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

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...

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...

This roti is basically made from gram flour.You can also make it with whole wheat flour and even multigrain flour.I have used fresh spinach and fenugreek leaves.This roti goes well with plain yogurt and pickle with some healthy salads.You can also serve it with fresh coriander chutney.Pack in in your kids lunch box or serve it for breakfast or dinner. Ingredients Gram flour(besan)-1/2 cups Whole wheat flour -1 cup  Onion -1/2 Ginger-1 small piece Green chiiles-1,finely chopped Sesame seeds-2 teaspoons Carom seeds(ajwain) -1/4 teaspoon Red chilli powder-1/2 teaspoon Spinach leaves-a handful, finely chopped Fenugreek leaves-a handful, finely chopped Salt-1.5 teaspoon Yogurt-2 tablespoons Oil/Ghee-2 tablespoons Water-1/4 cups,to knead the dough Method -Make a paste with onions and ginger. -Take a big container and put all the above ingredients except oil and water and mix well. -Add the ginger-onion paste and slowly add water and make a nice soft dough. - Let ...

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,...

Mashed potatoes or aloo ka bharta is a delicious comfort food recipe.This recipe can be made with mustard oil/olive oil/vegetable oil or ghee(clarified butter). All you need is some boiled potatoes and some chopped onions and a few spices to enhance the flavor.This quick to make recipe can be made in various ways and the basic ingredients more or less remain the same. Cheesy Mashed Potato(Bharta)  Ingredients Potatoes boiled-3 medium size Processed cheese-2 cubes,grated Garlic cloves-4-5,finely chopped White pepper podwer-a pinch Butter-1.5 teaspoon ,melted  Salt to taste Method -Peel the boiled potatoes and mash them adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Heat the pan and add 1.5 teaspoons of melted butter. - Now add the garlic and quicly saute fora few seconds and immediately add the mashed potato. -Mix it well and add grated cheese on top and a pinch of white pepper. Quick Mashed Potato(Bharta) Ingredients Potatoes boiled-3 medium size Finely chopped oni...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia ) The smoky flavor of the roasted eggplant seasoned with green chillies and onions gives a distinct flavor and taste to this dish.There are several ways to make this healthy and tasty bharta but I usually make it in two diffenent ways.In one recipe I simply add the onions,chillies and add mustard oil and mash it.This is a quick way to make the bharta.In the other recipe i cook the roasted eggplant along with the onions and chilles.Both the dishes can be had with plain chapati. Quick Eggplant Bharta Ingredients Eggplants(Big size)-2 Finely chopped onions-1/2 Finely chopped green chillies-2(you can add more or less chillies as per your taste) Ginger-1/4 teaspoon,finely chopped Mustard oil/Ghee/Olive oil-2 teaspoons Salt to taste How to Roast the Eggplant -Wash the eggplant properly and prick it at several places using a fork. -Slit the eggplant but don't cut it into two halves. -Put the eggplant on the gas flame and cook till it's skin i...

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...

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...

    🌿 Healthy Moringa (Drumstick Leaves) Paratha – Nutritious & Flavorful Flatbread Moringa, also known as drumstick leaves, has gained fame as a superfood for its incredible nutritional benefits — from boosting immunity to supporting digestion and detox. One of the easiest and most delicious ways to include moringa in your diet is by making this moringa paratha — a wholesome Indian flatbread packed with flavor, fiber, and health! 🥬 Why Use Moringa (Drumstick Leaves)? Rich in iron, calcium, and antioxidants Supports hormonal balance , especially in women over 40 Aids digestion and energy Helps with detox and cleansing 📝 Ingredients 1 cup whole wheat flour ½ to 1 cup fresh moringa (drumstick) leaves, washed and finely chopped 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds) – optional, helps digestion ½ tsp turmeric powder Salt to taste 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (optional, for flavor) Water to knead Ghee or oil for roasting ...

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 ...

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...

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...

Raising Healthy and Emotionally Stable Kids: A Natural Mama’s Guide: Introduction: Every parent dreams of raising children who are not only physically healthy but also emotionally balanced. Yet in our fast-paced, overstimulated world, it’s easy to lose sight of what kids really need: love, consistency, nourishing food, and safe emotional space. As mothers, our role isn’t to be perfect. It’s to be present—mindfully guiding, nurturing, and growing with our children. This post explores 10 time-tested ways to raise emotionally stable, healthy kids in a natural, connected way. 1. Build a Foundation with Wholesome Nutrition: You are what you eat—and that’s especially true for growing children. Balanced meals support not only physical growth but also brain development and emotional regulation. One easy staple to introduce is oats. Packed with fiber, iron, and slow-release energy, oats are great for breakfast or snacks. Here’s how to make them fun and delicious: 👉Boost their Immunity ...

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 ...

   🌾 Homemade Multigrain Chapati – Gluten-Free & Millet-Rich Recipe Multigrain food usually contains a combination of more than one grain. When made with whole grain flours , it becomes a powerhouse of nutrition. In this recipe, I’ve combined ingredients like oats, cracked wheat, finger millet (ragi) , and soya flour , along with other seasonal millets such as: Pearl millet (Bajra) – Great for winter Sorghum (Jowar) – Ideal for summer Finger millet (Ragi) – Best during monsoon All these grains are gluten-free , fiber-rich , and packed with essential nutrients. 🌟 Why Make Your Own Multigrain Flour? Instead of using store-bought flour blends, I buy whole grains , grind them at home, and create a fresh multigrain flour mix . This ensures that the chapatis are: Free from preservatives Richer in nutrients More flavorful and digestible I also add grated carrots , onions , and sesame seeds for extra nutrition. 🛒 Try These Millet-Based Reci...

Jowar & Ragi roti : _______________ ________ Sorghum(Jowar):Sorghum,white millet or jowar as it is popularly called in India is an important crop in the dry land.Sorghum starch does not contain gluten so it is good for those who are allergic to gluten.It is rich in carbohydrate,calcium,iron and protein and can be introduced into to kid's diet from age 6 months onwards. Millet(Ragi):Ragi or millet is another wonderful crop that is loaded with calcium and carbohydrate with a few traces of iron and vitamin b-complex.This also helps to boost the kid's immunity. Jowar & Ragi Roti(Sorghum & Millet Flatbread): _______________________________________ you will need: 1)1 cup ragi flour 2)1/2 cup jowar flour 3)2.5 cups water 4)1/2 teaspoon salt 5)pan to boil water 6)1/2 cup wheat flour to roll the rotis 7)2-3 teaspoon ghee(clarified butter)(optional) 8) rolling pin Method: 1) Boil 2.5 cups of water in a pan and add the salt once the water starts to ...

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...

 🌼 My Wellness Kitchen – Foods I Trust for Healing and Balance Welcome to my wellness kitchen — a space where every ingredient is chosen with care, love, and intention. Over the years, I’ve relied on simple, nourishing foods and herbs to support my family’s health, manage fatigue, improve digestion, and stay emotionally grounded. Here are some staples I always keep in my kitchen for health, immunity, and spiritual balance. 🍚 Grains & Lentils I Trust Yellow Moong Dal – Light, cooling, and easy to digest. My go-to dal during stress, illness, or fasting. Hand-Pounded Rice – Gentle on digestion, more natural than polished white rice. Sabudana (Sago) – Excellent during fatigue and fasting days. Sabudana Vadas(Tapioca cutlets)-Navratri Special 🧂 Healing Spices from My Masala Box Turmeric (Haldi) – Anti-inflammatory and spiritually purifying. Turmeric – The Golden Spice with Powerful Healing Properties Jeera (Cumin) – Improves digestion, especially after heavy or acidic meals....

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....

Green moong dal is rich in protein and this dosa recipe is yet another tasty and healthy recipe. Ingredients:  Green moong dal-2 cups Dosa rice-3 cups Green chillies-3 Ginger-1 small peice Onion- 2,Finely chopped Green coriander leaves-1/2 bunch,finely chopped Salt to taste Oil /Ghee to make the dosas  Method: -Soak the green moong dal and rice separately with enough water for 6-7 hours. -Grind the moong dal with the ginger and green chillies first with little water in a mixer jar and take it out into a big and dry vessel.Next,grind the rice with little water.The consistency of the batter should not be very thin or too thick. -Cover the vessel and allow the batter to ferment.It usually takes 7-8 hours to ferment. -Mix salt with the fermented batter. -Mix the chopped green chillies and onion,coriander leaves and keep aside. -Heat a non-stack tawa and spread some portion of the batter and make rounds like you make dosa. -Add a teaspoon of oil around the d...