Tuesday, 18 September 2018

Homemade Soy Milk



There is always a debate going on in our minds that which kind of milk is best for the human body because since childhood we have been listening from our parents or grandparents that milk is very much necessary to consume at least twice a day.  A number of times its benefits has been told to us when we avoid drinking milk.
 No doubt dairy milk has proteins and calcium but it contains high saturated fats that don’t suit in our present lifestyle. It leads to several heart problems, skin problems etc.

People who are lactose intolerant can't consume dairy products.
Solution to this is simple; just substitute the dairy milk with plant-based milk such as soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, coconut milk etc.
Some of the benefits of consuming Soy Milk are:
1.       Good source of plant-based protein
2.       Less saturated fat than dairy milk
3.       It is cholesterol free.
4.       It contains no lactose.
Dr. Jewel Gamadia (acupuncturist) advises avoiding milk as it is the big culprit that causes acne.
Now I am sharing how to make Soy milk at home.

Remember: People who are allergic to soy products shall not try and can go for other plant-based milk like almond milk, coconut milk etc.

What all you need?
Soy Beans                            1 Cup
Water: For blending:           4.5 Cups
 Muslin cloth or Nut Bag milk


Process:
1.       Soak soybeans in water overnight.
2.       Strain water and rinse the soybeans.
3.       Remove the skin of beans as best as you can.
4.       Put soybeans and water in a blender and blend until smooth.
5.       Strain the mixture using the muslin cloth or nut bag milk.
6.       Boil the strained milk in a pan (heavy bottom).
7.       Keep stirring at the simmer for next 15 minutes as to get rid of the bitterness and plant taste.
8.       Cool it and store in a refrigerator.
9.       It can be consumed within 3 days.

Do share and comment if you like the recipe.



Stay healthy…


















Saturday, 15 September 2018

Saturday Special - Lunch



After a long time, I got a relaxing weekend so I just don’t feel to go anywhere and just sit and prepare some food in Indian style at home.

As today is Saturday and in Hindu mythology, Saturday is day known for Lord Shani Dev. There is a myth that if anyone wants to start a new venture or any auspicious thing then Saturday is not good enough to do so but I believe that as it is a day of Lord Shani and he is a dispenser of justice and completely impartial so any start will be a great start on such day.

People used to offer black sesame seeds, black grams, and mustard oil to Lord Shani on Saturday to please them.

I can say that I am celebrating Saturday by way of preparing Lord Shani’s favorite dish "BLACK URAD DAL KHICHDI".

BLACK URAD DAL KHICHDI (SERVES 4-5)


Ingredients:
·         Black Urad Dal                   1 Cup
·         Rice                                        1 Cup
·         Ginger Garlic  paste        1 teaspoon
·         Chopped Onion(Small)        1
·         Mustard Oil                       2 teaspoon
·         Asafetida                              1 pinch
·         Salt                                         To taste
·         Black pepper                    1 teaspoon
·         Cumin seeds                     1 teaspoon            
·         Green chilies (slit)              2-4
·       Water                                   2 Cups
For Garnishing:
·         Coriander leaves(chopped) 
·         5-6 Ginger julienne

Method:
1.      Soak rice and urad dal for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
2.      Heat oil in  pressure cooker, add Asafetida, cumin seeds, and onions, sauté them for 5 minutes on medium flame,
3.      Add ginger garlic paste and keep stirring for next 7-8 minutes.
4.      Put soaked dal and rice in a pressure cooker and add all spices and green chilies.
A     Add Water and close the lid and switch off the flame after 2 whistles.

Garnish it with coriander and ginger julienne
Serve hot with plain curd or green mint chutney and enjoy!


Do share and comment if you like the recipe.





Stay healthy…











Friday, 14 September 2018

Story Behind Modak (Laddu)



LORD GANESHA IS GOD OF REMOVAL OF OBSTACLES AND START OF NEW BEGINNINGS.
WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY GANESH CHATURTHI......

On this delightful festival, I am going to share a small story behind,” Why Lord Ganesha is so much fond of Modak”???????

Once Lord Ganesha had a fight with Parshuram, one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu.
During their fight, Ganesha's tooth broke and he was not able to eat anything. Then sugary and soft modak or laddus were prepared and when he ate them they just melted in his mouth and he could have it to his heart. From then onwards, it is believed that modak became his favorite dish. Modak is a sweet dish and it is considered that the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi concludes with offering of 21 different types of modak to Lord Ganesha as prasadam.

Classic Modak: The main ingredients are: Rice flour, wheat, maida flour, coconut and jaggery and cooked in a steamer. They are perishable in nature.
Laddu: Eventually varieties of modak have emerged according to the taste and preferences of people.
Some are Mava Modak, Chocolate Modak, Moong Dal Modak, Paneer Modak , Pan and coconut modak and many more…



HERE IS THE RECIPE OF WHEAT FLOUR AND RAVA LADDU :



Ingredients:
Wheat flour: 250 gm
Rava: 1/4th Cup
Ghee: 250gm
Castor Sugar: 200 gm
Milkmaid: 1/4th Cup
Chopped Dry Fruits:
Almonds: 5-6 per laddu for garnishing.

Method:
1. Heat a wok and pour ghee and roast wheat flour and rava at low flame for 8-10 minutes. Keep stirring to roast evenly.
2. Switch off the flame and transfer the mix into another bowl to cool it.
3. Once the mixture is cool down add sugar and milkmaid and chopped dry fruits and mix it well.
4. To make laddu, take around  1 tablespoon mixture in hand and gently press the mixture to form round shape.


Do share and comment if you like the recipe.




Stay healthy…