Wheat Flour Ladoos

"Wheat" or "Gehu" is the most important cereal crop in the world. You can make bread,pasta,bagels,cake,cracker,muffins,chapatis and many other food items with this grain. My mother in law made these delicious ladoos from wheat flour and jaggery, apart from being healthy they just taste divine.

Wheat Flour Ladoos

Ingredients

Wheat Flour :- 500gm

Jaggery :- 3 cups

Ghee / clarified butter :- 1 1/2 cups

Roasted almond,cashews and pista :- 1/2 cup

Heat Ghee in heavy bottom wok,add flour and fry on low flame keep stirring until the flour turn golden brown, tip in the jaggery(softened at room temp.) and stir till it mixes well with the flour.Turn the heat off,tip in the coarsely grinded dry fruits in the mixture and leave it for 10 minutes. While still hot shape the mixture into round ladoos with your palm.

Cooking isn't rocket science !!

That's exactly what i have learned not only after watching the programme but also after trying my hands on in kitchen. A lot of recipes require same ingredients, a little change in tampering, thoughtful garnishing and seasoning is a trick to make delicious recipes. 

The weather in mumbai is taking a quick turn and it will start raining anytime soon may be from the next week. I love the colour of cloud when it rain, its all gray and gloomy a perfect weather to try out new recipes but at the same time care should be taken and so a lot of whole masala, ginger and garlic is added to make the food digestible, guess its the perfect time for eating kidney bean,fenugreek,curd,bottle gourd,kormas,koftas,kebabs,tikkis etc. i have tried these recipes last week these are simple yet delicious.

Paneer Koftas in manchurian Sauce

Ingredients

For Koftas.

Paneer / Cottage Cheese-100 grams

Potato Mash - 2tsp

Grated Bottle gourd- 25 grams

Red Chilli Powder-1/2 tsp

Chopped Coriander leaves - 1tsp

Salt - as per taste

Cornflour - as per binding requirement

Oil for frying

For Sauce.

Oil-1/2tsp

Chopped Ginger -1"

Crushed Garlic - 3-4 flakes

Chopped Green Chillies-2

Finely Chopped Onion-1 medium size

Soy Sauce - 1tsp
Tomato Ketchup - 1 1/2 tsp

Vinegar-2tsp

Salt -as per taste

Corn flour - 1 1/2 tsp

Water- 1 1/2 cup

Mix all kofta ingredients in a bowl and make small balls, deep fry these on a medium flame and keep it aside.

For making sauce :- heat oil in a wok and add ginger and garlic,fry for 1 minute then add green chillies and onion further fry till onions are translucent now reduce the flame and soy sauce,tomato ketchup,vinegar and salt,cook for 2-3 minutes , add water and continue stirring on a low flame when the sauce starts to boil, dissolve cornflour in a 1/2 cup water and add it to the sauce stirring continuously, cook till it is slightly thick. Add the kofta balls to the manchurian sauce, keep on low flame for 1 minute. serve hot with steamed rice.

Garnish :- With fried capsicum slices and  fresh coriander leaves.

Badami Aloo
Ingredients

Baby Potatoes :- 250 grams

Boiled Almond Paste:- 3tsp

Garlic Cloves :- 2

Oil :- enough for frying

Chopped Ginger :- 1/2 inch

Cumin Seeds :- 1 1/2 tsp

Green Cardamom Powder :-1/2 tsp

Clove Powder :- 1/2tsp

Cinnamon Powder :- 1/2 tsp

Mace powder :- 1/2 tsp

Chopped Onion :- 2 medium size

Tomato Puree 

Salt :- as per taste

Yellow pepper powder :- 1/2 tsp

Turmeric Powder :- 1/2 tsp

Fresh Cream :- 1tsp

a few strands of saffron soaked in 1tsp of milk

Clean and peel the potato and then shallow fry them until they become tender and keep them aside. heat 2 tsp of oil in a wok add cumin,cardamom,cloves,cinnamon,mace,bay leave and ginger garlic and half of the chopped onion to it,once onion start to brown add all the potatoes to it and let it simmer for 1 minute, in another bowl add curd and all the dry masala,salt and boil almond paste mix it well and add it to the potatoes that has been simmering mix water to make the gravy, fry the rest of the onion till it turn crisp and brown, take the onion out of the wok and mix it with a spoon full of cream and make a paste and then add it to the potatoes. Before turning the flame off add the saffron and the 'flavoring powder' to add that royal touch to your badami aloos.

'Flavouring Powder'

 to make flavouring powder mix 1/2tsp each of cardamom,rose petal,fennel,black cardamom powder and a pinch of clove,nutmeg,cinnamon and mace powder. mix it in a bowl and use it to add richness and depth of flavours in your dishes.

Chane ke Kebabs

    Ingredients.

     Sprouted Horse Gram/black gram:- 500 gm

     Paneer/cottage cheese-200 gm

     Mashed potatoes :- 100gm

     Chopped Green Coriander :- 3tsp

     Chopped Green Chillies:- 2tsp

     Chopped Ginger :-1tsp

     Chopped Onion :- 1 medium size

     Chopped spring onion :- 1 medium size

     Melted butter :- 1tsp

     Juice of a lemon :- 1tsp

Boil and cook black gram until they are soft and can be mashed easily.In a bowl add mashed gram, cottage cheese and potatoes and mix it with your palm, tip in the other ingredients. Divide the mixture in 8 equal portion and skew it on the skewer and grill in a tandoor. Keep drizzling with butter to retain softness.

Aloo Methi ki tikki

Ingredients

Boiled and Mashed potato :- 200 gm

or 

Potato mash :- 200gm

Chopped Green fenugreek leave :- 1 small bunch

Dried Kasoori methi :- 1tsp

        Chopped coriander leaves :-50gm

Chopped Onion :-100gm

Cumin Powder :- 2tsp

Chaat masala powder:-2tsp

Salt :- as per taste

Heat oil in a wok, add cumin seeds, green chillies and onion keep stirring until onions are translucent, add mashed potatoes,chopped fenugreek leaves,coriander leaves and other ingredients mix well and turn the heat off. Let the mixture cool before dividing the mixture in equal portion, shape it into small balls and flatten it with your palm. Shallow fry in hot oil to brown colour.Pat dry to kitchen towel to remove excess oil. Serve hot with chutney.

Beauty Parlour in your kitchen

Before rushing to those costly parlour how many of us stop and look into our kitchen?? Ever wonder those jars of turmeric,mustard,fenugreek,salt,flour etc. can do much more than adding taste and flavor to your food, if used wisely they can actually take care of regular skin and hair problem.Continuous use of these home products, can make your skin look radiant give an envious gloss to your locks and can make your teeth look shiny white.

My mother used to say that kitchen is not just for cooking, the shelf stores a lot of secrets and it is upto you to hunt it out and use them for your benefits here are some of the secrets that i have discovered and tried out I am sure you will be equally surprised to learn that methi can actually stop premature greying, in addition to adding glow and strength to your hair. Find out more as you read on:-

                                                                       

• Cut the tomato and rub it on your face regularly after long exposure to sun and dirt, it will not only helps in removing tanning but will also replenish the skin with the lost moisture.
• watermelon juice when applied on face for 15 minutes and then wash with hot and cold water can give you relief from blemishes and leaving your skin fresh and lovely.
• Orange juice not only clears the face off black heads but it will also give you instant glow, dab your face with cotton dipped in orange juice let it dry then wash off with cold water, dried and powdered orange peel can be used face scrub when mixed with milk powder.
• Soak an almon overnight, remove outer skin make a paste with rose water and add milk powder to it apply it on your face in upward direction scrub it off after 15 minutes, use it regularly instead of using soap or face wash.
• Make a paste of nutmeg with sandalwood in either rosewater or raw milk this will make your skin pimple free,regular use will give a radiant glow to it.
• Dip a cotton in raw milk and rub it on your face in upward motion to clean your face off dust and dirt.
• Egg white can give you instant face lift all you have to do is add a few drops of lemon juice while whipping,apply this on your face  and leave it for 15 minutes before washing with luke warm water for best results.
• Crushed Rose  petals o/ rose water mixed with malai/cream is an excellent lip balm.
• Apply a pack of papaya pulp mix  with gramflour(normal to dry skin) or with masoor dal(red lentil) for oily or pimple skin.
• Curd mix with milk powder(normal to dry skin) or with masoor dal for oily skin acts as detan.

• Fullers earth mix mix with yogurt and a spoonful of turmeric is a good massage pack for all skin type.
• Mix wheat bran, gramflour,yoghurt and a pinch of turmeric apply it on body let it dry then massage it using mustard oil and scrub off this pack in rotating movement,bran in this pack is meant to exfoliate and to give a glow.
• Coffee beans are excellent exfoliator use it in place of body scrub.
• Oatmeal is a blessing for oily skin mix it with egg white and apply.
• For uneven and dark skin mix dry orange peel wih neem powder,gram flour,lemon juice,glycerine and apply this pack let it dry and wash off.
• Masoor dal(red lentil) powder mix with a few drops of lemon,glycerine and a pinch of turmeric is also act as good body scrub.
• Take a spoonful of sugar granule on your palm add  2-3 drops of lemon and use it as hand scrub to scrub off excessive dryness and hardness of your hands.
• Scrub lemon rind on knees and elbows.
• Before going to bed wash your feet and apply vaseline, pull on the socks and witness smooth and happy feet the next morning.
• Add Vitamin-E capsule in your body cream keep your skin look healthy and supple.

• Want to stop premature greying of hair... then the best remedy is fenugreek/methi leaves, apply the juice of methi leaves like hair oil leave it for one day massage your hair with hair oil and after an hour wash it,sounds lil messy but i have seen this doing wonders on many people.
• For Dandruff mix 2 tsp of yoghurt with 1tsp of mustard oil massage it on your head wash off after 2 hour.
• Burn gooseberry/amla in an iron wok mix the ashes in coconut oil for making your hair black and shiny.
• Do a steam towel wrap after applying oil, once in a week to reverse the damage caused by chemical treatment such as perming,coloring,rebonding etc.
• Make a paste of henna in tea adding a 1tsp of coffee powder,1 egg white,juice of 1 lemon and a few drops of mustard or any hair oil, use it for coloring your hair.
• To give bounce to lifeless hair rinse your hair with vinegar, add a little vinegar to warm water and use it as final rinse.
• To add shine to your hair add a little honey in warm water and use it as final rinse.
• Glycerine is the best leave in conditioner, use it as you use any cosmetic leave in conditioner.
• Add 2-3 camphor in coconut oil bottle and use this to make your hair dandruff free.

Working women leads a tough life,priorities keep on changing every minute and self care comes at the end of priority ladder they scarcely have time to take a deep breath and rush to the parlour, but not to worry help is at hand i am sure if you pick up these tips it will reduce the visits to parlor. "Happy Healthy Face,Body,Hair and Mind"

Introduction to Indian Spices

In India a wide variety of spices are used, not only to add flavour and aroma to the dish but also to create a magical spell and herein lies the oriental charm of spices, however the magical spell doesn't have to refer to the supernatural alwayz, to turn a raw vegetable into a delicacy and the therapeutic power of indian herbs perfectly serves the purpose.Indian climate support the growth of array of spices,differrent parts of spice plants are used to add flavour and aroma to the dishes,leaves (bay leaves,curry leaves,peppermint leaves,basil etc.),roots(ginger,turmeric,garlic,onion,galangal),barks(cinnamon) flowers & fruits(mace,saffron,nutmeg,rose,juniper,kokam,vanilla etc) seeds(coriander,sesame,mustard,poppyetc.) some spices do not come from bark, seed,flowers or roots yet lend an incredible flavour and taste to the dishes they are arrowroot,asafoetida,cloves etc.

Ayurveda and Unani medicine has acknowledge the medicinal value of all these spices hence these spices serves a great purpose in our daily meal........below are some of these properties of most commonly used spices in every household as told by our moms.

Nutmeg

Is a MUST in my kitchen apart from using it as a part of garam masala I use it as a facepack to make my skin look fresh and boil free, mix nutmeg powder and sandalwood powder in milk and apply directly on your face and wash off to witness problem free skin.

Onion Seeds

Onion seeds when consume regularly help relieve gas problems, flatulence and health problems, flatulence and strengthen the stomach. If consumed with honey, they can be beneficial in removing stones from the kidney and bladder. The powder of the seeds when consumed with water is excellent for hemorrhoids, excellent remedy for chronic cold when consumed with lil vinegar, ½ tsp boiled with water is good for relieving asthma related problems, boiled with vinegar and applied on gums can help to reduce inflammation and infection of gums and teeth. If consumed regularly onion seeds are very good in the treatment of migraine, palpitation and diabetes.

Cumin Seeds

Is considered as a symbol of love and fidelity in Europe, it is in used by egyptians for the mummification process, even today it continues to be highly beneficial, contains Iron and helps treating skin problems like eczema and psoriasis when the paste is applied on the affected area one can also add small quantity of cumin powder in facepack to take care of minor skin issues, boils,tanning,burn marks and wrinkles.Acne can be treating by applying small quantity of cumin powder with vinegar. Boiling Tea leaves with ginger and cumin seeds can relieve one of common cold.It activate saliva and aids digestion.

Saffron

Termed as a golden spice, saffron is indeed a very special and a precious spice which has numerous health benefits too. Saffron is not only used as flavoring and coloring agent in desserts and mughlai preparations but also is an integral ingredient in my regular facial pack, saffron with fullers earth is good for oily skin for people with normal to dry skin can use a few strands of saffron with sandalwood or milk powder to make their skin look healthy and fairer

Turmeric

I guess every kitchen in India has a jar of turmeric, turmeric is known for its amazing therapeutic value, besides being a must in almost every Indian preparation it is also used for reliving any internal and external injury, paste of turmeric with water is used for healing wounds, a spoon of turmeric added to lukewarm milk can keep a check on blood pressure, it also reduces activity of roundworms and intestinal worms.

Star Anise

Aids digestion, freshens bad breath, the oil is believed to relieve rheumatism

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds contain sesamin and sesamolin, substances that is believed to prevent high blood pressure, and protect the liver against damage, Sesame seed is a good source of Vitamin E, that is why it can help strengthen the heart and the nervous system, Sesame oil can help remove wrinkles and other skin diseases when applied externally.

Poppy Seeds

Poppy seeds are used as a home remedy for dysentery. About quarter teaspoon of the powder of poppy seeds are sauted to a golden brown in honey. Taken twice a day, it gives relief from the symptoms. As these seeds have a sedative effect, they should not be taken for more than three days continuously. Poppy seeds ground to paste with lime juice are effective when rubbed on the areas affected by dry itch

Mustard Seeds

Mustard tea thrice a day (mix 1 tsp of mustard flour cup in boiling water and leave for 5 minutes). Relieves bronchitis and also eases fever and cold,it stimulates circulation in pain area and thus help to relieve pain.

Mace

Is an excellent spice to use with milk and rice preparation apart from adding a sweet flavour to the dish it also refreshes the taste of it.

Garlic

Garlic or the "bulb of life" as it was known to ancient Indian physicians, has been celebrated for its medicinal properties for centuries, traditionally used to treat asthma, deafness, and congestion ,Lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and relieves rheumatism, powerful detoxifier, rejuvenator, and cleanser for the blood 

Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek is used in india is used in all the three forms green methi leaves, dried kasoori methi and the seeds.Fenugreek can help prevent and cure diseases like arthritis.bronchitis,asthma and also control the level of sugar in blood, one can use dried kasoori methi and seeds as seasoning and with green methi leaves when added with potatoes, cauliflower and moong dal make an excellent recipe.It is believed that fenugreek is a great herb for women as it reduces menstrual pain helps in breast enlargement and is a reliever in reproductive disorders.

Fennel Seeds

I grew up seeing my father chewing fennel seeds after any meal without knowing the benefits this post meal habbit I realised it much later how beneficial it is in stimulating digestion and can remove symptoms of bloating, fennel seeds are considered as great herbal tonic for eyes. Water in which some fennel seeds are soaked overnight helps to wash eyes to cure problems like puffy eyes, sore eye, and bloodshot eyes. Herbal tea made with fennel seeds also works well on eye and provides relief in conjunctivitis.

Clove

Clove taste is aromatic and adds sweetness to breads and pies while imparting a lovely aroma to soups and spicy dishes. The health benefits of cloves include the prevention of toxicity from contaminants such as tetrachloromethane, cancers related to the digestive tract, and joint inflammation. In a number of medical studies, the essential oils of cloves are used in dentistry in coincidence with root canal treatment, short-term cavity fillings, and common gum ache.

Cinnamon

I love my daily dose of butter and cinnamon spread on bread apart from great taste it also helps in fighting yeast infections in Vagina and Oral cavity, regular use can also keep stomach ulcers at bay.

Cardamom

I dont know how my kheer,phirnis,halwas and other savories will taste without adding a pinch of cardamom, it has great detoxifying properties and helps in cleansing the body it can help in preventing spasm, boosts blood circulation to the lungs thus small quantity of it is recommended to those sufferring from asthma and bronchitis.

Black Pepper

Green Peppercorns once dried in the sun become black and when these black peppercorns are soaked in water, white peppercorns is the resulting seed after discarding the skin and pulp. It is also known as the king of spices Its anti bacterial properties are helpful in preventing diseases, improving digestion and apetite. 

Bishop's Weed/Ajowain

It acts as a good appetizer,imparts a specific aroma and taste to a wide variety of foods. It is popular in savoury snacks, breads and pastries. It has also excellent preservative medicinal properties. It eases asthma and indigestion. It also acts as a fungicide. It is an ancient custom in many cultures to give ladies who have just delivered bishop’s weed for a few days so any residue in the uterus is expelled and the air element is subsided. bishop’s weed, given with fennel and liquorice increase the flow of breast milk and purify the uterus.