crispy eggplant- no onion no garlic

Ingredients

1. 1 medium sized eggplant (cut into long big pieces)
2. Rice flour 3 tbs
3. Gram flour (besan) 2 tbs
4. Salt to taste
5. Cumin powder 2 tsp
6. Red chili powder 2 tsp
7. Oil to shallow fry
8. Cold water

Preparation

1. In a plate take 3 tbs of rice flour, 2 tbs of gram flour, salt to taste, cumin powder and red chili powder.
2. Add cold water and mix it to a semi thick paste.
3. Take oil in a pan to shallow fry.
4. Now take a piece of eggplant, apply the rice paste on it and shallow fry it on medium flame.
5. Cook it from both the sides and serve hot.

channa masala- no onion and no garlic

Ingredients

1. Boiled chickpeas 2 cup
2. Tomato 2 (grind it to make puree)
3. Oil 4 tbs
4. Turmeric 1 tsp
5. Cumin powder 1 tsp
6. Chili powder 2 tsp
7. Ginger powder 2 tsp
8. Coriander powder 1 tbs
9. Salt to taste
10. Pinch of sugar
11. Black pepper powder 1/2 tsp

Preparation

1. In a heavy bottom container, take 4 tbs of oil and add the tomato puree in it.
2. Cook the tomatoes in medium to low heat for few minutes or till the tomato puree is cooked.
3. Now add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, chili powder, ginger powder, coriander powder, salt to taste, pinch of sugar, and finally black pepper powder.
4. Add 2-4 tbs of water and cook the gravy, till all the ingredients are mixed properly.
5. Finally add 2 cups of boiled chickpea and cook for 5 minutes on medium to low heat. (add small amount of water if needed)
6. After cooking the chickpea in the gravy for sometime, add 1/2 cup of water and let it boil.
7. When the gravy is reduced to half switch off the heat and cover it for few minutes.
8. Serve hot with chapatis, pulao or rice.

cucumber raita

Ingredients

1. 2 cucumber (cut into small pieces)
2. Curd one cup
3. Salt 1/2 tsp
4. Sugar 2 tsp
5. 2 pinch of black salt
6. Cumin powder 1 tsp
7. Red chili powder 1 tsp

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl take cucumber, one cup curd, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp sugar and the black salt. Add 2 tbs of water and mix it nicely.
2. Sprinkle the cumin powder and red chili powder and put it inside the fridge for 30 minutes
3. Serve it cool.

mushroom 65

Ingredients

1. Mushroom 2 cups (cut into halves)
2. Oil to shallow fry
3. 2 tbs corn flour
4. 2 tbs plain flour
5. 2 tbs chopped ginger garlic
6. 4 green chilies
7. Curry leaves 5-6
8. Tomato chili sauce 1 tbs 
9. Soy sauce 1 tsp
10. Salt to taste
11. Red chili powder 1 tsp
12. Cumin powder 1 tsp 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl take the mushroom, add 2 tbs corn flour, 2 tbs plain flour, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp cumin powder and salt to taste.
2. Mix them together without adding water, if needed sprinkle some while mixing.
3. Shallow fry the mushrooms in low heat till they turn to golden brown.
4. Now in a wok take 1 tbs of oil, add the green chilies and curry leaves, now add in 2 tbs of chopped ginger garlic.
5. Now add the tomato chili sauce, soy sauce and the shallow fried mushroom mix it nicely.
6. Garnish with chopped spring onion and serve hot.

vegetable schezwan rice

Ingredients

1. Basmati rice two cup
2. Oil 2 tbs
3. Onion 2 tbs (finely chopped)
4. Ginger 1 tbs (finely chopped)
5. Green beans half cup (cut into small pieces)
6. Carrots half cup (cut into small pieces)
7. Green peas half cup
8. Salt to taste
9. Schezwan sauce 3 tbs
10. Soy sauce 2 tsp
11. Coriander leaves (to garnish)

Preparation

1. Boil 4 cups of water and add the rice to it, when the rice is cooked drain the remaining water and keep it aside and let it cool.
2. In a wok take 2 tbs of oil, add finely chopped ginger and onion, saute it for few seconds.
3. Now add the beans, carrot, peas and cook them for few minutes or till they are half cooked.
4. Now add the soy sauce, salt to taste, the schezwan sauce and finally add the rice, mix them properly.
5. Garnish with coriander leaves.

For schezwan sauce,
- You can use the ready made.
- Or you can also use home made.
To know how to make schezwan sauce at home check for-
http://being-foodie.blogspot.com/2016/07/schezwan-sauce.html

schezwan sauce

Ingredients

1. Two red peppers
2. One onion (finely chopped)
3. Garlic 4 tbs (finely chopped)
4. Ginger 2 tbs (finely chopped)
5. Corn flour 2 tbs
6. Chili powder 2 tsp
7. Vinegar 2 tsp
8. Soy sauce 1 tbs
9. Chili sauce 2 tbs
10. Salt to taste
11. Sugar 1 tsp (optional)

Preparation

1.Heat the oil in a wok add the whole red peppers and saute over high heat till they darken a bit.
2.  Add the onions, garlic and ginger and stir-fry over high heat till glossy. 
3. Add the corn flour mixture and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and add the chili powder, vinegar, soy sauce, chili sauce and salt to taste and mix well.
You can store it in the fridge for 4-5 days.

vegetable manchurian

Ingredients

1. Half cup green beans (finely chopped)
2. Half cup carrots  (finely chopped)
3. Half cup cabbage  (finely chopped)
4. Half cup cauliflower  (finely chopped)
5. 1 tbs ginger  (finely chopped)
6. 2 tbs garlic  (finely chopped)
7. 2 tbs onion  (finely chopped)
8. 1 tsp green chili  (finely chopped)
9. 2 tbs corn flour
10. One cup all purpose flour
11. Salt to taste 
12. Tomato chili sauce
13. Soy sauce
14. Oil to shallow fry (or you can also deep fry)
15. Coriander leaves (to garnish)
(Keep aside 2 tbs of chopped vegetables to make the sauce)

Preparation

1. To make the manchurian balls, in a mixing bowl take the finely chopped beans, carrot, cabbage, cauliflower, 2 tbs of corn flour, 1 cup of plain flour and salt to taste. Knead with the hands to make a soft dough.
2. Make small sized balls from the dough and keep it aside.
3. Now in a frying pan add oil to shallow fry (or deep fry). Fry the manchurians on medium heat till they turn to golden brown and cooked properly.
4. Take them out and keep it aside.
5. To make the sauce take some oil in a wok add chopped green chilies, onion, ginger and finally the garlic, stir them for a minute on medium flame. Now add 2 tbs of chopped vegetables and cook for 2 more minutes.
6. Now add 4 tbs of water, bring it to a boil.
7. When the water starts boiling add 2 tbs of tomato chili sauce and 2 tsp of soy sauce and put the manchurian balls and stir to mix them properly, cook till its dry.
8. Garnish with coriander leaves.
Optional
To make gravy-(from step 6) you can add 1 cup of water mixed with 1 tbs of corn flour and bring it to a boil.) 

cooking tips

cooking tips

1. To store tomato puree for later use spoon the tomato puree into ice cube trays, and freeze overnight, transfer them into plastic bags and freeze again, use these frozen cubes in your recipes.
2. If accidentally you burn rice place a slice of white bread on top of the rice for about 10 minutes. This would remove the burned aroma.
3. To keep your vegetables green after cooking add a pinch of turmeric powder to the oil right before you add the green vegetables, your green vegetables would look green and fresh after cooking.
4. To keep your peas green after boiling add 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar to the boiling water, this way they would retain the green color.

health benefits of ripe banana

ripe banana

1. Contains a high concentration of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B-6 and antioxidant compounds.
2. Reduces blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.
3. Scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.
4. Reduces menstrual cramps.
5. Helps grow strong bones.
6. Helps prevent ulcers.
7. Powers the brain.
8. Reduces depression and anxiety.
9. Gives instant energy.
10. Over-ripe bananas produce an anti-cancer substance that combats cancer cells.
11. Anti-inflammatory
12. Eases constipation.

stir fried spicy prawn

Ingredients

1. Half cooked prawns 2 cup
2. Two green chilies
3. One onion (sliced)
4. Half tomato (chopped)
5. Turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
6. Chili powder 1/2 tsp
7. Cumin powder 1 tsp
8. Coriander powder 1 tsp
9. Salt to taste
10. Olive oil 2 tbs
11. Olive oil spray
12. Coriander leaves




Preparation

1. To half cook the prawns, in a big pot boil about 2 cups of water and add salt to taste. Add the prawns (washed and cleaned) in the boiling water and cook for 4 minutes on high heat then drain the water and keep the half cooked prawns aside .
2. In a non-stick pan spray some oil and place the prawns so that they become brown from both sides. ( don't cook for a long time, just on high heat brown the prawns from both sides)
3. Now add 2 tbs of oil to the pan add the green chilies and onion, saute them for a minute or two till the onion is cooked nicely.
4. Add the chopped tomato and cook it for a minute now add all the spices and salt to taste. 
5. Add the prawns and stir fry them all together, cook for 10 minutes on medium to low heat, so that all the spices are cooked well with the prawns. (cover it occasionally and sprinkle water if it sticks to the bottom of pan)
6. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot. 

health benefits of turmeric

turmeric

1. Natural anti-inflammatory
2. Natural antibiotic
3. Natural antiseptic
4. Natural analgesic
5. Speeds up wound healing
6. Improves digestion
7. Strengthens ligaments
8. Skin tonic
9. Helps cough
10. Improves asthma
11. Anti-arthritic
12. Helps prevent gas/bloating
13. Lowers cholesterol
14. Heals stomach ulcer
15. Improves skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, etc)
16. Aids in fat metabolism and weight management
17. Reduces side effects of chemotherapy
18. Treats diabetes
19. Parasites killer
20. Cures acne

spicy veggie noodle (with durum wheat)

Ingredients

1. Durum wheat noodles (cooked) 1 packet
2. Onion one (thinly sliced)
3. One green chili
4. Beans and carrots (cut into strips)
5. Bottom mushroom (sliced) wash and squeeze out the water 
6. Cabbage (thinly sliced)
7. Green bell pepper (strips)
8. Tomato ketchup 1 tbs
9. Chili sauce 1 tbs
10. Soy sauce 1/2 tsp
11. Black pepper powder 1/2 tsp
12. Salt to taste
13. Olive oil 2 tbs

Preparation

1. In a big pot boil water, add the noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes on a high to medium heat.
2. Drain the hot water using a sieve and show the noodles under cold water so that it is not over cooked. Keep it aside.
3. In a pan take 2 tbs of oil, add the green chilies and onion and saute them till the onion is turned to golden brown.
4. Add the beans and carrot cook them for 2 min, add the mushroom and saute for a minute. 
5. Add the cabbage and bell pepper and cook till all the veggies are cooked.
6. Add the cooked noodle, stir it a little and add all the seasonings tomato ketchup, chili sauce, soy sauce, black pepper and salt to taste.
7. Cook it for a minute or two.
8. Serve hot.

banana and whole wheat pancakes

Ingredients

1. One cup whole wheat flour
2. One banana 
3. Whole milk one cup
4. Baking powder a pinch
5. Sugar (optional)
6. Olive oil spray



Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl take a banana and mash it nicely.
2. Now add the whole wheat flour and mix it.
3. Add the required amount of milk ( one cup) and check the batter if more liquid is required.
4. Add sugar (optional) else add a pinch of baking powder.
5. Spray olive oil to pan and add the batter to make a pancake.(let it to cook from one side)
6. Flip over and cook from both the side.
7. Serve hot with honey.

food remedy for headache

food to eat

1. Coffee
2. Cherries
3. Salmon
4. Millet
5. Spinach
6. Corn
7. Banana
8. Flaxseed
9. Watermelon
10. Almonds

health benefits of onion

onion

1. Very good source of biotin.
2. Good source of manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, copper, dietary fiber, phosphorus, potassium, folate and vitamin B1.
3. Improves immunity.
4. Regulates blood sugar.
5. Reduces inflammation.
6. Heals infection.
7. Antiseptic and antibiotic
8. Good remedy for common cold, cough, fever and sore throat.
9. Reduces pain and inflammation of joints.
10. Prevents tooth decaying and reduces tooth pain.
11. Helps detoxify the body.
12. Dissolve blood clots .
13. Reduces blood pressure. 

health benefits of green chilies

green chilies

1. Green chili is known for its rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, iron, copper and potassium.
2. Rich in antioxidants.
3. Promotes blood clotting.
4. Excellent pain reliever.
5. Improves wound healing.
6. Strengthens bones and teeth.
7. Fights infection and reduces inflammation.
8. Boosts immunity and metabolism.
9. Rich in dietary fiber to prevent constipation.
10. Helps in digestion.
11. Fights premature aging.
12. Helps in weight loss.

baking tips

1. To make a vegetarian cake, half a banana per egg makes a great substitute.
2. Do not remove a cake from its pan while hot (it may stick to the bottom of the pan).
wait 15 minutes after cooling, turn out the cake onto a rack to allow it to cool completely.
3. To prevent burning the bottoms of brownies and chocolate cakes, place the pan on a preheated cookie sheet or pizza stone.
4. To prevent fruit from sinking to the bottom of cupcakes and cakes, try dusting the pieces lightly with flour before adding.
5. Bake your cookies in a muffin tray, so that they will stay soft and fluffy, and won't spread out so thin.

health benefits of red or purple cabbage

Red cabbage

1. Very good source of manganese, dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B1, folate and copper.
2. Good source of choline, phosphorus, vitamin B2, magnesium, calcium, selenium, iron, protein and niacin.
3. Low in calories
4. Filled with anti-oxidants
5. Great for eyes
6. Great for skin health
7. Boosts the immune system
8. Cleanses the digestive tract
9. Prevents osteoporosis
10. Has anti-cancer properties
11. Heals ulcer
12. Reduces the risk of Alzheimer's.

health benefits of garlic

Garlic

1. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which has potent medicinal properties.
2. Packed with anti- oxidants
3. Good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6
4. Source of selenium, manganese, iron and calcium
5. Boosts immunity
6. Reduces oxidative stress
7. Controls cold and flu effects
8. Improves iron metabolism
9. Reduces cholesterol level
10. Reduces blood pressure
11. Reduces blood sugar level
12. Helps in digestion
13. Relieves blood clotting disorders
14. Anti-inflammatory
15. Prevents respiratory infections.

health benefits of coriander leaves

Coriander leaves

1. Coriander or cilantro is wonderful source of dietary fiber, manganese, iron and magnesium.
2. Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and protein.
3. Strong anti-oxidant.
4. Anti-inflammatory.
5. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.
6. Prevents cardiovascular damage.
7. Stimulates digestion.
8. Reduces blood pressure.
9. Promotes healthy liver function.
10. Toxic metal cleansing.
11. Improves quality sleep.
12. Natural internal deodrant.

food remedy for fever

Food to avoid

1. Carbonated soft drinks

2. Tea and coffee

3. Red beef (difficult to digest)

4. Shellfish (difficult to digest)

5. Unpasteurized milk

6. Alcohol

Food to eat

1. Lot of water

2. Rice porridge with ginger

3. Vegetable broth

4. Oatmeal

5. Turkey, pullet, fish

6. Probiotics rich food

mix beans lentils veggie soup

Ingredients

1. Different types of beans (kidney, black, navy, pinto etc.)
2. Chickpea
3. Lentils (yellow split, green split peas, brown lentils etc)
 Take one cup of mixed beans and lentils, soak them in water for 8 hours or overnight.
4. Green chili (chopped)
5. Two cloves of garlic (chopped)
6. Onion (cubes)
7. Carrot and green beans 1/4th cup (shredded)
8. Cauliflower 1/2 cup (small pieces)
9. Cabbage 1/2 cup (shredded)
10. Tomato (cubes)
11. Olive oil 2 tbs
12. Salt to taste
13. Chili powder 1 tsp
14. Smoked mixed spice 2 tsp
15. Black pepper powder 2 tsp
16. Cilantro (finely chopped)

Preparation

1. Cook the beans and lentils and keep them aside.
2. Take 2 tbs of  olive oil in a sauce pan add the green chilies, garlic and the onion, saute them for few seconds.
3. Now add carrot and beans, saute them for a minute.
4. Add cauliflower and cabbage and cook them for 1-2 minutes
5. Add the diced tomatoes and cover it for a minute, so that tomatoes are cooked
6. Then add salt to taste, chili powder, smoked mixed spice and black pepper, cook for a minute
7. Add the cooked lentils and two cups of water and bring it to a boil.
8. Finally garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

mix veg tomato clear soup

Ingredients

1. Half cup white and red cabbage (shredded)
2. 1/4th cup carrot (shredded)
3. 1/4th cup cauliflower (cut to small pieces)
4. Half cup of chickpea (cooked)
5. Tomato (cubes)
6. Two cloves of garlic (roughly chopped)
7. Hand full of coriander leaves
8. Green chilies two (finely chopped) 
8. Salt to taste
9. Chili powder
10. Oregano 1/2 tsp
11. Black pepper powder
12. Extra virgin olive oil


Preparation

1. In a sauce pan take 1 tbs of extra virgin olive oil, to which add the chopped garlic and green chilies.
2. Now add the cauliflower, saute for few seconds, add in the cabbage, carrots and the chickpea cook them for few more seconds and then add the tomato cubes, cover it for 2-3 minutes on a medium to low heat.
3. Open the lid and add in some chili powder, salt to taste and oregano and cook for few seconds.
4. Next add two and half cups of water, cover it and bring it to a boil.
5. Finally add the chopped coriander leaves and black pepper powder and serve hot.

spicy stir fried cauliflower

Ingredients

1. Cauliflower cut into medium pieces
2. One cup onion paste
3. Two tbs of ginger, garlic and green chili paste
4. One tomato (cut into dices)
5. Olive oil
6. Salt to taste
7. Half tsp turmeric powder
8. One tsp cumin powder
9. One tsp coriander powder
10. One tsp chili powder
11. One tsp curry powder
12. Pinch of cinnamon & cardamom powder



Preparation

1. In a wok take 2 tbs of oil add the cauliflower and fry them till they are half cooked on a medium to high heat. Sprinkle some salt.
2. Take it out in a plate and keep it aside.
3. Now in the wok add one and a half tbs of oil, add the onion paste cook for 2 minutes till the raw smell of the onion is gone. 
4. Next add the ginger garlic and the green chili paste and cook for 3-4 minutes 
5. Now add the tomatoes stir if for a minute, then add all the seasonings and cook it for another minute.
6. Now add your cauliflower and cook for 6-8 minutes(If needed, sprinkle some water) with the spices on a medium to high flame and serve hot. 

food remedy for cough

Food to avoid

1. Cold drinks
2. Mucous producing foods such as
 - sugar
- fried and salty foods
 - dairy
3. Ripe banana
4. Yogurt






Food to eat

1. Ginger and black pepper tea
2. Honey and lemon
3. Ginger garlic soup
4. Cinnamon(add to food, drinks or tea)
5. Lots of water 

make it easy

1. To remove the garlic smell from hand, rub your fingers thoroughly with the bottom of a stainless steel spoon under running water, then wash your hands with soap.
2. To most juice, microwave the citrus fruits for 20 seconds before squeezing.
3. To peel off orange or tomato skin effortlessly keep them in hot water for 2 minutes and then in cold water for 2 minutes, now you could easily peel off the skin.

health benefits of mushrooms

Mushroom

1. Excellent source of selenium(which is good for bladder)
2. Stimulates absorption of Iron.
3. Reduces blood pressure.
4. Boosts immune system
5. Improves bone health.
6. Helps prevent anemia.
7. Regulates insulin levels in body.
8. Protects hair, nails and teeth
9. Good source of vitamin D.
10. Prevents breast and prostate cancer.


Note- Mushroom can be allergic to some people.  

health benefits of bell peppers or capsicum

Bell Peppers

1. Excellent source of Vitamin C and A.
2. Loaded with antioxidants.
3. Contains bone-building manganese and magnesium.
4. Boosts immune system.
5. Good source of vitamin E.
6. Anti-inflammatory.
7. Helps keep skin youthful.
8. Healthy and shiny hair.
9. Good for eyes
10. Supports blood circulation.

food remedies for common cold

Food to avoid

1. Any cold food or drink
2. Curd
3. Other dairy product(can cause more mucus)
4. Fruit juice


Food to eat

1. Hot green tea
2. Ginger(extract the juice dilute with some water or add in tea)
3. Garlic(add in your food)
4. Citrus fruit(room temperature)
5. Turmeric mixed with warm milk 
6. Chicken soup
7. Boiled egg

health benefits of black pepper

Black pepper

1. Increases nutrient absorption
2. Improves digestion
3. Stimulates appetite
4. Facilitates weight loss
5. Relieves gas
6. Helps clear congestion
7. Combats arthritis

8. Treats teeth and gum problems
9. Relieves cough and cold
10. Antibacterial and antioxidant
11. Relieves joint pain
12. Promotes urination and sweating
13. Natural anti depressant
14. Prevents the formation of new fat cells
15. Prevents cancer and other diseases.