Coconut Milk Cake

Coconut Milk Cake

This is easily one of the tastiest and nutritious cake one can have. The original recipe has semolina (soojo or rawa) and sugar. I have substituted semolina with broken wheat and sugar with jaggery. It's never ever that I use sugar or maida (refined flour) in my cake. And this is also by far, the easiest cake one could dream of making. It's just soak, mix and bake. And Voila! You have a delicious tea or coffee cake. You could even have it for a rushed breakfast with a cup of milk. So let's go on with it.

Coconut milk, when consumed in moderation, can be very healthy for your overall health and beauty. 

Ingredients

Broken Wheat (finest variety) – 1 cup

Coconut milk (thick) – 1 cup

Jaggery powder – 1 cup

Baking powder – 1 tsp

Baking soda – ½ tsp

Egg – 1

Vanilla essence – 1 tsp

Method

Add the broken wheat to a mixer

Pulse to make it finer (similar to semolina)

Soak it in coconut milk overnight

Next morning add salt, baking powder, soda and jaggery

Mix well

Add a beaten egg and mix well again

Add essence

Bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees C for about 20 to 25 mins

Let it cool a bit in the oven

Serve warm with a cup of tea or coffee 

Health Benefits of Coconut Milk   

According to a study, coconut oil increased levels of good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) without significant increase in levels of bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

Contains lauric acid which is said to support the immune system

Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs induce satiety, which eventually prevents overeating

MCTs increase insulin sensitivity.. this leads to better sugar control and promotes weight loss

Promotes health of prostate glands

Has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties

Anti-ageing

Skin glow

Restores dry, damaged hair

Roasted Bell Pepper Dip...Quinoa Sesame Crackers

Roasted Bell Pepper Dip
I have made roasted capsicum dip and it's awesome. This one had to follow, especially when I stumbled upon this healthy recipe. You can add a bit of mayonaise for that extra punch, but it's awesome either ways. The best part about this dip is it's ready in a jiffy. No-stress at all

Ingredients

Bell pepper – 2 (medium)

Walnuts – ¼ cup
Onion (medium) - 1
Garlic flakes - 5
Lime juice – 1 tbsp

Hung curd – ¼ cup

Red Chili flakes – 1 tbsp (add according to taste)

Method

Roast the bell peppers in an oven till the skin turns black and peels off

Cool

Skin them and remove the seeds and core

Add them along with the fluid to a blender

Add the onions (roughly chopped) and garlic flakes and blend well
Add the rest of the ingredients

Serve with quinoa crackers or slices of raw carrot and cucumber 

Quinoa Sesame Crackers

I just had to make this cracker. It sounded too good to be true. I was skeptical about the outcome, but was amazed at the crunchy goodness. This is easily the diabetic or the weight watchers' go-to in-between snack or breakfast in a hurry. Combined with the dip, it's a complete meal  

Ingredients

Quinoa – 100 gms

Rice flour – 20 gms

Water – 200 to 250 ml

Baking powder – ¼ tsp

Baking soda – ¼ tsp

Salt – to taste

Sesame seeds – 2 tbsp

Method

Cook quinoa over moderate heat and simmer until fully cooked to a porridge like consistency

Cool

Add baking powder, rice flour, salt and mix well

Grease a baking tray and line with parchment paper

Spread the quinoa batter on the tray with the help of a spatula to form a thin layer

Preheat oven to 180 degrees C

Bake for about 20 mins till crisp

Cool

Serve with a dip
Eat it fresh off the oven. It tends to soften a bit on storing. Just reheat in the oven for that crispness all over again

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Good vegetarian protein source

Gluten free

Good fibre content

Has heart healthy fats

Rich in antioxidants

Good source of vitamins, magnesium and iron

Helps in weight loss

          Health Benefits of Red Bell Pepper

Low in calories and nutrient dense

Excellent sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid, and fiber

Extremely rich in antioxidants

Supports healthy eyes - antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin

Improves immunity – vitamin A

Keeps skin glowing and healthy - vitamin C and carotenoids in bell peppers improves skin health and promotes collagen production

Sweet Potato gooey Brownies

Sweet Potato gooey Brownies

This one is easily a winner when it comes to taste, texture and health benefits. Gluten free, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and micronutrients... need one ask for anything more from scrumptious, gooey chocolate brownies? So go on, and do try these no-fuss, quick-to-make brownies!!!

And yes, I always make peanut butter at home. It's the simplest thing to do. The store bought ones usually contain various added ingredients like sugar, vegetable oils and even trans fat. So read on for the recipe at the bottom.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Fudgy Brownie

Sweet potato puree – ¾ cup

Peanut butter – 1 cup

Oats flour – ¼ cup

Chocolate chips – ½ cup

Jaggery powder - ¾ cup

Cocoa powder – ½  cup

Baking soda – 1½ tsp

Salt – ¼ tsp
Egg – 1

Vanilla essence – 1 tsp

Method

Warm the peanut butter in the microwave or a double bolier

Whisk it with the sweet potato, egg and essence in a bowl

Mix the rest of the ingredients (except chocolate chips) in another bowl

Add the dry mix to the wet mixture

Add the chocolate chips and mix again

Pour into a brownie mould and top with chocolate chips

Bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees C

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C

Boost in energy. Iron in sweet potatoes helps provide you energy

Stronger muscles. Potassium in sweet potatoes helps build muscle and keep your heart working

Contains antioxidant Beta-carotene. Promotes healthy vision

Vitamin B6 in sweet potatoes helps fight off many diseases

High in dietary fibre. Stabilizes blood sugar

Helps boost brain function and improves memory

Enhances immunity

Weight loss and weight management. Promotes feeling of fullness

Improved skin. The vitamin C in sweet potatoes is important for your skin and promotes healing

                                                                                         

                                                                                               

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter (homemade)

Peanut butter in moderation provides the following benefits

Weight loss - improves satiety because of its protein, fat and fiber content

Boosts heart health because of its monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), niacin, magnesium and Vitamin E content

Plant protein

Manage blood sugar levels - low GI

Make At Home

Dry roast peanuts
Cool
Remove the skin
Add a bit of salt for taste (if it's unsalted peanuts)

Grind it
Keep it slightly crunchy or paste like depending on your preference

Your wholesome peanut butter is ready in a jiffy

Grilled Lobster Tails...Black Rice Vegetable Pasta

Grilled Lobster Tail 
Calling all seafood lovers! You can't get healthier with this healthy protein overload. 

Ingredients

Lobster tails (medium sized) - 3

Salt - to taste

Garlic flakes - 2

Red chilli powder - 1 tsp (adjust according to taste)

Method

Clean the lobsters

Cut the covering and fold it downwards to expose the flesh

Crush the garlic

Mix with salt and chili powder

Marinate the lobsters with this paste

Let it rest for 30 mins

Grill in an oven for about 10 mins

Let cool 

Black Rice Vegetable Pasta

Ingredients
Pasta - 11/2 cups
Vegetables (mix of purple cabbage, capsicum, bell peppers, onions and whatever else you wish to add) - 2 cups
Sesame oil - 1 tbsp
Black Pepper powder - 1 tbsp
Black bean paste - 1 tsp
Garlic (finely chopped) - 6 flakes
Salt - to taste

Method

Cook the pasta al dente (till it's just done. Don't let it soften or overcook)
Heat the oil
Add garlic flakes and stir fry quickly
Add the veggies and stir fry 
Add salt and pepper powder
Add the pasta and mix slowly
Serve hot with the grilled lobsters

Health Benefits of Lobsters

Rich source of copper and selenium

Contains zinc, phosphorus, vitamin B12, magnesium, vitamin E, and a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids

Good protein source 

Health Benefits of Black Rice

Antioxidant rich

Protects heart health

Helps detoxify

High fibre content improves digestive health

Helps slow down absorption of sugar in the blood.. prevents diabetes

Helps in weight loss and management

Gluten-free

Prevents atherosclerosis

Note: Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple and blue colors in fruits and vegetables. Red to purplish blue-colored leafy vegetables, fruits, grains, roots and tubers contain a high level of anthocyanins. They are found in high concentrations in blackcurrants, blackberries and blueberries, brinjal (in the skin), red cabbage, cranberries and cherries. Anthocyanins are linked to a range of health benefits.

Eggplant Lasagne

Eggplant Lasagne

I'm always looking for ways to reduce my carb intake (especially high GI carbs like refined flour (maida). So this lasagna was high up on my list of to-do items. I always pick up the violet and purple coloured eggplants. For this one, I chose the violet coloured ones. But please note - the skin has a lot of anthocyanins. These are antioxidants that act as anti-aging agents. So do not peel off that skin or char it and throw it away. Have eggplant with the skin, at least most of the times, to enjoy all the goodness present in its skin

Ingredients

Eggplant (Brinjal) – 1 (large)

Pizza cheese (grated) – 1 cup

Mix of veggies (carrots, spring onion whites, capsicum, bell peppers .....) – 2 cups

Tomato – 1 (large)

Soya chunks (cooked) – ½ or ¾ cup
Paneer (low-fat) - 100 gms

Pasta sauce – 1 cup

Harissa paste or Chili powder – 2 tbsp (adjust according to taste)

Pepper (freshly crushed) – 2 tbsp (adjust according to taste)

Butter – 1tbsp

Egg – 1

Oregano or any seasoning of your choice – 1 tbsp

Garlic – 4 to 5 cloves

Parsley (freshly chopped) – 1 tbsp

Salt – to taste

Method

Slice the brinjals thinly

Stir fry the vegetables in butter

Add the pasta sauce

Let it cool

Crack the egg and beat it well

Add little salt, pepper and other spices and mix well

Mix the beaten egg and vegetable mixture

Spread some oil or butter on a baking tray

Place the eggplant slices in one layer

Spread the vegetable mix evenly

Sprinkle grated cheese evenly

Repeat with the next layer of eggplant slices followed by the veggies and cheese layers

Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C for about 25 mins till done

Health Benefits of Eggplants

• Improves heart health. Has an antioxidant that may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and stabilize your blood pressure
• Helps control diabetes
• Good source of fibre. Facilitates weight loss
• Has nicotinic acid, also known as vitamin PP. This vitamin reduces nicotine dependence and helps those who want to quit smoking
• Improves digestive health
• Rich in iron and copper, Helps to prevent anemia
• Boosts memory
• High in vitamin C, it support the immune system
• Promotes blood clotting
• Enhances liver health. Helps increase production of bile in the liver, dissolving extra fat and preventing chances of liver failure
• Has nasunin that helps remove excess iron from the body
• Rich in calcium, iron and magnesium contributing to strong and healthy bones
• Provides instant energy