UNTOLD STORY OF BAY LEAF

BAY LEAF 

INTRODUCTION:

We all have seen our moms putting a large whole leaf in rice or dal makhni and chhole preparation. We often end up taking it out but love what it does to the curry, giving it a sharp and strong flavor. The leaf is called tejpatta or bay leaf.

Bay leaves are native spice of Mediterranean region and widely cultivated in Europe, America and Arabian countries. This aromatic leaf adds flavor and aroma to a dish that is why it is widely used in cooking.

It comes from different plants across and named as per their place of origin. For example: California bay leaf, Indian bay leaf, Indonesian bay leaf, Mexican bay leaf etc.

It is called “Tejpatta” or “Cinnamomom Tamala” in India. It is also a very prominent ingredient of the mighty Garam Masala Powder.

MEDICINAL USAGE:

Apart from its flavor and taste scent, it has medicinal properties too such as:

·         Healthy pack of Vitamins A, C, manganese, potassium and iron.

·         It is one of the source of immune booster

·         It aid in digestion.

·         Eases the joint pain from arthritis.

·         Effective in treating in type 2 diabetes.

RECIPE: KAADA OF BAY LEAF:

Normally it can be consumed anytime but as precautionary measure, it is best in winters as prevents from cold and cough and boost up the immunity that helps to fight against other health issues.

INGREDIENTS:

• ·         4-5 dried bay leaves
• ·         2  cardamoms
• ·         1 liter of water
• ·         Sugar (optional)

PROCESS:

·        Add leaves and cardamom to water and simmer for 20 minutes.

Sieve the water and drink.


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Stay healthy...

Breadfruit Croquettes

BREADFRUIT...IS IT BREAD OR A FRUIT???

Hi everyone! Today I went for vegetable shopping and came across an exotic fruit. The shopkeeper told me that it is called breadfruit or Bakri-chajhar in local language. I was curious to know more so I Googled all about it.  I also contacted my nutritionist friend and she provided me lots of information which I have summarized and will share with all of you….So let’s find out breadfruit is a fruit or a bread.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A BREADFRUIT ???

It is a fruit that tastes like a bread and is used as a vegetable. Being from jack fruit family, it has its origin in the region of Oceania from New Guinea . It is a staple food which is the consumed as a vegetable instead as a fruit in many tropical regions.

AVAILABILITY IN INDIA :

Its commercial farming is very limited in India, although India’s warm coastal climate is great for its growth. This fruit is produced in Kerela and the southwest’s Konkon coast.

Local names of breadfruit in India: Bakri-chajhar (Hindi)

                                                                 Nirphanas (Marathi)

                                                                 Irppla (Tamil)  

                                                                 Gujjekai (Konkani)

TASTE OF BREADFRUIT:

It is consumed as a vegetable and before being eaten, it may be roasted, baked, fried or boiled and cannot be consumed in raw form. When cooked, it tastes like a freshly baked bread or a potato.

It is too starchy from inside. Its taste or flavor depends upon its ripeness. Its seeds are also edible and can be prepared fried, boiled or roasted.

After knowing what breadfruit is and from where it is found in India, let’s dig upon its benefits and nutritional value.

Nutritional Value:

It contains moderate levels of essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in riboflavin, iron, thiamine, phosphorous, calcium etc It consists of 71% of water (which is quite a good source to keep you hydrated), have adequate amount of proteins, carbohydrates and 0% fats.

Benefits of its Consumption:

1.      It is good for heart (It contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids)

2.       Protects against infections

3.       It helps in digestion

4.       It controls diabetes

5.       It helps in relieving in toothache

6.       It cures skin diseases

7.       It’s good for hair.

After learning about the rare fruit, I was excited to try some of the recipes and taste the real flavor of it. A lot of yummy desserts, snacks, or even curry and soup can be made of it.

One of the recipes I tried is Breadfruit .

BREADFRUIT CROQUETTES RECIPE:

INGREDIENTS:

v  Breadfruit (Boiled and mashed )                          2 cups

v  Potato        (Boiled and mashed  )                           1                                            

v  Turmeric powder                                                  a pinch

v  Salt                                                                        to taste

v  Black pepper                                                         to taste

v  Garam masala                                                        1 tsp

v  Roasted cumin powder                                          1 tsp

v  Onion                                                                        1

v  Ginger-garlic paste                                                1 tbsp

v  Breadcrumbs                                              to overcoat the croquettes

METHOD:

1.       Cut the breadfruit nicely, remove the seeds and boil it pressure cooker for 1 whistle.

2.       Mash the breadfruit and add mashed potato, chopped onion, ginger-garlic paste, all spices.

3.       Make small balls or patties.

4.       Overcoat the patties with breadcrumb and and keep aside for atlaest 20-25 minutes.

5.       Deep fry all the patties at medium flame

6.       Serve hot with mint chutney and ketchup as you like.

For breadfruit chips recipe by Sanjeev Kapoor, you may visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXVfnolDuFc

So at the end, it’s finally revealed what really breadfruit is. Do share and comment if you like the recipe.

Also follow me on https://www.instagram.com/thecrispysalt/

Stay healthy…

Salad

KIDNEY BEANS AND CORN SALAD 

Serves :2

INGREDIENTS:

1.  SALAD : The quantity of all the ingredients is 1 Cup 

•  Kidney beans (boiled)                                                     
•  Corns  (boiled)                                                       
•  Diced seedless tomatoes                                                 
•  Lettuce (Washed and Roughly chopped)                                           
• Cucumber                                                                   
• Zucchini (seedless and Blanched)        
• Salt and pepper (to taste)                                             

 2. FOR SALAD DRESSING:

•    Chopped Garlic                           5-6  cloves                                         
•     Lemon juice                               1 tbsp
•     Olive Oil                                    1  tbsp

METHOD:

1. In a bowl, add all the ingredients: kidney beans, corns, diced seedless tomatoes, lettuce,cucumber and zucchini.

2. For dressing in a separate bowl, mix garlic, lemon juice and olive oil and keep aside for 10-15 minutes.

3. Add the dressing, salt and pepper in salad and gently toss. 

Ingredients like bell peppers olives etc may be added as per your choice.

Enjoy this colorful affair and stay healthy....:)

Lemon Coconut Rice

Initially I have shared some desserts recipes....

Now I am going to share another recipe :  LEMON COCONUT RICE

INGREDIENTS:

1. Mustard Oil                                                         1 Tablespoon                               
2. Cumin Seeds                                                       1 teaspoon
3. Curry Leaves                                                           6-8
4. Dry Red Chillies                                                        2
5. Asofeidita                                                           1/2 teaspoon
6. Soaked Chana dal                                             1 Tablespoon
7. Black mustard seeds                                         1 teaspoon
8.Turmeric powder                                               1/2 teaspoon
9. Green chilly                                                            1
10. Steamed Rice                                                      2 cups
11. Salt                                                                  As per taste
12. Lemon juice                                                   2 tablespoon
13. Coconut Milk                                                  1/4th cup
14. Coriander                                                      For garnishing



PROCESS:

1. Heat oil in pan, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, dry red chillies, asofeidita, black mustard seeds, green chiily and turmeric powder.

2. Stir well until spices crackle.
3. Add steamed rice.

4. Add salt and coconut milk.
5. Switch off the flame and at the end add lemon juice.

                                               Garnish with corriander and ENJOY !!!!!!!


                    Kindly share and comment if you like it...Suggestions always WELCOME:.....:)

Biscuit Chocolate Pudding

Lets go on a date with decadent Chocolate Biscuit Pudding🍫

INGREDIENTS:

1. Biscuits : Marie                                                500 gms
2. Butter                                                                   1/2 Cup  for Biscuits
                                                                                     1/4th Cup for Chocolate
3. Milk                                                                       500 ml
4. Custard                                                                1 Packet
5. Cardamom Powder                                         1 tsp
6. Fruits : Apple or grapes ( Optional)        1/4th Cup
7. Sugar                                                                   1.5 Tablespoon
8. Chocolate  (Melted)                                        250 gms   
9. Condensed Milk                                                2 Tablespoon
10. Choco chips or wafers                                  For Garnishing

PROCESS:

1.      Grind biscuits in fine powder.

2.   In a heated pan, melt butter and add biscuit powder. Stir it and keep aside.

3.   Mix custard powder in milk (normal temp) and bring to boil.Keep on stirring and let it cool.

4. Heat butter in pan, pour melted chocolate and condensed milk, keep on stirring.

5. Take a glass or bowl: First pour custard and chill it for 1 hour.

    Spread biscuit powder over the custard layer in glass.

   Pour melted chocolate over the biscuit layer.

6. Garnish it with choco chips or wafers as you like.

7. Serve Chilled.