Diwali Crackers

Diwali Crackers

Ingredients

Whole wheat flour – 1 cup

Kasoori methi (dried methi leaves) – ¼ cup (can add more

Ajwain – ¼ tsp

Oil + ghee – ¼ cup

Water – ¼ cup (vary according to consistency of dough)

Method

Mix all the dry ingredients

Add oil + ghee to it and rub to form breadcrumb consistency

Knead it into a stiff dough using water as required

Cover the dough and let it rest for about 20 mins

Knead it again and divide it into 3 equal portions

Roll out each portion to form a roti and cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter

Preheat oven to 160 degrees C

Bake for 15 mins or so till it turns crisp

Let it cool and store in an airtight container

Serve with a steaming cup of tea or coffee

Keep an eye on the crackers to prevent burning  

Health Benefits of Fenugreek Leaves

Helps to treat gastric problems and other intestinal issues

Used for curing dysentery and diarrhea

In powdered form, the leaves are used for treating Gastro-Intestinal issues, allergies or congestion of the upper respiratory zone

Helps to lower atherosclerosis

Reduces LDL and triglycerides while increasing HDL levels

Controls glucose metabolism. Also helps in preventing and treating of Type 2 diabetes

Reduces cellular insulin resistance

Reduces blemishes on skin

Its paste helps to give long, lustrous hair

Health Benefits of Wholewheat Flour

Rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, E

Rich in folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron

Rich in fibre, helps to lower risk of type 2 diabetes

Fibre also helps in weight loss

Helps women to avoid gallstones

   

Stir fried Soba Noodles and Vegetables topped with dried Nori and Miso Chicken

Stir-fried Soba Noodles and Vegetables topped with dried Nori

Soba noodles is traditionally made using buckwheat flour. Buckwheat flour is locally referred to as kuttu ka atta. This makes it perfect for those on a gluten-free diet. But here you will find them made from buckwheat and wheat flour. So those who want to go gluten-free, please check the ingredients on the pack. But nevertheless it is a healthy option to the regular refined flour noodles packed with the goodness of buckwheat. 

So how does buckwheat score over wheat or rice noodles? Soba contains all eight essential amino acids. The amino acid, Thiamine, missing from white rice, is present in soba. Eating thiamine (vitamin B1) helps to prevent beriberi. Buckwheat also contains lysine, an amino acid which is lacking in wheat flour.

Besides the veggies, there are other two healthy ingredients - Miso paste and dried Nori. Read on for the recipe and the health benefits of these super healthy ingredients....

   

Ingredients

Soba noodles (cooked) – 1 cup

Broccoli, Mushroom, spring onions – ½ cup each

Garlic (minced) – 1 tbsp

Ginger (grated) – 1 tbsp

Miso paste – 1 tbsp

Pepper sauce - 1 tbsp

Spicy Black Bean paste - 1 tbsp

Soy sauce – 1 tsp

Oyster sauce – 1 tsp

Sriracha – 1 tsp

Black pepper powder – 1 tsp

Cayenne pepper/Red chili flakes (for topping) – according to taste

Dried nori – 1 tbsp

Olive oil – 1 tbsp

Method

Stir fry the vegetables separately in olive oil

Add the sauces and vegetables

Add the noodles and mix slowly

Top with nori

Add chili flakes for a dash of extra spice

Miso Chicken

Ingredients

Chicken breasts – 4 to 5 medium pieces

Miso paste – 1 tbsp

Olive oil – 1 tsp

Sesame oil – 1 tsp

Soy sauce – 1 tsp

Sriracha – 1 tsp

Salt – according to taste

Method

Mix all the ingredients of the marinade

Marinate the chicken pieces in this mixture for 1 or 2 hours

Coat the chicken pieces with sesame seeds

Bake at 180 degrees C for 15 mins

Turn them over and bake again for 10 to 15 mins till crisp on the outside

Note: The quantity of spices and sauces can be altered according to your taste in both the recipes

Health Benefits of Soba

Good protein content

Contains omega-3 fats

Lowers blood glucose levels

Lowers blood pressure

Lowers cholesterol

Rich in antioxidants

Health Benefits of Nori

Contains significant amounts of vitamin B12.. best source for strict vegetarians

Significant dietary source of iodine

Rich source of unsaturated fatty acids

Loaded with zinc, copper, and selenium

Rich source of free and bound amino acids

Note: Nori has high sodium levels

Health Benefits of Miso

Rich in antioxidants – manganese, zinc and copper

Rich in Vitamin K

Rich in phytonutrients

Anti-inflammatory

Provides cardiovascular benefits

Provides probiotics (good or helpful bacteria thaty help keep your gut healthy) 

Helps improve digestion

Has positive effect on blood pressure

Has anti-cancer effects

Healthy Chocolate Lava Cake

Healthy Chocolate Lava Cake

How about a little healthy indulgence? I decided to try a healthy version of lava cake. I replaced all-purpose flour with wholewheat flour and butter with oil. And the result was a scrumptious, gooey cake. This is also an easy way out for people who do not have the time or the patience for icing the cake. So let's get on with it...

Ingredients  
Wholewheat flour - 3/4 cup
Jaggery powder - 1/2 cup
Cocoa powder - 1/4 cup
Baking soda - 1/2 tsp
Milk - 1/2 cup (add more if required)
Vinegar - 1 tsp
(You can use buttermilk instead of vinegar+milk)
Oil - 1/4 cup
Salt - 1/4 tsp

Method
Sieve the dry ingredients
Add vinegar to milk and let it stand for a minute
Add oil to it
Add liquid ingredients to dry mix and mix with a spatula till the batter is smooth
Do not over beat
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C
Bake for 15 to 20 mins or so till done 

Energy Bites

Energy Bites

This is the perfect way to enjoy the goodness of sesame seeds, black raisins and dates. Also, you can pamper your sweet tooth without feeling too guilty

Ingredients

White sesame (Til) – ½ cup

Black raisins – ¼ cup

Dates (deseeded) – ¼ cup

Cocoa powder – 2 tbsp (vary according to taste)

Method

Blend all the ingredients in a mixer till you get a mass

Shape into rounds or squares

Store in an airtight container

Health Benefits

Sesame seeds

Reduces hypertension

Prevents diabetes and regulates insulin and glucose levels

Builds strong bones

Increase heart health

Helps cure sleep disorders

Improves digestion

Reduces inflammation

Boosts respiratory health

Strengthens oral health

Improves blood circulation

Black Raisins

Has potassium which regulates heart beat and lowers blood pressure

Has iron that supports the immune system and helps make amino acids

Contains sugars for instant energy

Dates

Has potassium which regulates heart beat and lowers blood pressure

Has iron that supports the immune system and helps make amino acids

Contains sugars for instant energy

Rich in antioxidants that helps to give clear complexion

Prevents premature ageing

Prevents hair fall and premature graying

Fight against bad cholesterol

Useful in treating osteoporosis