Hearty Food Talks

Cabbage, and especially red cabbage has many health benefits. It seems to raise levels of beta-carotene, lutein, and other heart-protective antioxidants. It also helps lower something called “oxidized” LDL, which is linked to hardening of the arteries. And since it eases inflammation, it can help prevent heart disease.

Steaming was found to retain the most antioxidants and vitamin C compared to other cooking methods, making this a good option if you don’t like it raw. Here, I am sharing a very flavorful cabbage recipe with some basic spices.

Rice pudding is simply raw rice cooked in sweetened milk. As the rice cooks, it lets off starch that thickens the milk and suspends the tender grains of rice, contributing to its creaminess.

Traditionally, it is started with uncooked rice. Whereas, to cut short the cooking-time, it can also be started with the leftover cooked rice.

Tapioca, the white little balls come from the starch of the cassava root. After the starch is extracted from the roots, starch is processed to make tiny tapioca pearls.

Tapioca is gluten-free, and vegan. Both the ingredients that go into it (cassava root) and the processing methods that create it are free of animal products.

It is a popular fasting recipe ingredient in India. Usually, grains are not eaten during fasts. So Sabudana Khichri, Sabudana Kheer, Sabudana Cutlets, and Sabudana Papad are thoroughly enjoyed or liked by the people.

Gond ke laddu are wholesome and nutritious sweet balls made with edible gum, whole wheat flour, nuts, jaggery or sugar, and ghee. These are high in calcium and protein. Regular consumption of gond laddu for several weeks is said to rejuvenate the entire body by strengthening the bones, improving immunity and digestion.

Gond is a Hindi word for Edible Gum.

Taro root is a starchy root vegetable originally cultivated in Asia but now enjoyed around the world.

It has a brown outer skin and white flesh with purple specks throughout. When cooked, it has a mildly sweet taste and a texture similar to potato.

Rasmalai is basically a flavored, creamy, and thick milk consists of Chenna or homemade paneer balls. The flavored milk is made with thickened milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom powder, and rose water. The super soft Chenna balls are the core of this recipe and make Rasmalai a great dessert for special occasions. Rasmalai is always served chilled.

Avocado is a source of vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium. It also provides lutein, beta carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids. Avocado contains high levels of healthy, beneficial fats, which can help a person feel fuller between meals.

Radish is rich in antioxidants and minerals like calcium and potassium. Together, these nutrients help lower high blood pressure and reduce your risks for heart disease. The radish is also a good source of natural nitrates that improve blood flow.

Cantaloupe is vitamin C enriched, a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from damage. Also has enough vitamin A for our daily needs, which helps keep our eyes, skin, bones, and immune system healthy.

The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C present in cantaloupe are vital nutrients for your heart health. Potassium can help to lower high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Fiber helps to decrease levels of “bad cholesterol” in your body. It can also keep our blood pressure in check.

Kebabs are quite popular in India. These can be created with a variety of ingredient. Here, I am sharing the recipe of kebabs made with Kala Chana or Black Chickpeas, and homemade paneer. Black Chickpeas N Paneer Kebabs make an appetizing and protein-packed snack. It is just perfect for the growing kids as a stuffing for the grilled sandwiches, wraps, burgers etc. Also, an excellent recipe for weight watchers.

Good thing about these kebabs is that we can always create them in advance and refrigerate for later use.

Baingan bharta or mashed eggplant is prepared by mincing roasted, or grilled, or boiled, or baked eggplant and mixing it with tomato, onion, herbs and spices. Roasting the eggplant over charcoal or direct fire infuses a smoky flavor to the recipe. Mashed eggplant is then mixed with cooked chopped tomato, browned onion, ginger, garlic, fresh coriander leaves, red chili powder, and mustard oil. Traditionally, the dish is eaten with flatbread (roti or paratha). Also served with yellow toor and chana dal, rice, raita, and salad. In some places, it is served with baati (baked wheat flour dumpling).

Here, I’ve used baked eggplants to create Baingan Bhurta.