Tag: nutrition

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Indian Spiced Healthy Plum Chutney- Aloo Bukhara Chutney

Dip, lick or eat.. This chutney is absolutely delicious. Indian Plum Chutney also known as Aloo Bukhara Chutney is a flavor bomb. It is spicy, tangy and a sweet condiment. I made this chutney for the first time in 2019. It happened by chance. I had no intention of making plum chutney. It was only when my husband got so many organic plums that we got tired of eating them. They were just lying around the kitchen counter and no one spared them a glance. They kept getting riper and riper and before they became overripe it caught my attention. And thank God they did otherwise I would have never made this chutney. 

Plums are packed with nutrients. It contains vitamin K, vitamin B3, vitamin B2, vitamin A, vitamin B6, copper, manganese, potassium & phosphorus. Plums also contain antioxidants which will help repair damaged cells and fight free radicals. The antioxidants in plums have powerful anti-inflammatory properties better than any other stone fruit. Also, if you or your child has constipation issues then, a little bit of this chutney can help in easy bowel movement because fibre in plums is extremely good. In Ayurveda, plums are known to aid digestion and strengthen immune system.

Plums are in season and before this amazingly nutritious and yummy stone fruit goes out of season you have got to make this yummy chutney for your family. I promise kids will love it too.

Fun ways to use this Chutney

  1. Use it as a spread for wraps, sandwiches, burgers or a toast.
  2. Use as a substitute for BBQ sauce for pork chops or chicken
  3. It can be an excellent addition to your cheese board to add more dimension and flavour. 
  4. My favourite way is to have it with dal and rice or with simple plain Parantha.

Recipe Ingredients

Plums: Always use black ripe plums that have tart skin and sweet flesh for making plum chutney.

Spices: I have used ginger, garam masala, chilli powder, kalonji (Nigella seeds), nutmeg powder, cinnamon, bayleaf, cloves and peppercorn. If you don’t have some spices, you can still make this chutney without it.

Sweetness: For sweetness I have used jaggery powder. Apart from adding nutrition, jaggery add its own earthy rich caramel flavour. You can use other sweetener like coconut sugar, palm sugar.

Black Salt or Kala Namak: Black salt has a distinct tangy and pungent flavour. It tends to give a dish a rich umami flavour. It also helps to aid digestion. You can substitute black salt with Himalayan Pink Salt.

Recipe: makes 500 grams Chutney

Ingredients

  1. Plums: 1 kg
  2. Jaggery: 250 grams
  3. Rock salt to taste: 1.5 tsp or as per taste
  4. Red chilli powder: 1/2 tsp
  5. Minced ginger: 1 tbsp
  6. Garam masala: 1/2 tsp
  7. Any Non-fragrant Oil: 2 tbsps (I used groundnut oil)
  8. Water: 1/2 cup
  9. Nigella seeds/Kalongi: 1/4th tsp
  10. Nutmeg powder: a pinch

Whole Spices

  • Bayleaf: 1
  • Cinnamon stick: 1” long
  • Cloves: 4 
  • Peppercorns: 6

Instructions

  • Chop plums roughly and add ginger to it. 
  • In a wok, heat oil. Add bayleaf, kalongi or nigella seeds, cloves, cinnamon and black peppercorns.
  • After 30 seconds, add plum and ginger mix. Cook for a minute. 
  • Break jaggery into small pieces and add to plums.
  • Stir well and let jaggery dissolve. 
  • Then add salt, red chilli powder & garam masala. Mix well. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Now add water and let it cook for about 30 minutes or till it gets thick and jammy. 
  • Keep stirring in between. 
  • Finish it with some grated nutmeg in the end. Mix well.
  • Let cool and the pour it in clean glass jars.

How to store Plum Chutney

Allow the chutney to cool completely before storing it in a clean dry airtight container. Refrigerate this chutney. It will last you approximately 3 to 4 weeks. However, if you are planning to make a large batch then do follow proper canning procedures. There is no point in going through all the processes of preserving, if it is going to spoil before you get to open the jar.

Notes

  • Fresh whole spices add more punch.
  • Try to get your hands on black salt or kala namak. It goes very well in this recipe.
  • Adjust sweetener as per your taste. When using ripe plums this recipe will yield a sweet tangy chutney, but not overly sweet.
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How to sprout moong overnight with one secret step

Green moong sprouts, also known as moong bean sprouts, are highly nutritious and offer a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of incorporating green moong sprouts into your diet:

Green moong sprouts is high in plant-based protein, essential for muscle building and repair. It is good source of vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and several B vitamins (like folate). Green moong sprouts contains important minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is Rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C, which help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make green moong sprouts at home:

Ingredients:

1 cup green moong (whole green gram)
Water for soaking

Instructions:

1. Soaking:

Take 1 cup of green moong (whole green gram) in a large bowl. Add enough water to completely submerge the moong.
Allow the moong to soak overnight, typically for about 8-10 hours. This will help soften them and initiate the sprouting process.

2. Washing and Rinsing:

After the soaking time is up, drain the soaked moong using a sieve or strainer. Rinse the moong thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to wash away any residual starch.

3. Sprouting:

Take a plate and place a strainer (channi) over it. Transfer the rinsed moong to the strainer, spreading them out evenly.
Cover the moong with a clean muslin cloth (or any breathable cloth). Sprinkle some water over the muslin cloth to keep it moist but not soaked. Find a warm place in your kitchen to keep the moong for sprouting you can use microwave without turning it on. Alternatively, you can keep them in a dark, warm corner of your kitchen.
Allow the moong to sprout for about 12 hours. During this time, check and sprinkle water lightly if needed to keep the cloth moist.

4. Checking for Sprouts:

After 12 hours, your green moong should have sprouted. You’ll notice tiny white sprouts emerging from the moong.

5. Using the Sprouts:

Incorporating green moong sprouts into your daily diet is a great way to boost your nutrition. Here are some simple and delicious ways to include them in your meals:

Salads: Add green moong sprouts to your salads for a crunchy texture and extra protein. Combine with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing.

Smoothies: Blend green moong sprouts into your morning smoothie for an added nutrient boost. They blend well with fruits like bananas, berries, and spinach.

Stir-Fries: Toss green moong sprouts into your vegetable stir-fries. They cook quickly and add a nice crunch to the dish.

Soups: Add green moong sprouts to soups for extra texture and nutrition. They work well in both clear and creamy soups.

Sandwiches and Wraps: Use green moong sprouts as a filling in sandwiches and wraps. They pair well with spreads like hummus or avocado.

Breakfast Bowls: Sprinkle green moong sprouts over your oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothie bowls for a protein-packed breakfast.

Indian Dishes: Incorporate green moong sprouts into traditional Indian dishes like chaat, curry, or kachumber (a type of salad).

Sprout Pulao: Make a nutritious sprout pulao by adding green moong sprouts to rice along with your favorite vegetables and spices.

Sprout Dosa: Mix green moong sprouts into your dosa batter for a healthy twist on this popular South Indian breakfast.

Sprout Pancakes: Add green moong sprouts to your pancake or cheela (savory pancake) batter for a protein-rich meal.

Enjoy your freshly made green moong sprouts, packed with nutrients and great for adding a healthy touch to your meals!

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Easy Homemade Oats Milk with just One Ingredient- Non Slimy, at last

Oat milk is a creamy, plant-based alternative to dairy milk, rich in fiber and essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium. It’s a great option for vegans, as it’s free from animal products and is environmentally friendly due to its low water and carbon footprint. Additionally, oat milk is easy to digest and can help lower cholesterol levels, making it a nutritious choice for everyone.

Oatmeal Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
4 cups iced chilled water


Instructions:
Place the oats into a blender. Add 4 cups of iced chilled water to the blender. Blend on high for about 30-40 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy.


Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag into a bowl or pitcher to remove the oat pulp. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Transfer the oatmeal milk to a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate. Shake well before using.

Oat milk is an excellent choice for individuals with lactose intolerance or those who are allergic to nuts, soy, or gluten. Environmentally, oat milk production has a lower environmental impact compared to dairy and other plant-based. This makes it a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers.

How to Make Oat Milk Less Slimy
Here are some tips to help you make smooth, non-slimy oat milk:

  1. Use Cold Water
    Blend the oats with cold water instead of warm or hot water. Warm water can cause the oats to release more starch, leading to a slimy texture.
  2. Avoid Over-Blending
    Blend the oats and water for a shorter duration, typically around 30 seconds. Over-blending can break down the oats too much, resulting in a slimier texture.
  3. Strain Thoroughly
    After blending, strain the oat milk through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a nut milk bag. This helps to remove excess oat particles that can contribute to a slimy consistency.
  4. Use Rolled Oats
    Opt for rolled oats instead of instant oats or steel-cut oats. Rolled oats tend to produce less slime because they have a more consistent texture.
  5. Chill Before Serving
    Chill the oat milk in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This can help the milk settle and improve the texture.

By following these tips, you can enjoy smooth, non-slimy oat milk that’s perfect for drinking, adding to coffee, or using in recipes.

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Introducing MacroTracker by MasalaMonk

When you look at the app store or all other apps that enable you to efficiently track your macros, most of them rely on some type ‘database’ of built in food products, values, names, dishes, data from some authority – maybe USDA, or any such reliable body. My problem with those apps it that it makes them highly unreliable, The data is pre-fed into the system and you are just estimating your diet hoping for the accuracy of the data. And most of these apps would not allow you to customise those values. And then there is a problem of nationalities, locations and types of food that we actually like to eat,

The main difference in MacroTracker by MasalaMonk is  that there is no database fed into the system at all. It comes blank out of the box, allowing you to make your own entries and database. As someone who has struggled with weight and keeping a track of his food and eating habits, I realised as big a ‘foodie’ I thought I was, I ended up eating items from the same catalogue of 30-50 dishes or food items max – depending on where I am living, weather, kind of food available etc.

Finding Macro content of anything is not a big deal these days, just do a quick google search for anything and you will have the values – pick one from the source you find most reliable and create your own entry in the database for your account. You can always come back and edit the item or delete the same and make any modifications you want.

What else? Though you enter 3 basic macros, Proteins, Carbs and Fats,  for the food item, the app gives you a sope to add 5% error, to account of things that might not be accounted for, a feature I believe can help people who are strictly trying to restrict their caloric intake for whatever reason.

Right now we have hosted the first cut of the application on MacroTracker.MasalaMonk.com or  http://macrotracker.masalamonk.com/ – its in early development stages, however I thought I will still put the word out there and start collecting some feedback.

If you are looking for a MacroTracker – do take this one for a spin and let me know the feedback on comments. Would love to improve and develop it further.

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Hummus Veggie Sandwich: A Nutritious and Delicious Delight

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a sandwich that’s not only packed with flavor but also brimming with nutrients. Enter the Hummus Veggie Sandwich, a perfect blend of creamy, flavorful hummus and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. This sandwich is a fantastic option for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a light dinner.

Hummus, made from blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a staple in many kitchens for good reason. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a nourishing choice for any meal. Its creamy texture and savory taste complement a variety of veggies, enhancing the overall flavor of the sandwich.

Ingredients: For Hummus:

  • 1 cup boiled Chickpeas
  • 2-3 cloves of Garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (Tahini)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt

For the Sandwich:

  • Hummus (prepared from the above ingredients)
  • 4 slices of Bread
  • 1/2 Cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 Onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 Tomato, thinly sliced

Instructions:

In a food processor or blender, add the boiled Chickpeas, garlic, olive oil, sesame seeds, and salt.

Blend the ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water or more olive oil to achieve the desired texture. Taste the Hummus and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your preference.

Take two slices of bread and spread a generous amount of Hummus on each slice. Place the thinly sliced cucumber, onion, and tomato on one slice of bread, creating a layer of fresh veggies.

If you prefer a warm and toasty sandwich, you can grill it in a pan or sandwich press. Heat a non-stick pan or sandwich press over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich on the hot pan or press and cook for a few minutes on each side until the bread turns golden brown and crispy.

Once the sandwich is ready, remove it from the pan or press (if you grilled it). Cut the sandwich in half or quarters, if desired, and serve immediately. You can enjoy the Hummus sandwich as it is, or pair it with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.

This Hummus sandwich is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option for any time of the day. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious creation!

Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it at a picnic, or enjoying it as a quick dinner at home, this sandwich is sure to satisfy. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables in one tasty package.

Give this Hummus Veggie Sandwich a try, and discover a new favorite that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!