrap the green moong in a damp cloth to sprout. -Take a big container and add all the ingredients except lime jui...

 This is another easy to make recipe with spring onions and crispy fried potatoes cooked in a  garlic and red chilli sauce. Chilli-garlic potatoes is one of my favorite and this recipe tastes great with noodles.You can cut the potatoes into cubes or simple wedges.If you do not have fresh red chillies then use dried red chillies soaked in warm water for at least 30-35 minutes. Ingredients: Potatoes-4 Medium Garlic-8-10 cloves Red chilli-8 Tomato ketchup-1/2 cup Salt-to taste Water -1/4 cup Spring onions-1/4 cups,finely chopped Oil-2 cups for frying the potatoes and 2 teaspoons for cooking Cornflour-3 teaspoons Method: -Grind the red chillies and garlic to make a fine paste. - Mix this paste with 1/2 cup of tomato ketchup by adding 1/4 cup of water to it.Mix well and keep aside. -Peel and cut the potatoes into the desired size and dust cornflour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to it and mix well with hands. -Heat a pan and add 2 cups of oil and fry the potatoes ...

Pulses play an important role in our daily diet.The nutrient -rich pulses are high in protein and are also easy to digest.A recent study has shown that people who consume pulses on a regular basis are less prone to coronary heart diseases. This salad recipe is a mix of 3-4 types of pulses along with some vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. Ingredients: Green Moong dal-1/4 cup,sprouts Horsegram-1/4 cup,sprouts Bengal Gram-1/4 cup,boiled Carrot-3 teaspoons,grated Cucumber-1 small,grated Tomatoes-1 medium,finely chopped Onion-1 small, finely chopped Green chillies-2,finely chopped Sev bhujia- 3 teaspoons Lime juice-3 teaspoons Black salt- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh coriander leaves-3 teaspoons,finely chopped Method: -Soak all the pulses in water separately for8-10 hours or overnight. -Wrap the green moong ,bengal gram and horse gram  separately in a damp cloth and allow it to rest for a day. -Boil the bengal gram in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water and a teasp...

 (Photo credit: su-lin ) Diwali is a festival of lights.It also signifies the victory of good over evil.Diwali is incomplete without sweets and snacks.In my coming posts I will be sharing some tasty yet healthy diwali recipes. Namakpares,also known as flour crackers are small handy diamond pieces or crunchy triangles are a popular festival recipe.It is made from flour and cut into diamond shaped strips or folded into triangles and deep fried in oil.This recipes also makes a great evening snack.It stays fresh for weeks if stored in a dry air tight jar. Ingredients:  All purpose flour-1 1/2 cups Wheat flour-1 cup Black onion seeds(Kalonji)-1/2 teaspoon Oil-2 teaspoons for the dough and 2 cups for frying the namakpares Salt-1 teaspoon Water-to make dough Baking soda(sodium bi-carbonate)-1/2 teaspoon Method: -Take a big bowl and add both the flours,salt,kalonji,baking powder and 2 teaspoons of oil. -Mix well with hands for 5-6 minutes.Do not add any water at thi...

Paneer or cottage cheese is packed with protein.This simple and healthy curry recipe is made with  fresh home made tomato puree which is a good source of antioxidants.I've used milk instead of water for the gravy.The curry tastes great with a healthy Vegetable Pulao. Ingredients: Paneer-200 grams Green Peas-1/4 cups,boiled Tomatoes-2 medium sized Onion-1 small size,chopped Green chilli-1,chopped Ginger-1 very small piece,finely chopped Milk-1/2 cup Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Kasuri methi-1 teaspoon Garam masala-a generous pinch Salt to taste Olive oil/vegetable oil-1 teaspoon for shallow frying the paneer cubes and 2 teaspoons for the curry Method:   -Cut the paneer into medium sized cubes. -Boil the tomatoes in water for 6-7 minutes and cool and take the skin out. -Cut and blend the boiled tomatoes to make a puree. -Add the green chillies,ginger and onions in a mixer jar and make a smooth paste. -Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan and shallow fry the pa...

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Horsegram also known as Kulith is a reddish brown colored bean usually grown in dry agricultural areas in India.This legume is high in protein,vitamin C and iron.Horsegram sprouts is made by soaking the legume in water for 8 to 10 hours and  wrapping it tightly in a damp cloth and letting it germinate.It usually takes a day for the horsegram to develop small roots or sprout. I have cooked the kulith sprouts in water with a little salt and mixed it with a very light tempering of onions and some fresh grated carrots and coconut. I usually pack this in my son's snack-box.We also have it as evening snacks often. Ingredients: Horsegram sprouts-1.5 cups Onion-1 small size,finely chopped Green chilli-1,finely chopped Carrot-1/2 piece,grated Coconut-2 teaspoons,shredded Lime juice-1.5 teaspoon Salt to taste Water-5 cups,for boiling Oil-2 teaspoons For Tempering: Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon Curry leaves-5-6 Dry red chilli-1(Optional) ...

We all know about the medicinal properties of the extremely versatile herb Garlic.Garlic helps to strengthen the immune system and even fight off cancer formation.Coconut on the other hand is highly nutritious in fiber,vitamins and minerals. In this recipe I've used dry coconut.You can also use fresh coconut but make sure you consume it in a day or two.You can slightly saute the garlic but I've used raw garlic. Store this chutney in an air tight jar and keep it in the refrigerator. Ingredients: Dry coconut-1/2 cup,grated Garlic-5-6 cloves Red chilli powder-2 teaspoon(According to your taste) Tamarind paste-1 teaspoon Salt-1/2 teaspoon Oil-1 teaspoon Method: -Mix all the ingredients in a mixer jar and blend it to make a fine paste without adding any water. -Store in an air tight jar and use a spoon to take the chutney out.

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 As the weather gets cooler,the urge for comfort food hits.This easy tikki recipe along with some warm soup or a cup of hot tea is a perfect way to embrace autumn. Ingredients : Corn-1 cup,boiled Cheese-2-3 cubes,grated Chilli flakes-1/2 taspoons(Optional) Bread slices-2 Salt to taste Oilve/vegetable oil-2 table spoons Method:  -Grate the boiled corn and the cheese cubes -Cut the sides of the bread and crush it with your hands. -Add salt,chilli flakes and the crushed bread to the grated corn and cheese. -Mix well with your hand and make small balls out of the mix. -Press the balls gently and flatten it. -Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the tikkis. -Serve hot with ketchup or fresh green chutney and soup or tea.

 This delicious and super healthy yogurt dip has fruits which are a great source of vitamins and anti-oxidants.Yogurt is rich in nutrition and the combination is just perfect to start your day.Serve this raita with rava upma , multigrain cracker or poha . Ingredients Yogurt-2 cups Pomegranate seeds-2 teaspoons Apples-11/4 cups,finely chopped Pineapple-11/4 cups,chopped Bananas-5-6 slices Lime juice-1 teaspoon Rock salt-1 teaspoon Grapes-4-5,seedless Sugar-a generous pinch Roasted cumin powder-1/4 teaspoon Mint leaves-1 teaspoon,finely chopped. Method -Take a bowl and add the chopped apples and add lime juice to it and mix well. -In another bowl whisk the yogurt and add rock salt and sugar. -Now add the grapes,banana slices,apples,pineapple and gently mix. -Keep it in the refrigerator a serve chilled by topping it with pomegranate seeds,roasted cumin powder and freshly chopped mint leaves.

Rava upma is a very popular dish in south India.This recipe is light and easy to make and is ideal for breakfast.You can also serve it for dinner.Adding vegetables like cauliflower,carrots and green peas make it nutritious. Ingredients Semolina(Rava)-2 cups Green peas-1/4 cups,boiled Onion-1 small size,finely chopped Green chillies-2,finely chopped Cauliflower-2-3 small florets Carrot-1/2 piece,grated Ginger-a small piece,finely chopped Tomato-1 small size,diced Mustard seeds-1/2 teaspoon Chana dal-2 teaspoons Urad dal-2 teaspoons Asafoetida -a  generous pinch Curry leaves-4-5 Green coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped Salt to taste Oil/Ghee-3 teaspoons Water-4.5 cups Method: -Dry roast the rava for 3-4 minutes on low flame.If you are using roasted rava then skip this step. -Cut the cauliflower florets into small pieces. -Heat a pan and add 3 teaspoons of oil and add mustard seeds,curry leaves,asafoetida,chana dal,urad dal and saute for 2 minutes....

PEARL SAGO KHICHDI (Photo credit: rashmi1979 ) Today is the second day of Navratri(Nine nights) and people in most part of India observe fast.Dishes made of sabudana and potatoes are usually comsumed by people during the fasting period. Today's recipe is sabudana upma which is another easy to make recipe.I've used sandha namak(Rock salt) instead of the common salt. Ingredients Sabudana-1 cup Potatoes-2 medium,boiled Green chillies-2,finely chopped Peanuts-1/4 cup,roasted Cumin seeds-1r/4 teaspoon Asafoetida- a gesnerous pinch Lime juice-2 teaspoon Rock salt to taste Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Oil- 2 tablespoon Curry leaves-3-4 Green coriander leaves-1 teaspoon,finely chopped Method -Soak 1 cup of sabudana in 1 cup of water for 4-5 hours. -Boil the potatoes and dice them into small cubes. -Coarsely crush the roasted peanuts. -Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and allow it to splutter. -Now add the finely chopped green chillies,curry leaves and a...

sabudana vada (Photo credit: sumeet basak ) Sabudana vada is a famous snack from Maharashtra,a state in western India.This is also a recipe popular during fasts. You can soak the sabudana  overnight till they become fluffy and soft.If you do not have enough time to soak then you can pressure cook the sabudana . These vadas are crunchy from outside and soft from inside.Serve them with fresh green chutney along with a cup of hot masala tea! Ingredients Sabudana(Tapioca)-2 cups Green chillies-2,finely chopped Potatoes-2,Boiled Peanuts-1/2 cup,Roasted and coarsely crushed Salt to taste Vegetable/Olive Oil-2 cups,for frying Method How to Pressure cook Sabudana -Take 2 cups of sabudana and put it in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water. -Pressure cook for 2-3 whistles. For the Vadas - Mash the boiled potatoes and keep aside. -Take the soaked/cooked sabudana in a big bowl and add the mashed potatoes and all the above ingredients except oil. -Mash all the ingre...

  (Photo credit: Jennifer Kumar ) When it comes to making sambar,I always prefer making home-made sambar powder.Everyone has their own version of making sambar powder.Though you can always find ready-made sambar powders in your local stores but there is definitely a difference in the taste and aroma of both types of sambar powders. You can make this sambar powder and store in in air-tight containers so that it stays fresh for weeks. Ingredients: Coriander seeds-1.5 cups Dried red chillies-1/2 Cup Chana dal-1/4 cups Toor dal-1/4 cups Cumin seeds-100 grams Black peppercorns-100 grams Fenugreek seeds- 150 grams Asafoetida -2 tablespoons Curry leaves-10-15 Salt-2 teaspoons Method : -Take a pan and dry roast each ingredient except asafoetida and salt seperately on low flame till you get a nice aroma from each ingredient. -Let it cool completely. -Put all the roasted  ingredients along with asafoetida and salt in a mixer jar and grind to make a nice powder. ...

Now that the festivals are around the corner most of us observe vrats and prefer eating food cooked without using garlic or onions or satvik ahaar as we call it.I usually make this chutney during festivals when there is a vrat and we prepare food without garlic and onions. This sweet and sour chutney is rich in iron that comes from the dates and antioxidants from tomatoes.This is a quick to make chutney and tastes great with plain steamed rice or with chapati and parathas. Ingredients Tomatoes-3 medium sized,ripe Dates-4-5,seedless Roasted Cumin powder-2 teaspoon Refined vegetable oil/ghee-2 teaspoons Dry red chilli-2  Panchphoran (Saunf, jeera, methi,kalonji seeds) -1teaspoon Salt -a generous pinch Sugar or Jaggery powder -2.5 tablespoons Water-2 tablespoons  Method -Wash the tomatoes and dice them into small pieces -Soak the dates in water for 10-15 minutes.Wash well and cut them into small pieces. - Take a pan and dry roast the cumin seeds for 3-4 minutes...

This is yet another egg recipe which is simple and tastes yummy.This makes a good breakfast for a busy morning.Boil the eggs the night before and store them in the fridge and use them to make patties.This saves a lot of time. You can eat the patties as burger along with some finely shredded fresh and crunchy vegetables or have it as a wrap.To make a wrap spread some healthy hummus on a whole wheat chapati and add some tomatoes,cabbage and the egg patties. Ingredients Boiled Eggs-2,hard boiled Gram flour(Besan)-1.2 cups Baking Powder-1/4 teaspoon Spring onions-5 tablespoons Green chillies-1, finely chopped Garam masala-1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste Water-5-6 tablespoon ,for the batter Carom seeds-1.5 teaspoons Oil-2 cups,for frying the pattise Method -Hard boil the eggs and take the shells out.Let them cool. -Take a big vessel and grate the boiled eggs and add all the above ingredients except oil and water. -Now slowly add water to the mixture and stir well with a spoo...

Pizza Dosa is a Uttapam which is very much a dish like dosa with twist.It's healthy as it is made from the fresh batter made at home.You can also use the store brought batter for idli/dosa.I have added all the colorful veggies to make it even more nutritious.Try giving pizza dosa in your kids' lunch box,I'm sure they'll love this recipe. Ingredients Batter for Dosa- 2 cups Onions-1/4,finely chopped Red bell pepper-2 teaspoons Yellow bell pepper -2 teaspoons Green bell pepper-2 teaspoons Sweet corn-2 teaspoons,boiled Tomato-1/2 medium size,diced Processed cheese-3 tablespoon,grated Salt to taste Oil/Ghee-2 teaspoon Method  -Take 2 cups of the dosa batter and add salt according to our taste and beat the batter well with a spoon. -Add the chopped onions and diced tomatoes to the batter and mix well again.Set aside for 10 minutes. -In the mean time,finely chop the bell peppers. -Heat a flat pan.You can also use a non-stick pan for this purpose. -Add 1/...

    Methi Ajwain Kalonji Poori Recipe Looking for a traditional Indian poori that's not just delicious but also good for digestion? Try this Methi Ajwain Kalonji Poori . Made with fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), carom seeds (ajwain), and black seeds (kalonji), this recipe blends flavor with wellness. Ingredients (Makes 10–12 Pooris) 2 cups whole wheat flour ½ cup fresh methi leaves, finely chopped (or 2 tbsp kasuri methi) ½ tsp ajwain (carom seeds) ½ tsp kalonji (nigella seeds) ¼ tsp turmeric powder (optional) ¼ tsp red chili powder (optional) ¾ tsp salt (or to taste) 1 tbsp oil (for dough) Water as needed to knead Oil for deep frying Instructions Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large bowl, combine flour, methi, ajwain, kalonji, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and mix well. Gradually add water and knead into a medium-firm dough. Cover and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. Step 2: Roll the Pooris ...

Chickpeas are a great source of protein.This chickpeas(Kabuli chana) curry has been my favorite.You can adjust the water to make a gravy a little thick or thin.Chole can be had with puris,naans or simply with a delicious vegetable or peas pulao. Ingredients Chickpeas(Kabuli chana)-2 cups Tomato-1 large,ripe,diced Onion-1 medium,finely chopped Green chilli-1,slit Bay leaves-2 Cumin seeds-1/2 teaspoon Coriander powder-2 teaspoons Kasuri methi-1 teaspoon Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon Dry ginger powder(saunth)-1 teaspoon Garam masala-1/4 teaspoon Vegetable/Olive oil-3 table spoons Coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,chopped Water-1.5 cups salt to taste Tea leaves-1 teaspoon,to be added while boiling the chickpeas Method - Soak the chickpeas in 5-6 cups of water for 8-10 hours or overnight. -Pressure cook the soaked chickpeas with another 6-7 cups of water,2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of tea leaves.Cook for 2-3 whistles. -Heat a pan and add oil and cumin seeds.When t...

This combination of various sprouts mixed with mushroom and fresh spinach makes the recipe extremely rich in vitamins and protein.It's perfect for kid's lunch box or for dinner.You can have this mix with chapatis or parathas.It's quick and easy to make.You can use the make ahead masala i mentioned in my previous post. If you cannot make sprouts,simply use chick peas,red kidney beans(rajma),green moong dal or any other beans of your choice and soak them in water for atleast 10 hours or overnight. Ingredients Sprouts of green moong dal,horse gram-1/4 cup boiled Spinach leaves-1 cup Button Mushroom-6-7 Tomato-1,diced Onion-1/2 medium size Ginger-garlic paste-2 table spoon Kasoori Methi-1/2 teaspoon Red Chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon Salt to taste Coriander powder-1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Oil-2 teaspoons Garam masala-1/4 teaspoon Method  -Wash the spinach leaves throughly under running water and also clean the dirt and mud from the mushrooms...

This is yet another simple and tasty recipe.Instead of having only potatoes in the recipe,I have added spinach and grated carrots to make it nutritious for the kids.You can pack pooris or plain chapatis along with this tasty potato. Ingredients Boiled potatoes-2 medium size Grated carrot-1 Spinach leaves-1 bunch Sesame seeds-1 teaspoon Green chilli-1,fine chopped(optional) Vegetable/olive oil-2 teaspoons Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste Method -Cut the boiled potatoes into medium size cubes. -Thoroughly wash the spinach and finely chop them. -Heat oil in a pan and let the chopped green chillies and sesame seeds splutter. -Add the grated carrots and stir for 1 minute. -Now add the diced potatoes and mix well.Cook for 2-3 minutes. -Add the finely chopped spinach and salt and turmeric powder and keep stirring till the spinach is cooked. -Serve hot with pooris or chapatis along with fresh salad.

English: Gurh, Jaggery (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) This sweet paratha is crispy and has the goodness of sesame seeds and jaggery.It is also called Gul Poli in many parts of India.This is also a traditional recipe and is usually prepared during the festival of Makar Sankranti. Ingredients : For the Dough Whole wheat flour -1 cup All purpose flour-1/2 cup Oil-2 teaspoons Salt-1/2 teaspoon Warm water-for kneading the dough Ghee-1 teaspoon For the Stuffing Grated jaggery-1/2 cup Sesame seeds-1/4 cup Green cardamom-2 Poppy seeds-2 teaspoons Gram flour-5 tablespoons Milk-1or 2 teaspoons Method -Take a big vessel and add all the ingredients for making the dough together except water and mix well -Slowly add warm water and knead to make a nice soft dough.keep this dough covered in a cling foil for 15-20 minutes. -Take another pan dry roast the sesame seeds,poppy seeds and gram flour separately and let it cool. -Add the gardamoms and grind the sesame seeds and poppy se...

This is a popular Indian dessert.It's made from ground rice paste.I have used sugar free powder to make this phirni.You can also substitute kewra essence with a generous pinch of saffron. Ingredients Long grain rice-3 table spoons Milk-4 cups Sugar free-1.5 teaspoon Blanched pista and almonds-5-6 Kewra essence-1/2 teaspoon Crushed Cardamons-2 Method -Soak the rice in water for 2-3 hours. -Make a fine paste with the soaked rice. -Heat a big pot and boil 4 cups of milk on slow flame. -As the milk begins to boil,add the sugar. -Add little cold milk or water to the rice paste and mix it well. -Slowly add the rice paste to the boiling milk and keep stirring constantly. -Now add the crushed cardamon and keep stirring till the rice is properly cooked. -Add the sugar free powder and turn off the flame and add the kewra essence. -Allow the phirni to cool and garnish it with blanched almonds and pista. -Serve chilled.

Potatoes in mustard paste is a simple and delicious recipe which tastes best with steamed rice and Dalma .I have used fresh mustard paste to make this recipe. Ingredients Potatoes-3 Salt to taste Turmeric powder-1/2 tespoon Vegetable oil/Mustard oil - 5-6 table spoons For the Mustard Paste Mustard seeds-2 teaspoons Cumin seeds-1 teaspoon Garlic cloves-5-6 Green chilli-1(Optional) Method -Wash the potatoes and cut them into thin slices.You need not peel the potato skin. -Make a smooth paste with the ingredients for mustard paste. -Take a big container and add sliced potatoes,salt,turmeric powder and the mustard paste and mix well and keep aside for atleast 15-20 minutes. -Heat 5-6 table spoons of oil in a pan and fry the potatoes in batch of 5-6.Do not over crowd the pan. -Serve hot with plain steamed rice and the very healthy Dalma.

Lentils are pack with protein and are very good for growing kids.This simple dal is inspired by the recipe Dalma from Odisha.It contains vegetables and is cooked in very little oil.Dalma tastes best when served hot with plain steamed rice. Ingredients Yellow Pigeon peas(Toor dal)-1/2 cup Radish-1/2 Eggplant-1 Yellow Pumpkin-5- 6small cubes Yam-3-4 small cubes Drumsticks-2 French beans-3-4 Raw banana-1 Salt to taste Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon For Tempering Oil/Ghee-2 teaspoons Mustard seeds-1/4 teaspoon Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon Dried Red Chilli-2 Carom seeds-a pinch Aniseed-a pinch For the Powder Cumin seeds - 4 table spoons Dry Red chillies-4-5 How to make the powder -Dry roast the dried red chillies and cumin seeds and let it cool -Coarsely grind in a pestle to make powder. How to Cook the Dalma -Soak the toor dal in 2-3 cups of water for atleast 1 hour. -Cut all the vegetables into small or medium size. -Take a pressure cooker and add the washed toor ...