Tag: Healthy

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Ajwain leaves Paratha| Carom leaves flatbread Recipe

Creating a little kitchen garden in my house is no less than a dream for me. Living in a concrete jungle, we crave greenery and put in some effort to make a small kitchen garden. I love planting herbs like mint, coriander, carom leaves, and curry leaves in my kitchen garden, and I often use these herbs in my recipes. Ajwain, also known as carom seeds, is one of my favorites in my kitchen garden. I frequently make ajwain paratha for my kid’s lunch box and as a companion to my morning chai. This ajwain paratha is easy to make and healthy at the same time.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped ajwain leaves
  • 1 tablespoon ajwain seeds
  • 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (plus extra for cooking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Water (as needed)

Method:

Wash the ajwain leaves thoroughly and pat dry the leaves, now finely chop them and keep aside.

In a large mixing bowl, take wheat flour and add ajwain seeds, oil or ghee, salt, and the chopped ajwain leaves. Mix everything well to combine the ingredients.

Gradually add water to the mixture, little by little, and knead it into a smooth and firm dough. The amount of water required may vary, so add it gradually until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. After the resting period, divide the dough into small sized portions. Take one portion and dust the rolling surface with flour and roll out the portion into a circle using a rolling pin. Heat a tawa or a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the rolled paratha on the hot tawa and cook it . Drizzle a little oil or ghee around the edges of the paratha and flip it over using a spatula. Press the paratha gently with the spatula to help it cook evenly and cook for another minute or until both sides are golden brown.

Remove the cooked paratha from the tawa and place it on a plate. Serve the ajwain leaves paratha hot with a side of yogurt, pickle, or any curry of your choice. It also makes a delicious addition to a lunchbox or can be enjoyed with a hot cup of tea.

Enjoy your homemade ajwain leaves paratha! I hope you enjoyed reading this recipe. Do give this recipe a shot. If you try this recipe, do give us a shout out. Just click a picture and tag us on @masala.monk or use the hashtag #MasalaMonkRecipe and share on Instagram and Facebook. We would love to hear from you.

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Black Jeera for Weight Loss: Harnessing the Power of Cumin Seeds

blue tape measuring on clear glass square weighing scale

When it comes to natural remedies for weight loss, black jeera (also known as black cumin or Nigella seeds) has gained significant attention. These small, black seeds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and culinary practices for their potential health benefits. In this comprehensive and detailed blog post, we will delve deeper into the weight loss properties of black jeera, exploring the scientific evidence and ways to incorporate it into your diet effectively. Get ready to uncover the potential of these aromatic seeds and take a step towards achieving your weight loss goals! 🖤🌿

🌿 Understanding Black Jeera Black jeera is derived from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, which is native to South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. These tiny seeds have a unique, pungent aroma and a slightly bitter taste. They are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and volatile oils that contribute to their potential health benefits.

🖤 Weight Loss Benefits of Black Jeera While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind black jeera’s weight loss effects, several studies and anecdotal evidence suggest various ways in which it may support weight management:

  1. Metabolism Booster: Black jeera contains compounds that may help boost metabolism. One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that black jeera supplementation led to increased resting metabolic rate and fat oxidation in overweight individuals, indicating its potential role in promoting weight loss.
  2. Appetite Suppression: Black jeera has been traditionally used as an appetite suppressant. It may help reduce food cravings and promote feelings of fullness, thereby aiding in portion control and calorie reduction.
  3. Blood Sugar Regulation: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for weight management. Black jeera has shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity and regulating blood glucose levels, potentially reducing the risk of weight gain and insulin resistance.
  4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation in the body can hinder weight loss efforts. Black jeera contains bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and support overall well-being.
  5. Digestive Health: Black jeera has long been used to support digestive health. It may help alleviate symptoms of bloating, gas, and indigestion, promoting a healthy gut environment and efficient digestion. Improved digestion can contribute to weight loss by optimizing nutrient absorption and reducing digestive discomfort.

🌿 Incorporating Black Jeera into Your Diet To enjoy the potential weight loss benefits of black jeera, here are some practical tips to incorporate it into your daily diet:

  1. Ground Black Jeera: Grind black jeera seeds in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to create a fine powder. Use this ground black jeera as a seasoning in various dishes, including curries, stews, roasted vegetables, or sprinkle it on salads and soups.
  2. Black Jeera Tea: Steep a teaspoon of whole black jeera seeds in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy as a warm, aromatic tea. You can add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of honey for flavor if desired.
  3. Smoothie Booster: Add a teaspoon of ground black jeera to your favorite smoothie recipes. It can add a distinct nutty flavor and potentially enhance the weight loss properties of your smoothie.
  4. Homemade Spice Blends: Combine ground black jeera with other spices like turmeric, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon to create homemade spice blends. Use these blends to season your meals and add a flavorful kick to your dishes.
  5. Sprinkle on Yogurt or Oatmeal: Sprinkle a pinch of ground black jeera on top of yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie bowls for an added boost of flavor and potential weight loss benefits.

🖤🌿 While black jeera shows promise as a natural aid for weight loss, it’s important to remember that individual results may vary, and it should be incorporated as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. It is not a standalone solution for weight loss but can complement a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and overall wellness practices.