Tag: food

Utterly, Butterly, flavourly…Butter!

People, simply love it. The Butter. It is rich, creamy, lush and appetizing; making everything soft and mouth-watering. This exquisite thing, called Butter is just lovely and elegant. You can put it on anything, solid or melted and taste miraculously improves just by the little addition of it. In Indian culture, it has gained so much popularity because Lord Krishna loves it so much and the Janamashtami festival reminds us all about butter and the love and irresistance for butter that makes small Krishna steal it. The fat myth of butter is a little disturbing, but the infinite health benefits of butter just cover it up. It has been considered as a threat to the dieters but if taken in moderation, it is of immense goodness for them too. We all know, Butter is a dairy product made by churning fresh or fermented milk to separate the butterfat from buttermilk and is high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and healthy fats. Butter is a kitchen essential and one of those foods which turn almost any simple, bland food into rich, luscious masterpiece meal.
In case, if you are one of them who avoid butter because it will make you fat or cause you heart disease, then you should reconsider your facts, as this yummy treat has so much good to offer and you just can’t resist this rich, buttery butter. Even, it has been proved that butter is way healthier choice than margarine and spreads. Let’s have a look on the super awesome, rich, healthy wealthy benefits of so called ‘makhan’;

It contains healthy saturated fats: Butter has lots of saturated fats which raise the good cholesterol (HDL) and change the LDL (bad cholesterol). Also, butter contains short and medium chain fats, which lead to increased fat burning and improved satiety and new studies show that there is no association between heart disease and saturated fats.
It is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and healthy ‘calories’: it contains fat soluble vitamins which are vitamin A, E, K2. The grass-fed butter is particularly rich in Vitamin K2, which provides us with powerful health benefits as it is involved in calcium metabolism and prevents many chronic diseases. Though, it has a high calorie content, but these are healthy calories and are beneficial for the body.
It is rich in Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Especially, grass fed butter is a great source of CLA, which is a fatty acid and has powerful effects on metabolism and is also a great weight loss supplement. Also, It has been shown to improve body composition in many studies and have anti-cancer properties.

It is linked with lower risk of obesity: Despite having high calorie content, eating high-fat butter is not associated with obesity and weight gain. It has been researched and results are shown that high- fat dairy product, butter is not linked with obesity, did not increase risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. It breaks down fat and use them more efficiently and also satisfies many cravings, thus helping you in your weight loss.
It makes your skin glow: As, it has Vitamin E and antioxidants, it is excellent for skincare. It helps to smoothen the skin and makes it elastic, supple, soft and keep it healthy. It has an essential antioxidant mineral, called selenium, which gives your skin, a healthy glow.
It lowers the heart attack risk: It is a myth that margarine is better than butter. The health food, butter is more heart healthy and lowers down the risk of heart attack. It is replaced and science doesn’t back up this claim of being margarine is healthier than butter as margarine contains highly processed trans fats, while butter has high Vitamin K2 content and that’s why it lowers down heart attack risk.
It lubricates the joints and protects against Arthritis: It is great for people who are suffering from arthritis as it gives lubrication to the joints and helps in reducing the pain associated with it. It was found that it helps in the production of compounds that lubricates the joints. The raw or unpasteurized butter has anti-stiffness property, also known as Wulzen factor, that protects against degenerative arthritis.
It has cancer-fighting properties: The short and medium chain fatty acids help in fighting cancer and inhibit tumor growth. Also, it is rich in CLA, which is a strong anti cancer fatty acid which prevents the cancer. So, a diet rich in grass fed butter deters the cancer growth and prevents it.
It promotes and develops a healthy brain and nervous system: Butter, a health food is high in cholesterol and our brains needs cholesterol to function properly and in addition, it has a unique, highly absorbable form of vitamin D, which is important for proper functioning of the nervous system. It is very essential food in children’s diet as it aids the proper development in their growth stage. The nourishment from butter is of utmost importance during the growing stages of childhood.

Now, being familiar with so many perks of butter, the only learning it gave us; Don’t shun butter out of your daily diet schedule, rather include it in moderate quantities in creative ways in your food and enjoy it to the fullest. Because Happy eating is healthy eating. Keep enjoying utterly, butterly dishes.
BUTTER… yummmmy!

July 7, 2014
Simple Side Dishes!

A side dish is as important as the main dish.

Simple Sides add on to the value and taste of the star of the meal, that is, the mains. Without them, the mains might have lost a considerable amount of their zing.

Be it mashed potatoes, baked beans, dinner rolls, couscous, rice, bread, macaroni and cheese, salads, baked potatoes, French fries or soups – all are delicious sides and compliment wholeheartedly their respective main courses.

In a restaurant, the side is usually included with the combination meal, as for example when you order the Chicken Zinger Meal in KFC, you are served French Fries (the side) along with your Chicken Zinger Burger (the main).

While ordering a sumptuous Sizzler at, say, Peter Cat, the simple sautéed vegetables serve as your side dish.

Here are Eight Simple Sides for you:

(Enjoy!)

Garlic Bread Toasts

Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 12

Great side with: Broad bean bruschetta

Ingredients: 2 ciabatta loaves, 140g butter (softened), 4-6 garlic cloves (crushed), handful parsley (chopped), 2 tbsp finely grated parmesan

Directions: Slice the bread in half lengthwise. Toast the crust side for 2 minutes until really crispy. Mix together butter, garlic and parsley in a bowl. Spread over the cut bread halves. Sprinkle over the Parmesan. Just before serving place on a baking sheet, then cook under a hot grill for 5 minutes until toasty and lightly golden. Let it cool for 1 min before cutting into thick slices.

Cracked Potato Salad

Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Great side with: Bbq

Ingredients: 750g small new potatoes, 4 tbsp white wine, 2 tbsp olive oil, a small sliced red onion, 3 tbsp roughly chopped parsley

Directions: Boil the new potatoes for 15-20 minutes then drain and return to the pan. Lightly bash each potato with a masher or fork so they are cracked but still whole. Return to the heat and pour in the white wine. Boil fiercely for 2-3 minutes until most of the wine has evaporated. Stir in the olive oil, small thinly sliced red onion and roughly chopped parsley. Season and toss together.

Sweet Potato Chips

Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

Great side with: Homemade burgers

Ingredients: 4 sweet potatoes (scrubbed and cut into large chips), 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, freshly grated nutmeg

Directions: Heat oven to 200C.In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato chips with oil and soy sauce. Transfer to a shallow roasting tin and season with black pepper and nutmeg, if you like. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until crisp.

Pea Mash and Mint Vinaigrette

Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 4

Great side with: Fish

Ingredients:

4 spring onions, knob of butter, 1 head Little Gem lettuce (leaves shredded), 250g frozen peas, large bunch of mint, ½ glass white wine, 5-6 tbsp double cream

For the dressing- 3 tbsp white wine or cider vinegar, 100ml light olive oil

Directions: Shred the spring onions and soften in a pan with the butter. Add the lettuce leaves, peas, half the mint, white wine and a little salt and pepper. Cover and cook gently for 10 minutes.Stir in the cream, then purée until smooth. Return to a pan to keep warm.Finely chop remaining mint leaves. Add vinegar, then whisk in the oil in a steady trickle. Season.Cook the fish to your liking and serve on the pea mash with a trickle of mint vinaigrette.

Wild Rice Salad

Time: 5 minutes

Serves: 5

Great side with: Spicy Stews

Ingredients: 250g pouch microwavable wild rice, 1 red onion (thinly sliced), small handful of sultanas, 3 carrots (grated), zest and juice 1 lemon, 1 tbsp honey

Directions: Heat rice according to the pack instructions. Put onion and sultanas in a bowl and pour on boiling water to cover. Leave to stand 1 min, then drain and stir in rice and carrot.Mix in the lemon zest and juice, honey and seasoning, and then serve.

Sweet and Sour Kale with Garlic and Anchovy

Time: 10minutes

Serves: 4

Great side with: Roasted Lamb

Ingredients:400g kale (shredded), 4 tbsp olive oil, 4 garlic cloves (sliced), 2 anchovies (chopped), 1 tsp golden caster sugar, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

Directions: Cook the kale in a large pan of boiling water for about 4 minutes until just tender. Drain, then place the empty pan back on the heat with the oil. Sizzle the garlic and anchovy, and then add the sugar and vinegar and bubble for a moment. Toss the kale back into the pan to reheat, and then tip everything into a side dish.

Roast Tomatoes with Pesto

Time: 20

Serves: 4

Great side with: Lemon Rubbed Salmon

Ingredients: 6 large ripe tomatoes, 50g fresh basil, 25g toasted pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, 100ml olive oil, 25g freshly grated parmesan

Directions: Heat oven to 190 C. Halve the tomatoes and arrange them in a single layer, cut side up in a roasting tin.To make the pesto: put the basil, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor and whizz to a paste. With the motor running, drizzle in the oil. Transfer to a bowl, stir in the parmesan, then season to taste. Spoon about 2 tsp pesto over each tomato, and then roast for 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are tender. Serve with grilled lamb and a crisp green salad.

Wilted Chicory with Melted Taleggio Cheese

Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

Great side with: Pork Sausages

Ingredients: 2 heads white chicory, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 small shallot (chopped), 100g taleggio cheese, pinch of dried oregano

Directions: Preheat the grill to high. Trim the chicory and cut lengthways into quarters. Heat the olive oil in a shallow pan over a moderate heat and soften the shallot for 2 minutes. Add the chicory quarters, cut side down, and cook for 3 minutes. Turn them over, cover the pan and cook for another 3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.Slice the cheese, arrange the pieces over the chicory and sprinkle the oregano on top. Slide under the hot grill for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbling. Serve immediately.

July 7, 2014
Keep Munching and still lose weight!

Yes, I know eating anything without getting worried about gaining weight is like an unaccomplished dream for many. It is natural if you are body shape conscious, you will obviously consider how many fat and calories you are taking in. The obesity outbreak has reached everywhere and people are trying hard to apply course of action to control their sweet tooth and other food cravings. But if I say you can enjoy food without increasing your kilos and still lose weight while eating what you fancy, you will be delighted, no?! Well, get ready to know some easy, quick, in-control ways to enjoy eating and reclaim your waistline without worrying about it so much.

This is like a challenge which almost every food lovers face; how to enjoy all the delicious things which the world has to offer and still maintain a lean body shape.
When was the last time you enjoyed freely that utterly flavorful Biryani or that plate of dessert or cookies? Don’t feel bad if you can’t recall even a single time, it happens in today’s fitness conscious world. But what if you could indulge in your favorite foods without a single thought for how many calories, grams of fats they contain, and still lose weight? La Flamme says, that if you’re overweight,”there’s a good chance that you’re pleasure deprived and have been using food as a fast and easy substitute for play, joy and sensuality.” Stress may also be the cause of more and more eating. They say that people often reach out for unhealthy, alluring foods when they are stressed, sad. So it is really important to find the root cause of that stress and sadness, which needs to be tackled first. To use pleasure and contentment as a weight-loss tool; enjoy food more while eating less and acknowledge when a non-edible food of joy, be it chatting with friends or playing with that little cute baby, will pacify your soul more than that another helping of dessert. And when you’re at it, forget you have ever heard of the concept of calories. Just enjoy it from the heart and cherish it.

Slow down and enjoy every bite to the full: It is recommended by many weight-loss experts to slow down while eating. Eating slowly has many benefits, so be mindful while eating. The reason behind it is that when we eat quickly, we tend to overeat, not because we’re hungry, but because we don’t feel satisfied even when we’re done. The importance of yoga, exercise and eating mindfully is always emphasized. Slowing down helps you to recognize when your joy in the food is diminishing and gives your body time to send those signals to brain and recognize them.

Find contentment in everything you do and have: You can combat stress and as well eat less when you find happiness and gratification in almost everything you do, you have and whatever you indulge and participate in. Be it that relaxing massage, or morning cup of coffee or tea, a warm bubble bath, the fresh scent of lavender, a soft, silky dress, luscious ripe strawberries, rich dark chocolate, warm sunshine on your skin, your favorite work of art, laughter shared with bestfriends, the sound of rain hitting the roof. Be it anything you like and enjoy. This way it helps a lot in keeping off your mind from food, and you will feel happy, joyful and amused altogether.
Eat what makes you feel good: Try to consume all those things which turns you into a positive good mood and sometimes, that quick mood boost and upliftment can be your favorite treat, if eaten mindfully. But a pleasure based diet should not mean munching on pastries, chips or cookies. Just one piece can make you happy, rather two will give you stomachache. Control these over indulgence and sweet tooth cravings, and eat mindfully, it will help. Don’t make food your pastime. You may be shocked to find that the foods that give you so much pleasure are actually good for you, like a slice of juicy watermelon or a piece of fresh fish or corns or the juicy fruits. Here, the essence lies in mindful eating, which leads to happy and healthy diet. Also, we are much conscious of our food choices in mindful eating. When we pay attention to what’s on our plate, without any distractions to tv, work, computer, we tend to enjoy food better and feel satisfied much sooner and that is the key.
Amplify your bliss: To boost your bliss, there are some surprising ways, which starts through creating a list of the feelings and sensations; taste, sights, scents and sounds that give you a happiness hit. Taste; Researches show that the biggest fulfillment and buzz of joy comes from an unhealthy combination of sweet and fat stuff, but nutritious food can also be a source of joy. Aroma; The scent of food which is appealing seems pleasurable too. Try to avoid it. Sight; When you gaze at pieces that are beautiful, there are signs of being delighted. So, the alternative can be; visit art galleries and surround yourself with home décor that pleases the eye. Sound; Just listening to soothing, relaxing music releases dopamine in the brain, which gives you relaxing feeling and thoughts. The more pleasure you feel, less you will reach out to unhealthy substitutes of food.
If you work these alternatives in your life on a regular basis, you’ll be less likely to reach out for appealing, alluring unhealthy foods to make you feel good and when you’re craving a muffin or cookies or Moong dal Halwa; you’ll have a plenty of guilt-free, full of content and pleasure giving alternatives. So, be mindful while eating and pamper yourself with slender waistline.

Mindful eating. Happy Life.

July 7, 2014
Treat From The South!

Think of South India and the first thing that comes to the head of a North Indian like me is the yummy ‘Idli and Dosas’. But what else do we know about South Indian cuisine except the fact that it is amazingly delicious. But there is a lot more to know about our favourite cuisine.

South India being hot and humid climatically, gets rain in abundance each year and so fresh fruit, vegetables and rice are readily available throughout the year. Malabari cooking comes from Kerala with its catalogue of yummy seafood dishes. Nizams have ruled Hyderabad so the food that comes from Andhra is rich and full flavour. The food is full of dry fruits and nuts (and especially exotic spices like Saffron.)

On the whole, South Indian cuisine is the hottest of all Indian cuisines. Most of the meals are centred on rice and are rice based. Sāmbhar is a soup-like lentil with which is rice is combined. Rasam is a hot-sour lentil soup, again eaten with rice dishes.

Yes they love Rice! No meal in South India is complete without rice being an active participant in the entire cooking process! Idles, Dosas, Uttapams are all a part of their daily meal. Coconut oil is usually used for cooking and frying purposes and vegetable oils and ghee is spread over rice when meals are cooked on special occasions. Curry leaves, mustard and peppercorns are the main ingredients in every south Indian dish.

Let’s talk about the various culinary schools of South India:

Andhra: Food from Andhra is mostly vegetarian but in the coastal areas of the state, you would get to taste a variety of seafood. Prawns and fish are fried in coconut oil and ground pepper is used to flavour the dish. Again, Andhra food is usually served with rice. Rice and Sāmbhar along with other lentil preparations, steamed vegetables that are flavoured with coconut oil are all a part of the Andhra culinary school. Pakodas and vadas are served for snack. They taste even more delicious when they are dipped in Sāmbhar. One can also try the payasam or the exotic Hyderabadi Sheer Khurma for dessert. Andhra cuisine will definitely take you heart away!

Karnataka: On a visit to the state of Karnataka? Then you would surely find a typical Kannad meal served to you that would include very specific dishes and in a definite order. And the surprising part! You start your meal with a dessert! Then come some soup-like dishes as majjige huli, Kootu, saaru etc. and these are eaten with rice. The raita comes next and then the Bonda is served. Finally, the meal is ended by serving a bowl of curd rice. For sweets, try the famous Mysore Pak, Pedha or Chiroti!

Hyderabad: The fancy Nizams and the even fancier and amazingly delicious cuisine from Hyderabad. The cuisine from Hyderabad is a combination of techniques of the Muslim rulers and the vibrant spices and ingredients from the local Hindu people. It tastes sour and sweet and everyone who tries it returns to Hyderabad for some more. It is one of India’s most exotic and finest cuisines and people from all across the globe love to savour their tatste buds with the Hyderabadi Biryani.

Tamil Nadu: Cuisine from Tamil Nadu is popularly called ‘Chettichand Cuisine’. If you think that its tastes similar to the simple, bland cuisine of the traditional Tamil Brahmins, then you are definitely mistaken, because Chettichand cuisine is one the oiliest and the most aromatic food in the country. Though, Chetiars are popular for their yummy vegetarian meals, their preparations also include a variety of other items like meat, fish etc. Since I already mentioned that its one of the “oiliest “cuisine, the use of oil is extremely liberal while cooking these dishes and have a large amount of bay leaves, cinnamon and red chillies in them. Some popular dishes are veruval which is a dish fried in spices and onions, poriyal is a curry and kuzambu is a dish which has ingredients that are stewed in gravy of spices and coconut. And where there is oil and spice, can pickles be far behind? So you will find that a variety of pickles and pappads and dry snacks are a part of Tamil Cuisine too. Murukkus are small spiral shaped snack fried out of rice dough. Other small snacks include thattai, masala vada, etc.

Kerala: Kerala is popular for its pancakes rice cakes that are steamed. Kerala is a state which home to various religious communities and this is a reason behind the repertoire of dishes one finds when Kerala cuisine is mentioned. For the Muslims, Biryani is a must. This flavoured Biryani is made of mutton and fish.

In districts like Kottayam and Pala, which are largely inhabited by Christians, a dish called ‘ishtew’ with appam is permanent dish that one finds in every marriage reception. There are fermented beverages which form a part of the Kerala cuisine. Kallu and patta charayam are one of these.

July 7, 2014
PROS AND CONS OF ONLINE GROCERY SHOPPING

Almost everybody has computers or if not then mobiles make sure they do have internet access. Gone are the days when we used to stay in the crowd outside the mall or shops having 50% sale on the items. Malls have become more like a hangout spot and there is little countable stuff that you can’t shop for online. For the internet savvy generation of ours we don’t prefer to sweat much for shopping households and clothing. Just be on the mailing list of thee online shopping websites and they’ll make sure you’re notified about any clearance sale or end of season discounts on the items available. From furniture to nail lacquer almost everything is covered under the online shopping but when it comes to groceries and staples, is online shopping reliable option? Let’s look upon some of the PROS and CONS of online grocery shopping.

PROS

NO MORE QUEUING UP!

They are becoming increasingly popular option of shopping, especially in urban centers and metropolitan cities. Why? Because we all somewhere hate the rush in the grocery shops, the limited sale or discounted items and waiting in long lines for checkout. These websites offer discounts and reward points and deliver as per the convenience of the customer.

INDULGE IN VARIETY!

Additionally apart from providing the convenience of sitting at home and shopping, online grocery shopping offers products available from different brands and in various quantities.
One can opt for organic or hybrid vegetables and in staples different brands are available to choose for like from fancy expensive brands to homemade/cooked ones.

ROUND THE CLOCK SERVICE!

You can shop anytime in 24 hours, start the computer, visit the website, select items, choose the desired delivery time and you’re all set. No more visiting fish market every Sunday when you can just order from your computer where selection varies from local to exquisite seafood delivered at your home. The door to door delivery system also makes sure customers get their groceries at the desired time slot too. So, if u work or by any chance not at your home at the delivery time, you can always reschedule the delivery.

THE END OF OVERSPEND!

Websites keep a sidetrack of total cart cost which helps customer to prevent overspending too much. Admittedly, we all have a list ready when we enter the store and checkout with spending double the preset budget. They also seasonally introduce discount, offers and combo packs by which you can buy more, saving more.

TIME SAVED!

The online shopping websites offer you different features, one of which is “Smart Buy”. Here, you can save up your frequently bought groceries and staples which save up time for the next purchase. So, it doesn’t require all that effort to put the items you often buy browsing different categories in the website.

FOR THAT LAST SECOND RUSH!

Online shopping for staples is lifesaver for the last moment panics! Forgot about the dinner plan or wasn’t able to prepare any sweets for the special occasion and no time to visit a store and buy all of it? Buy it online and get it delivered on your doorstep!

NOT SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE?

Almost every website covers Returns and refunds procedure totally hassle-free! If not in cash, there are now features like “E-wallet” which stores your refunded amount to be used for future transactions on the websites.

CONS

Now, highlighting some of the problems with the obvious convenience of online shopping of groceries and essentials:

FOR THE SHOPAHOLICS!

Come on, we all can admit that buying an item from a store still have that personal attention paid to the merchandise and attached reliability than getting it delivered on the doorstep.

FOR THAT CUSTOMIZED QUALITY CHECK

When we buy groceries especially fruits, and that considering buying from “mandi’s” we have the privilege of tasting a bite or two for the “Quality check”. This is pretty much missed in online shopping where either the user or the websites rating can be trusted and we have to be either satisfied with quality or return it every time.

FOR THE ONLINE PAYMENT PITFALL

Though there is a clear advantage to have the convenience of payment transactions online, it cannot always be relied upon. If not fraud then the technical errors may sometime lead to deduction of amount from the account without the completion of transaction.

CAREFUL OF THE COST COVER UP!

As mentioned above, websites offer discounts and money saver combo packs which make the shopping much less costlier but in some cases this is made up through shipping charges or the minimum cart value for delivery services.

CHECK FOR RETURN AND REFUND POLICIES!

If the website you’re shopping on doesn’t cover all the items under return or refund policies then it would be difficult to get reimbursement for the items. Website’s customer care service also defines what quality of service they would be providing you.

Online shopping is so convenient that we can access it not only from the computers but also from your own Smartphone! So, if we keep some points in check we could save ourselves the sweat from carrying 3 kilo grocery bag all up to the 4^th floor and enjoy the benefit of getting the chores done by some clicks! Happy Shopping!

July 7, 2014
Food Walk – Part I

Photo Walk.

Sure.

But how many of you have heard of “FOOD WALK”?

Food Walk (definition):

You walk. You go places. You try out different delicacies. You eat, eat and eat.

Your knowledge of food increases tenfold. Your waist-line – not so much, since you are literally walking the whole way and that makes up for all the calories you intake.

Going around the city with my friends from college, I have learnt a great deal about my Kolkata and its food culture. We, more often, hit the old cabins of the yesteryears than the posh Park Street restaurants – because, well, we are students at the end of the day with just enough cash for our endeavors.

One of the very first places we went to was Das Cabin, situated in Gariahat. We googled it’s speciality : Moghlai , Kosha Mangsho( Spiced Chicken/Mutton) with Roti and Kobiraji. And the foodies that we are, we ordered all three. The prices were quite reasonable and the food was impeccable. The Moghlai was small and soft with a considerable amount of filling. I would have to say I have had better – in South Pole, to be precise, which is also in Gariahat(Note: South Pole serves Moghlai only after 3 p.m.). The Kosha Mangsho was delicious and can give good competition to the one in the famous Golabari in Shyambazar. And the Kabiraji – o the kabiraji! – was crisp, made with the right amount of spice in the patty and with each bite, you could literally hear the angels sing.

A try-at-home recipe –

Fish Kobiraji

Ingredients: 10 bhetki fillets, ½ tsp mustard powder, ½ tsp black pepper powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander and mint leaves (chopped), 10 Eggs, 2 tbsp cornflour, 2 tsp Breadcrumbs (optional), Juice of one lemon, Salt

Direction: Wash the bekti fillet under running water, pat them dry and soak in salt and lemon juice for 20 minutes. Mix the mustard powder, red chili powder, black pepper powder, coriander and mint leaves together and apply on the each side of the fillets evenly and refrigerate it for another 20 minutes. Beat the eggs and mix the cornflour, breadcrumbs with salt. Heat some oil in a pan and add two tablespoons of egg mixture. As soon as it becomes fluffy add the marinated fish fillet and quickly cover it with the egg mixture. Fry on low to Medium heat till done. Serve hot with kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce) and salad.

Another day, we decided to walk from Presidency University to New Market, from there to Sudder Street and thereby, in the end, landing up in Park Street. If you walk to the right of Presidency University, a little near College Square, you will find a tiny old cabin reminiscing its old world charms. Favourite Cabin is a cabin which has tales etched in all its nooks and corners; oft frequented by the older generation, it felt amazing to sit there, the only people below 55, sipping 3-rupees-milk-tea, biting into crunchy Cream Roll and observing the theatric conversations buzzing around us.

Sudder Street, however shady it may be, has quite a few good food places – Blue Sky Café and Spanish Café being the most popular ones. I’m yet to visit Blue Sky Café but having chanced upon Spanish Café, I got to say it serves reasonably priced and yummilicious food. Their Café Bombon is a must-have! The Chocolate Pancake is simply a piece of ambrosia. The Mint Tea is refreshing – the way you feel when you hear Richard Stoltzman’s The Maid With Flaxen Hair. In short, you absolutely must try them!

Here are the home-made alternatives –

Chocolate Pancake

Ingredients: 1 cup refined flour (maida), 3 tbsp chocolate grated, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, ½ tsp soda, 1 cup Milk, 2 tbsp butter melted, 1 egg, ¼ cup sugar, ½ tsp salt, Castor sugar (to sprinkle)

Direction: Sieve together flour, baking soda, cocoa powder into a bowl. Add milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, salt and mix well. Heat the skillet and pour a ladleful of batter on the skillet and cook on both sides until brown. Serve hot sprinkled with caster sugar and grated chocolate on top.

Mint Tea

Ingredients: 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (pudina), 2 tea bags or 2 tsp tea leaves, 2 and half cups of water (each cup being equal to 250 ml), milk, sugar (as per taste)

Direction: Wash the mint leaves in water. In a tea pan or tea maker, add water. Add the mint leaves. Boil the water for 3-4 minutes till the flavors and aroma of the mint starts infusing in the water. The water will start becoming green. Let the quantity of green color in the water increase considerably. Add the tea leaves. Add sugar. Add milk and let the tea come to a boil. Serve the mint tea with light tea-time biscuits. If using tea bags, then put off the burner. In the hot water, dip the tea bags for 2-3 mins. Add sugar and hot milk. Stir and serve.

(To be continued)

July 7, 2014
Do’s and don’ts for diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a sort of chronic metabolic disorder which leads to a failure in converting body sugars, starches and other foods into energy.Generally during the process of digestion the food we take is converted into glucose which is carried through the body by the bloodstream.This glucose is converted into energy by the hormone insulin.But in diabetic people the body does not make enough insulin or it wont make better use of it.Generally there are two types of diabetes.

Type 1:

This type of diabetes is generally known as Juvenile Onset Diabetes.In this stage the body produces very little insulin or no insulin.This can be occurred mostly in children or in the teens.People who is having this type of diabetes need to take daily insulin injections.People who are having this type of diabetes must take balanced diet and and regular insulin injections daily to stay alive.

Type 2:

This type of diabetes mostly occurs for the people between the age of 35 to 40 years.Out of these two type of diabetes type 2 occurs the most for about 80 percent of the diabetics.In this type as though the pancreas produce sufficient insulin but the body cells show less sensitivity towards it.This is occurred mainly due to obesity and the best way to control is to have controlled diet and regular exercise.Some times insulin injections are also needed for this type of diabetes.

Food that must be avoided:

1) Salt:

Salt is the most regular culprit for the occurring of diabetes.As we intake vegetables they contain sufficient salt,so we can reduce the intake of inorganic salt.

Salt

2) Sugar:

Sugar is containing large amounts of calories and carbohydrates.In order to digest this sucrose we need more calcium.So it is better to replace sugar with its substitute like honey, jaggery etc.,

Sugar

3) Fat:

It is better not to take large amount of fats as it is not good for health.In our food we must try to avoid fried items completely.But we must see that the intake of fats must be sufficient for the soluble of vitamins especially like vitamin E.

fat-content

4) From non vegetarians:

It is not advisable to take dark red colored meat completely as the intake of it also leads to diabetes.Going to vegetarian diet is helpful for the people who cant leave the consumption of eggs poultry.But eating fish is good for health and also some of the fats and oils present in it are good for body metabolism.

Avoid non vegetarian

5) Whole milk and products:

Taking in pure milk is not so good for health but we can take low fat milk and milk derived products like yogurt or curd.Milk based products like cheese contains lot of fat and it can be replaced with low fat cottage cheese.

Milk products

6) Tea and coffee:

It is better to avoid decaffeinated tea every day and we can switch to herbal teas instead of it.Drinking two cups is not restricted but more than that is not so good for diabetic patients.

Coffee-Tea

7) White flour and its products:

Replace the flour products with whole grains,wholewheat or soya breads and unpolished rice.As it is very healthy and reduce the fat level in the body.

Soya breads

8) Foods with a high glycemic index:

The food items that contain high glycemic index are white rice, potatoes, carrots, breads and banana as they increase the blood sugar levels.

Special foods for diabetes:

1) Bitter gourd ( Kaakarakaya ):

This is a vegetable that contains high level of insulin dosage and it helps in lowering the blood sugar levels.It has very bitter taste and if we have the juice of three to four bitter gourd every day early in the morning on an empty stomach it can naturally work as a medicine and reduces the blood sugar.It can also be taken in the form of powder by mixing it with water.

Bitter gourd

2) Fenugreek ( Menthulu ):

Many of the people who is having diabetes choose this to control their sugar level.This can be taken in the form of powder by grinding the seeds and mixing it in water.It can also be taken in the form of seeds by soaking it in water and leaving it aside for one night.Few people also take it in the form of chapatis by mixing the fenugreek seeds powder to it.

Fenugreek

3) Indian blackberry ( Nerudupandu ):

This is a type of fruit and is used for controlling the diabetes.After eating the fruit the seed present in it is made into powder and is taken in.It contains glucoside which prevents the conversion of starch into sugars.

Indian blackberry

4) Garlic( Vellulli ):

This is also a very useful in controlling diabetes.This garlic is having potassium and it replaces the potassium that is getting lost during urine.Along with this it also contains zinc and sulphur which are the major components of insulin.Taking daily is better for good health.

Garlic

5) Onion:

Onion is one of the best medicine against diabetes because of its digestive properties.Taking raw onion is more advisable.

Onions

6) Flax seed ( Avise ginjalu ):

Flax seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.These help in controlling the diabetes as they are maintaining the sensitive cell of the membrane that helps in providing insulin and also provide glucose from the cells.

July 7, 2014
Worried About Hair Falls! Try These Foods

Hair loss is a major concern these days. What we apply on our locks is not the only thing that leads to strong and healthy hairs. The perfect balanced diet also plays a significant role in this matter. Similar to each and every other bit of the body, the strong hairs can be determined by the nutritious diet. When our body is disadvantaged from the necessary nutrients then our body undergoes the hair fall. The hair follicle is strengthened by the take in of proper nutrients. There are other factors also that negatively affect the quality of hair like smoke, environmental conditions, not sufficient sleep and many more. But proper nutrients can surely compensate for all these issues. The best way to overcome this situation is to provide your hairs with the perfect nutritious diet. Below down there are few most desirable food products to prevent the hair fall.

Salmons:

Salmons are discovered to be very rich in proteins, vitamin D as well as omega-3 fatty acids. The body needs these nutrients to grow the hair. It has been found that the body is unable to produce the fatty acids which are needed in the growth of the hair and hence we should to take in food products which are rich in these fatty acids. If you don’t like eating salmons there are many others which contain these essential fatty acids like trout, avocado, walnut and many more. Make sure you take in sufficient amount of these fatty acids.

Walnuts:

The walnuts are very good in fighting against the hair fall. The walnuts are those kinds of nuts which are filled with great quantity of omega-3 fatty acids. Apart from this they also contain vitamin E as well as biotin which are responsible for protecting the cells from impairment. And other than this walnut also contains a mineral –copper which provides the hair with shiny and glossy color. The elasticity of the hairs is also improved by the oils present in the walnuts and henceforth leads to stronger hairs. Hence walnuts are proved to be very friendly to the hairs.

Eggs:

Eggs are soo hair friendly. They are vital in the growth of the healthy hair. Eggs are filled with many desirable nutrients. Some of them are proteins, iron, omega-6 fatty acids and many more. If our body is deprived of any of these essential nutrients then we certainly suffers the weak and feeble hairs. Apart from this eggs also contain biotin which is a major hair fall fighting source. Consequently it is advised to eat eggs to have beautiful, long and lustrous hairs.

Oats:

Oats are very much required to possess a healthy body as it is filled with fibers. But eating oats has other benefits too. They are found to be filled with fatty acids, zinc as well as iron too. These fatty acids are majorly responsible for the proper growth of the hair. And hence reduce the hair fall to a great extent. As we can see that we get so many essential nutrients from this particular food product therefore we should include a bowl of oats in our daily diet.

Carrots:

Vitamin A is delivered to the body in great amount by eating carrots. Vitamin A is not only beneficial for the eyes but also for the hairs. It delivers great nutrition to the scalp and makes it healthier. And subsequently the hair becomes stronger and shinier as a result of healthier scalp. Apart from carrots the perfect diet that includes green vegetables, fruits and proteins is found to be the promoter for well-conditioned hair. Hence carrots are very important to control and limit the thinning hair line.

Prunes:

There are several other hair related concerns apart from the hair fall like the hair undergoes dryness, firmness and lightening in the hair color. The major reason of all these conditions may be depletion in the amount of iron. And hence our body is need of iron rich food items. One of the major sources of iron is prunes and it majorly reduces the hair fall. Prune significantly enhances the hair quality and makes the hairs look more radiant. There are other sources of iron too which you can include in the diet as well like green vegetables, beetroots and many more.

Spinach:

Spinach proves to be of great help in maintaining the quality of the hair. Spinach contains some of the most essential nutrients like Vitamin C, iron and many more. And as a result taking in spinach makes the hair follicles healthier and eventually diminishes the hair fall. It also helps in the circulation of the oils in the scalp. There are many other options like broccoli as well as kale.

Apart from the healthy diet there are some other points that you must take into account to prevent the thinning of the hair line. Extreme strain should be avoided and stop switching from your shampoo and hair product frequently. Lower down the usage of hair sprays. Thus start taking in the balanced diet and enjoys the perfect and glossy hair with no hair fall.

July 1, 2014
The holy month of Ramadan – all you need to know!

With the advent of the pious month of Ramazan or Ramadan, hustle and bustle can be seen throughout all the Muslim households. The preparations begin a lot in advance. Excitement can be seen everywhere. From shopping for clothes and accessories to stocking up the eateries in order to avoid the last minute confusions, people do it all. This is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This is said to be the most sacred month. The word Ramadan is of Arabic origin. Its literal translation is ‘intense scorching heat or dryness’. It is a rigorous month of intense fasting wherein all the members of the family fast every day for the entire period. The fasting is mandatory for Muslims who reach puberty unless they are physically unable to do so. Certain exceptions are made in the case of children, ill people, pregnant women, diabetes patients, menstruating women etc. The fasting or the rozas commence from dawn and end at dusk. They do not consume any food or drink neither do they smoke. Swearing is something that is also avoided. As I have heard from some friends, they do not even gulp in their saliva. This might be a shocker, but it’s true.

Fasting is undoubtedly good for health. It has its perks. It gives the digestive system a rest along with allowing the cleansing and de-toxification of the body. It relaxes the body and revitalizes it. A tranquil spiritual feeling descends. In popular belief in Islamic culture, fasting washes away the sins and bestows upon the people many rewards. The fasting diverts the attention from materialistic activities and gives time for spiritual reflection, cleanses the soul and purifies the heart. The person becomes more considerate, empathetic and self-disciplined. He begins to see the less fortunate in new light and within him generosity creeps in.

The beginning of Ramadan is marked by a new moon. Fasting begins from the very next day when the moon is seen. The month lasts for approximately 30 days. It depends on when the crescent moon has been sighted.
The people who fast wake up early before the sun rises and consume the meal called ‘suhoor’ or the ‘seheri’ which keeps them going through the day. Thus the suhoor is a heavy meal which gives enough strength for the entire day to the people who are fasting. It is very necessary to consume ample amount of water or sharbat during suhoor in order to remain hydrated throughout the day. As soon as the sun rises, suhoor ends and the first prayer or the namaaz is offered. This first prayer is called the fajr or the morning prayer.

The entire day goes by without consuming anything. People put themselves through rigorous fasting. They offer five prayers or namaaz during the day. The devotion and dedication of these people is a thing to admire.
At sunset the last prayer is offered which is called the maghrib. The meal which breaks the fast at sunset is called ‘iftaar’. Most people eat dates for breaking the day long fast and later go on to have a proper feast.

At iftar, social gatherings are very common in which the meal is spread out in a buffet style. Friends and families gather for this small celebration together during the evening.

Traditional dishes and desserts are served which are specific to the month of Ramadan. Families also share the dishes they prepare for iftaar with their neighbours. Nothing quenches the day long thirst like a glass of water does! Juices and milk are also a popular choice, though caffeinated beverages are not usually consumed. Sewain is the most sought after dessert.

Common food items that are consumed during the two meals are fresh fruits and vegetables, dry fruits, kebabs, sharbat, salads, lamb stew, haleem, jalebi etc.
Some people also indulge in the practice of giving away food to the poor and homeless during iftaar. This can be done on an individual basis wherein the meal is offered to a few people. This can also be seen in large public areas where the less fortunate gather and break their fast with the food these people offer to them. This charity is one of the most important parts of Ramadan. It is believed that helping a fasting person break their fast garners great rewards.
Along with fasting and charity, reciting the Quran, the holy book, on a regular basis is also an integral part of the month of Ramadan. This recitation is voluntary rather than mandatory. Though it is pretty common to finish the entire Quran during the course of the 30 days.
Ramadan gets over on the next day after the sighting of the new moon. The day when it gets over is celebrated as Eid-ul-fitr. This festival is celebrated with huge pomp and show. The people flock the bazaars and shopping malls for new clothes and accessories. Henna or the mehendi, colourful bangles and beautiful suits are adorned by the women. This is a day of no fasting. People decorate their houses with pretty lights and set up a lavish feast. The gifts are given in the form of Eidi to children and relatives. ‘Eid Mubarak’ is the greeting that is said all around. Neighbours and family members visit each other to share sweets and dishes. Sewaiyaan is the most loved sweet dish which is prepared with vermicelli in milk along with dried fruits.

Ramadan is a month where people believe that all their sins get forgiven. And they do a lot to achieve that, fasting straight for 30 days is no easy task. It is admirable to see them put themselves through so many restrictions in order to stand by their culture.
Wishing all the people who are celebrating this holy month, Ramadan Mubaarak!!

July 1, 2014
Monsoon Special!!

A fine sunless Sunday mid-morning. You wake up groggily staring at the clock ticking its way close to 12. Then you see the dark clouds drawing near. A few deep grave rumble here and there. Soft water pellets land on your windowsill which gradually change into fat drops. You rush to close all the windows in your house lest it floods in.

You watch the world bath in its glory…the trees swaying their boisterous branches, dancing away…the leaves singing “srabon er dharar moto… “

Inevitably it’s a romantic weather.

A romantic weather demands some easy to cook food…so that you can spend your time slouching under your blanket with a book in hand, while the food can be cooked in a jiffy.

So, what’s the best way to satisfy your tummy this monsoon?

Well, since it is monsoon, it’s Khichdi Time!

Khichdi

Time- 10 minutes

Serves- 3

Ingredients- ½ cup basmati rice, ½ cup moong dal/spilt and dehusked green gram, 1.5 tbsp ghee, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp cumin seeds, peas, rock salt or regular salt as required

Directions- Rinse both the rice and dal together for a couple of times in water. Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker. Crackle the cumin, then add the turmeric powder and stir. Add the rice and moong dal. Saute for a minute. Add 4 to 4.5 cups water. Add peas. Season with salt. Stir and then pressure cook the khichdi for 5-6 whistles.

The 5 fries (bhaja)

Fried Potato, Fried cauliflower, Beguni (Fried Eggplant), Peyazi (Onion Fritters) and Ilish mach bhaja (Fried)

Since you know how to fry your fish, and the potato and cauliflower are fried the same way as the eggplant and onion, I’ll just jot down two recipes here.

Beguni (Fried Eggplant)

Time- 10 minutes

Serves- 10

Ingredients- 2 eggplant, Salt to taste, 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 cups besan flour, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, A pinch of turmeric powder, A pinch of hing (aesofetida), 2 cups oil

Directions- Cut eggplant into longitudinal thin slices. Add salt to taste. Set aside.Make a batter of 2 cups besan. Start to add water little at a time to make a smooth and thick batter. Add salt, red chili powder, pinch of turmeric powder, pinch of hing.Heat oil in a deep fryer. Coat the eggplant in batter. The oil should be hot. Slowly release the coated eggplant in oil. Fry till each side is golden brown. Place it on a towel to let the excess oil be soaked.

Peyazi (Onion Fritters)

Time- 10 minutes

Serves- 4

Ingredients- 2 to 3 medium sized onions, 2 cups gram flour or besan, ½ tsp red chilli powder, ½ tsp garam masala powder, ¼ tsp turmeric powder/haldi (optional), ¾ tsp ajwain or carom seeds, a pinch of asafoetida/hing, Oil, water as required, salt as required

Directions- Peel the onions. Rinse and slice them thinly. Add the chilli powder, garam masala powder, asafoetida, salt and chick pea flour to the sliced onions. Add water and mix it to a thick and smooth consistency. Now heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Take a teaspoonful of the onion batter and add it in the oil. On a medium heat fry the onion fritters till golden brown.

Labra (Mixed Vegetables)

Time- 15 minutes

Serves- 2-3

Ingredients- 100 gm eggplant, 100 gm Pumpkin, 100 gm Sweet potatoes, 1 Raw bananas, 2 Potatoes, 3 Tbsp Mustard oil, 1 Tbsp Corainder Seeds, 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds, 1/2 tsp Fennel Seeds, 5 Red Chilies, 1 inch Ginger, 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder, 1 tsp Sugar, 1 Tbsp Ghee, mixed seeds(1/4 tsp Mustard Seeds,1/4 tsp Cumin Seeds, 1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds, 1/4 tsp Bleck Cumin Seeds, 1/4 tsp Fennel Seeds)

Directions- Cut the vegetables into medium size pieces. Powder the corainder, cumin and fennel seeds, and red chillis finely. Heat oil, add the crushed ginger and fry lightly. Add the mixed spices called ‘ panch phoran’ and stir fry for a minute. Add vegetables, fry well, cover and cook for 10-15 minutes. Add turmeric powder, salt, and one cup of water. Simmer the flame and cook until vegetables are done. Add the powdered spices, sugar and stir well. Cook for another few minutes adding ghee.

Tomato Chutney

(to be served with some Fried Papad, optional)

Time- 10 minutes

Seves- 5

Ingredients- 500 g tomato, chopped, 4 cm piece ginger (peeled and chopped), 250g brown sugar, 150ml red wine vinegar, 5 cardamom seeds, ½ tsp paprika

Directions- Tip all the ingredients into a large heavy-based pan and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Bring to a gentle boil so that the mixture turns dark, jammy and shiny.

Payesh ( a rice dessert)

Time- 30 minutes

Seves- 2

Ingredients- 1cup basmati rice, 10 almonds sliced, 1 tbsp raisins, 2 tsp melted ghee, 3 green cardamoms, 2 litres milk, 1 cup jaggery grated jiggery, 1 tbsp sugar

Directions- Clean and wash the rice. Blanch the almonds and slice. Wash the raisins.Heat a tablespoon of ghee. Add the rice. Stir it for a little bit till it becomes opaque. Take it off the heat.Boil milk. Lower the heat up and continue to boil stirring constantly for fifteen minutes.Mix in the rice and continue to stir fry till the rice is soft. Continue to stir fry till the milk has reduced to half.Mix in jaggery. Mix in sugar. Mix in the cardamoms, almond slices and raisins (if using) and stir well. Serve hot or cold.

Recipe Courtesy – vegrecipesofindia.com, allrecipes.com

Image Courtesy – hamareerasai.com, seriouseats.com, bongcook.com, thesecondlunch.com

July 1, 2014