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

Poha Namkeen: This is yet another special Diwali recipe that can be enjoyed with a hot cuppa tea or coffee on a cold evening. I have not fried the poha/chivda here. If you wish, you can fry the poha.I have made the sweet and tangy version here by adding powdered sugar and citric acid powder but it is completely optional. Ingredients: Thin Poha-1.5 cups Groundnuts-4 teaspoons Cashewnuts-2 teaspoons Almonds-1 teaspoon Curry leaves-10 or12 leaves Red chilli-2(optional) Cumin seeds/jeera-1 teaspoon Sesame seeds/til-2 teaspoons Asafoetida/Hing-1/4 teaspoons Oi/Ghee-to fry the nuts and curry leaves(3tablespoonsapprox.) Salt-To taste Sugar powder-2 teaspoons(optional) Citric acid powder-1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon Dried coconut-cut into thin strips-7-8 Method: -Take a heavy bottomed iron pan and heat it on medium flame. -Add the poha and dry roast it on low-medium flame for 4-5 minutes and take it out of the pan. -Now, add oil/ghee to the same pan and fry the nuts, sesame seeds,...

Wheat Shakarpare: This diwali try making this traditional snacks. It's quick and easy to make. I have made the shakarpara with wheat, you can substitute wheat and corn flour in 50:50 proportion. ingredients: -whole wheat flour-1.5 cups -water/milk-1 cup -sugar-3 tablespoons -oil for frying and to make the dough -Knife to cut the shakarpara Method: -Heat the water or milk in a pan and add sugar. -Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture cool. -Take a big bowl and add the wheat flour. -Add 2 teaspoons of oil and mix it with the flour. -Now ,pour the sugar and water mixture little by little with the help of a spoon to make a semi -soft dough. -Allow this dough to rest for 15-20 minutes by covering the vessel with a lid. -Knead the dough again and cut it into 2 equal portions. -With the help of a board and rolling pin roll the portion of the dough to make a chapatti. -The  chapatti rolled should be little thick. -Take a knife and cut the chapatti into strips and verti...

                                                              Peanuts are an excellent source of plant based protein and also contain fibre. A handful of roasted peanuts as a mid morning snack can give you all the energy required to attend important meetings and other work.  Today's recipe is a delicious snack which you can enjoy with your evening cup of tea or coffee. It is also a perfect snack of a rainy day. Ingredients : Roasted peanuts -1 small cup(you can remove the peel if you want)  finely chopped onions-1 tablespoon.  Lime juice - 2 teaspoons  finely chopped green chillies -1/4 teaspoons  Kala Namak or black salt - as per taste  finely chopped green coriander leaves - 2 teaspoons  Method: -take a large bowl and add the peanuts. -now add the rest of the ingredients  and give it a good mi...

 The recent pandemic has been very stressful for all of us and while we are all staying at home, the regular visits to the beauty saloons is something all the ladies are missing. I am sharing an effective at home exfoliating face pack that has the goodness of coffee and honey. Coffee acts as an excellent natural exfoliator,removing the dead cells of the skin.Honey is a great moisturizer that gives your skin that soft and supple look. I recommend you use organic honey for best results.  This pack should be applied on the face and neck twice a week. Ingredients : Coffee powder- 1 teaspoon organic honey- 1.5 teaspoon Fresh lime juice - 3-4 drops Method:  -Take a clean glass bowl and add the coffee powder and honey and  mix is well till a smooth paste is formed. -now, add few drops of lime juice and mix well again. How to apply : -wash your face with normal water and pat dry with a cotton towel. -apply this pack with the help of a brush or with clean ...

 When everything is uncertain, don't lose hope and remember that this too shall pass. The path maybe full of challenges and obstacles but one who never loses hope will see the dawn of a new day. Do subscribe to my blog posts if you liked reading this post.

          Every woman should know that she is worthy of being loved and respected. As parents we must not forget to teach our little kids the importance of self-love and self-care . Do subscribe to my blog posts if you liked reading this post.

                                                   This is a very quick chicken recipe which you can make at home instead of buying the frozen nuggets that are loaded with preservatives. This makes an easy lock down recipe too as the weekend outings have stopped and we are all at home. So stay safe and stay healthy everyone and do try this delicious recipe. Ingredients : chicken breast -2 big pieces, cut it into small pieces Ginger, garlic and onion paste - 1 tablespoon (1 small onion, 6 cloves of garlic  and 1 inch ginger peeled) Black pepper powder  - 1.5 teaspoon Soya sauce - 1 teaspoon Salt - as per taste White bread - 4 slices,  edges cut Egg -3 nos, beaten well Breadcrumbs -1 small bowl, for coating Oil- for frying Method: -in a mixer jar add the bread pieces and grind it into fine powder. -now,in...

Focus on the simple moments.Some are beautiful while some are heavy and hard. When we learn to live in the present, we're not trying to control control the future or longing for the past. Do subscribe to my blog posts if you liked reading this post.

The Divine Ganga Aarti at Varanasi The Ganga Aarti is a devotional ritual that is usually made in the form of a lit lamp,in the  Ganges River, a small diya or lamp with flowers is  floated down the river. The offering is made to the Goddess Ganga,goddess of the holiest river in India. The Aarti begins by lighting up the multi-tiered ceremonial brass lamps and a well-synchronised and rhythmic chanting of the holy mantras. Some of the priests blow the conch shells to sanctify the atmosphere, other priests begin waving the incense sticks to worship Mother Ganga. The Ganga Aarti takes place daily at 6:30 PM post sundown in summer and 7:00 PM in winters for about 45 minutes. It is organised at the Dashashwamedh ghat, one of the holiest of all ghats in Varanasi. An announcement at 7:00 PM takes place to inform the attendees about the commencement of aarti. Do subscribe to my blog posts if you liked reading this post.

Evolution can be messy as it happens when we are forced to respond to the changes in our external environment.It also stretches us to a new, improved versions of ourselves,if we let it. So remember to ride the waves of change carefully and develop a sense of trust-in yourself and also in the future. Do subscribe to my blog posts if you liked reading this post.

 The stories we tell ourselves matter.Choose the positive ones! Do subscribe to my blog posts if you liked reading this post.

 Cauliflower Curry without  onion and garlic :   Shravan is an auspicious month for Hindus and this month is dedicated to the worship of lord Shiva.It is believed that Shravan month is a good time to meditate and pray to lord Shiva.Many people refrain from eating onion and garlic during this time as these are considered to be Tamsik in nature as per Ayurveda. This cauliflower curry is cooked without onions and garlic and can be eaten during vrat or fasts.I have used roasted  whole spices and made a nice powder from it.You can store this powder in an air tight jar and use whenever you want to make any recipe without onions and garlic.Use dry ginger powder(Saunth) if you do not want to use the powder immediately. Try this delicious curry during this holy month of Shravan or any Vrat and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Ingredients: For Masala Powder Cumin seeds-2 teaspoons Coriander seeds-2 teaspoons Black pepper corns-3-4 Dry Red chillies-2 Cloves-...

Crispy Masala French Fries – 3 Flavor Twists Kids Will Love! Potato snacks are an all-time favorite for both kids and adults! French fries are my tween’s go-to lunchbox treat — and over the years, I’ve created my own healthier, crispier version with a special twist. These fries are tossed in a homemade masala (spice mix) that adds a burst of flavor — and the secret healthy ingredient I use gives them an irresistible crunch! 🌟 What’s Special? A healthy secret ingredient: rice flour adds crispness without deep batter. Customizable spice blends: choose from 3 unique masala mixes based on your mood or craving. 🥔 Ingredients: 8 large potatoes Oil for frying 4 teaspoons rice flour Magic Spice Mixes (Choose One or Try All!) Spice Mix 1: Kala namak (rock salt) Red chilli powder Amchur (dry mango) powder Spice Mix 2: Peri-peri spice powder Spice Mix 3: Oregano Chilli flakes A pinch of salt 👩‍🍳 Method: Prep the potatoes: Was...

Colour your hair Black Naturally!  Yes, you read it right! Cover your greys and colour your hair black naturally. We all are aware of the harmful side effects of the chemicals that not only damage our hair,cause itching,hair fall but also cause many serious illness like cancer. There are many herbal and ayurvedic beauty saloons in India which claim to use all natural products when it comes to hair colour but we aren't sure of the quality of the products used by them. 8 years back when I wanted to colour my hair, I tried a very reputed brand in the market and after using it for a year or so I was diagnosed with a serious life threatening illness.After a treatment for nearly 8 months I decided to completely change my lifestyle and started looking for natural and ecologically sustainable products for my skin care. I did have a lot of grey hair and I wanted my hair to look black and natural.I started reading some books on Ayurveda and also read a few blogs on how to colour your hair na...

Anti-dandruff herbal hair oil: Dandruff is a condition which affects people of all age groups.Itchy scalp and flakiness are the common signs of dandruff. While there are several over the counter products available to treat dandruff which are definitely effective but they contain harmful chemicals which sometimes cause other side effects like hair-fall and dry scalp condition. Taking proper care of the scalp is therefore essential and this includes natural herbs that are mild yet nourishing for the scalp and hair. I'm going to share a time tested home remedy which I have been using for years. The hair oil is made with some spices and leaves that are readily available in your kitchen. Ingredients : Coconut oil - 2cups (use cooking coconut oil, preferably a good organic brand) Curry leaves -15-20 nos. Washed and dried under fan( don't sun dry them) Fenugreek seeds(methi Dana) - 15-20 nos. Nigella seeds(kalonji) - 1/4 teaspoon Neem leaves(optional)- 15-20nos. Strainer A piece of cl...

Flaxseed(Alsi)  Powder/Chutney: Flaxseed is the new wonder food.These small seeds are a powerhouse of some of the most healthy components like lignans,omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Flaxseeds have the power to fight against certain cancers like breast,colon and prostrate. These seeds also protect us against diabetics and cardiovascular diseases.A diet rich in flaxseeds helps reduce inflammation and also control hot flashes in menopausal women. Today's recipe is a simple and quick flaxseed powder/chutney which you can store upto a week in an air tight glass container. You can have it with rice,idli,dosa or even chapati. Ingredients: Flaxseeds-1 small bowl Cumin seeds-1/2 teaspoon Red chilli powder-1 teaspoon Garlic-5-6 cloves Rock salt-as per taste Sugar-1/2 teaspoon(optional) Steps: -Heat a small heavy bottom pan on medium to low heat and dry roast the flaxseeds,stirring them constantly for 2-3 minutes. As soon as the seeds start to splutter,turn off the gas and allow the flaxseeds...

Quick Cucumber and Cheese Sandwich This easy sandwich is perfect for a lazy Sunday  and it's simple and doesn't require many ingredients. Just a few pieces of sandwich bread or any whole wheat/multigrain bread ,grated cheese and cucumber and you're good to go. You can also involve kids while making this or this can be their Sunday chore to help mommy :). Ingredients : Whole wheat /multigrain/plain sandwich  bread -8 pieces. Cucumber- 2 medium( grated) Processed Cheese cubes- 5 cubes (grated) Black pepper powder- 1 tablespoon(freshly ground) Butter- for spreading on the bread Knife Steps to make the sandwich: - Take 2 slices of the bread and cut the edges with the help of a knife. - With the help of a butter knife spread butter evenly on one side of each slice. -Take a teaspoon of the grated cucumber and place it on one slice and again another teaspoon of grated cheese. -Spread the  grated cheese and cucumber mixture evenly and sprinkle a pinch of freshly grounded black pe...

Ghee the Indian Superfood :  What is ghee?  Ghee is a type of clarified butter. It's more concentrated in fat than butter, as its water and milk solids have been removed. Ghee is made from the milk of a buffalo or cow. Pure desi ghee, is ghee made of cow's milk. It contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids along with Vitamin A. It is one of the best oils for cooking. According to Ayurveda,Ghee stimulates digestive fire. It has a very high smoke point (~485 degrees F) and its chemical structure does not change at high heat.  why should you have ghee?  Benefits of ghee  Ghee has several health benefits including increasing metabolism, decreasing inflammation, and improving heart health.    This Indian superfood also improves the memory and strengthens the brain and nervous system, promotes longevity and helps restore balance to your mind.  ghee is known to stimulate the digestive process and is likely to aid in we...

Immunity Boosting recipes :1 Home made immunity boosting (Kadha/Kashayam )Powder: As most states begin to re-open, we are seeing a surge in new cases everyday. I want to make sure that every parent is armed with what they need to support their kids. In this pandemic-ridden world, we need all the right information we can get to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The much awaited monsoon season is also here and monsoon brings along numerous diseases too. Our immunity takes a dip during this season making us more susceptible to common cold, flu, other viral infections,and digestive issues. A good immune system, therefore, is required during this season, which can be built by consuming good seasonal food. We all know that the market is flooded with many immunity boosting capsules and powders that are expensive and most of them contain preservatives to retain the shelf-life of these products. Anything that is home made is always easy on the pocket and we are sure about the ingredien...