Healthy Avil Balls

 Ingredients

Thick Aval (Poha) – 1 cup

Peanut – 1/2 cup

Pottukadalai (Fried Gram) – 1/2 cup

Sesame (Til seeds) – 1/2 cup

Jaggery Powder – 1 and 1/2 cup

Cardamom – 4 to 5

Cashew nuts – few (optional)

Raisins – few (optional)

Ghee – 2 to 3 tablespoons

  

 

Preparations

In a thick bottom kadai put a tablespoon of ghee and fry the avil (poha) till it becomes crisp and slightly changes its colour. Remove and put it on a plate. 

Same kadai put the peanut and fry till it becomes light brown. Remove and set aside.

Fry the pottu Kadalai till it’s hot to touch and remove.

Then add sesame and fry till it starts crackling and remove.

Allow all the fried items to cool.

First put the avil along with cardamom in a mixer jar and grind it to a powder. Transfer it to a broad vessel.

Then add fried peanut, pottu Kadalai and sesame and grind it to a fine powder.

Before removing from the mixer jar, add jaggery powder and run the mixer for few seconds.

Add this to the avil powder and mix well.

If you are using cashew and raisins, fry in a teaspoon of ghee and add to avil powder.

Heat the remaining ghee and add it to the avil powder and mix well.

Take a handful of the powder and press it into a small lemon size ball. Finish all the powder like this.

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Peanut Modak- No rice flour !

 Ingredients

Peanuts – 1 cup

Milk Powder – 1 cup

Sugar – ¾ cup

Milk – ¼ cup

Ghee – 2 to 3 teaspoons

Cardamom – 2

 

Preparations

Dry roast the peanuts and remove the skin.

Grind the roasted peanuts into a fine powder using a mixer jar. Set it aside.

In the same jar, add the sugar and cardamom, then grind them to a fine powder.

In a thick-bottomed kadai, pour the milk and add one teaspoon of ghee. Add the milk powder and mix well.

Add the ground peanut powder and stir continuously on low flame until the mixture thickens.

Incorporate the powdered sugar and continue stirring until everything blends well and forms a thick dough.

Transfer the dough to a plate and allow it to cool.

When the dough is warm enough to handle, grease your fingers with ghee and knead the dough.

Grease the modak mould with a few drops of ghee. Take a portion of the peanut mixture, place it into the mould, press from the bottom, and level it.

Open the mould and gently demould the modak. Repeat the process with the remaining dough.

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Avil-Peanuts Ladoo

Ingredients and Preparations

avil  2 cups roast till crisp

peanuts 1 cup roast well, cool, remove the skin

jaggery 250 gm

water 1/2 cup

once jaggery melts add

desiccated coconut 1 cup

pdr the roasted avil

pdr the peanuts well

add to the jaggery mixture, mix well adding

ghee 1 tsp some chopped nuts

once cool, roll into small balls 

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Sukhi Bhaji / Farali Potato

 INGREDIENTS

 1 large or 125 grams or 1 ½cupsPotatoes, boiled, peeled and cubed

 2 Cloves

 a tiny piece Cinnamon stick, size of a clove

1 tbsp Oil

½ tsp Cumin seeds

½ tsp Sesame seeds

1 Green chili, chopped finely

3 tbsp Peanuts, crushed

1 ½  tbsp Desiccated coconut

Rock salt  to taste

½ tsp Sugar

2 tsp Lemon juice

1 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped finely

 

PREPARATIONS 

Boil The Potatoes: You can boil potatoes in instant pot (manual 7 minutes). Or use a traditional pressure cooker (takes 2 whistles). Once potatoes are cool to touch, peel the skin and cut into small cubes.

Take cloves and cinnamon. Crush using mortar and pestle into a fine powder and keep it ready. Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add cumin seeds and let them sizzle a bit. Then add sesame seeds, within few seconds they will start to pop/fly. Immediately add green chilies and saute for 30 seconds. Add boiled potatoes, rock salt, sugar, cloves-cinnamon powder and mix well. Then add crushed peanuts and dry coconut. Mix and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add lemon (lime) juice. Add chopped cilantro and mix. Suki bhaji is ready to serve. 

NOTES-

If you prefer slightly mashed potatoes in your sukhi bhaji, then mash some of them with the back of the spatula.  

If you prefer the nice clean pieces of potatoes (not mushy) here is the tip for you. Let the boiled potato cool down completely and then cut into cubes. When you chop the potato while it is warm or hot, it will break and crumble. 

 

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 INGREDIENTS

40 pieces Bhindi

4 tbsp Oil

⅓ cup Desiccated coconut

2 tbsp Peanuts

1 tbsp Sesame seeds

⅓ cup coriander leaves,

1 Green chili finely chopped

½ tsp Ginger paste or freshly grated or crushed

1 tsp Turmeric pdr

1 ½ tsp Coriander pdr

½ tsp Cumin pdr

1 tsp Red chili pdr

1 tsp garam masala

3 tsp Sugar

2 tbsp Lemon juice

Salt to taste

 

PREPARATIONS

To make the stuffing, take dry coconut, ground peanuts, sesame seeds, green chili, ginger and cilantro in a bowl. Mix well.

Add salt, sugar, lemon juice and spice powders (turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala).

Mix everything really well using your fingers and keep it aside.

Now cut off both the ends (head and tail part). Make a vertical slit in the center, but be careful not to break the bhindi into two pieces. Now using your one hand hold the bhindi and insert the thumb inside the slit, so it makes a gap in the bhindi to fill the stuffing. After stuffing all of them you will have leftover stuffing; we will use that later in this recipe. Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. I recommend using a wide non-stick pan because non-sticks require less oil and we can arrange them in one layer if it is wide. If not using the nonstick then you might need more oil. Alternately, you can cook them in an air fryer (see the details below in the notes section). Once hot arrange stuffed okra and sprinkle some salt (be careful we already added salt to the stuffing). Cover it and cook it for 12-15 minutes or until okra is cooked perfectly. Stir or flip the okra in between for even cooking. Make sure that okra doesn’t stick to the bottom. Add remaining leftover stuffing and mix well. Cook it for 2 minutes uncovered or until added stuffing gets heated through.

Notes

Air Fryer Bharwa Bhindi:

 

Place the stuffed okra in an air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray some oil or lightly brush the oil.

 

Cook at 360°F (180°C) for total 12 minutes (cook for 8 minutes + flip okra + cook 4 minutes).

 

When you flip the okra and you feel that okra are too dry then again spray with oil.

 Buying okra: They should be fresh-looking and dark green in color. Don’t buy those who have blemishes, cut or leaked internal juice. Try to buy those that have fewer seeds in them. Buy the same size of okra so all of them cook evenly.

Please do not skip the sugar here. It will not taste sweet like dessert because we are adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to balance out the flavors.

 

 

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

These 5 foods will help you to fall asleep immediately

 

Lack of sleep can ruin a lot of things: our mood, our patience, our focus and our sense of enjoyment in life. We've all had those sleepless nights. But taking sleeping pills is usually a problematic strategy, because they don't give you the same natural sleep that strengthens you, and they can become quite addictive too. Better to eat something that will help you fall into a relaxing, renewing, deep sleep.

Here are five recommended foods to put you to sleep:

Frozen Bananas 

Frozen bananas can be turned into a thick and tasty ice-cream. All you need is the right technique of consistent mixing. The idea is to mix for several minutes until the bananas turn into a creamy delight. Add a handful of chopped peanuts for an extra tryptophan boost (a chemical that is known to relieve tension and put you to sleep) and you have a great combination. Not only will the potassium in the bananas help you fall asleep faster, it can also prevent you waking up for no reason in the middle of the night. 

Low Fat Popcorn

The carbs in popcorn will help your body better utilize tryptophan. This happens because the tryptophan is converted into serotonin, which is responsible for putting you to sleep and waking you up every day. Since a heavy meal about 2 hours before sleep can actually keep you awake at times, a low-calorie popcorn bowl is a recommended treat for late night snacks. If you want to add some flavor, we suggest some curry powder or garlic, instead of butter. 

Halibut 

The halibut fish comes with two great sleeping aids: tryptophan and vitamin B6. It has a meaty, gentle texture - recommended for sea food lovers. 

Other foods rich in Tryptophan: Chicken, Beef, soy, yogurt, bananas, peanuts and eggs. 

Mango Shake

Mangoes are packed with antioxidants, proteins, and vitamins and are also a natural sweet that can help banish your sugar cravings. 

To make a mango shake: Cut up a fresh mango and put it in the blender. Add a scoop-full of ice, a small scoop of low-fat Greek yogurt and just a little splash of milk or water. To make it a little sweeter, you can add a bit of honey. And if you don't like mangoes, the same can be done with strawberries in the winter and watermelons in the summer.

Dried Cherries 

A handful of dried cherries won't just provide you with a dose of carbs and serotonin, it is also one of the better-known sources of melatonin - a sleep-inducing hormone (also essential in preventing jet-lag). If that's not enough for you, dried cherries are also packed with antioxidants.

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Healthy Breakfast On A Budget: This Combo Packs Protein, Fibre And Healthy Fats In One Bowl

Staying healthy isn't just about what you eat, it's also about when you eat. According to health experts, starting your morning with a small portion of nutrient-rich foods such as peas, peanuts and raisins may help nourish your body and keep you energised throughout the day.

 Eating a moderate quantity of peas/moong dal, peanuts and raisins every morning may offer several health benefits. However, these foods should be consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.

Peas are rich in protein, fibre and antioxidants. Experts say that eating sprouted peas on an empty stomach may support healthy digestion, provide sustained energy and help keep the body active. Their fibre content may also help lower bad cholesterol, support heart health, assist with weight management and help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. 

 Raisins are a good source of iron, potassium and antioxidants. Consuming them in the morning may help improve iron intake and support healthy haemoglobin levels. Their fibre may also help ease constipation, while their nutrients are believed to benefit heart health and bone strength.

Peanuts are an affordable source of protein. Eating them in limited quantities in the morning may provide lasting energy and help keep you feeling full for longer, reducing the urge to snack between meals .Peanuts also contain healthy fats, protein and magnesium, nutrients that may help support muscle strength and bone health. According to experts, their folate and vitamin E content may also contribute to brain function and support healthy skin and hair.

 When eaten together, peas, peanuts and raisins provide a combination of protein, fibre, healthy fats and natural sweetness. Experts say this mix can be a nutritious addition to your breakfast, but it should be eaten in moderation as part of a varied and balanced diet.

 People living with diabetes, kidney disease, food allergies or other medical conditions should consult a doctor or registered dietitian before making changes to their diet. These foods can support a healthy lifestyle but are not a substitute for medical treatment or prescribed medications.

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

 

Sabudana Vada

  

 Ingredients

Sabudana/ tapioca pearls ½ cup

Potatoes 2 medium sizes cube 1 cup

Peanuts ¼ cup

Coriander leaves chopped 1 tbsp

Green chilies 1-2 finely chopped as per taste

Salt to taste

Lemon juice 1 ½ tsp/ as per taste

Kuttu ka atta 1 ½ tbsp

Grated ginger 1 tsp ( optional)

Soak sabudana

Add ½ cup sabudana to a wide bowl or rinse them well twice.

Then pour ½ cup water and soak sabudana for 4-6 hours depending on the kind. Or can be soaked overnight too.

Once they’re soaked, take a few pearls in between your thumb and forefinger.

Press down to check if they’ve softened. The pearls must get mashed well.

Make sure the’re soaked well and softened otherwise unsoaked sabudana may brst in oil.

You can also bite and check. It should not be hard from inside. If you feel they’re heard, soak them a little longer.

Drain them completely in a colander and set aside.

Preparations

Roast the peanuts until aromatic. Cool completely.

Pulse them in a blender only once to get coarsely crushed peanuts. Keep aside.

Wash and peel potatoes, boil them till just done and not too mushy or soggy.

Mash them. If the potatoes are mushy, then the vadas may break. So cook them just al dente.

Mix together sabudana, mashed potatoes, peanuts, green chili, ginger, salt, jeera & coriander leaves. Add lemon juice and mix well.

If the dough turns sticky, then just grease your fingers lightly.

Mixing well helps in binding the dough well and pevents the sabudana vada from breaking while frying.

How to make Sabudana Vada

Make 10-12 balls and then slightly flatten to make patties/ vada.

Do not make them too thin as they may break. Making them too thick will not cook them from inside.

Heat oil in a kadai until hot enough on a medium flame.

Drop a small portion of the dough to check if the oil is hot enough. The dough has to rise without browning quickly.

Next take 1 tsp of the mixture in your hand and roll it to a small vada.

Side it to the hot oil to check if it doesn’t disintegrate.

If the ball breaks, then add 1 tbsp of flour to the mixture, and mix well. Then shape them to vadas.

Slide the sabudana vada in hot ol, one after another. Do not crowd them all at one time. Slide 2-3 depending on the size of your pan.

After adding the vadas. Let them deep fry on a medium for a few minutes. Do not disturb or touch them as they may break. When they form up and becomes slightly golden, flip to the other side, fry until golden and crisp.

The vadas will puff well and turn golden and crisp in the outside.

Drain them on a kitchen tissue or colander. Serve it hot with green chutney.

Air Fryer method

Shape the vada mixture not very thin nor too thick patties.

Place them in the air fryer basket/ air fry 2 180 C/ 360 F for 14-16 minutes or until crisp and golden. Adjust the timing depending on your air fryer.

Brush them with ghee as soon as they’re out of the air fryer.

Bake in oven

Place them on a prepared tray with parchment paper and preheat your oven for at least 15 minutes. Bake @ 390 F 190 C for 30-35 minutes or longer till crisp.

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Tomatoes Omapodi/ Sev Mixture

 Ingredients and Preparations

tomatoes 4, chop roughly grind without adding water , strain well

to the tomato juice add

besan 1 cup

rice flour 1/4 cup

salt to taste

red chili pdr to taste

turmeric pdr 1/4 tsp

Mix all well, if it is watery add another 1-2 tbsp besan and 1 tbsp rice flour, till it becomes a soft dough.

heat oil for frying, grease the sev mold, put the dough, press directly over hot oil

don't stir for 30 seconds, then gently stir, it will get crisp quickly, drain well, put in paper towel to drain out excess oil.

after making all the sev in a similar way

in the hot oil

1/4 - 1/2 cup peanuts  fry in hot oil, drain and put in another paper towel

then fry 1/4-1/2 cup pottukadalai/ fried dal , it will fry quickly, drain well, best way to add the nuts on  strainer and fry, as it will be easy to remove

those who like garlic, may add 8-10 garlic cloves lightly peeled, with 1/4 cup curry leaves, fry till leaves are crisp. Be careful when frying curry leaves, as water from it may come out and burn you.

drain all well. if desired fry thick chiwda/ avil, it will fry in seconds , drain and spread over paper napkin to drain excess oil

to the fried nuts, curry leaves add 1/2 tsp salt, chaat masala 1/2 tsp, red chili pdr 1/2 tsp mix all well

now add the fried sev, mix all well, your healthy tasty mixture is ready with your cup of tea ! 

 

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs

 

Thecha chowmein

Sometimes the heart simply craves street food, even though our health may say otherwise. However, preparing street-style food at home can be a nice compromise at times, and celebrity chef and MasterChef India judge Kunal Kapur helps us do just that, taking to Instagram on May 15 and sharing his easy recipe for thecha chowmein. 

Describing the dish, the chef wrote in the caption, “Thecha chowmein is what happens when fiery Maharashtrian flavours meet your favourite street-style noodles. Think garlicky green chilli thecha tossed with hot, glossy chowmein - spicy, bold, and seriously addictive. It’s quick, punchy, and perfect for days when regular noodles just won’t cut it. The heat hits first, then the flavour keeps building, making every bite better than the last. If you love your food with a kick, this one’s a total game changer.” 

Ingredients 

For thecha

Oil - 2 tbsp

Green chillies - 4

Garlic cloves - 8-10

Peanuts - ¼ cup

coriander leaves- handful

For noodles

Oil - 2 tbsp

Onion, sliced - ½ cup

Carrot, julienne - ½ cup

Capsicum, sliced - 1 cup

Cabbage, shredded - 1 cup

Noodles, boiled - 2 cups

Soya sauce - 2 tbsp

Salt - to taste

Vinegar - 1 tbsp

Spring onions, chopped - a handful

 

Preparations

To prepare the thecha, heat the wok and then pour in the oil. Add green chilli, garlic cloves, and whole peanuts into the oil. Stir-fry them for three to four minutes.

Take them out and put them in a mortar and pestle. Grind them up well. While grinding, add fresh, chopped coriander. The final thecha should be a little bit grainy.

Once again, add oil to the heated wok. When the oil gets warm, add in the thecha and stir fry for 30 to 40 seconds. Make sure that the thecha does not turn completely brown.

Then add in the thinly sliced onions, julienned carrots, bell peppers, and shredded cabbage. Toss them all in a high flame till the vegetables are cooked.

Gently add the boiled noodles to the wok, making sure that they are not clumpy. Add in soya sauce, salt, vinegar, and chopped spring onions. Toss it well in high heat for at least three to four minutes.

The thecha chowmein is ready. Plate it and enjoy.

 

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  

https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for info on cancer and health related topics

https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs