MOODY FOODIE IDEAS!

Popeye was definitely on to something. Spinach is a super food loaded with tons of nutrients in a low calorie package. Palak ka kapha is a Kumauni dish or palak jholi (curry), It is traditionally made with pahadi palak but regular spinach can also be used for its preparation although the shape and taste are a little different.   Ingredients 2 bunches of  spinach (washed and finely chopped)   6 -7 cloves garlic chopped      1/4 tsp asafoetida                      1/4 tsp turmeric                        1/2 tsp red chili powder          1/4 cup rice flour                       1 tbsp mustard oil                       chopped green chilies and salt to taste Method Step 1: In a pan, heat the oil to smoking point. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and garlic. saute for a min. Step 2: Add rice flour and cook til pinkish, stirring constantly. Add the powders.                                                         Step 4:   Mix in the spinach, green chilies and salt. Cov

Quinoa is the new super grain! It is a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins and essential minerals. It is low in fat and gluten-free and considered easy to digest,  Superb food indeed! Quinoa is easily available in super markets as well as online. Ingredients 1 cup  quinoa 2 cups water 2 spring onions with leaves chopped finely 1 large tomato diced 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil zest of one lemon (grated) juice of half lemon finely chopped green chili (optional) salt pepper to taste   Method Step 1: boil quinoa in water, covered on a low heat. simmer for about 10 mins or until  most of the water is soaked. Step 2: take quinoa off the flame add lemon juice, zest , olive oil and salt and mix together and keep aside covered. Step 3: when cool mix in all the other ingredients. Serve immediately.   Variation: After step 1 you can add any fruit and or vegetable depending on your menu, availability and MO

First of all I would like to acknowledge Chetan, my sister-in-law  for being the spark behind this recipe . Thanks a lot Chetan - My foodie buddy! Horse gram, kulthi bean, hurali, Madras gram is one of the lesser known  beans . It is consumed as a whole seed, as sprouts, or as whole meal in India, popular especially in southern Indian states is prescribed for persons suffering from jaundice or water retention, and as part of a weight-loss diet. It is considered helpful for iron deficiencies, and is considered helpful for maintaining body temperature in the winter season. Ingredients 1 cup Horse gram flour  1/4 cup gram  flour (besan) 1/4 tsp turmeric powder 1 +1/4 cups water 3 tbsp slightly sour curd 1 and 1/2 tsp green chili-ginger paste 1 sachet fruit salt 1 tbsp hot oil salt and sugar to taste For Garnish 1 tbsp refined oil 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp cumin seeds a pinch of asfoetida (hing) 1/2 tbsp white sesame seeds(t

Oats Dumplings Soup sounds very healthy and boring! soulful bowl Well, it is certainly is healthy but not at all your run of the mill kind of soup. Its a perfect comfort food for the wintry evenings. Easy to cook and a bowlful is yummy tummyful.              In chicken/vegetable stock boil together your favourite winter veggies ( beans, carrots, cabbage, zucchini, spinach, cauliflower........) with salt, pepper and the choice of your herb. I love fresh coriander in my soups. THE TWIST... Add diced peppers roasted on open flame to enhance the soup. Peppers roasted on open flame When the soup comes to a rumbling boil spoon in the dumplings, cover and cook for 3-4 mins.  FOR THE DUMPLINGS  Mix together 4 tbsp oats,1 egg, salt, pepper, parsley,  1/4 tsp baking powder and Parmesan or any other cheese and some milk to have a dropping consistency.  TRY IT AND LET ME KNOW HOW IT WAS!