Drumstick Soup - winter warmer

Drumstick Soup

pic:sanjana kodical

Ingredients

Drumsticks – 4

Onions – 1 or 2 medium sized

Garlic flakes – 6

Black salt – to taste

Black pepper powder – ½ tsp (adjust according to taste)

Cayenne pepper - ½ tsp (adjust according to taste)

Lime juice – 1 tsp

Method

Cut the drumsticks and slit them

Cut onions and garlic

Sauté onions and garlic in ½ tsp oil

Add drumsticks

Pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles

Cool and blend in a mixie

Strain to take out all the pulp

Add water to adjust the consistency

Add black pepper powder, cayenne pepper and lime juice

Heat it for 5 mins

Serve hot

Health Benefits of drumsticks

Has calcium - builds strong bones

Rich source of highly digestive proteins, calcium, iron, Vitamin C, and carotenoids

Helps to control any kind of chest congestion, coughs and sore throats

Christmas Cake

Christmas Cake

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour – 1 cup

Jaggery (powder) – 1 cup

Cloves and cinnamon (powdered) – 1 tsp

Nutmeg powder – a pinch

Baking powder – 1 tsp

Cashewnuts, Walnuts, Raisins – ½ cup each

Candied peels (mixed) – ½ cup

Butter – 60 gms

Eggs – 3

Vanilla extract – 1 tsp

Dark Brown colour – 2 tsp

Dark Rum – 100 ml

Method

Soak the nuts and peels in the rum for at least a week

Sieve together the dry ingredients

Mix well

Beat eggs and fold into the mixture gradually

Melt the butter and add to the mixture

Add essence

Add 3 tbsp flour to the nuts and peels to coat well

Add to the cake batter

Mix slowly

Bake in a preheated oven (170 degrees C) for 15 to 20 mins

This time may vary from oven to oven

Or

Microwave at 50% power for 12 mins and then at 100% for 1 minute

Check to see if a skewer inserted into it comes out dry

Fig and Chocolate Cake

Fig and Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

Cake

Raw Banana Flour – ½ cup

Cocoa Powder – ½ cup

Raw Sugar– 3/4 cup

Baking powder – 1 tsp

Baking soda – ½ tsp

Eggs – 2

Butter (melted) –1 tbsp

Curds (sour) – 3/4 cup or more

Vanilla Essence – 1 tsp

Fig Compote – ½ cup

Fig compote

Ingredients

Figs – 2

Jaggery (powder) - 2 tbsp

Method

Fig compote

Slice the figs

Add jaggery and little water

Cook on slow fire till figs soften

Cool and mash well with a spoon or in a blender

Cake

Mix the dry ingredients well

Beat the eggs well and add to the dry mixture

Add curds, essence and melted butter to it

Mix. Add more curds if required

Pour the batter into a bundt pan

Spread the fig compote

Cover with the batter

Bake in a preheated oven (170 degrees) for 35 to 45 mins till a knife inserted into it comes out clean

Let it cool in the oven

Cabbage Parantha

Cabbage Parantha

Ingredients

Dough

Whole wheat flour - 1 cup

Liquid obtained after making cottage cheese - 1 cup (more or less as required)

Salt- to taste

Filling

Cabbage (shredded fine) – 1 cup

Garlic–green chilli paste - 2 tsp

Salt – to taste

Oil – 1 tsp

Oil - to roast paranthas

Method

Knead the dough using the liquid

Add salt (optional)

Keep it aside

Filling

Saute the cabbage with garlic–green chilli paste

Cool

Making the parantha

Take a small ball of the dough

Roll it out

Put the filling in generously

Roll out to form a parantha

Fry it using one tsp oil

Serve sizzling hot

Fig Cheesecake

Fig Cheesecake

pic: sanjana kodical

Biscuit Base

Ingredients

Marie biscuits – 10

Butter – 2 tbsp

Jaggery powder – 3 tbsp

Method

Crush the biscuits and mix with butter and jaggery powder

Spread the biscuit mixture at the bottom of a jar

Refrigerate for an hour

Filling

Ingredients

Cottage Cheese (low fat) – 200 gms

Gelatin – 1 tsp in 1 tbsp warm water (let it stand for 5 mins)

Jaggery powder – 5 tbsp

Fresh curd – 1/4 cup

Method

Blend all the ingredients till it becomes creamy

Topping

Ingredients

Apple cider vinegar - 2 tbsp

Red wine - 2 tbsp

Jaggery – 1 tbsp

Fig slices – 8 slices

Method

Mix the first three ingredients

Heat slowly till it is reduced to half

Cool

Dip the fig slices in it

Fig compote

Ingredients

Figs – 2

Jaggery (powder) - 2 tbsp

Method

Slice the figs

Add jaggery and little water

Cook on slow fire till figs soften

Cool and mash well with a spoon or in a blender 

Assemble the cheesecake

Scoop cheese filling over the biscuit base

Spread fig compote on it

Scoop the remaining cheese filling over it

Top with fig slices

Refrigerate for 5 to 6 hours

Cut into slices or scoop out of the jar and enjoy it chilled

Health Benefits of Figs

Regulates blood pressure

Very rich in vitamin A

Also contains little vitamins B and C

Its iron content is easily digested and assimilated in the body

Eliminates blood impurities

Contain plenty of sodium

Contain good amounts of potassium, calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, sulphur and chlorine

Mild laxative and removes and windiness

Soothes irritated bronchial passage

Best source of vitamin B6

Homebaked Breads

Wholewheat Bread

pic: sanjana kodical

Ingredients
Wholewheat flour - 2 cups
Instant yeast - 1/2 tsp
Bread Improver - 1/2 tsp
Ricebran or Olive oil - 1 tbsp
Sugar - 1 tsp
Egg - 1
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Warm water - 1/4 cup (more as required)

Method
Mix yeast and sugar in 2 tbsp warm water
Cover and keep in a warm place for 10 mins
Mix 11/2 cupswholewheat flour and bread improver
Add the yeast and mix well
Add the beaten egg 
Mix well
Add water if required to make a soft dough
Knead it really well with the base of your palm
Add oil and mix well
Cover the dough and keep aside for 30 min
Knead it well
Divide the dough into four parts and shape it as desired
Keep it covered again for 35 to 45
Bake in a preheated oven (170 degrees C) for 30 to 40 mins

Wholewheat and Rye Bread

Rye flakes - 1/2 cup
Oregano - 1/2 tsp
Cayenne Pepper - 1/2 tsp
Method
Add 1/4 cup rye flakes, cayenne pepper and oregano to the wholewheat flour mixture
In the last step sprinkle remaining rye flakes on the bread before baking  

Nightcap

Soothing Nightcap

pic: sanjana kodical

Ingredients

Carrot (medium) - 5

Celery - 1 stalks

Parsley – 1 large handful

Method

Immerse the vegetables in salt water

Add a little vinegar

Clean the carrots well with a vegetable brush

Remove any black spots

Avoid removing the skin as far as possible as a lot of its nutrients are close to the skin  

Pass through the juicer

Drink up immediately

Health Benefits

Carrot Juice

Has vitamin B6 and minerals like potassium, phosphorous which improve bone health, strengthen the nervous system and improve brain power

Maintains cholesterol and blood sugar levels

Maintains the health of the heart

Helps to maintain good eyesight

Boosts immunity

Keeps skin young and healthy

Slows down the ageing process

Increases bile secretion which helps in burning fat

Improves quality of breast milk in nursing women

Celery juice

Great post workout drink. Has high level of potassium, magnesium and organic sodium which replaces lost electrolytes and helps in hydration of the body

High in vitamin K essential for healthy blood clotting and preventing osteoporosis

Has a group of active compounds which helps to reduce blood pressure

Strong diuretic. Prevents recurrence of gall bladder and kidney stones

Reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol

Increases bile secretion and helps to remove cholesterol from the body

Helps to ease rheumatic and arthritic pain as well as other inflammatory problems in the body

Improves brain health

Has a calming effect on the nervous system and produces good sleep

Maintains healthy sex drive

Parsley

Maintains normal functioning of adrenal and thyroid glands

Helpful in kidney problems

Good for every ailment connected with eyes and optic nerve

Maintains health of blood capillaries and arterioles

Important cleansing herb

Sedative

Good for kidney stones rheumatism menstrual insufficiency and general stimulant

Diuretic

Stimulating and invigorating

Improves appetite

Has a calming effect on the nervous system and produces good sleep

Maintains healthy sex drive

Power Of Juicing

Unlocking Vital Liquids

When we juice a vegetable raw, juices are unlocked from its cells and pure and vital liquids are released. These have great healing powers and their gentle action can coax our bodies back to normalcy. They can eliminate health problems which are a result of deficiencies caused by day-to-day stress. Adding juices regularly to a good diet helps to strengthen our different organs. We will sparkle with health when our bodies are free of toxins and capable of rebuilding the cellular structure.

Although eating raw vegetables is good, it takes time for our digestive system to extract the juice from those tough fibres. Juicing the vegetables releases them quickly and sends them instantly through the blood to the cells where it is used up. Almost every vegetable can be juiced right from pumpkin and capsicum to French beans and even potatoes. All you need is a good juicer. 

Yes, even I used to wonder how it was possible to juice these vegetables and drink till I actually started doing it. Use carrot and beet juice as a base. 

If you plan to go on a raw juice diet for a day, then take fruit juices in the first half and vegetable juices in the second half of the day.

Secret Benefits Of Juice Therapy

Removes flaws from the body from their roots

Helps in detoxification

Enhances energy levels, relieve fatigue and boosts up sagging spirits

Secret to maintaining a youthful look

Revitalizes the bloodstream

Revives sluggish and tired nerves, rejuvenates glands and organs

Reverses body degeneration and makes one feel better emotionally

Has vital enzymes, vitamins and minerals required by the body

Heals the body and maintains good health and a disease-free state

Helps to control appetite

Sweet Talk: Diet for Diabetics - YouTube link

World Diabetes Day

Today is World Diabetes Day. Wanted to share this again on my blog so more people can benefit from it. There are a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding diet for a diabetic. I have tried to clear up a bit of the confusion. Hope this helps. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDqLUKfO_30

Oat and Almond Cookies

Oat and Almond Cookies
It's been long since I've baked oats cookies. So here it is - super healthy and super yum. Even diabetics can enjoy a bit of it occasionally. It's also hassle free to make and the best part is hardcore vegetarians can enjoy it. There's no egg. Milk and almonds add to the protein content. Oats and Almonds give it crunch. Go ahead and enjoy these crunchy delights

pic: sanjana kodical

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour - ½ cup

Instant oats - - ½ cup

Jaggery powder – ¼ cup (can add 1/4 cup more if you want it sweeter)

Butter (frozen) – 1 tbsp

Almonds (crushed) – ¼ cup

Milk (low fat) – ¼ cup

Vanilla essence – ½ tsp

Baking soda - – ½ tsp

Salt – a pinch

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degree C

Combine the wheat flour, oats, almonds, salt, baking soda and jaggery

Add it to the butter to form a crumbly mixture

Add vanilla essence, milk and mix well to form soft dough

Divide the dough into 6 round balls and flatten them

Place them on a greased baking tray

Bake them in the preheated oven for 30 minutes 

Let them cool for 2 to 3 mins in the oven

Place them on a wire rack and let them cool completely

They will be soft when taken out, but will firm up once they cool

Store them in an airtight container

                                Health Benefits     

Oats

Helps in weight loss

Lowers cholesterol

Has mild anti-depressant and mood-elevating properties

Raises levels of free testosterone in your body

Helps in building more muscles

Almonds

Lowers risk of gall stones

Lowers high BP

Helps to control Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

Helps weight loss

Lowers LDL

Keeps blood and heart healthy

Mint Parantha

Mint Parantha

pic: sanjana kodical

Ingredients
Wholewheat flour - 1/2 cup
Oil - 1/2 tsp
Salt - pinch
Water - as required
Mint leaves - 1/2 cup
Ghee or butter - 1 or 2 tsp

Method
Knead the dough using water
Add oil and knead well to make it smooth
Keep it aside

Stuffing
Wash the mint leaves and dry it well
Dry roast in a non-stick pan or microwave it
Crush it

Parantha
Take a snall section of the dough and roll it out
Sprinkle the crushed mint leaves liberally on it
Fold it and roll it out to make a thick paranth
Smear little ghee or butter on a non-stick pan
Place the parantha on it
Let it cook
Spread little ghee on the other side before flipping it over
Cook the parantha well on both sides 
Eat it piping hot straight off the pan with a cup of hot chai

Layered Parantha
Roll out the dough to form a thin chapati
Spread little ghee and the crushed mint leaves
Fold to form small pleats
Roll it as shown in the figure
Roll it out to form a layered parantha 

Health Benefits of MInt

Great appetizer and promotes digestion

Stimulates digestive enzymes and facilitates body fat utilisation

Soothes stomach aches in cases of indigestion

Freshly crushed leaves helps deal with nausea and headache

Its strong aroma clears up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs

Natural stimulant, relieves fatigue and depression

Promotes memory and alertness

Flat Tummy Secret - YouTube link

Part 2 - Flat Tummy Secret

This is the 2nd part of the how to reduce belly fat talk
Flat Tummy Secret - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGDiONkl6DI


For those of you who have come in later, I'm giving the link to the 1st part
Burn That Belly Fat - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S19bKMkyvqE

Pumpkin Cake With Streusel Topping

Pumpkin Cake With Streusel Topping

This is a Halloween Special using the goodness of

pumpkin, walnuts, jaggery and wholewheat flour

pics:sanjana kodical

Ingredients

Wholewheat flour - 1 Cup

Jaggery (powder) - 1 1/4cup

Pumkin puree – 3/4 cup

Baking powder - 1tsp

Baking soda – ½ tsp

Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp

Egg - 3

Curds – 2 tbsp (more if required)

Walnut (pieces) – 3 tbsp

Butter – 1 tbsp

Topping

Cooking chocolate (melted) – 3 tbsp

Walnut (pieces) – 3 tbsp

Oats – 3 tbsp
Cinnamon powder - 1/2 tsp

Butter – 1 tsp

Method

Mix all the dry ingredients

Beat the eggs well

Gradually add the dry ingredients to it

Add the puree

Add curds to adjust the consistency

Let the batter be a little thicker than the usual cake batter

Bake in a preheated oven at 170 degrees C for 30 to 40 mins

When the cake is still warm, spread the topping

Let it cool

Topping

Mix all the ingredients really well

Spread over cake