Moong Dal Pakoras

Moong Dal Pakoras
Ingredients
2 Cup Moong dal, yellow, split,
2 Tbsp Bengal gram flour [ besan ],
1 Onion finely chopped,
1-2 Soda - bi - carb,
1-2 Green Chilly cut,
A piece Ginger cut into very small pieces,
2 tbsp Coriander leaves cut,
1\8 Tsp turmeric powder,
1\4 tsp Saunf| Fennel seeds,
Salt n Red Chilly powder to taste,
Oil to fry.
Method
Soak the moong dal for 4-5 hours.
Drain the water and put the dal with salt and
red chilly powder in a mixer jar.
Grind, now add the soda - bi - carb and the bengal
gram flour. Grind well.
Take this mixture out in a bowl n beat well.
Now add the cut green chillies, ginger, fennel, onion
and cut coriander leaves.
Put oil to fry to heat.
Take little - little of the mixture and drop in the
oil.
Fry until looks crisp, crunchy and golden brown.
Serve hot with a green chutney and a mango chutney.
Mango chutney: Peel raw mango, cut into pieces.
Put in a mixer jar, also add salt, red chilly powder
and sugar.
Use water as needed while grinding. Serve with the
pakoras.

Turai or Torai, the 'Ridge gourd '

Turai or Torai, the 'Ridge gourd '
Turai or Chinese Okra is a neutral tasting and considered pretty 'boring' by most people. Turai Tarkari is ' Turai ' in Hindi means Ridge gourd or loofah or beerakai. 
Turai Tarkari literally means Ridge gourd.
Torai is a vegetable which one can get easily in India around the year. Turai is one of the fastest cooking vegetables.
The typical Indian summer vegetable is soft-skinned, soft-fleshed and moisture-filled, and perfectly suited for hot climates.
The skin of turai is also used in making fresh spicy chutney.
A thumb rule is that all vegetables that grow on creepers can 
be classified as summer vegetables.
Turai is extremely popular vegetable in the Asian, African and Arabic countries.
Turai originated in the Arabic desserts and later spread to the world. It is a dark green, ridged vegetable having white pulp with white seeds embedded in spongy flesh. All species of ridge gourd/loofah are edible, but they must be consumed before they mature, or else they will be too woody and fibrous to eat.
It is a great source of Vitamin A, C, and minerals.
Like manganese, folate, and potassium.
It is also a good source of carbohydrates, fiber and has a lot of water content.
Turai are a good source of vitamin A, and low in calories.
The gourd family is a vast group of Indian summer vegetables, with regional variations across the country. The most commonly available vegetable is bottle gourd (ghia, doodhi), bitter gourd (karela), ridged gourd (tori), snake gourd (chichinda), ash gourd (petha) and wax gourd (padval, parmal). Another very common vegetable that grows on creepers is pumpkin (kaddu, sitaphal, kumrha); the tender pumpkin. Kundru (Kundroo) or Tindora is
Kundru (Coccinia Indica), yet another humble summer vegetable.
Tinda or baby squash is another common summer vegetable, especially in North India, as also the ladyfinger, okra or bhindi, which is available throughout the warmer months. 
The cucumber is a cooling, juicy summer vegetable that can be had raw.
Making Turai is truly ‘home-cooking. Turai or Chinese Okra AKA or Angled Luffa Gourd is a vegetable that is very low in calories and covers about 20% of RDA of Vitamin C. Why not start eating it today .. .

Healthy Torai subzi

 

Healthy Torai subzi
Ingredients
3 Long Ridge gourd | Torai,
1 Cup Water,
1\8 Tsp Turmeric powder,
1\4 Tsp Red Chilly powder,
1\2 Tsp Coriander powder,
1 Tbsp Oil,
1\8 Tsp Cumin seeds,
2 Tbsp Curd,
1 - 2 Pinch Asafoetida | hing,
1 - 2 Pinch Garam masala.
Method:
Wash and peel the torai. Retain it's top and end
portion which if added when cooked one can avoid
any bitterness, if there.
Cut the torai lengthwise and into slices.
In half cup water add the turmeric and red chilly powder.
Put a pan to heat add oil then add the cumin seeds,
hing, also add the water mixture.
Now add cut pieces of torai, remaining water, coriander powder and salt to taste.
Cover with a lid and to cook until soft.
Lastly add curd and serve hot.

How do You Use a Melon Baller?

How do You Use a Melon Baller?
A melon baller is the perfect tool for making picture-perfect round balls of fruit.
Melon Baller are similar to using an ice cream scooper. 
Put the melon baller in the fruit and twist your wrist to scoop out the melon or whatever it is your wanting to scoop.
A melon baller is a small tool that has multiple uses.
Whether you need to make perfect balls of melon,
cheese or chocolate, or require a tool that gives you a
sharp rounded edge, a melon baller is what you need.
Melon ballers are readily available in the market.
A melon baller is a kitchen utensil which is designed to
scoop out spherical chunks of melon, or other foods, when
used properly.
It can be used to create neatly sculpted butter pats, for
example, or garnishes of other fruits like strawberries.
Cooks can also take small scoops of sorbet or ice cream
to create dessert garnishes or small teaser tastes.
A melon baller does not just have to be used to make
artful garnishes. It can also be used to do things like
scoop the seeds and pith from fruits. When making
roasted stuffed vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes,
or peppers, a melon baller can neatly and quickly
remove the unwanted portions. The tool can also be
used to scrape the seeds from squashes and perform
other similar tasks.
Do u know how to 2 make fruit balls that are scooped
from the fruit itself.
Are u able to make ' perfect round balls '?
Or instead get these odd 1/2 or 3/4 ball shapes.
There are small scooper tool to do this.
The scooper is pushed into the fruit, then press it down,
twist in circular motion and scoop out a ball shape of the fruit.
Make Melon balls: To get a perfect round, press down firmly so that the scooper digs into the flesh, then twist to make a circle. Always cut the melon into half then scoop out the balls.

SOME MORE BUYING TIPS .

BUYING TIPS .
Now in mango season never buy completely green mangoes,
as they may never ripen, but choose firm plump mangoes.

But slightly green papayas will ripen quickly at room temperature, if wrapped in newspaper. So buy Papayas that
are partly or completely yellow in color.

Select Pomegranates by weight and not by color. Check the outside of a ripe pomegranate, it should be from pink to a deep ruby red. Keep in mind that the heavier the pomegranates the better it is.

DID U EAT PAPAYA TODAY

A HEALTHY TIP : DID U EAT PAPAYA TODAY . ..
The papaya is useful in aiding digestion because the enzymes of the fruit help to digest proteins, fats, and starches. The fiber of the fruit is helpful in streamlining the digestive tract.
Papaya is a very alkaline fruit, and this is one reason that it is often useful in soothing an upset stomach.
 Papain, an important enzyme in papaya, is also a powerful digestive aid.
 According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, papain is most concentrated in unripe papayas.
 Papaya contains a high amount of potassium and the flesh of papaya is very high in Vitamin A.

Lychee is a juicy fruit

Lychee is a juicy fruit that belongs to soapberry family...
Delicious and juicy Lychee or "Litchi" reminds you the arrival of summer. The fruit is a drupe; oval, heart-shaped or nearly round.
Its outer surface is covered with rough leathery rind or peel featuring pink color. The peel can be easily removable in the ripe fruits, inside; consists of edible portion of a white, translucent, sweet and juicy fruit.
Lychee fruits are low in calories but rich in dietary fiber.
Litchi, like citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C.
Litchi also contains a very good amount of minerals like potassium and copper.
Fresh lychee fruits are available in the markets from June to October. The Fruit must be allowed to ripen fully on the tree itself since the ripening process stops soon after harvested.
This fruit aids in enhancing the energy of the body.
It also improves fluid contents in the body.
Lychee in Chinese means ‘gift for a joyful life’, surely lives 
up to its name.

what do u do with ' over ripe ' fruits?

Do u throw the over ripened fruits at home?
Have u tried making a smoothie, juice, milkshakes.
Have u added sugar and made a puree in a mixer and
stored in the freezer section for later use in milkshakes,
mocktails and try mixing it in vanilla ice cream, then put to freeze.
Also try making pancakes with overripe bananas or apples.
Just try making soft and sweet pooris and parathas with the
over ripe bananas, papayas or any other fruit, also add little
powdered sugar which the kids will like it.
Mash the over ripe bananas, papayas or apples, which can be applied on the face as a ' fruit pack '.

when boiling pastas

When Noodles or Pasta are boiled then how to avoid them from sticking.
Always add noodles or pasta to boiling water with salt and a teaspoon of oil.
When done, rinse with cold water n toss it with oil.
  How to cook or boil the pastas , set it to boil, When the water comes to a boil, add 1 tsp of salt..
Add the pasta and give it a good stir.. Stir occasionally..
check whether done.. drain the pasta, sprinkle some oil to avoid them from sticking.
Boiling pasta…TIP 2 BOIL PASTAS..
Fresh pasta only needs a few seconds in boiling water!

DO you know

DO you know fresh fruit juices n vegetable salads are gr8 way to healthy eating.
Fresh juices boost energy levels n put back the sparkle in your
eyes.
Eat sprouts as they are nutrition dense n most potent source of life. The sprouting process increases, vitamins n minerals content of the seeds even higher than fiber.
Daily exercise will help to put away fatigue n depression.
Happiness n Well being are determined by certain chemicals and hormones in the blood stream.

COOLING FOODS 4 THE SUMMER..

COOLING FOODS 4 THE SUMMER..
In the summer months the environment is filled with heat and energy. So eat healthy summer foods, when the heat outside is increasing, then increase intake of cooling foods. Like the Barley water. Barley has a huge reputation of being a cooler 
of internal heat.
Non-alcoholic drinks such as barley water and barley tea, also called Mugicha in Japan. It is made by boiling barley in water.
In Italy, barley is also sometimes used as coffee substitute.
Malting barley is an ingredient for whiskey and beer.
Barley water, usually flavored with lemon or other fruit, is a traditional British soft drink.
It is an excellent thirst quencher. It is given to sick people and to those who have lost their appetite. Barley water is a traditionally acclaimed drink, which nourishes the kidneys during times of stress.
Barley water is a good remedy to fair up skin complexions and prevent the signs of aging such as wrinkles. It also provides a lot of nutrition to the body. Barley, it has proved to resolve gastric inflammations throwing out toxins that harm the body.
Since barley water surely quenches anyone’s thirst, it also provides good treatment for kidney problems. It is also a treatment administered to the sick to help bring back appetite.
Barley water was also found out helpful in preventing infection in the urinary tract during pregnancy.
FEW FACTS:
Barley water is a common and popular soft drink in Britain that is flavored with lemon or other tangy fruit substitute.
Lemon barley water is also popular among the Mexicans, and they call their drink Aguas frescas, which are sold along the street.
The Egyptians frequently drank boiled barley to keep them selves healthy.
Barley water has been used for many medicinal purposes "since ancient times," according to WHFoods.org, and can reduce cholesterol, provide intestinal protection, and aid with disease protection.

Aam. . . Aam all the way .. .

Aam. . . Aam all the way .. .
Aamras or Amras is the pulp of the tropical fruit Mango eaten in India. The pulp of a ripe fruit is extracted usually by hand and consumed along with Chapati.
At times ghee and milk are added to the pulp to enhance its flavor. Sugar is also added to adjust the sweetness.
' Keri no ras ' is actually Aamras a traditional Gujarati dish called as Keri no ras. It consists of sugared mango pulp, which is passed through muslin to remove fibrous strands of the fruit. It is commonly eaten with pooris.
Did u know what Aam- papad is ?
When mango juice/pulp is squeezed out of the mangoes and spread on a metal plate. Then it is put in the sun for drying, Once it dries the juice takes shape of a papad and you can peel it off from the plate. This is also known as Aam-papad. You can store it for months together.
Now do u know what is ' Aam Paana ' is ?
Aam Panna is an Indian drink renowned for its heat resistant properties. It is made from green mangoes and it is used as a tasty and healthy beverage to fight against the intense Indian summer heat. Apart from being tasty this drink also looks good due to its refreshing light green color. The raw Mango Summer cooler drink is a blessing in summers.
Aam panna which is prepared using raw mangoes, sugar and an assortment of spices is an effective remedy for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It also quenches thirst and prevents the excessive loss of sodium chloride and iron during summer due to excessive sweating.
This Summer did u make ' Aam Ras ki Kadhi '?
This kadhi is made by mixing together curd, besan, raw
mango pulp and ripe mango pulp as the main ingredient.
TRY THIS MOST TASTY KADHI FORM TODAY. . .
Mango Kadhi..
Ingredients..
1 cup Curd,
4 tbsp Green| raw Mango,
Boiled n it's pulp,
5 tbsp Ripe Mango pulp,
1 tbsp Bengal gram flour, (Besan),
1\2 Green Chilly cut,
A piece Ginger grated,
3\4 cup Water,
1\8 tsp Turmeric powder,
A piece Clove, Cardamom,
Cinnamon, one whole red chilly,
1 tsp Sugar,
1 tsp Oil,
1\8 tsp Mustard seeds,
A pinch Hing,
1-2 Curry leaves,
Salt to taste.
Method..
Churn together curd, besan, water, add both
the mango pulp also add salt and turmeric powder.
Put a pan to heat, add oil, add mustard seeds, hing,
green chilly, ginger,clove, cardamom, red chilly and
the cinnamon.
Pour the curd mixture, stir until a boil, appears.
Check the salt, the consistency and add the
sugar.
Serve hot with any rice dish with a garnish of
coriander leaves.

Quick Mango Shake

Quick Mango Shake
Ingredients :
1 Mango Pulp
1 cup Milk,
1 tsp Raw Mango, boiled
or a pinch Citric acid,
Sugar to taste, [ 1-2 tbsp ].
Method
Peel, cut and make a pulp or put these
cut pieces of mango in a mixer jar.
Also add sugar and raw boiled mango pieces.
Churn, if too thick add few spoons water.
Now add milk and once again churn.
Strain it. Check the taste if less tangy,
mix a pinch citric acid mixed in water.
Tip: if raw mango mango is added there 
should not be need for adding the citric acid.
Put in fridge section. Serve chilled with small 
cut pieces of mango and little ice cream.

"Do you know what weight loss means”

"Do you know what weight loss means” is inevitably answered incorrectly thanks largely to incorrect information and half truths.
What most people go wrong in the answer to “do you know what weight loss means” is that there is a difference between “weight” and “fat” and most people are talking about “fat loss” when they say “weight loss.” And now you’re thinking  whether you are clear on the difference. Because unless you are clear on the difference, your weight loss strategies will do more harm than good.
Fat is Only Part of the Weight:  Your weighing scale will tell you the weight of your bones, your muscles and organs and your fat. When you want to lose weight, you actually want to lose fat. Losing muscle will lead to health problems and so will, obviously, losing bones and organs. Therefore, your strategies for weight loss should be those that cut down the fat.
What the world calls “dieting” actually leads to more fat gain. Your body needs certain nutrients to survive. If you cut out those nutrients, by cutting down on what you eat then your body goes into “emergency storage mode” and stores food as fat. Therefore, every well-trained health practitioner will always tell you that if you want to live healthy, you have to eat  almost continuously.
The difference is of course, you need to eat the right kind of food.
Eliminate foods with no nutritional value – like aerated drinks, candies and chocolate, and processed foods like cakes and sweets. Replace them with fruits and vegetables and complete protein.
What you are doing here then is eliminating any possibility of storing extra fat and getting your body into the habit of not needing to store food.
Correct Weight Loss is to get your body to burn fat by a  regular exercise program  that includes cardiovascular exercise and strength training to build muscle.
Healthy weight loss involves fat burn and muscle building. Which gives your body a toned and lean look.
Most people are familiar with “weight loss” . If you do not know what is your body fat percentage before starting a weight loss program,  you could be losing lean muscle along with the fat.
A healthy weight loss program  is one that burns fat while building lean muscle. Therefore, if you are somebody who is trying to cut the fat, you first need to answer: What is my body fat percentage?
Every person needs to have a certain amount of fat in order for their body functions to work correctly.
Moreover, in order to focus on losing inches but not losing weight, one has to eat a diet that supports the fitness program.
There is little chance that people who start living healthy i.e. eating nutritious meals that include eggs, lean meat, whole wheat cereal, fruit and vegetables and exercise regularly with 
a mix of cardiovascular activity and weight training are not both fit and do not have excess fat.
Where most people go wrong is doing one or the other, i.e either only eating healthy and not exercising or exercising and eating anything they want. What every health and fitness professional agreed on is that rather than looking for excuses about is it possible to be fat and healthy, one would be better served living healthy and watch the results come in.
Eat Healthy Nutritious Breakfasts Every Day.
Links show nutritious breakfasts to successful long term weight loss.
Healthy Breakfast = Healthy Diet.
Healthy Breakfast = More Energy.
Healthy Diet = Better Weight Control.
http://www.healthylivingindia.org/2011/08/eat-a-healthy-breakfast-to-control-your-weight.html

Sizzler is food with a sizzling sound . . .

Sizzler is food with a sizzling sound . . .
Sizzler is food served sizzling hot on a thick cast iron dish with a wooden base. The whole dish comes with a combination of assorted vegetables, stir fried along with french fries, also a portion of chicken or cottage cheese in the center with rice or noodles. Which is put on sizzling iron plate which has been heated red.There is a lovely smoky smell coming out of it.
A sizzler is served on a special heavy metal sizzler plate, with lots of vegetables or chicken, fish etc, mostly served with noodles or rice, the plate is heated to a very high temperature and cooked food is put on it, and hot oil or liquor is poured on the top, the sizzling sound it makes has given this dish the name "sizzler", so called sizzler.

try these tips

Always buy firm, crisp and well colored Apples.

Buy Bananas that are firm, bright in appearance and free from bruise.

When buying Broccoli look for firm, compact clusters of small flower buds.

Buying Beans (green) look for a fresh, with bright appearance and good color. Pick young, tender beans with crisp, firm pods. 

When have to buy Cabbage look for firm, hard heads that are heavy in size.

Avoid carrots with green tops, they will be bitter.

Lettuce remains fresh, if you store in refrigerator without washing it.

Wash the day you are going to use..

Lassi the most popular beverage in Northern India . .

Lassi the most popular beverage in Northern India . .
Lassi is a popular and traditional Punjabi yogurt-based drink of India and Pakistan. It is made by blending yogurt with water or milk and Indian spices.
Traditional lassi is sometimes flavored with ground roasted cumin. Traditional lassi also known as salted lassi, or, simply lassi is a savory drink sometimes flavored with ground roasted cumin while sweet lassi
on the other hand is blended with sugar or fruits instead of spices. According to historic texts, lassi and various forms of lassi have been prepared for centuries.
Lassi is also simply cooling and refreshing.
Sweet lassi is a form of lassi flavored with sugar, rosewater and/or lemon, strawberry or other fruit juices.
Saffron lassis, which are particularly rich, are a specialty of Sindh in Pakistan and Jodhpur and Rajasthan in India.
Makkhaniya lassi is simply lassi with lumps of butter in it (makkhan is the Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu word for butter). It is usually creamy like a milkshake.
Mango lassi is most commonly found in India and Pakistan though it is gaining popularity worldwide.
It is made from yogurt, water and mango pulp.
It may be made with or without additional sugar.
Chaas or chaach is a salted drink like lassi; however, chaas contains more water than lassi and has the butterfat removed, so its consistency is not as thick as lassi. Salt and Jeera (cumin seeds) are normally added for taste.
Make a creamy and smooth lassi for which use yogurt. Also add some strawberries and a little bit of honey and this will make a perfect summer drink. I recommend trying a lassi made with strawberries as it is delicious.
Have u tried lassi drinks that have fruit in them?
So churn yoghurt with anything from bananas, pineapple, or strawberries. You can use just one fruit, or blend many of them together.
During summer always keep the pulp of ripened mangoes to quickly make a glass of Mango Lassi.
Also wish to try a very creamy n unique in taste lassi?
Make with yoghurt churned with coconut milk.
What else could one add to the above lassi?
Try adding a little bit of cardamom which would bring
out the best flavor.
For a simple lassi one would just need some plain yogurt, a fruit of one's choice, water, ice cubes and a bit of sugar. Then churn- churn.
Since lassi are available in so many flavors, it will be difficult to pick one's favorite one.

PINK LASSIE
INGS:
1 Cup curd | yoghurt,
1 Tbsp Castor Sugar,
1 Tbsp Rose Syrup,
3-4 Tbsp Crushed Ice,
METHOD:
Churn the curd, rose syrup and the the sugar.
Also add the ice and serve chilled lassie with a drizzle
of rose syrup on top.

WHAT DOES ' BREAKFAST ' MEAN?

WHAT DOES ' BREAKFAST ' MEAN?
The first meal of the day (usually in the morning).
What does “breakfast” mean? (“breaking the fast” , body has gone 8-10 hours without food, while sleeping.
The word "breakfast" is derived from the phrase "breaking the fast." We fast while we sleep, and breaking that fast should make breakfast the most joyful meal of the day, as we have lived through the night and are beginning a new day. Breakfast is an opportunity for a new beginning that sets the stage and sets the table for the day.
"Eating breakfast of any kind prevents many of the adverse effects of fasting," such as irritability and fatigue, according to Bonnie Spring, University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School.
If you eat more oatmeal you can drastically improve the quality of your life. Oatmeal is quick and convenient.
Oats also release energy slowly, making you feel fuller for longer.
Oatmeal has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron.
Skipping breakfast is a common strategy for people who are trying to lose weight, but unfortunately, it's usually not a successful strategy. Your body or more likely, your brain expects to be refueled a few times each day. When you don't eat breakfast you may feel so hungry by lunch time that you eat more foods than you normally would eat.
Breakfast should include a healthy source of protein and plenty of fiber; the combination will help satisfy your hunger and will keep you feeling full until lunch time.
Getting the best start to the day by having a good breakfast is an important part of being healthy.
Eating a healthy breakfast means:The advantages of a healthy and nutritious breakfast are that after a good night's sleep and with an empty stomach in the morning, it makes sense that the best way to start the day and to energize and revitalize your body, is with a filling, nutritious and healthy breakfast that will keep you satiated until the next meal. So our body needs a healthy breakfast packed full of vitamins and nutrients.

Healthy Oats Upma

 

Healthy Oats Upma
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Potato Cut in small pieces,
1 Tbsp Onion cut into small pieces,
1 Tbsp Sweet Corn,
1 tbsp Green Peas,
1\2 Cup Oats,
3\4 Cup Water,
2 Pinch Turmeric powder,
1\8 tsp Red Chilly powder,
2 Tbsp Corn flakes,
Salt to taste.
For a Tempering:
1 Tbsp Oil,
2 Pinch Mustard seeds,
1\2 Green Chilly cut,
1-2 Curry leaves.
Method:
Put a pan to heat, add oil, mustard seeds, green chilly pieces
and the curry leaves.
Stir for a second then add the cut onion, potato
pieces. Allow to cook for a minute on low flame.
Now add the green peas and sweet corn, also add
turmeric powder, red chilly powder and salt.
Also add the water and cook for a minute.
Now is the time to add add the oats and stir until
it thickens.
Serve in bowls with crushed corn flakes.

start 2day

Did u know that having regular breakfast helps you reduce weight as it makes you avoid unnecessary eating throughout the day?
As you miss breakfast, you tend to be eating more of quick foods, which may cause weight increase.

A Vol au vent is a small, round canapé

A Vol au vent is a small, round canapé made of puff pastry.
A Vol au vent (pronounced [vɔlovɑ̃], French for "windblown" to describe its lightness) is a small hollow case of puff pastry.
A round opening is cut in the top and the pastry cut out for the opening should be replaced as a lid after the case is filled.
Vol au vents can be filled with fillings, such as mushrooms, prawns, fruit, or cheese.
The pastry and its catchy name vol au vent were invented by Antonin Carême in his pastry-shop .
In Cookery it means a very light puff pastry case filled either with a savory mixture in a richly flavored sauce or sometimes with fruit.
It is said to have been created by the famous French chef Carême, a vol au vent, it is a PUFF PASTRY shell that resembles a pot with a lid.
The pastry is classically filled with a cream sauce-based mixture, usually of chicken, fish, meat or vegetables.
The puff-pastry lid is set on top of the filling.
This dish may be served as an appetizer or an entrée. 
The word ' vol au vent ,' means "flying in the wind," because
of the pastry's incredible lightness.

Popcorn is one of the healthiest foods anyone can eat.

Popcorn is one of the healthiest foods anyone can eat.
It has large amount of calories, protein, minerals and vitamins.
Popcorn is a healthy whole grain and a best source of fiber. Popcorn is a very nutritious choice so long as you go natural. According to a study, people who eat popcorn consume 200% more whole grains and 20% ore fiber than those who do not
eat popcorn.
Popcorn can help to prevent cancer as research suggests. Popcorn is good healthy food which contains health boosting antioxidants called polyphenols.
It helps to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
*One of the outstanding qualities of popcorn as a nutritious food is the abundance of essential minerals found in it."
Health benefits of popcorn: High in antioxidants.
Popcorn is whole grain similar to oatmeal and brown rice. Popcorn is also a good source of fiber.
Popcorn without butter is low in calories.
The endosperm located in the center of popcorn contains nutritional carbohydrates, high energy proteins and healthy vitamins.
If you think popcorn is just another salty snack, think again. 
A new study is bringing popcorn into the same arena as fruits and vegetables. They are nutritional powerhouses.
Hot, Fresh, Delicious popcorn is a healthy snack and better for your health. All popcorn fans who love to eat popcorn can gift a healthy popcorn box to their friends.

4 all

One regular-size soft drink contains 150 calories and is the equivalent of downing 10 teaspoons of sugar.
"You would need to walk for a mile and a half to work off the calories," says Dr. Ferguson.

One More Onion

One More Onion
1-2 Onion, cut into slices
with rings separated,
Grind to a paste...
1-2 Whole Red Chilly, soaked,
1-2 Cloves of Garlic,
Salt, Red chilly powder and 
Chaat masala to taste,
2-3 Drops Vinegar,
1\8 Tsp Sugar.
METHOD:
Cut the onion into thick slices and
separate its rings.
In a mixer jar grind soaked whole
red chillies, garlic with the other
ingredients.
Dip each ring into the ground paste,
arrange on a plate and serve with the
food.

1- 2 tips

A HEALTHY TIP
The papaya is useful in aiding digestion because the enzymes of the fruit help to digest proteins, fats, and starches. The fiber of the fruit is helpful in streamlining the digestive tract.
Papaya is a very alkaline fruit, and this is one reason that it is often useful in soothing an upset stomach.
Papain, an important enzyme in papaya, is also a powerful digestive aid.
According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, papain is most concentrated in unripe papayas.
Papaya contains a high amount of potassium and the flesh of papaya is very high in Vitamin A.
 a summer tip . . .
Always carry a big bottle of water with you to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.

bit bit info

South Asian pickles in Hindi known as आचार, are made from varieties of vegetables and fruits that are chopped into small pieces and cooked in edible oils like sesame oil or brine with many different Indian
and Pakistani spices like asafoetida, red chili powder, turmeric, fenugreek, and plenty of salt.
The most common South Asian-style pickles are made from mango and lime. 
Homemade pickles are prepared in the summer and kept in the sun during daytime to store for a longer time.
A mango pickle from South India may taste very different from one made in North India. In the southern states, sesame oil is preferred, while mustard oil is preferred in northern states for making pickles.
Lychee is a juicy fruit that belongs to soapberry family...
Delicious and juicy Lychee or "Litchi" reminds you the arrival of summer. The fruit is a drupe; oval, heart-shaped or nearly round.  Its outer surface is covered with rough leathery rind or peel featuring pink color.  The peel can be easily removable in the ripe fruits, inside; consists of edible portion of a white, translucent, sweet and juicy fruit.
Lychee fruits are low in calories but rich in dietary fiber.
Litchi, like citrus fruits, is an excellent source of vitamin C.
Litchi also contains a very good amount of minerals like potassium and copper.
Fresh lychee fruits are available in the markets from June to October.
The Fruit must be allowed to ripen fully on the tree itself since the ripening process stops soon after harvested.
This fruit aids in enhancing the energy of the body.
It also improves fluid contents in the body.
Lychee in Chinese means ‘gift for a joyful life’, surely lives up to its name.
Granitas are cool and delicious as ice cream . . .
Granita in Italian also called Granita siciliana is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water and various flavorings.  Granitas make the final blast of summer bearable. 
They are as cool as ice cream, but they're lighter, more refreshing. Common and traditional flavoring ingredients include lemon juice, mandarin oranges, jasmine, coffee, almonds, mint, and when in season wild strawberries and black mulberries.
Granita is often found served as a slush-type drink rather than a dessert, in a paper or plastic cup with a plastic lid and a straw, often a spoon straw.
Granita, made with savory ingredients or less sugar than the dessert, is often served between courses of a meal as a palate cleanser.

Pickled Long Cucumber

Pickled Long Cucumber
Peel the cucumber. Cut into long slices.
Mix vinegar, 1-2 spoons water to dilute it a bit.
Add little sugar, salt and red chilly pd or pepper powder.
Serve these in long hot dog buns with aloo tikki, lettuce,
mayo, tomato sauce for kids, with sliced onions n tomatoes.
Remember a dash of mustard sauce.
What do u have 2 say about the above hot dog recipe???

There are a variety of breads consumed in India
like roti, naan and paratha.
The breads are prepared according to one's own taste. 
That is why in India we have variety of breads like the plain naan, garlic naan, methi roti, aloo paratha, puri, bhature etc.
 A HEALTHY TIP
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you 
suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
 The skins of fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins and phytonutrients, including antioxidants.
So next time you eat a potato, apple, carrot, peach or pear, consider eating the skin as well.

Red Vinegar Onions & The Green Onions

Pickled Things . . .
Pickled onions are a popular pickled food consisting
of small onions pickled in a solution of vinegar and spice.
Pickled onions everyone loves them.
Red Vinegar Onions
1-2 Onions
Cut into round slices with rings separated.
3-4 Long cut pieces of Beetroot,
1\2 Cup Vinegar,
1 Tsp Sugar,
3-4 Tbsp Water to dilute the vinegar,
Salt, Red Chilly powder| pepper powder
to taste.
Cut the onions in thick round slices.
Separate all rings.
Cut the beetroot into long pieces.
Mix vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and
red chilly powder or pepper powder to taste.
If made in morning, it is ready to eat by evening.
Tip: Beetroot will give a natural red color to the pickled
onions.
 
The Green Onions:
Make a Green Chutney for the green onions:
1\2 Cup Coriander leaves, cut and washed,
A small piece of Ginger,
1 Tsp grated Coconut,
2-3 Cloves of Garlic,
2 green chillies,
Few drops of Lime juice,
1-2 Pinch of Sugar,
Salt to taste.
1-2 Onions, cut into round slices
with rings separated.
Apply the green chutney on each onion
ring and do the same for all slices.

Red Hot Onions

Red Hot Onions
1-2 Onions, cut in thick slices with its
rings separated.
Salt, Red Chilly powder, Chaat masala
to taste, 1\4 Cup Lime Juice.
Cut onion in thick slices, then separate its rings.
In a plate mix salt, red chilly powder n chaat masala.
In another Plate pour the lime juice.
Dip each onion ring into lime juice then coat
in the salt red chilly powder one.
Serve with the food to enhance the taste of the meal.

Sugar stuffed Paratha

KIDS WILL LOVE THIS.
Sugar stuffed Paratha
Ingredients
1 Cup Wheat Flour,
1-2 Pinch Salt,
Water to knead the dough.
1 Tsp Sugar per paratha for filling,
1 Tbsp Ghee to make the paratha.
Method
Mix wheat flour, salt and use water to knead the dough.
Take a lemon size ball of the dough.
Use some flour to roll a bit, now apply few drops of ghee
and stuff one tea spoon of sugar.
Close| seal this and roll it to a bigger size.
Put a non stick tava to heat, put the paratha.
Cook on both the sides using ghee, until golden brown.

KIDS WILL LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE PARATHA..

KIDS WILL LOVE THIS CHOCOLATE PARATHA..
Chocolate stuffed Paratha
Ingredients
1 Cup Wheat Flour,
1-2 Pinch Salt,
Water to knead the dough.
1 Tsp grated Chocolate per paratha for filling,
1 Tbsp Butter to make the paratha.
Method
Mix wheat flour, salt and use water to knead the dough.
Take a lemon size ball of the dough.
Use some flour to roll a bit, now stuff one tea spoon of grated chocolate.
Close| seal this and roll it to a bigger size.
Put a non stick tava to heat, put the paratha.
Cook on both the sides using butter, until golden brown.

WHAT IS ' Rasam '?

WHAT IS ' Rasam '?
Rasam is a dish that originates from the south of India,
but has since become common all over India.
It was said that the soup originally had tamarind and 
pepper as its primary ingredients, as these were once
plentiful in South India.
Some versions of the soup even use whole cane sugar, 
or jaggery, to get a sweeter taste.
It is a South Indian soup traditionally prepared using 
tamarind juice as a base, with the addition of tomato, 
and chili pepper, pepper, cumin and other spices as 
seasonings. Steamed lentils are added along with any
preferred vegetables.
So another primary ingredient of the rasam is lentils, 
or “dal” in India. The lentils give the dish body and texture
and are sometimes used to cut off some of the sourness or the spiciness of the soup. Rasam being a vegetarian soup, so different green vegetables can be added, such as leaves of curry, coriander, and cilantro.
Nowadays all the seasonings required are combined and ground beforehand into a rasam powder, which is available commercially.
It is eaten with rice or separately as soup. In a traditional meal, it is preceded by a sambar rice course and is followed by curd rice. Rasam has a distinct taste in comparison to the sambar due to its own seasoning ingredients and is usually fluid in consistency.
There are different kinds of rasam, varying by ingredient, 
like Tomato rasam, Lemon Rasam, Pepper rasam, Neem flower rasam, Ginger rasam, Garlic Rasam, Pineapple Rasam.
There are Regional varieties of rasam like
Thakkali Rasam with tomato puree as main ingredient.
Poondu Rasam is a healthy rasam made with Garlic.
Inji Rasam also a healthy rasam made with Ginger.
Mudakathan Rasam a healthy green leaf rasam made
with Balloon Vine.
Lemon Rasam is a sour soup made with lemon juice.
Nellikkai Rasam also sour soup made with Indian Gooseberry. Murungai Poo Rasam a healthy rasam made with Drumstick flower.
Vepam Poo Rasam a healthy rasam made with Neem flower.
Rasam provides many health benefits, such as a good dose of vitamin C from the acidic fruits, and vitamin A from tomatoes.
The leafy green vegetables supply fiber, folic acid, and magnesium, while the tamarind is said to aid proper digestion
and lower cholesterol. The lentils in the soup also provide protein, especially for people who are not getting enough protein from meat.
A South Indian meal would not be complete without the perfect sambar or rasam!

Easy Recipe Of ' Rasam '

Rasam
Today make the Rasam and eat with rice.
Simple steps to make a tasty Rasam at home.
Ingredients:
1 Onion,
1 Tomato, cut into small pieces.
2-3 tbsp of Tamarind paste.
Soak tamarind in hot water for 5 mins and then
sieve out the pulp.
Mix the tamarind pulp with 3-4 cups of water.
Also will need cooked Toor dal, almost 4 Tbsp.
1-2 Tbsp of ready made Rasam powder.
1\8 Tsp Turmeric powder,
1\2 Tsp Red Chilly powder,
1 Tbsp Jaggery,
Salt to taste.
For the tempering:
2 Tbsp Oil,
1\8 Tsp Mustard seeds,
5-6 Curry leaves,
1-2 Pinch Asafoetida [ hing ].
Grind to a paste:
A piece of Ginger,
1-2 Whole Red Chillies,
1-2 Green Chilly,
2-3 Cloves of Garlic,
15- 20 Peppercorns,
1\4 Tsp Cumin seeds.
Put all in a mixer jar and use little
water to grind to a paste.
Method for making Rasam:
Put a pan to heat add oil, mustard seeds, 
curry leaves and asafoetida.
Now add the cut onion and stir for few seconds.
Also add the ground paste. Stir for few seconds.
Now add the cut tomato, dry rasam powder and
turmeric, red chilly powder.
Stir until oil appears.
This is time to add tamarind pulp with water and
cooked toor dal, also add salt to taste.
Mix well and allow a boil to appear, then cover and
cook on slow
flame until oil appears on top.
Last add the jaggery and serve with a garnish of cut
coriander leaves.

Halo Halo from The Philippines . . .

Halo Halo from The Philippines . . .
Many Filipinos, just like the Chowking Halo-Halo.
Desert time in the Philippines! Halo Halo is the name given
to the ever popular shaved ice dish in the Philippines.
The term halo-halo means ‘to mix’ or simply “mixed”
(as in mixed fruits or vegetables) in Filipino. Halo-halo
is a native and popular ice cold dessert here in the Philippines. It is a mixture of shaved ice and evaporated milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served in a tall glass or bowl.
The ingredients of this sweet ice cream dish change depending on region, and … well, who’s making it.
But the main items are shaved ice, milk, kidney beans, banana, sugar palm (those hard jelly cubes again), jelly of all types.
Additional add on's are ice cream (the purple one is Ube Ice Cream), corn, rice cereal and condensed milk.
Ube Ice Cream [ What is Ube?] Ube is actually a purple yam, or tuber which has streaks of violet / purple running through it.
This natural food is often cooked, smashed and made into many into many different products. Ice cream, cakes, breads, pies can all be Ube flavored. Which in turn, makes them all a bright purple!
There are many different Halo-Halo versions in different places all over the Philippines but one of the best is the Halo Halo at Chowking.
No wonder many Filipinos enjoy this delicious dessert called Halo-halo.

Have you heard of ' Fried ice cream '?

Have you heard of ' Fried ice cream '?
It is a dessert made of a breaded scoop of ice cream that is quickly deep-fried creating a warm, crispy shell around the still-cold ice cream.
The dessert is commonly made by taking a scoop of ice cream frozen well below the temperature at which ice cream is generally kept, possibly coating it in raw egg, rolling it in cornflakes or cookie crumbs, and briefly deep frying it.
The extremely low temperature of the ice cream prevents
it from melting while being fried. It may be sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and a touch of peppermint, though whipped cream or honey may be used as well.
"Vanilla ice cream with a crunchy n crispy coating.
 Served with honey, and strawberries."
Place the ice cream scoops into the freezer for at least an 
hour to firm up the ice cream.
[ The ice cream could be of your choice ].
Crush the corn flakes to powder form.
Also add dessicated coconut n the cinnamon powder.
Mix well the above three ingredients. These are the coating ingredients
Now whisk the eggs with few drops of milk.
Take out the ice cream scoops from the freezer.
First roll into the coating ingredients then into egg and once again into the coating ingredients.
Press lightly and give shape. Do all scoops in the same manner.
Put again the scoops into freezer to harden before frying.
Fry and serve immediately with a drizzle of honey and cut fruits of your choice.
Few tips for this ice cream...
Instead of the corn flakes and substitute with crushed vanilla wafers biscuit.
Try wrapping the ice cream scoop into thinly sliced cake layer
then roll into bread crumbs. Put in freezer to harden. Then fry.

Purple Passion
1 Cup Black grape puree,
1 Cup Lime| Lemon flavor soft drink,
1\4 Cup Ice cubes or crushed ice,
1 Tsp Sugar [ optional ],
1 Scoop Vanilla Ice cream,
Few Grapes for garnish,
A straw.
Method
Make puree of black grapes with sugar[opt]
in a mixer jar, strain it, keep to chill in the fridge.
Keep soft drink to chill.
When to serve put the grape puree,
ice n half the quantity of ice cream
and half of the soft drink in a mixer jar.
Blend all together, pour in a glass n
top it with the rest of the soft drink and
ice cream.
Also add grapes on the rim of the glass,
place a straw as well.

Iced Tea

Iced Tea:
Ingredients:
Few spoons full of iced tea mix, lemon flavor,
or
Ready to drink iced tea, lemon flavor,
1 spoon of fresh lime juice,
5-6 Ice cubes,
Few spoons Ginger flavor soda
or use fresh ginger juice few drops,
1 Round slice of lemon,
Water to mix the iced tea powder.
Method:
Mix all well and serve on the ice cubes
with the lemon slice in the drink or put
on the rim of the glass.

A TASTY ' VADA PAV ' WITH A SUMMER COOLER ICED TEA . . .

A TASTY ' VADA PAV ' WITH
A SUMMER COOLER ICED TEA . . .
Iced Tea:
Ingredients:
Few spoons full of iced tea mix, lemon flavor,
or
Ready to drink iced tea, lemon flavor,
1 spoon of fresh lime juice,
5-6 Ice cubes,
Few spoons Ginger flavor soda
or use fresh ginger juice few drops,
1 Round slice of lemon,
Water to mix the iced tea powder.
Method:
Mix all well and serve on the ice cubes
with the lemon slice in the drink or put
on the rim of the glass.
A TASTY VADA PAV
Ingredients:
6 Pieces of Pav [ bun type ],
4 Potatoes, boiled and broken
into pieces,
1 Tsp Ginger paste,
1 Tsp Garlic paste,
1 Tsp Green chilly paste,
1 Tbsp Fresh grated Coconut,
1\8 Tsp Turmeric powder,
Few drops of Lime juice,
One- two Pinch of Sugar,
Salt to taste
Tempering
1 Tbsp oil,
Few pinch of Mustard seeds,
1\2 Tsp Red chilly powder.
For the batter
1 Cup Bengal gram flour [ Besan ],
Salt and Red chilly powder to taste,
1-2 pinch Soda - bi - carb,
1 Tbsp Rice flour[ opt ].
Make a Green Chutney for vada pav
1 Cup Coriander leaves, cut and washed,
A small piece of Ginger,
1 Tbsp grated Coconut,
1 Tbsp Onion, cut,
2 green chillies,
1-2 Cloves of Garlic,
Few drops of Lime juice,
Salt to taste.
Red Garlic chutney for vada pav
easily available.
Method:
For the vadas, break the boiled potatoes into
pieces and add ginger, garlic and green chilly paste.
Also add grated coconut, salt, turmeric powder, lime
juice and sugar.
Now add the tempering in which red chilly powder has
been added.
Make lemon size balls.
Mix the batter ingredients.
Put oil to heat to fry the vadas.
Dip each vada into the batter and fry until golden
brown.
Grind the green chutney in a mixer jar.
Assemble the vada pav, for this slight the pav,
now on one side apply the green chutney and
on the other side the red garlic chutney.
Even butter can be applied and sweet tamarind
chutney.
Now put one vada, close the pav and serve.