Do u know ' Som tam'.

Do u know ' Som tam'.
Papaya salad, locally known as som tam.
Green papaya salad is loved throughout SE Asia in various forms.
It is a Northeastern Thai / Lao / Cambodian spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya.
The dish combines the four main tastes of the local cuisine, sour lime, hot chili, salty fish sauce, and sweetness added by palm sugar. The ingredients are mixed and pounded in a mortar; the Thai name som tam literally translates as "sour pounded".
The Laotian name, tam mak hoong literally means "pounded papaya".
When not yet ripe, papaya has a slightly tangy flavor.
The texture is crisp and firm, sometimes to the point of crunchiness. The few items that are pounded in the mortar 
with the pestle: are Chili, Sugar (traditionally palm sugar), Garlic, Lime, Tomatoes and some other also.
Even green beans and halved cherry tomatoes are added.
All over Thailand the addition of peanuts, for example, is a distinctively Thai thing.
Papaya salad is often served with sticky rice and ping gai / kai yang (grilled chicken). The two most popular types of green papaya salad have either dried shrimp or salted crab.
Green papaya salad with dried shrimp and peanuts is called som tum thai.
The green papaya salad with salted crab is called som tum pbooh.

interesting facts about vegetables N fruits

Read these interesting facts about vegetables that we may not know.
For instance, most of us think that watermelon is a fruit, but they are actually vegetables and they belong to the cucumber, pumpkin family. The largest watermelon in the world weighs more than 260 pounds.
Why do u cry when you cut an onion?
When you cut an onion, it releases amino acids sulfoxides, which turn into sulfenic acids.
Switch on a fan to throw the sulphuric gas away from you.
You can also put the onion in a bowl of water.
Try to keep the onion in the fridge as the cold air in the fridge will slow the chemical reactions inside the onion.
Have u heard of this. There is another fun fact about ' Thymes.'
In England, thymes are planted in large patches. It is believed that the fairies would play in the patches.
Do u know that the top green leaves of the beets are edible and they are the most nutritious part of beets.
All the nutrients in potatoes are below the skin layer, so it is best to cook potatoes with skin.
How did a strawberry get its name?
Some believe that the name comes from the practice of placing straws around the growing strawberry plants.
Others say that the name evolved around 1000 years ago from
the word, 'strew' that means 'spread', applicable to runners that spread outwards from the strawberry plants.
Tomatoes are the world’s most popular fruit!
There are at least 10,000 varieties of tomatoes, from small cherry ones to Ponderosa.
Ancient Greeks and Romans thought basil would only grow if you screamed wild curses and shouted while sowing the seeds.
Cilantro was one of the plants growing in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon more than 2,500 years ago!
Although considered a vegetable when cooking, squash is actually a fruit.
Eggplants are members of the potato family.
Broccoli and cauliflower are the only vegetables that are also flowers!.

Vada Pav is the most famous snack.

COMING UP WITH MY VERY OWN RECIPE . . .

Vada Pav is the most famous Mumbai roadside snack.
 Vada pav (Marathi: वड़ा पाव) is a popular vegetarian fast food dish native to the Indian state of Maharashtra.
It consists of a batata vada sandwiched between 2 slices of a pav. The word batata vada means in Marathi and Gujarati a vada made out of batata, the latter means made from a potato. Pav refers to unsweetened bread or bun. Pav is a soft bun bread, the popular bread eaten with ' pav bhaji'.
The process of making these ' vada pav' is simple. In it cut green chilies and ginger and a phodani (tempering) of mustard seeds and turmeric are added to a mash of boiled potatoes, and then dipping patties of the mashed potatoes in a seasoned batter of gram flour, the patties are deep-fried.
Vada pav is typically served with a chutney (sauce) which is commonly made out of shredded coconut “meat”, tamarind pulp, and garlic.
The vada made from a spicy potato which is deep fried in a gram flour batter. It is served with a hot and spicy garlic chutney, it is served in between a "Laddi Pav".
The cheapest and most easily available snack at all railway stations and every ‘galli‘ or street.
It used to be "poor man's food", but these days even the rich and famous can be seen eating it at Mumbai's roadside food stalls!

lots of health benefits together..

Sweet corn is rich in vitamin B1, vitamin B5, vitamin C, folate, phosphorus, dietary fiber, manganese, sugar, carbohydrates, soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamins, minerals, sodium, amino acids and more.
Sweet corn works as an antioxidant that can prevent cardiovascular problems and also fight cancer.
Studies reveal that sweet corn may actually provide more nutrition than most vegetables and fruits.
The Star fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and low in sugar, sodium and acid. It's a good source of potassium and vitamin C, and a source of dietary fiber.
 Brussels sprouts are the same species that includes cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi. .
They contain good amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid
and dietary fiber.
The Kokum shorbet is a refreshing and healthy drink. 
This drink is an excellent remedy for sunstroke and is very popular during summer. Kokum juice is especially popular during scorching summer months as it has a cooling effect 
on the body and shields the body against dehydration and sunstroke.
Lotus stem are very rich in iron and calcium content besides high dietary fiber. It is highly recommended for pregnant women. People with chronic complain of constipation .
Bitter gourds are very low in calories. It is an excellent source of vitamin C. Bitter gourd is high in iron, contains double amount of the calcium than spinach. It is very beneficial to lower sugar levels in blood and urine.
Bitter gourd has superb blood purifying properties. Bitter gourd is also helpful to treat many respiratory disorders.
Lemon juice daily first thing in the morning eliminates water retention, helps with weight reduction, and keeps the system alkaline. Lemons and Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, one of the most important antioxidants in nature.
Boost iron in your system: Add amla to green chutney.
Cook greens in ironware. Go for regular brisk walks.
Sprouts are said to be rich in digestible energy, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, these nutrients are essential  for human health.  "Sprouts nourish and strengthen the whole body, including the vital immune system."
 Did You Know the pumpkin is full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Our Pumpkin is full of goodness, also known as Kaddu . . . ' the Red pumpkin.'
Studies show pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. Also helps fights the development of lung cancer.  Lowers Cholesterol, Lowers Blood Pressure, Promotes Heart Health. A glass of the juice will improve the blood flow to the heart, so also called 'tonic' for the heart. It has Vitamins A, C, E and Folic acid.
 The Chickoo is rich in dietary fiber, the fruit has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-bacterial, and anti-parasitic effects. Also good source of minerals like potassium, copper, iron  and vitamins.
Try using Coriander leaves in daily cooking as it stimulates, strengthens n helps digestion.
Eat lots of Pineapple, it has an enzyme that cleans the mouth.
In summer, drink lots of coconut water, buttermilk, jaljeera, fresh lime water and ice teas. They keep you hydrated and charged.

What is ' Dalchini '?
Its common name is ' Cinnamon '.
Cinnamon is an evergreen tree, the dried leaves and the inner bark of which is used world over as a spice or condiment.
The bark is dried into cinnamon sticks or quills.
It has a warm, sweet and aromatic taste and a pleasing fragrance.
There are four varieties Ceylon (Sri Lanka) cinnamon and cinnamon cassia (Chinese) are the most popular.
The sweet aroma and warm taste of cinnamon makes it a unique spice for cooking or baking.
Cinnamon tree was known to ancient physicians even before 2700 BC. The health benefits are Cinnamon contains calcium, phosphorous, iron, sodium potassium thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins C and A.
It is also Anti-oxidant, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-inflammatory n Anti-clotting agent.
Cinnamon checks nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
It stimulates digestion. Cinnamon serves as a good mouth freshener thus overcome bad breath.
Cinnamon is probably one of the most aromatic of the spices. Cinnamon, an important ingredient of "garam masala" .
Cinnamon spice in Hindi called ' Dalchini ' gives a very good taste and flavor to dishes so it is used in cinnamon roll, cinnamon buns, cinnamon toast and other dessert recipes. Cinnamon powder
can be made by roasting the whole cinnamon and then crushing into fine powder. A blender may be used for making a powder of the cinnamon.

Do u have ' Allergy Proof Home '

Do u have ' Allergy Proof Home '. . . 
FEW HOUSE TIPS...
Do you have allergies because of dust mites, mold, roach droppings, and animal dander that can trigger leaving you itching, swelling, and sniffling. So banish allergens at home so you can be sneeze-free.
Dust mites and mold thrive in moisture. Keep humidity in your home lower than 50 percent with a dehumidifier, air conditioner, or heating system.
Allergens collect in places like carpet, curtains, blinds, and upholstered couches and chairs.
Steam clean carpets every few months; a study showed that when followed by vacuuming, such cleaning reduced dust.
Choose hardwood floors, vinyl, or linoleum instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
Launder all your bedding including blankets, sheets, and pillowcases at once a week.
Clean your home frequently. Vacuum, dust, and wipe down flat surfaces with a damp cloth or mop.
Keep your kitchen clean and store food in closed containers.

Focaccia, the dimpled bread . . .

Focaccia, the dimpled bread . . .
Focaccia is a flat oven-baked Italian bread, which may be topped with herbs or other ingredients. It is similar in style 
and texture to pizza, but not considered to be the same.
Focaccia is popular in Italy and is usually seasoned with olive oil and salt, and sometimes herbs, and may be topped with onion, cheese and meat, or flavored with a number of vegetables.
Focaccia doughs are similar in style and texture to pizza doughs, consisting of high-gluten flour, oil, water, salt and yeast.
Bakers often puncture the bread with a knife to relieve bubbling on the surface of the bread. Also common is the practice of dotting the bread.
The focaccia is dimpled and the dimpling in the dough is usually accomplished by poking it gently with the fingers just before dressing the bread. The dimples collects oil as the bread bakes, releasing the toppings in an explosion of flavor when they are bitten.
Focaccia can be used as a side to many meals, as a base for pizza, or as sandwich bread.
There are numerous variations of focaccia bread found around the world. Traditional focaccia comes in many flavors and shapes, and can be savory or sweet.
The basic recipe is thought by some to have originated with the Etruscans or ancient Greeks, but today it is widely associated with Ligurian cuisine.
Ligurian is a coastal region of north-western Italy.
No wonder this bread is considered "A wonderful, quick alternative to garlic bread. Lots of herbs and lots of flavor!"