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

Indian cooking is usually done with fresh ingredients and it's a common misconception that Indian food takes hours to cook. Today's recipe is a basic Indian gravy that uses some of the common ingredients. Preparing this gravy ahead of time can further cut down on your cooking time.This gravy is cooked using a little more oil and no water is added.Use freezer storage bags to store this gravy and don't forget to label the bags with dates. This gravy can be used to make a recipe using boiled potatoes and blanched vegetables.You can even cook eggs,meat,fish or paneer(Cottage Cheese) and green peas. Ingreadients Onions-1 big,sliced Tomatoes-2 medium,Pureed Ginger-Garlic paste-2 teaspoons Green chilli-1,Finely chopped Cinnamon-1 piece Black pepper-2-3 Bay leaf-1 Green Cardamom-1 Red chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon Coriander powder-1.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste Oil-5 teaspoons Method -Heat a pan and 5 teaspoons of oil and saute the sliced...

I've made this omelette with eggs,spring onions,onions,coriander leaves and green chillies.I have used a little more green chilli but the the choice is all yours.Adding less green chillies will make the recipe equally tasty.It's simple,tasty and is ready in 2 minutes. Ingredients Eggs-2 Spring onions finely chopped-3 teaspoons Onions finely chopped-2 teaspoons Chopped coriander leaves-3 teaspoons Green chillies,chopped- 2 teaspoons Salt to taste Oil-3 teaspoons Method -Break the eggs and put in a bowl and add 1/2 teaspoons of salt. -Beat the egg with a fork till it becomes light and airy. -Add all the above ingredients except oil. -Heat 3 teaspoons of oil in a fry pan and add the beaten eggs. -Cook for 2 minutes on medium flame and turn using a spatula. -Tasty Indian Omelette is ready. -Have it with toasted brown bread.

This mushroom and capsicum recipe is cooked in tomato-onion gravy and is spiced up by ginger,garlic and whole garam masala.It is best serves with chapatis or vegetable pulao .This delicious recipe can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Ingredients Button mushroon-1 pack Green Capsicum-1 big Onions-1 large Ginger-1 inch peice Garlic-5-6 cloves Green Chilli-1 Tomatoes-2 medium size Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Coriander powder-2 teaspoons Red chilli powder-1 teaspoon Salt to taste Vegetable oil/Olive oil-2.5 tablespoons Fresh coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped Whole Garam Masala Black pepper-3-4 Green cardamom-2 Black cardamom-1 Cinnamon-1 piece Bay leaf-1 Method -Wash the mushrooms with water thoroughly and cut them into halves. -Cut the capsicum into medium square pieces. -Dice the tomatoes and blend them in a mixer/blender to make a smooth puree. -Finely chop the onions. -Make a paste with green chillies,garlic and ginger. -Heat 2.5 table spoons...

This healthy egg omlette has been made with sauteed vegetables and is a healthy breakfast.You can have the omelette with parathas also. Ingredients Eggs-2 Onions,chopped-2 teaspoons Carrot,grated-1/2 Dried oregano-1/2 teaspoon Red bell pepper finely chopped-2 teaspoons Yellow bell pepper finely chopped-2 teaspoons Green bell pepper finely chopped-2 teaspoons Mushroom chopped-3 Green chilli,finely chopped-1/2 teaspoon Tomatoes,diced-1/2 Salt to taste White pepper powder-1/4 teaspoon Oil-4 teaspoons Method -Break the eggs in a bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. -Beat the eggs nicely using a fork. -Add the chopped onions,crushed oregano and green chillies to the beaten eggs. -Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan and add the vegetables mentioned in the ingredients. -Saute the vegetables till they are slightly done. -Now add the sauteed vegetables to the beaten eggs. -Heat a flat fry pan and add 3 teaspoons of oil to it. -Now add the eggs with vegetables to this pan...

Eggs are packed with protein and this is a nutritious egg recipe which is made from hard boiled eggs.You can hard boil the eggs and store them in the refrigerator for atleast a day.I like to serve this recipe with hot Parathas (Indian flat bread).Pack egg masala in your lunch box or have it for dinner or lunch. Ingredients Hard boiled eggs-3 Onions chopped-1 Green chilli chopped-1 Tomatoes Diced-1 Garlic paste-1 teaspoon Coriander Powder-1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder-1/2 teaspoon Red chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon Garam Masala-a pinch(optional) Chopped coriander leaves-1/2 teaspoon Salt to taste Oil-4 teaspoon Method -Take the egg shell out and make 1or 2 slits on the top of the eggs and rub the eggs with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder. -Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a pan and fry the eggs.Remember to turn the eggs once one side has been fried well.Once the eggs look slightly golden,take them out and keep aside. -In the same pan add 2 more teaspoons of oil and add th...

This vegetable tikki is a ready -in -a -jiffy preparation.All you need is some veggies and cheese.Tikkis taste great with chutneys and some healthy salads Ingredients Boiled potato-1 big Grated carrot-1 Green peas boiled-1/2 cup Processed cheese cube-1small Dry mango powder(Aamchur-1 teaspoon(Optional) Garlic-1clove Green chilli-1 Chopped coriander leaves-2 teaspoons Salt to taste Cornflour-4 teaspoon Oil-for shallow fry Method - In a mixer , add boiled green peas , garlic and green chilli.Grind it for 4 seconds. -Take a big bowl and add boiled and mashed potatoes,grated cheese,green peas paste and all the above ingredients and mash well. -Take a small portion of the mashed potatoes and veggies and make round balls. -Gently press the balls to make flat tikkis. -Heat and flat pan and add 2 teaspoons of oil. -Now put 2to 3 tikkis on the pan and cook on medium heat. -Turn the tikkis and cook on the other side too.If required add another teaspoon of oil . -Once ...

Cheese and green peas paratha is yet another healthy lunch box and kid friendly recipe.I usually cut the parathas in squares,triangles or make small round parathas.You can even use a cookie cutter to make star and heart shaped parathas. Ingredients Boiled green peas-1/2 cup Garlic-1 clove Green chilli(optional)-1/2 Processed cheese cubes/slices-1 Salt to taste Oil-to make the parathas For the Dough Whole wheat flour (atta)-2cups Salt-1/4 teaspoon Carom seeds(Ajwain)-1/4 teaspoon Water-1/2 cup Method To Make the Dough - Add the boiled green peas,garlic,green chilli and a pinch of salt in a blender and mixer and blend to make a fine paste.Do not add water. -Take a big container and put the whole wheat flour,salt and carom seeds.Mix well. -Add the green peas paste to the wheat flour and mix well with your hand. -Grate the cheese cube or simply mash the cheese slice and put it in the wheat flour. -Add little water and make the dough by moving the flour mixture is cir...

Rajma or red kidney beans are a great source of cholesterol- lowering fibers.They are also packed with protein and essential minerals like potassium,manganese and iron. This Rajma recipe is simple and very healthy.I have used little oil and more tomatoes which is a good source of lycopene and is good for kids. Ingredients Rajma( Red Kidney Beans)-2 cups Ginger-1/4 inch Garlic-3-4 cloves Onions-2 medium Green chilli-1(Optional) Coriander powder-2 teaspoons Cumin powder-1/2 teaspoon Red chilli powder-1/4 teaspoon Ripe tomatoes-3 Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Green coriander leaves-4 teaspoons(Finely chopped) Green Cardamom-1 crushed Curd-4-5 teaspoons Salt to taste Vegetable oil -3 teaspoons Method -Wash and soak the rajma in a big container filled with enough water for atleast 12 hours or you can also soak it over night. -Add 5-6 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt in a pressure cooker and put the soaked rajma.Pressure cook it till 4-5 whistles. -Do not drain...

  Stop the kitchen Germs Kitchen is the germiest place in the house.Since mothers are in charge of the food department,it is your responsibility to maintain a clean and germfree kitchen in your house.By following a proper regime you can easily control the kitchen  germs and bacteria. Follow these tips to tackle the nasty germs and keep your kitchen clean.   Kitchen Sponge This is an item that is filled with germs.Soak the sponges in bleach or vinegar solution for 20-30 minutes and rinse it thoroughly with dry hot air. Don't forget to change the sponges every two weeks. Use separate sponges for cleaning dishes and wiping counter tops,sinks and other surfaces. Counters   Remember to wipe the counter top after each food preparation.Use 10% vinegar solution on the counters and keep them for 40 seconds and then wipe. You can also use antibacterial solutions or disinfecting solutions to spray or wipe the counters. Cutting Boards Try and keep separate ...

The carrot halwa recipe that i'll share today is very healthy as i have used very little oil/ghee and have completely skipped using condensed milk and khoya.Instead of sugar,i've used sugar free.The other ingredients remain the same. Smart Tip to Grate Carrots If you find it difficult to grate the carrots ,you can simple cut the peeled carrots into  small pieces and blend them in a mixer or blender without adding any water to make a coarse paste. Ingredients Grated Carrots-6(Washed and peeled) Milk-5 cups Raisins-10-12 Slivered almonds-4-5 Casewnuts-5-6 Cardamom-2 crushed Vegetable oil/ghee-3 teaspoons Sugar free powder-2.5 teaspoons Method -Grate the carrots and keep them aside. -In a pan put3 teaspoons of oil and add the grated carrots to it.Keep stirring till the raw smell of carrots is gone and the water from the carrots is dried. -Now slowly add milk to the cooked carrot and mix well.Cover the pan and keep stirring occasionally till the milk starts boil...

Vegetable pulao is a one pot meal in its self and it also makes a healthy and delicious main course rice preparation.This is yet another easy lunch box recipe.I have used regular carrots,green peas, and cottage cheese to make it more healthy.You don't need much preparation to make this dish.Cutting the vegetables the night before and storing them in a zip lock pouch.Left over rice can be used but i have cooked long grain rice and added vegetables to it.Serve it with raita . Ingredients Long grain rice-2 cups Carrots-1 Green Peas-1/2 cup Paneer(Cottage Cheese)-5-6 small cubes French Beans-3-4 cut into thin strips Sweet corn kernels-1/4 cups Cashew nuts-5-6 Vegetable oil/Ghee-3 teaspoons Cardamom powder-a pinch Salt-1/2 teaspoon Method How to Cook Rice -Wash the long grain rice and soak it in water for atleast 15-20 minutes. -Take a big container and boil 7 cups of water.When the water starts to boil add the rice and a pinch of salt and let the rice cook.Stir t...

Here's another simple and tasty dip recipe.It goes well with chapatis,parathas,rice,tikkis or with salads. You can use hung curd or plain curd to make this dip.Use hung curd if you plan to send this dip in your kid's lunch box.It's healthy and very appetizing.Try it and please give your feedback. Ingredients Peanuts -1cup Ginger-1very small piece Green chilli-1 Salt to taste Curd/Hung Curd-2 cups Method -Roast the peanuts in a pan till a nice a nice nutty aroma comes out.Keep stirring with a spoon or the peanuts will burn.Let it cool. -Take a handful of peanuts and rub then with both the hands to take the skin out.Blow off and take the skin out. -Repeat the above step for the rest of the peanuts. -Take a blender or mixer and add all the above ingredients and blend to make a nice smooth paste. -Delicious yogurt and peanut dip is ready!

My son has just started kindergarten and this new beginning is definitely a welcome change for my son.It's a little difficult for me though as i have to wake up at 5:30 am and pack lunch box for him.The first question that comes to my mind is what do i send in my T's lunch box? I did come up with some interesting ideas.Today and in my coming posts I'll share some handy tips and ideas with you. Today's recipe is a simple yet very healthy for kids.I've used cottage cheese(Paneer),grated veggies and a combination of two healthy flours-Atta(Whole Wheat flour )and Besan(Gram flour).You can pack the parathas with the healthy chutneys and dips I've mentioned in my previous posts or simply with hung curd. Ingredients Whole wheat floue(Atta)-2 cups Gram flour-1/2 cups Grated carrots-1 Green chilli finely chopped-1 Chopped Spinach leaves-1/2 bunch Boiled potato-1 medium cottage cheese grated(Paneer)-1/2 cup Curd-1/4 cups Salt to taste Water-1/4 cups Me...

Parathas(India flat breads ) are a meal by themselves.Make this tasty paratha for your guests or pack them in your kid's lunch box.Serve it hot with a cup of yogurt or any dip and chutney . Ingredients For the Stuffing Grated processed Cheese-2  small cubes Grated carrots-1 Grated boiled patato-1 small Green peas-1/4 cups boiled and mashed Green chilli-1finely chopped Ginger-Garlic paste-1 teaspoon Green coriander-3 teaspoons-finely chopped Shredded Cabbage-1/4 cup Vegetable oil/ Olive oil/Ghee-1 teaspoon Dry Mango Powder(Aamchur) -2.5 teaspoon(Optional) For the Dough Whole wheat flour (Atta)-3 cups Salt -1/2 teaspoon Carom seeds-1/4 teaspoon Water- 1.5 cups Method  To Make the Stuffing - Heat a pan and add 1 teaspoon of oil to it. -Add the ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chillies to the pan.Stir for 1-2 minutes. -Now add the above mentioned vegetables except the cheese,one by one.Keep stirring. -Add salt and the dry mango powder(aamchur) a...

School bus is one of the safest modes of travel for children.If your child is using school bus ,teach him some important and good rules to follow. Safety Rules Every child should know about the danger zones and should always stay away from them. Teach children about the rules while crossing the road. When your child is near the school bus he should have the attention of  the driver. Never allow children to play near or around the school bus. When crossing in front of the bus,children must measure and take atleast 10 big steps in order to identify the danger zone. Getting On the Bus Always reach the bus stop 10 minutes before the actual pick up time. Find a safe place away from the road and wait for the bus. Wait for the bus to stop before getting on board. Board the bus carefully holding the side rail carefully. Do not push or shove your friend. Find a vacant seat and sit on it quietly. Keep your school bag on your lap.Remember not to keep your bag at a place w...

It can be distressing for parents to see their children not feel well and have frequent motion sickness.Children from 5years to 12years are more susceptible to motion sickness. What is Motion Sickness Motion sickness is caused by a disturbance of the inner ear where there is a conflict between the vestibular inputs and visual inputs.These conflicting messages are sent to the brain which results in imbalance and thus leads to motion sickness. Motion sickness can occur in air,sea,bus,car,roller coaster or from playing video games. Symptoms and Signs Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Headache Pale skin Cold sweat Fatigue Remedies for Motion Sickness Always ask the child to look at a distant point,at the horizon or focus his attention somewhere out of the window. Have a plastic bag ready.Wiping your child's face with wet towels will also make him feel better.While traveling in air keep the air sickness bag ready for the child. If traveling by car,let your child sit in...

The multicolored bell peppers are a rich source of antioxidant,vitamin C and beta carotene.They come in orange,green,yellow and red color.These colorful bell peppers not only provide spice and crunch,they can also be a good source of nutrition for your family's lunch,dinner or breakfast. Here is an interesting recipe of bell pepper dip.I have used all the four colored bell peppers in the recipe. Ingredients Red bell pepper-1 Yellow bell pepper-1 Green bell pepper-1 Orange bell pepper-1 Garlic-4-5 pieces Fresh Thyme-1.5 teaspoon Parsley-1 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil- 3 tablespoon salt to taste Method - Roast the bell peppers in an oven or prick the bell pepper with a fork and roast it on gas. -Let the bell peppers cool completely.Take the skin out and cut it into thin slices. -Chop the parsley and thyme. -Chop the garlic pieces. -In a blender add all the above ingredients.Blend to make a nice smooth paste. -Garnish with chopped parsley. -Bell pepper dip...