LINGERING TASTE

Knowing Oils

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:55:00 +0000

Gone are the days when all you had to do was choose between sunflower or olive oil.
Now it seems you can by the oil from just about every plant, nut or seed out there but
should we be adding them to our stir fries or drizzling them over our salads?
Find out with our at a glance guide to NINE of the best.

Best oils to cook with

Top rated - rapeseed oil
Rapeseed oil contains omegas 3, 6 and 9, essential fatty acids so it's great for heart health,
brain health and joint mobility. It is also a rich, natural source of vitamin E — essential for healthy skin
and a strong immune system. High in mono-unsaturated fats and with less than half the cholesterol raising,
saturated fats of olive oil it is one of the few natural oils that can be heated to deep-frying temperature
without its antioxidants, character, colour and flavour spoiling. In short, one of the best oils there is and
what's more — some of the very best rapeseed oils are produced right here in Britain.

Best all rounder - olive oil
Olive oil is a great source of heart protecting, cholesterol lowering, monounsaturated fat as well as
free radical fighting antioxidants known to protect the body against premature aging and cancer.
It can be used to cook with up to temperatures of 180 degrees and is mild enough in flavour to be used
with most dishes. However, extra virgin olive oil (the oil that is extracted from the first press) is not
quite so stable so it is best used cold.

Best for tight budgets - sunflower oil Cheap, easy to find and a great source of the free radical fighting antioxidant - vitamin E.
In fact, just 1-2 tablespoons contains all your daily requirement.
It is also a good source of cholesterol reducing omega 6 polyunsaturates.
However, it contains very few omega 3's so if you use sunflower oil regularly, you need to be sure
you're getting enough omega 3s in your diet from other sources to balance things out.
A chemically stable oil, it is suitable for deep-frying but don't be tempted to re-use the oil
more than a couple of times as re-heating it to high temperatures can result in the formation of
trans fatty acids known to raise cholesterol and increase the incidence of some cancers.

Best for high temperatures - groundnut oilGround nut oil — sometimes called peanut oil has a high smoking point making it ideal roasting,
making Yorkshire puddings or frying. It is an excellent all-rounder and has a very neutral, light flavour
perfect for use in oriental dishes that often combine quite delicate flavours.
Do be careful though as this oil is made from peanuts so anyone with a nut allergy should steer well clear.

Best for adding flavour - sesame oilAnother great source of cholesterol lowering omega 6 fatty acids light sesame oil can be used for deep frying
and the dark or heavy sesame oil (made from roasted sesame seeds) adds a delicious rich flavour to
stir-fried meats or vegetables.
Used a lot in oriental dishes it's rich flavour works as a seasoning in itself.

Best for rice dishes - avocado oilAvocado oil has very little if any omega three fatty acids but it is a great source of monounsaturated fats
and is also rich in skin enhancing vitamin E. It has a slightly nutty flavour that is delicious drizzled over
salads or rice dishes.
However, it can also be used to cook with as it has a higher smoking point than many oils so it's fine to grill,
sauté or stir-fry with it.
Best Oils For Dressing and Dipping.
Top rated - walnut oilA delicious, aromatic, nutty oil that is a good source of omega three fatty acids and tastes delicious
(used as a dip along side a good balsamic vinegar) as a dip for freshly torn, warm breads for warm breads.
It's also great for drizzling over salads and risottos and goes really well with white fish, meat, mozzarella
and goat's cheese. However, this oil tends to become bitter when cooked and can go off very quickly so
buy in small quantities and store in a cool, dark place.

Best for vegetarians - linseed oilLinseed oil is a much richer source of omega 3 than any other oil and a great choice for strict vegetarians
who need to get omega 3 fatty acids solely from plant foods.
Omega three fatty acids help to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, increase concentration
(particularly in children), alleviate the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
and they may also help prevent Alzheimer's.
Linseed oil however, is not suitable for cooking as heat can make it taste bitter and it can quickly become
rancid if it is not stored correctly (in a cool dark place).
Studies show that if this happens the benefits are negated and possibly reversed.

Best for drizzling - hazelnut oil
Hazelnut oil is a great source of Vitamin E which helps to maintain a heart health, good skin,
a healthy reproductive system and a strong immune system. Fairly pricey and not so readily available
as many other oils it is worth seeking out either from your local health food store or on line
to drizzle over salads, rice dishes or fresh pasta adding a delicious, subtle, nutty flavour.

SET DOSA

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Ingredients

1/4 cup roasted gram dal

1/4 cup grated coconut.

3-4 green chillies

a small piece of tamarind

1 tbsp coriander leaves

salt to taste

For seasoning :

1 tbsp oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 pinch of asafoetida

1 tsp urad dal

Method

Soak the urad dal and poha for 4-5 hours. Grind it finely to a paste with water Add rice

flour and salt to the paste and mix well. You can add more water to get the required

consistency.

Store the dough in a large vessel in a warm place for atleast 8 hours for it to ferment well.

Heat tava. Pour a tablespoon of dough on the tava. Do not make it very thin.

Prepare small round dosas of approximately 10 cm diameter with little oil. Cover it and let

it cook for a few minutes. When the dosa is red, turn the dosa and cook on the other side.

Serve a 'set' of 3 dosas topped with butter or ghee and chutney. Grind all the ingredients

for chutney with water. The chutney should be watery.

Seasoning:

Heat oil in a small pan. Add all the ingredients for seasoning. When the mustard seed

splutters, remove the pan from heat and gently pour over chutney. Mix well and serve.

VALUE OF ONIONS

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:53:00 +0000

Very Important ....especially for those who love to cook and eat ONIONS!!!!!!

ONIONS

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu.
Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.
The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in NZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)

The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu.
If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case.
Whatever, what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied with this most interesting experience about onions:

Thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story...but, I do know that I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill...I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs... sure enough it happened just like that...the onion was a mess and I began to feel better.

Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.

But here is the other important side to remember.

LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS

I have used an onion which has been left in the fridge, and sometimes I don't use a whole one at one time, so save the other half for later.

Now with this info, I have changed my mind.....will buy smaller onions in the future.

I had the wonderful privilege of touring Mullins Food Products, Makers of mayonnaise. Mullins is huge, and is owned by 11 brothers and sisters in the Mullins family. My friend, Jeanne, is the CEO.

Questions about food poisoning came up, and I wanted to share what I learned from a chemist.

The guy who gave us our tour is named Ed. He's one of the brothers Ed is a chemistry expert and is involved in developing most of the sauce formula.. He's even developed sauce formula for McDonald's.

Keep in mind that Ed is a food chemistry whiz. During the tour, someone asked if we really needed to worry about mayonnaise. People are always worried that mayonnaise will spoil. Ed's answer will surprise you. Ed said that all commercially- made Mayo is completely safe.

"It doesn't even have to be refrigerated. No harm in refrigerating it, but it's not really necessary." He explained that the pH in mayonnaise is set at a point that bacteria could not survive in that environment. He then talked about the quaint essential picnic, with the bowl of potato salad
sitting on the table and how everyone blames the mayonnaise when someone gets sick.

Ed says that when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the 'victim' last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it's not the mayonnaise (as long as it's not homemade Mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It's probably the onions, and if not the onions, it's the POTATOES.

He explained, onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion. He says it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator.

It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!)

Ed says if you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down.

So, how's that for news? Take it for what you will. I (the author) am going to be very careful about my onions from now on. For some reason, I see a lot of credibility coming from a chemist and a company that produces millions of pounds of mayonnaise every year.'

Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions .....

Please remember it is dangerous to cut onions and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates Toxic bacteria which may cause Adverse Stomach infections because of excess Bile secretions and even Food poisoning.

LOW CALORIE VEGETABLE SOUP

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 08:55:00 +0000

Ingredients:
100 gm carrots, finely sliced
100 gm French beans, chopped fine
60 gm cauliflower, cut into small pieces
60 gm peas
60 gm broccoli florets cut into small pieces
salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method:

In a deep vessel add the carrots, peas, beans and cauliflower and let it all simmer for 5-6 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook for a further 2-3 minutes till done.All the vegetables must be cooked well and become soft. Add in salt and black pepper to your taste. Serve hot with thick crusty bread.

All the vegetables must be chopped into fine slices.

Serves: 4
20 calories per serving

BANANA STEM JUICE

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:14:00 +0000

A very healthy drink.This is good for weight reduction and good complexion.

1.banana stem
2.lemon juice
3.coriander leaves.

4.ginger

5.Curd or buttermilk

6.Sugar or salt

method:

1.cut banana stem into pieces ,grind it in mixer,add lemon juice.
2 Add coriander leaves.ginger and curd and whip it and filter it.

3.The juice is ready.

4.To this juice either you can add salt or

5.For a sweet juice add sugar or honey

FIBRE IN OUR DIET

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 07:45:00 +0000

Fibre is very important to our body but needs to be increased gradualy in our diet .
Try substituting whole grain breads and cereals for white bread and refined cereals. Also, select at least two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables daily.

SOURCE OF FIBRE
Fiber is found in plant foods, including
fruits, vegetables, whole grains,
and beans.

Oat bran, barley, kidney
beans, and black-eyed peas contain
more soluble fiber than foods such
as wheat bran, brown rice, lettuce,
and spinach.

REQUIRED INTAKE
The average intake of total
dietary fiber is 12-18 grams per day for
women and men, respectively. The recommended
dietary fiber intake is 14g
per 1,000 calories consumed. This can
be achieved by eating more beans, ve getables,
fruits, and whole grain breads
and cereals.

Remember also to increase your fluid
intake as you increase your fiber intake.

ADVANTAGES OF FIBRE

The water-holding capacity of fiberhelps soften stools and prevents constipation,provided that you drink enough fluids.

Fiber, particularly insoluble fiber,may decrease the risk of colon cancer by increasing the speed of elimination.
- Fiber increases satiety (the feeling of fullness) by adding bulk to foods without additional calories.
- A high-fiber diet may reduce the risk of hemorrhoids.
DISADVANTAGES OF FIBRE
- Cramping,
- diarrhea,
- intestinal gas
are some of the problems associated with a sudden increase in fiber
intake.

MEASURES
1. Gradually increasing your fiber intake over a period of six to eight weeks can minimize undesirable
effects.

2. Also, increasing your water
intake can help reduce negative side effects.

YUMMY GARLIC CHUTNEY

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:17:00 +0000

This is a simple recipe yet mouth watering.

Garlic 8 pods

Red chillies 15

Hing(Asfoetida) Powder 1 tsp

Salt To taste

Dry grind redchillies, hing and salt to powder.Add garlic to it and grind to fine paste.If needed add little hot water.The chutney is ready.

This can be had with idli, dosa, bread as spread and tastes good.

For a more tasty yet , you can add little coconut oil to the chutney.But this is optional

MICROWAVE PEDAS

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:10:00 +0000

Sweet and Condensed Milk 1 can.

( if you look for calories you can use fatfree as well. You get them in many stores.)

Dry milk powder 2 1/2 cups

Unsalted Butter 75gms

Melt the butter in the microwave for 2 - 3 minutes. Add the milk powder and condensed milk. Mix well and cook them for 10 - 12 minutes inthe microwave. Remove the mixture every 3 minutes and stir well.

You will see the mixture getting thick and brown from it original color. Add cardamom powder if you like.

Remove from microwave and make small balls and flatten them like Peda.

I saw this while browsing the net and tried.It came out well and thought I could share.

Enjoy...........

_________________

LIGHT REFRESHMENT

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:52:00 +0000

The weather being very hot one is short of energy.A simple energy drink

Lemon
Ginger
honey
salt
Water

With these four ingredients one can have a good energy drink.
All these are good energizers therefore can be taken in any combination to taste your buds.

Just give a try and see the energy level and feel great

POTATO ROAST

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 11:21:00 +0000

Potatoes 1/2 kg
Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
Redchillies powder 2 tsp
Salt To taste
corn flour 2 tsp
Mustard 1tsp
Oil 100ml

OPTIONAL
Onions 100gms
Tomato 2

Boil the potatoes. Peel, cube and dry marinate them in turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt in for 5 min.Splutter mustard seeds in oil, and then roast the marinated potato cubes until crisp.

For some who like with onions cut 2 medium sized onions into small pieces and fry,then add the marinated potatoes and fry till done

If you want very crispy potatoes sprinkle 2tsp of corn flour and fry.

A very tasty delicious potato roast is ready.

COCONUT DOSA

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:32:00 +0000

Boiled Rice 400gm
Raw rice 200gm
Urud dhal 100gm
coconut if big 1/2coconut
if small 1 full coconut
Salt To taste
Oil To make the dosa
mustard seeds 1 tsp

Preparation:
Wash and Soak boiled rice,raw rice and urud dhal in water for 5 to 6 hrs.
Grate the coconut
Grind the soaked ingredients along with coconut to a fine paste adding water liberally.
Keep it aside.This need not be kept out for a long time for fermentation.
Dosas can be made immediately.
Before doing the dosa heat oil in a kadai and splutter mustard seeds and add to the batter.

Dosa batter has to be watery and dosa will have be made like Rawa dosa.
Heat the Tawa.Spread oil to the tawa.Pour the batter in circular motion.

When the dosa is done turn the other side and remove from fire.This need not be crisp.
This tastes good and does not require much oil.

Can be had with sambhar, chutney and Red chillies chutney

QUICK RED CUILLIES CHUTNEY

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:57:00 +0000

When we were thinking of a side dish for Dosa struck my mom's chef mind this simple tasty recipe.

The one that I enjoyed for all to relish.

Red chillies 15
Asafoetida 1/2 tsp
Salt To taste

Tamarind small marble size
garlic 1 pod

gingelly oil or
any oil that 1tbsp
suits
mustard 1 tsp

Fry redchillies in frypan or microwave oven till crisp.Add redchillies, asafoetida, garlic, salt and grind dry into a powder.Then add tamarind and water and grind to fine paste.
Heat the oil, splutter mustard seeds and add it to the mixture.

This chutney is very tasty and can be done in short time.Tastes good with idli, dosa esp.rawa dosa.

Honey and cinnamon

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:22:00 +0000

We need to eat good food with the taste ligering but that should not do any harm to health.Therefore I thought I should do some justice by giving few natural cure preparation for various ailments.Tru These, eat well and live well.
It is found that mixture of Honey and Cinnamon cures most of the diseases.

¬Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world.

¬Ayurvedic as well as Yunani medicine have been using honey as a vital
medicine for centuries.

¬Scientists of today also accept honey as a Ram Ban (very effective)
medicine for all kinds of diseases.

¬Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.

¬Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right
dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients also.

¬A famous magazine named Weekly World News published in Canada dated 17
January, 95 has given a list of diseases that can be cured by Honey and
Cinnamon as researched by western scientists.

Arthritis

¬Take one part honey to two parts of luke warm water and add a small
teaspoon of cinnamon powder, make a paste and massage it on the itching part of the body slowly.

¬It is noticed that the pain recedes within a minute or two.

¬Or arthritis patients may daily, morning and night take one cup of hot
water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

¬If drunk regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.

¬In a recent research done at the Copenhagen University, it was found that
when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon
Honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that
within a week out of the 200 people so treated practically 73 patients were
totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who
could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without
pain.

Hair Loss

¬Those suffering from hair loss or baldness, may apply a paste of hot olive
oil, one tablespoon of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder before bath
and keep it for approx. 15 min. and then wash the hair.

¬It was found very effective if kept for 5 mins. also.

Bladder Infections

¬Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a
glass of luke warm water and drink it.

¬It destroys the germs of the bladder.

Toothache

¬Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey
and apply on the aching tooth.

¬This may be done 3 times a day daily till such time that the tooth has
stopped aching.

Cholesterol

¬Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, if given to a cholesterol patient, it reduces the level
of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours.

¬As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day any chronic
cholesterol is cured.

¬As per the information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with
food daily relieves complains of cholesterol.

Colds

¬Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon luke
warm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days.

¬This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses.

Infertility

¬Yunani and Ayurvedic have been using honey for years in medicine to
strengthen the semen of men.

¬If impotent men regularly take two tablespoon of honey before sleeping,
their problem will be solved.

¬In China, Japan and Far-East countries, women who do not conceive and to
strengthen the uterus have been taking cinnamon powder for centuries.

¬Women who cannot conceive may take a pinch of cinnamon powder in half
teaspoon of honey and apply it on the gums frequently throughout the day, so that it slowly mixes with the saliva and enters the body.

¬A couple in Merryland, America had no children for 14 years and had left
hope of having a child of their own.

¬When told about this process husband and wife started taking honey and
cinnamon as stated above, the wife conceived after a few months and had
twins at full term.

Upset Stomach

¬Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach
ulcers from the root.

¬GAS : According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that
if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

Heart Diseases

¬Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread or chappati
instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast.

¬It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart
attack.

¬Also those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily,
are kept miles away from the next attack.

¬Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens
the heart beat.

¬In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients
successfully and have found that due to the increasing age the arteries and
veins which lose their flexibility and get clogged are revitalized.

Immune System

¬Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and
protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks.

¬Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large
amounts.

¬Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight
bacteria and viral diseases.

Indigestion

¬Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food,
relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

Influenza

¬A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient
which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

Longevity

¬Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly arrests the ravages of old age.

¬Take 4 spoons of honey, 1spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea.

¬Drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and
arrests old age.

¬Life span also increases and even if a person is 100 years old, starts
performing the chores of a 20 year old.

Pimples

¬Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste.

¬Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning
with warm water.

¬If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

Skin Infections

¬Eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections are cured by applying
honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts.

Weight Loss

¬Daily in the morning, 1/2 hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at
night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup
water.

¬If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person.

¬Also drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to
accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

Cancer

¬Recent research in Japan and Australia has reveled that advanced cancer of
the stomach and bones have been cured successfully.

¬Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one
tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3
times a day.

Fatigue

¬Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful
than detrimental to the body strength.

¬Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon power in equal parts are more
alert and flexible.

¬Dr. Milton who has done research says that half tablespoon honey taken in
one glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after
brushing and in the afternoon at about 3.00 p.m. when the vitality of the
body starts decreasing, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

Bad Breath

¬People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one
teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water.

¬So their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

Hearing Loss

¬Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder taken in equal parts
restores hearing.

VEGETABLE RAWA UPMA

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:21:00 +0000

INGREDIENTS
Semolina(rawa) ………1 and half cups
Carrot ………………..1 medium sized
French beans ……………6-8
Cauliflower …………few flowers
Capsicum ……………1.small sized (optional)
Onion …………… 1 medium sized
Ginger …….1 inch piece
Green chillies ………..4
Green peas (shelled) ………..1/4 cup
Curry leaves …………10-12
Red chillies whole …………4
Salt ……..to taste
Oil …………..5 tbsps
Mustard seeds ……………..1/2tsp
Urud dhal…………2tsp
Lemon juice…………….1 tbsp

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. Roast semolina in a dry kadai without browning, remove and cool.
2. Peel, wash carrot and cut into small pieces. String French beans, wash and chop finely. Wash cauliflower and break into small florets. Wash, halve, deseed and chop capsicum into small pieces. Peel, wash onion and ginger and chop finely. Remove stems, wash and finely chop green chillies. Wash and drain green peas. Wash and pat dry curry leaves. Remove stems and break red chilli into two.
3. Boil three cups of water, add a little salt and boil carrot, French beans, cauliflower and green peas for six to eight minutes or till the vegetables are almost done. Drain and reserve the vegetables.
4. Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds and as they begin to crackle add red chillies, dhuli urad dal , curry leaves and green chillies.
5. Mix well and add onion, ginger and capsicum and cook on high heat for two minutes. Add cooked vegetables, and salt to taste.
6. Add roasted semolina ,mix it and to that add 4 1/2 cups of water.This will prevent from the semolina becoming lumps and will be smooth.
7. Cook for three to four minutes on medium heat, stirring continuously. Stir in lemon juice and serve hot.

MOR RASAM(BUTTER MILK RASAM)

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:46:00 +0000

( simple receipe to have during feverish spell )
(This is good especially during evening / night dinner )

ingredients

buttermilk ( slightly sour ) - 1 1/2 cups
turmeric powder - a pinch
omam - 3/4 teaspoon (Ajwain,Carom seeds)
mustard seeds - 1/2 tea spoon
green chilly - 1
curry leaves
salt
oil - little
rice flour - 1/4 tsp

Method

mix rice flour, salt, turmeric powder with butter milk.
Heat a Frypan with little oil. Add mustard, omam, cut green chilly,
curry leaves and season. Add buttermilk mix.
When it starts to boil remove from the stove.
Do not over boil. Mix it with plain rice.
Rice pappad is a good combination as side dish.

SAMBHAR MILAGAI PODI

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:40:00 +0000

red chillies - 250 gm
dhaniya - 250 gm
pepper - 50 gm
turmeric sticks - 2-3
methi seeds - 2-3 tsp
thur dal - 100 gm

dry all the ingredients in direct sunlight,
grind it to very fine powder and store it
in air tight box

Benefits of lemon

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Lemon is the major fruit in cooking.Thought can share the benefits of it.

Lemon is one of those super foods with a myriad health and cosmetic benefits. There are a few persons for whom it is an allergen, so make sure you are not allergic to this natural product, before you start enjoying the many benefits.

1. Lemon being a citrus fruit, fights against infection. It helps in production of WBC's and antibodies in blood which attacks the invading microorganism and prevents infection.

2. Lemon is an antioxidant which deactivates the free radicals preventing many dangerous diseases like stroke, cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

3. Lemon lowers blood pressure and increases the levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

4. Lemon is found to be anti-carcinogenic which lower the rates of colon, prostate, and breast cancer. They prevent faulty metabolism in the cell, which can predispose a cell to becoming carcinogenic. Also blocks the formation of nitrosamines in the gut.

5. Lemon juice is said to give a glow to the skin.

6. A few drops of lemon juice in hot water are believed to clear the digestive system and purify liver as well.

7. The skin of lemon dried under the sun and then ground to make powder can be applied to the hair for a few minutes before bath which relieves head ache and cools the body.

8. Applying lemon juice to acne dries the existing ones and prevents from getting more.

9. Lemon juice acts as a natural hair lightner and skin bleach which reduces the pigment melanin and prevents the risk of chemical allergic reactions which is common with hair dyes and bleaches.

10. Lemon juice is given to relieve gingivitis, stomatitis, and inflammation of the tongue.

11. Lemon juice is given to prevent common cold.

12. Lemon juice is given to prevent or treat urinary tract infection and gonorrhea.

13. Lemon juice is applied to the sites of bites and stings of certain insects to relieve its poison and pain.

14. Lemon juice relieves colic pain and gastric problems.

15. Lemon juice soothes the dry skin when applied with little glycerin.

16. Lemon juice used for marinating seafood or meat kills bacteria and other organisms present in them, thereby prevents many gastro-intestinal tract infections.

17. Lemon juice with a pinch of salt (warm) every morning lowers cholesterol levels and brings down your weight.

18. Lemon juice is the best drink to prevent dehydration and shock in case of diarrhea.

19. Lemon juice can also be used as a mouthwash. It removes plaque, whitens the teeth and strengthens the enamel.

20. A table spoon on thick lemon syrup everyday relieves asthma.

21. Lemon juice relieves chilblains and itchy skin.

22. Gargling lemon juice relieves throat infection and also used as a treatment for diphtheria.

23. Lemon juice is an excellent treatment for dandruff and greasy hair.

24. Lemon applied over the face removes wrinkles and keeps you young.

25. Lemon juice helps to prevent and cure osteoarthritis.

Basics of cooking

noreply@blogger.com (Shantimati Mohan) — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:22:00 +0000

The first thing that one needs in cooking is an awe to cook well that others eat well.It needs patience and one should be committed.
When a person is fed with good food his physical health is maintained,helping to keep the mental health strong and ultimately reach the strong goals in life.
The basic necessity for every living being is food and when that is palatable he is able to do anything in this world.
These words are not mine my mother's.So let me start treating you with good mouth watering preparation from her kitchen