Spices-Cardamom

Cardamom,the "Queen of Spices" is one of the most expensive and exotic spices in the world and is the dried ripe fruit of the cardamom plant. Cardamom also called as "The grains of the Paradise" has a very pungent and aromatic smell. Guatemala is the largest producer of cardamom followed by India at the second place.

Health Benefits:

Cardamom is used in the treatment of bad breath.

It contains excellent diuretic properties and hence helpful in detoxification and works against urinary tract infections.

Chewing one cardamom pod before going out in the sun will help in fighting from heat strokes.

Helps in blood circulation and soothes sore throat.

It helps regularize your heart rate and keeps your blood pressure under control.

Add a pinch or two of cardamom powder and turmeric to a glass of warm milk. Drink this every night to help relieve weakness and other symptoms of anemia

Cardamom prevents dangerous blood clots by preventing platelet aggregation and the sticking to the artery walls. - See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/15-health-benefits-of-cardamom/#sthash.0tINgA1F.dpuf

Cardamom prevents dangerous blood clots by preventing platelet aggregation and the sticking to the artery walls. - See more at: http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/15-health-benefits-of-cardamom/#sthash.0tINgA1F.dpuf

Cardamom helps in preventing dangerous blood clots and is an anti-spasmodic which helps in getting rid of hiccups

 Studies have shown that cardamom seeds are the storehouse of anti-bacterial and even anti-tumour properties. It is also known to be rich in antioxidants.

It is also helpful in curing skin allergies.

It helps in the excretion of bile and acts as a good liver booster.

Consumption of 2 crushed cardamoms with honey helps in fighting stomachache.


Except that used in cooking, additional doses of cardamom are not to be used in pregnant and lactating women.

Cardamom Tea:

Ingredients

• 3 green cardamom pods
• 2 teabags
• 2 brown cardamom pods
• 4 tablespoon sugar
• Half a cup milk

Method:

Pour about 7 cups of water into a skillet and bring it to boil.As the water boils, squash the cardamom pods in a pestle and mortar.Add the teabags and the grounded cardamom pods to the boil water.Let it simmer, it turns black with a tinge of red.

Now add the milk to the boiling mixture and let it simmer, till it turns beige.     Then switch off the heat and pour the mixture through a strainer, into a tea pot.Serve hot.

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Beetroot Pepper Saute'

Beetroots can enliven most anything. When I first tasted this dish at a friend's place ,I was puzzled.This dish just calls for 4 ingredients. The pepper plays an unexpected role in this dish and while they are a perfect partner with steamed rice they are also wonderful with a toast. This saute' feel so balanced rather than overpowering and the sweetness from the beets gives that lil' kick .This is one saute' with a ton of character.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cups of diced Beetroot
• 1 medium sized onion chopped
• 1 tsp tabasco sauce
• 1 1/2 tsp pepper powder
• 1 tbsp oil 
• salt to taste. 

Method:

Heat oil in a pan ,add the onions and saute them for about 3 minutes. Then add the diced beets and cook until soft.

Add the sauce, pepper and salt and mix well. Cook for about a minute. Serve warm.

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Spices-Turmeric

Turmeric -"The Golden Spice" also known as "The Indian Saffron" for its deep yellow-orange colour comes from the root of a leafy plant in the Ginger Family called Curcuma Longa. Turmeric is not just used as a spice but also an an healing agent. Turmeric is claimed to have been originated in India and is used extensively in South East Asia as a principle Spice. Turmeric is used in all possible combinations of curry powder.It is a very powerful anti-inflammatory agentand is extensively used as a textile dye as well.

Health Benefits:

1.Turmeric's anti-inflammatory agent helps to treat a wide variety of conditions, including flatulence, , bloody  urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises,jaundice, menstrual difficulties, chest pain, rheumatoid arthritis , and colic.

2.It is used for jaundice and to stimulate gallbladder activity. It is thus helpful as a digestive aid for breaking down and digesting fatty foods.It is shown to have successfully reduced the cholesterol levels.

3.Turmeric is said to boost immunity and is a natural Liver Detoxifier

4.Some traditional healers use it for the treatment of cough, or cooked with milk, to treat asthma.

5.Turmeric has antiviral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The results are so promising that physicians are recommending that everyone include half a teaspoon a day of turmeric in their daily diet. 

6.Turmeric helps in inhibiting the insulin levels and the addition of turmeric to the diet helps in enhancing the efficacy of anti diabetic drugs.

7.Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

8.When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

9.Turmeric is a preservative agent and agreat pesticide.

10.Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

Tips:
While purchasing turmeric pay attention to the packaging dates. It lasts no more than 3 months

Easy Herbal Tea using Turmeric: 

• 1 Cup water
• 1/4 tsp Ginger
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric
• honey or sugar to taste
• A squeeze of lemon

Method:

Bring water to a boil and add turmeric and ginger and simmer for about  5 minutes. Remove from flame add a dash of lemon and honey and serve hot ..

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No Bake Nutty Cheese Cake

This dessert is something very close to may heart and its just got the perfect combination of everything .I had been on a restrictive diet this whole past week and it made me go stir crazy ,hence decided to go with some intoxicating sinfully delicious high caloric dessert  and had a quite few bites ... well hypothetically ... anyways the dessert just got over with in a few minutes it was taken out of the fridge and hence I really could not capture the beautiful looking inside of this classic tempting cake. I have a very strange method of eating this cake eating out all the nuts from the cake before devouring the cake and the going on with the remaining well in which case its a bit messy ,but who cares .

Ingredients:
For the Cheese Cake:

• 160 gms Cream Cheese Softened
• 180 ml Fresh Cream
• 50 ml whole Milk
• 5 tbsp Sugar
• 5 Chunky Chocolate Chip Biscuits
• 7 Gm Gelatin Sheet
• 100 gms Pistachionuts roughly chopped
• 100 gms Almonds Roughly Chopped.

For the chocolate layer:

• 100 gm dark chocolate
• 50 gms butter
• 1 tbsp Golden Syrup
• 1/2 cup powdered digestives or any cookies.

Method:
For the Chocolate Layer:
Put all the ingredients(dark chocolate,butter and golden syrup) into heatproof bowl and either put this over a pan of simmering water, or into a microwave until melted.Mix the powdered biscuits into the chocolate. Set aside.
For the Cheese cake:
Soak the gelatin sheet in a bowl of cold water. Remove from water as soon as the sheet soften, wring gently to remove excess water, set aside.
In another saucepan, heat up milk and 60ml of cream. When the mixture starts to boil, remove from heat immediately. Let it rest for 2 minutes. Add the softened gelatin and stir until it dissolves. Let the cream mixture cool to room temperature.
In the mean time, using an electric mixer, mix cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl until light and fluffy. Crumble the chocolate chip cookies into small pieces and mix it well . Then add the nuts and give it a good stir.Now Add in the cream mixture  stir until combine.

Place a medium bowl over ice water, whisk the remaining cream until soft peak forms .Pour the cream cheese mixture into the bowl, fold quickly until the cream cheese mixture is fully incorporated into the whipped cream.

Line a mould or a container with a cling film .leaving plenty of extra clingfilm at the edges to fold over the top. Now spoon a layer layer of chocolate layer into the container followed by a very thick layer of cream cheese mixture. 

Then follow it with a layer of Chocolate and then a cream cheese layer. Caramel Nuggets or smashed meringues can be sprinkled in between the layers if you want to. 

Set it in the fridge to firm up for about 4 to 6 hours or leave overnight, then turn out , removing the clingfilm, and cut into chunky slices.

Sprinkle cocoa powder over the cake while serving.I preferred a sprinkle of drinking chocolate than cocoa powder. 

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Mint Apple Juice

If you don't like mint but you know you should because of its health benefits then this is a very good compromise. The sweetness comes from the apple but you can add honey or stevia to make it even more sweeter.And maple syrup is optional . This juice also has a massive detox potential and get your health back on track. Mint leaves actually helps in digestion and helps eliminate toxins actively from your body and acts as a great blood cleanser. Apple on the other hand helps in managing weight and the alkalinity of apples restores balance in the body from all the acid contained in high protein foods. Apples serve as an excellent method to getting all the dietary fiber your body needs to promote colon health. On top of that apples are said to be rich in the water-soluble dietary fiber pectin that serves to jellify salts, sugars, and fat, nutrients that get started away as fat, serving as an active fat blocker.A sprinkle of All spice powder does give an interesting twist to the drink.

Ingredients:

• A handful of Mint leaves
• 1 Apple
• 1/2 tsp All spice Powder
• Honey/Maple Syrup/Stevia(according to sweetness)-Optional
• Ice Cubes or Cold Water

Method:

Roughly chop the Apples with the skin and blend all the above mentioned ingredients together to a very smooth consistency. Serve chilled. Increase the amount of water a bit if you want to thin it down.

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Channa Bhature /Chole Bhature -Chickpeas in rich Tomato Gravy and Deep Fried Flat Bread

Chole Bhature hails from the North India and is a combination of 2 dishes. the chole masala(chick peas in a rich tomato gravy) and bhature(deep fried Indian flat bread). and are normally served with lassi,pickles,onions or any sort of chutneys. I did go a little crazy preparing this dish but ended up with delicious results.A rich and flavorful curry perfect for a dinner and is full of surprises.

Ingredients:
Bhature(Poori/Deep Fried Flat Bread):

• 4 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 Cup Sooji/Semolina/Rava
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1 Tsp Salt
• Oil for Frying
• 3/4 Tsp Baking Soda
• 100 gm Yogurt

Method:

Sift flour,baking soda ,salt and mix it with the rest of the ingredients and knead well.Try not add water. Knead a dough from using yogurt. Try adding yogurt little by little so that the dough does not turn too sticky.If the flour is too dry add very little water to knead.

Heat the oil in deep frying pan on medium heat. Roll out equal portion of dough balls into flat bread Fry them equally on both sides will crispy , fluffy and brown in color. Serve them hot with Chickpea curry(Chole Masala)

Chole/Channa Masala(Chick Peas in a rich Tomato Gravy)

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Cups Garbanzo beans(Chick Peas/Channa) soaked overnight or atleast 6 hours and boiled
• 2 Medium Onions
• 5 Tomatoes
• 1 Tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1 Small Green Chilly
• 3 Tbsp Oil
• 1 Tbsp Clarified Butter(Ghee) or Plain Salted Butter can be used
• 1/2 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 1/2 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
• A pinch of Asafoetida
• 2 pods cardamon, an inch length cinamon and 3 cloves
• 1 tsp Pomegranate Seeds Powder(Can be omitted if its not available)
• 1/2 tsp Garam Masala Powder(Can be substituted wit All Spice Powder
• Fresh Parsley or Coriander Leaves to Garnish.

Method:

Soak the Channa Dal (chickpeas)Overnight and boil it until soft drain the water and keep it aside.
In a separate pan heat oil add the cardamon,cloves and cinnamon.Once they splutter add the very finely chopped onions and saute well .

Then add the ginger garlic paste and cook for about a minute. Puree the 5 tomatoes ,add to the pan and cook well with the lid closed till the oil is separated. Then add all the dry ingredients(garam masala,salt,chilli powder,asafoetida,pomegranate seeds powder,and cumin powder) and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.

Now add the cooked chick peas and mix well. Add about 2 cups of water , simmer and cook well for a few more minutes. Finally drizzle over the clarified butter or butter.Garnish with coriander or fresh parsely leaves and serve with Bhature.

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Garlic Mushroom Curry/Gravy

I find mushrooms are always satisfying .. Their velvety texture elevates you to another level of elegance.The tomato puree infuses the curry with a slight tangy taste and the garlic accents these little satiny mushrooms . Yum.This is one of my many preferred combinations with breads. You can use any type of mushrooms and this gravy with the combination of Garlic added to it does provide more interesting flavors.The gravy is voluptuous with a concentrated hit of Mushroom and Garlic Flavors. Not only it is a great side for the breads but does go well along with rice , as gravy's for steaks ...just with anything. Top the left overs with a fried egg and some toast ,the next day ,all of a sudden the leftovers were a lot more exciting.

 Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Cup Mushrooms diced ( Stalks can be removed -optional)
• 1 Cup Chicken Stock
• 1/2 cup Tomato Puree
• 1 Medium Sized Onion
• 1 stalk Celery Chopped
• 2 tbsp Oil 
• 1/2 tbsp Butter
• Salt to taste
• 1 Tsp Chilli Powder
• 1/2 Tsp All spice Powder
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1 tsp finely chopped Ginger or ginger paste
• 1 tbsp Parsely Leaves

Method:
Heat Oil in a pan and saute the onions until soft and cooked. Add garlic and ginger and saute well.

Add the tomato puree and celery and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes until the raw smell from the tomato disappear.

Add the dry ingredients chilli powder,Allspice and Salt . Now add the mushrooms and cook until the Mushrooms release some of the moisture. Add the chicken stock and simmer it for about 10 minutes. Mix well to combine. Remove from flame and transfer to a serving bowl . Garnish with butter and parsley leaves.

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Stove Top Sugar Cookies

As a kid I always spent time spooning this cookie dough into my eager,sweet toothed mouth.These cookies are simple and a throwback to my childhood days.I tried these sugar cookies for fun on a stove top with a normal pan. The cookies turned out to be soft and tasted the same as the oven baked ones. and it was so easy to make. The best thing about these sugar cookies are that they are not tooth achingly sweet.The granulated sugar in the cookies gives that little snap. And a perfect one for dunking .I think .

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for shaping the cookies
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature + 3 tbsp butter to grease the pan 
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• Method:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.

Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated (the dough will be stiff). Shape into a disk and (unless otherwise specified in an individual recipe) refrigerate, wrapped, for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.

Roll out on parchment to about 1/4 an inch thick, use flour for dusting as necessary. Then, cut in the desired shape using a cookie cutter.

Heat butter in a pan and bake the cake on very low flame with a closed lid. Keep flipping the cookie over on either sides until its done. 

 

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Roasted Lotus Seeds

Little did I know till a few months back that Lotus Seeds were edible , when I read an article about these nuts for its medicinal properties.The one plant which has medicinal properties from its every part..the flower,the leaves,the stem ,the seeds and its roots.This is one simple recipe where you can coat the seeds with a little oil and spices of your choice and just pop it into a preheated oven until crisp or you could just roast it in a pan .A much healthier option than popcorn this is good for an evening snack or to just munch anytime during the day.

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Lotus Seeds
• 1 tsp Oil
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or Chilli Powder
• 1/4 tsp Chaat Masala(Optional)

or

• you can substitute the spices mentioned above with  tsp Allspice 

Method:

Heat Oil in a pan .Roast the seeds on low flame until they become crispy for about 10 minutes. Switch of the flame and add the spices and mix well.

Alternatively you can coat the seeds with oil and roast it in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until crispy . Remove the seeds and sprinkle the spices and mix well.

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Nutella Mug Cake

I love Nutella in any form . Sometimes I just eat it out of the jar anytime of the day whenever I crave,that is pretty much very often. Nutella Mug cake is yet another obsession which is so simple to make and is so bold with the flavors,moist ,dense and sinfully rich.Adding a bit of cardamom to the batter makes it more flavorful and subtle and is specially filled with warmth when you crave this mug cake past midnight and treat yourself to it.All is takes is just 5 minutes to makes this beauty in a microwave.Bake these in small jars whip up some cream on top of it add some fruits of your choice and there you go . A perfect one as an edible holiday gift.I poured in some chocolate ganache over the cake and hence the satiny sheen over the cake.

RECIPE:
Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
• 4 Tbsp Nutella
• 3 Tbsp Milk
• 1 Egg
• 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1/4 Tsp baking Powder
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 3 Tbsp Sugar
• 1 Pod Cardamom finely Crushed or 4 drops of Cardamom Essence(optional)

Method:

Sift flour ,cocoa powder and baking powder and keep aside.

In a large mug(the normal size of the coffee mug did not hold the cake when microwaved and made it messy,so if you are using the normal sized mugs make it in to batches) beat the eggs,sugar until light and frothy.

Then mix the oil,nutella,cardamom,and the rest of the ingredients. Stir well. Mix the flour and mix until smooth. Microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes.Serve warm with whipped cream or confectioner sugar sprinkled over the top or with some light chocolate Ganache.

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