Mama's View | Parenting, Education, Money & Mindful Living

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,...

                                                              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...

 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-...

I wish all my readers a very Happy,Safe and Colourful  Holi.Holi is a time for fun and lots of tasty food.I have tried to post some recipes that and not only tasty but also healthy. This smoothie is a simple and quick to make recipe. Ingredients: Water Melon-1 medium size Suger free powder-1tablespoon Hung curd/Curd-2 tablespoons Vanilla ice-cream -1 scoop Water melon-deseeded and cut into long slices Method: -Peel the water melon and de-seed it. -Cut it into small chunks. -Take a mixer jar and put the cut water melon,curd,sugarfree powder and ice-cream and blend to make a smooth juice. -Take a tall glass and pour the smoothie into the glass and garnish with long slices of cut water melon.

Khichri is a preparation of rice and lentils and is generally considered as a comfort food.Lentils and rich in protein and khichri is also considered good for growing children.There are several ways of making a khichri and each state in India has it's own version.Today I am sharing an easy to make khichri recipe. Ingredients: Unpolished Split green moong dal-1/2 cup Rice-1.5 cups Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoons Hing-a generous pinch Beans-5-6,finely chopped Carrot-1small,grated Green peas-1/2 cups Ginger-1/2 teaspoon,grated Curry leaves-4-5 Red chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon(optional) Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon Salt to taste Water-3.5 cups Ghee/any vegetable oil-1 teaspoon Method:  - Soak the split moong dal and rice separately in enough water for 2-3 hours. -Heat a pressure cooker and add oil to it. -Add cumin seeds and let it splutter. -Now add curry leaves and hing. -Add the finely chopped vegetables and stir for 3-4 minutes. -Drain the water from he rice and...

In my previous post i have already mentioned the awesome health benefits of banana. Today's recipe is a simple boiled raw banana mashed with boiled potato to make a tikki.This recipe can be served with any green chutney and can also be had as a starter.It is shallow fried with a lite oil and is extremely nutritious for kids. Ingredients:  Raw banana-2,boiled and peeled Potato-1 big,boiled and peeled Onions-1 small,finely chopped Green chilli-1,finely chopped Coriander eaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped Aamchur powder-1/2 teaspoon(optional) Salt to taste  Oil to shallow fry the tikkis-Olive/vegetable oil Method:  - Peel the banana and the potato and mash it in a bowl. -Add all the above ingredients except oil to it and mix well. -Heat a  pan and add 1 teaspoon of any oil. -Take small portion of the mashed paste and make a round ball and gently flaten it on your palms to give the shape of a tikki. -Place the tikkis on the pan and cook till both sides...

Whole wheat vegetable crepes are packed with the goodness of carbohydrate and vitamins.It's easy to make and makes a good breakfast recipe. Ingredients: Whole wheat flour-2 cups Carrot-1 medium,grated Drumstick leaves-a handful,finely chopped(optional) Onions-1 small,finely chopped Green chilli-1,finely chopped Salt to taste Water-4 cups Olive oil-1 teaspoon for each crepe Method: -Take a big bowl and add the wheat flour and salt along with the above ingredients except oil and water. -Mix well and slowly add water. -Mix to make a thick batter.Make sure the batter is not thin.You can add a little flour if the batter is runny or add more water if you find the batter very thick. -Heat a pan and add little oil and take 2 ladle spoons of this batter and spread it on the pan to make a small pancake/dosa.Add a little oil on the sides of the crepe. -Let it cook for 2-3 minutes on medium flame and flip it and let the other side cook. -Repeat the above step for the rest ...

Sevai upma is another quick and healthy breakfast recipe.It is a popular South-Indian breakfast recipe which is also simple and easy to make.You can serve it with fresh home-made yogurt or pickle or just have it without any accompaniment.Sevai upma can also be served for dinner as it's rich in fibre and is therefore light and easy to digest.Add finely chopped vegetables to make your upma more nutritious. Ingredients: Vermicelli/Sevai-2 cups Green peas-1/4 cup Grated carrot-1 small Onion-1 medium,finely chopped Green chillies-2,finely chopped Capsicum-1/2,finely chopped Cauliflower-2-3 florets,finely chopped Curry leaves-2 sprigs Ginger-a small piece,grated Mustard seeds-1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder -1/4 teaspoon Oil-2 table spoon Water-2.5 cups Salt to taste Coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,finely chopped Method: -Take a pan and dry roast the sevai for 2-3 minutes on low flame.If you are using the roasted sevai then skip this step. -Heat oil in a pan and add the...

Winter is the time for some fresh green seasonal vegetables like radish.This recipe is a combination of radish and fenugreek(methi) leaves which is nutritious as both are great sources of some essential vitamins and minerals. Ingredients: Radish-4,medium sized;finely chopped Methi leaves-2 bundles Onion-1,small;finely chopped Dry red chillies-2,broken Garlic-5-6 cloves,crushed Mustard seeds-1/4 teaspoon Fenugreek(methi) seeds-a pinch Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste Oil-2 teaspoons Method: -Make sure you wash the methi leaves in running water 2-3 times to remove the dirt and then finely chop the leaves. -Peel the radish and finely chop them. -Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds,methi seeds,dry red chillies and let it splutter. -Now add finely chopped onions and saute for 2-3 minutes and then add the crushed garlic. -Add chopped radish and mix well and let it cook for 3-4 minutes on medium flame. -Add chopped methi leaves  and mix well again and ...

Keema cutlet is a favorite with kids.I always prefer chicken keema over mutton.To make this recipe a little more healthier I have added oats instead of corn-flour for binding.This combination tastes great.Do give it a try and don't forget to write your feedback :). Ingredients: Chicken Keeme-250 grams Oats-14 cups Ginger-1 small piece Garlic-6-7 cloves Onion-5-6 teaspoons,finely chopped Green chillies-2 Green coriander leaves-3 teaspoon,finely chopped Salt to taste Oil to shallow fry Method:  -Mix all the above ingredients except oil in a big bowl and let this mixture rest for 15-20 minutes. -Heat a little oil in a pan and take small portion of  keema  mixture from the bowl and flatten it with your hands and gently put it on the pan. -Cook  the cutlets on low to medium flame till both sides look golden brown. -Serve hot with green chutney.

This recipe of mushroom is cooked in a rich gravy of milk and cashew nut paste.Try it out and I'm sure you will love it. Ingredients: Button mushrooms-1 pack,fresh/250 grams Onions-2 teaspoons,finely chopped Green cardamom-2 Black cardamom-1 Shah jeera- a pinch Milk-2 cups Cashew nut paste-2 tablespoons Yogurt-2 teaspoons Garam masala powder-1/4 teaspoon White pepper powder-1/4 teaspoon Green cardamom powder-1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder-1/4 powder Water-3 tablespoons Salt to taste Oil-2 tablespoons Method: -Wash the mushrooms properly and cut them into 4 pieces each. -Heat oil in a pan and add the cardamoms,shah jeera and  finely chopped onions and saute for 1-2 minutes. -Now add the diced mushrooms and saute for another 3 minutes. -Add 2 cups of milk and salt and let the mushrooms cook for 3-4 minutes. -Now add the cashew nut paste and mix it well in the gravy. -Let the mushrooms simmer in the gravy for sometime. -Take a bowl and add the garam masala,g...

sandwiches are easy to make and are great for snacks or breakfast.I prefer brown bread or multigrain bread over white bread.There are several ways to make sandwiches and today's recipe is a quick to make and healthy one. Ingredients: Brown bread slices-6 Cheese slices-3 Pineapple slices-3 Mayonnaise-2 tablespoons Tomato ketchup-3 teaspoons Method: -Cut the sides of each bread slice. -Take a bowl and mix mayonnaise and tomato ketchup together. -Now spread the mayonnaise evenly on each slice of bread. -Place a cheese slice and a slice of pineapple and cover it with another bread slice. -Serve with fresh fruit juice.

Potato and white peas salad is filling and is also healthy.I have added chopped onions but you can skip that if you want to have this salad during fasts.This is another quick and easy to make recipe and can be served to kids as an after-school snack. Ingredients: Dried White peas-1/2 cup,soaked and boiled Green peas- 3 table spoons,boiled Potatoes-2 small,boiled and peeled and diced Cucumber-3 tablespoons,finely chopped Onion-3 teaspoons,finely chopped(Optional) Green chilli-1,finely chopped Lime juice-2 teaspoons Fresh coriander leaves-3 teaspoons,finely chopped Tomato-1 small sized,finely chopped Rock salt-a pinch Salt to taste Chaat masala-1 teaspoon Aamchur powder-1/2 teaspoon Sev bhujia-2 teaspoons Hung yogurt-1 tablespoon Roasted cumin powder-1/2 teaspoon Method: -Soak the dries white-peas in water for 6-8 hours and pressure cook the soaked peas in 3 cups of water with a little salt for 3 whistles. -Wash and boil the potatoes for 3 whistles.Cool it and pe...

Spinach is rich in iron and is also a good source of antioxidant while paneer is packed with protein.I have tried to make this recipe as healthy as possible(i.e without adding too much butter or ghee). Ingredients: Spinach leaves-3 cups Paneer cubes-500 grams Onion-1 medium sized,finely chopped Tomato-1 big sized,finely chopped Garlic-8-9 cloves,finely chopped Ginger-1 small piece Green chilli-1 Red chilli powder-1 teaspoon Kasuri methi -1 teaspoon Cumin seeds-1 teaspoon Garam masala-1/2 teaspoon Bay leaves-1 Cinnamon stick-1 Salt to taste Oil-3 teaspoons Method:  For the Spinach Puree: -Heat 4 cups of water in a pan and add a little salt to it.When the water starts to boil,turn off the flame and add the spinach leaves and kep the pan pan covered for 3-4 minutes. -Drain the hot water and add ice cold water to the pan and take the spinach leaves out. -Take a mixer jar and add the blanched spinach leaves,green chilli,ginger,2 garlic cloves and blend to make ...

Walnuts have amazing health benefits.They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants which are great for the body.Mint leaves  too have numerous health benefits.They are packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants.The combination of mint leaves and walnuts along with garlic makes this dip/chutney super healthy.You can use this dip as a spread on breads and chapatis or simply enjoy it with your meals. Ingredients: Mint leaves-1 cup Walnuts-1/2 cup Lime juice-2 teaspoons Garlic-4-5 cloves,chopped Green chilli-1,finely chopped Oil- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste Method: -Heat oil in a pan and add the garlic cloves and the green chilli and fry for 2-3 minutes. -Now add the walnuts and fry for another 2-3 minutes.Let it cool. -Take a mixer jar and add the roasted walnuts,mint leaves,salt and lime juice and blend to make a smooth paste.

This recipe of paneer is quick and easy to make.You can marinate the paneer with the chutney and spices and store them in the refrigerator.Paneer is healthy and a good source of protein for vegetarians. Ingredients: Paneer / Cottage cheese-500 grams Green Chutney-See the recipe Here , 3 teaspoons Aamchur powder(dried mango powder)-2 teaspoons Lime juice-3 teaspoons Chilli powder-1 teaspoon Garam masala powder-1/2 teaspoons Salt to taste Black pepper powder-1/2 teaspoons Oil-2 teaspoons, to shallow fry Method: - Cut the paneer into thick slices and keep aside. -Take a bowl and mix all the above ingredients except oil and add the paneer slices to the bowl. -Gently coat the paneer slices with the chutney and masala. -Keep this marinade for 2-3 hours in the fridge. -Heat a non-stick tawa(pan) and add the oil and shallow fry the paneer slices on both sides. -Serve hot.

I have already written some posts about the goodness of multigrains like whole wheat,bajra,jowar and oats.I have also added pureed spinach in the paratha to make it more nutritious. Ingredients: Spinach leaves-2 cups,finely chopped Ginger-1 small piece Garlic-5 cloves Gram flour-1/4 cups Oats-1/4 cups Bajra flour-1/4 cups Jowar flour-1/4 cups Whole wheat flour-1/4 cups Green chilli-2 Salt to taste Ghee(optional)- 2 teaspoons Warm water-as needed to make the dough Method: - Add the spinach leaves,ginger,garlic and green chilli in a mixer and blend to make a puree. -Take a vessel and mix all the multigrain flours together along with 1.5 teaspoons of salt and the spinach puree. -Slowly add a little warm water to make a dough.Knead the dough well.The dough will be a little stiff. -Keep this dough covered for 15-20 minutes. -Take a small portions of the dough and dust a little wheat flour on the balls and flatten to make chapatis. -Heat flat pan really well and add ...

Pasta can be cooked in many ways but I like to make a simple salad with boiled pasta,chickpeas,cucumber and some fresh herbs.It's healthy,tasty and also takes less time to make as you can pre-boil the pastas,chickpeas and cut the cucumber and tomatoes and store them in a zip-lock pouch in the refrigerator. Ingredients: Boiled pasta(any shape)-1 cup Boiled chickpeas-1/4 cups Cucumber-1/2,finely chopped Boiled baby potatoes-3-4,cut into halves Tomatoes-1,finely chopped For the Dressing: Hung yogurt-2 tablespoons Lome juice-3 teaspoons Coriander leaves-3 teaspoons,finely chopped Cumin seeds-2 teaspoons,dry roasted and crushed Salt to taste Chilli powder-1/4 teaspoons Green chilli(optional) -1,finely chopped Black pepper-3-4,crushed Method:  -Mix the pasta along with all the above ingredients and keep aside. -Take another bowl and mix all the ingredients for dressing together and stir it with a spoon. -Now add the dressing to the pasta mix and gently mix again a...

Black eyed peas or Lobia are a good source of protein and there are many recipes that can be made using lobia.The cutlet recipe that I'm going to share today is very healthy and nutritious and if your child is a fussy eater,you can make this for him. I have shallow fried the cutlets instead of deep frying them and have added some spices to enhance the taste of the cutlets.Give this recipe a try and I'm sure you won't be disappointed! Ingredients: White Lobia-2 cups,soaked for 6-8 hours Ginger-1 small piece Garlic-5-6 cloves Green chilli-2 Onion-1 small Coriander leaves-4 teaspoons Black pepper powder-1 teaspoon Salt to taste Red chilli powder-2 teaspoons Aamchoor powder(Dried mango powder) -2 teaspoons Garam masala powder-1 teaspoon Oil-1 teaspoon for each cutlet Method: -Soak the white lobia in water for 6-8 hours. -Take a pressure cooker and add 4-5 cups of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt to it. -Put the soaked lobia in the cooker and pressure cook...

This is yet another easy recipe I have used whole wheat bread instead of white bread and used freshly crushed garlic in place of garlic powder.The used for the recipe is also olive oil and not butter. Ingredients: Whole wheat bread- 6-7 slices Garlic cloves-4-5 ,peeled and crushed Olive oil-2 teaspoons for each slice Pizza seasoning-3 teaspoons Method: -Cut the sides of the bread and again cut the bread into the desired shape using a knife.You can cut it into triangles,squares,rectangles or even circles. -Rub the crushed garlic on both sides of the cut bread pieces. -Heat a flat pan and toast the bread pieces and add little olive oil to each side. -Let the bread toast till they look slight golden brown. -Sprinkle  some pizza seasoning on top.