Methi Sunflower Seeds Buns with Minty Barley Soup

Winter is clearing way for spring,but spring can still be cold and frosty at times.Warm soup and bread for supper packed with herby flavors and aromas,nothing could be simpler yet so satisfying.

If you can't find Fenugreek leaves(I always get mine from Indian stores),use other aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary.Also can use other kinds of seeds like flax seed ,pumpkin seeds or sesame for Sunflower seeds.

Recipe : Methi Sunflower Seeds Buns
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups Whole wheat flour(fine ground)
1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup fresh Fenugreek(Methi) leaves
1 tablespoon flax seed meal
1 1/2 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pack active dry yeast(about 1 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 cup warm water

Method
In warm water mix in the dry yeast. Let sit for 15-20 minutes in the warm corner.
In a bowl mix all the ingredients along with the yeast mixture. Make a smooth dough and place in a greased bowl and cover. Allow to rise for an hour in a warm place until double its size.
Knead the dough for few seconds and divide in to about 6-8 equal portions. Take one portion of the dough and shape round.Cover with wrap or bread basket and allow to rise for another hour.

Preheat Oven to 400F. Bake for about 15-18 minutes. Serve warm.Can store in air tight container for 1-2 days.


Minty Barley Soup
Ingredients
1 cup Barley,hulled
1 cup fresh mint leaves,chopped
3 cups vegetable stock or water
2 teaspoon Extra virgin Olive oil
1/2 a medium Onion,peeled and chopped
1 small ripe tomato,chopped
2 cloves garlic,peeled and minced
1 inch piece of ginger root,minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin(zeera powder)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
Method
Saute onions in a skillet until translucent,add the garlic and ginger after a minute,add the spices;saute another minute until aromatic.Now add tomatoes,cook until soft about 5-6 minutes then mix in the stock.Bring to a boil,add the barley ,salt and mint;cover and cook 15-20 minutes until barley is soft and cooked through.Serve warm preferably with bread on side.



Health nut Challenge 4 : Bitter Better Health.Please send your entries before March 10th.Thank you.

Herbs Barley Lentil Dosa with Almond Sesame Chutney

There are infinite variations to a Dosa.Too bad only one was posted.A poor performing blender kept me from making dosas for long.That changed after buying the Vitamix.Now I can make Dosa at ease in unlimited varieties.

This combination Dosa with Barley,lentils and Herbs like Methi and Spinach, no fermentation required ,is the one I'm making more often for weekend brunches.

Recipe : Herbs Barley Lentil Dosa
Makes a dozen large dosas
Ingredients
1 cup Barley ,hulled
1/2 cup Yellow Mung dal(lentil)
1/2 cup white Urad dal(lentil)
1 inch ginger root ,peeled and chopped
1/2 cup fresh Methi(fenugreek) leaves
1 cup Spinach
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoon Canola Oil

Method
Soak barley and the lentils in water over night.
Drain all the water.Transfer in a wet grinder ,add the greens,salt and ginger.Add 1/2 cup of water and grind it smooth.Add another cup of water through the grinding process until the batter is little runny,as the pancake batter.
Heat the non stick pan on medium high. Pour one ladle of batter right in the middle. Spread by making circles. let cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip and let cook for another minute.Sprinkle some finely chopped onions and serve warm with chutney.

Brown Sesame Almond Parsley Chutney\Spread

Same with the chutneys,since Vitamix has made the job simpler,I'm on chutney spree.
Brown sesame seeds need to rinsed and toasted before grinding for best results of smoother spread\chutney .

Recipe : Almond Sesame Chutney
Makes 1 cup
Ingredients
3/4 cup Brown sesame seeds
1/4 cup almonds
1/2 cup fresh Parsley(or used cilantro or mint)
Freshly squeezed juice of 1/2 a lemon
2-4 dried red chillies(or use any kind of hot chili peppers dry or fresh)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold water
Method
Using a fine mesh strainer,rinse the sesame seeds under cold running water.Drain all water.Let sit for about 30 minutes.
Heat a pan on medium.Toast the seeds until all dry and toasted,add the almonds and chillies in to the pan during last 2 minutes.
Transfer in a grinder,cover and run the machine until coarsely ground.Then add the water,greens,lemon juice and salt,and grind until smooth.Store in clean air tight container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.Perfect on sandwiches,burgers , dosa or with Brown rice.
The chutney is my entry for Priya's Cooking with Seeds: Sesame

Bitter Better Health - Methi(fenugreek) Soy Vegetable Cutlets

Bitter foods may not be pleasing to your palate.But the impressive health profile of some kinds of bitter foods might just want you to give them a try.Strangely,bitter foods were considered poisonous and not consumable for long.Until recently medical studies have shown some can offer amazing health boosts ,including prevention and fighting diseases.Read more about the studies here and here.

Fortunately for me,bitter wasn't an alienated taste,some like bitter gourd and fenugreek were pleasantly familiar in mom's cooking.
Tips on making the bitter more palatable :
* Make the start with more commonly available ,like black coffee,cocoa and extra dark chocolate.
* Balance the taste ,pair them with other mildly flavored fruits,nuts and vegetables to balance the unpleasant taste.For instance cooking bitter gourd\melon with onions can help even the bitterness.And Spinach with mustard greens worked perfectly in the ever so popular North India's favorite green side dish.
* Use the right cooking method,overcooking might add to the bitterness of the food like coffee and mustard greens.

I'd love to learn more about them from the enthusiastic foodies out there.Join me in the bitter better journey and help learn more ways to implement these good foods in everyday cooking.For the Health Nut Challenge 4 : Bitter Better Health

1.Cook with any of the following bitter foods list(or others you know of).Mention briefly about the health benefits.Can use cocoa or coffee to make lightly sweet desserts or snacks.Remember excess sweetness can mar the health benefits of bitter foods.

Bitter Better Foods

* Bitter Gourd\melon(Karela)
* Fenugreek(Methi) Sprouts
* Bitter greens and herbs like Mustard greens,Turnip greens, Fenugreek(Methi),Dandelion greens,Watercress,Swiss Chard
* Chicory family vegetables and greens - Radicchio,Endives,Escarole, Frisee ,Arugula
* Unsweetened cocoa
* Extra Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa
* Green Olives
* Black Coffee
* Flax seeds or meal

2.Please don't send the entries through e-mail.Just leave a link of your blog post(old or latest) under the comments section of this post by March 10th 2010.I'll be glad to include it in the round up.And lastly link back your post to this page.


Methi(Fenugreek leaves) Soy Vegetable Cutlets



Methi(fenugreek leaves) are fairly common herbs in Indian Cuisine.Lightly bitter,its best in flat bread(parathas) , lentils(dals), Meat(Chicken or lamb) or any stir fried vegetables.

Soy nuggets or granules are perfect vegan source of high protein.Nutrela soy nuggets or granules are commonly available in most Indian stores.Although one can also find other brands in health food stores.This recipe is recreation of the one on the Nutrela box.The bitterness of Methi in the cutlets is well balanced by the mild flavored soy,potatoes and lightly sweet carrots and peas.Cooked chicken breast or turkey can also be used instead of soy granules.
Recipe :
Ingredients
1 cup Soy Granules
1/4 cup Methi(Fenugreek) leaves,finely chopped
1 medium potato ,boiled , peeled and mashed
1 cup vegetables,boiled and mashed(I used peas and carrots)
2 small green chillies,finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon hot chili powder or cayenne
pinch of Turmeric
1 teaspoon spice mix of choice(I use garam masala + amchur powder)
1 tablespoon Canola oil

Method
Cook the soy granules
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil,add the soy granules,let cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.Let cool for 10 minutes.Strain the water in a fine colander and rinse under cold water.Then squeeze all of the water from the granules and transfer in to large mixing bowl.
Mix and Shape
Add rest of the vegetables,spices and Methi in ,mix well well to make a even mixture.Take about 2 tablespoon of mixture and shape them round or diamond.Lay on plate.Can be frozen in freezable containers for future use.
Roast
Heat about a teaspoon of oil at medium heat and lightly roast the 3-4 cutlets at a time ,about 3 minutes each side.Add a teaspoon of oil for each batch of cutlets.Serve warm as snack or appetizer.

Beet Greens Sambar

It was ridiculously naive of me to have discarded the beautiful Beet greens in the past.Well ,not any more,I've become very fond of this antioxidant rich wonder green.Isn't it strange earlier people ate exclusively the beet greens and not the roots.It's quite the opposite today,many know only the roots as the edible part.

While talking to mom the other day ,She asked me "what's cooking?".I said "Beet greens in dal" and asked her "Ammi does the subzi-wala(Vegetable Vendor) at your place sell beets with or without leaves on?" I was surprised to hear the answer as NO.Listen up subzi walas and others who carelessly throw away the beet greens in trash,you need some enlightenment about these Beet greens.Its next only to spinach,kale and chard in its nutritional value.No fair beet greens don't get just as much promotion as spinach.Beet greens can be used in cooking just as any of your favorite green.It can be sauteed or pureed ,to make a healthy addition to a meal.


Thanks to sweta of Bonne Nutrition,I borrowed her brilliant idea of using the beet greens in my everyday sambar.Sambar is the South Indian spicy lentil soup that goes great with rice.The beet greens should be just as good in any kind of lentil\vegetable stew\soup.Beet Greens Sambar is part of my Beet full meal ideas series.Pleased to be sending this over to Weekend Herb Blogging,hosted this week by Ivy of Kopiaste ...to greek hospitality.

Recipe :Beet Greens Sambar.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Yellow Split Lentil(Toor Dal)
1 cup beet greens with stems,washed and chopped
1 Medium sized Carrot sliced
1 medium Plum Tomato chopped
1 cup green pumpkin or squash or zucchini cut in cubes
1/2 onion or 2 shallots
1 big Clove of Garlic
1/2 inch Ginger root or use 1/2 teaspoon Ginger garlic paste.
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon Red chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon each of Cumin and coriander powder or use 1 teaspoon sambar powder
1 tablespoon of tamarind paste in 11/2 cups of water
1 sprig of Curry leaves
1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/8 teaspoon fenugreek seeds(Methi)
1 teaspoon Salt

Method
Cook the Lentils
Wash and Soak lentil for 10minutes.
Wash and soak the lentil for 5-10 minutes. Drain the water,transfer in a pressure cooker or small saucepan with lid.Add 1 cups of water ,season with salt,1/4 tsp each of turmeric and chilli powder.Add the greens, cover and let cook on medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes in pressure cooker and 45-50 minutes in the saucepan until soft.When cooked mash or blend it to smooth paste.
Cook the veggies and mix in the mashed Lentils
Heat oil in a saucepan on medium high .Slice the onion and saute for a minute along with cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add minced ginger and garlic saute for another minute before adding rest of the spices ,vegetables and tamarind juice. Simmer till vegetables are tender,about 15 minutes, then mix in the cooked mashed lentils. Simmer for another 5 minutes.Serve warm with rice.

Beet Health Fact
Unfortunately beets are not for people with kidney or gall bladder problems because of the concentration of oxalates in beets.

Methi Masala Roti(Fenugreek Spice Flatbread) with Lasun(Garlic) Chutney

"Families that cook and eat together healthy meals,stay together"[My motto for healthy family]

In my earlier post of Green Parathas with Tomato chutney I mentioned about how making Indian Flat bread(Roti\Parathas\Chapathi) was our family tradition,we never missed(and never bored) having them for breakfast throughout the year,except on Eid.Every member of the family were involved in making these parathas[Dad or Bro kneaded it then ,Mom and sis rolled and roasted it],back then lazy me, usually opted for just eating them.Better late than never ,I did get serious about learning how to make the parathas after tying nuptial knot with an ever so health conscious person, who prefers whole wheat over white rice.I'm glad to be continuing this healthy tradition ,although my tiny tots are too little to help me in the process of making parathas(I'm hopeful they'll join in as they grow) ,I do get an occasional help in kneading the dough from my dear spouse with a busy schedule of work and workouts.At the end of the day ,a healthy family meal prepared by working together ,not only keeps us fit but also adds lot more love and affection in our relationships.



My persistent craving for spices led me to this spicy version of the plain roti.In this meal I used just about every spice(in moderate quantities of course) I commonly cook with .Nupur's Lasun Chutney is a blend of flavorful spices ,nuts and most importantly one of my most adored nature's best food,Garlic.This dry Lasun(garlic) chutney along with some cooling whipped fat free yogurt was my choice on the side for these parathas,nevertheless you could served them with any of the curries or lentils\legumes.


Recipe Methi Masala Roti
Ingredients
2 cups Whole wheat flour
2 tablespoon flax seed meal(optional,for added nutrition)
2 Tablespoon Extra Virgin olive oil(EVOO)
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 cup fenugreek(methi) leaves or spinach[fresh or frozen],chopped
1/2 teaspoon each of Cumin and coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Method
Step 1 Blanch the leaves
Blanch the methi leaves by simmering them in hot water for a minute. drain and keep aside.
Step 2 prepare the dough

Take a mixing bowl or round wide and deep platter ,combine all ingredients,make a well in the middle of mixture ,pour in the water and about tablespoon of oil. Mix until the dough is of right smooth consistency.

knead for couple of minutes and let rest for about 15-20minutes before rolling it.
Step 3 Rolling the Roti

Divide the dough in to about 12 portions and roll in to balls. Sprinkle a little flour(I prefer All purpose flour) on the rolling surface. Use a rolling pin to roll them in to round roti.
Step 4 Roast the roti

Preheat an iron pan(Tava) or non stick pan at medium high flame. Roast the roti,flip once and spread some oil and flip again after few seconds. For softer roti use a spatula or a kitchen towel to lightly press and roll them around the pan. Roti is ready to serve when slightly brown on both sides.


Recipe Lasun Chutney
Ingredients
6-8 big cloves of garlic
1/2 cup roasted peanuts
2 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/2 cup dry shredded coconut,unsweetened
3 dried red chillies
1 teaspoon tamarind,dry
1/2 teaspoon salt

Method
Roast all the ingredients except salt on store top on low heat or in oven at 250F.Stir occasionally and let roast until completely dry about 30-40 minutes.
Dry grind them to a coarse powder in a coffee grinder or a food processor,store in air tight container.Is best with bread or rice .


This healthy family meal is off to Meeta's Monthly Mingle : Healthy Family Dinners.Hosting this month's MM is Michelle of What's Cooking Blog, a blog dedicated to "cooking with kids for a better body, planet and community".

Spice up with Spices!
The Spices don't just add heat to your food but also protect our body in many ways.Think beyond salt and pepper,potent spices can help in boosting immunity,fighting cancers and heart disease,to name a few.Read my post about Nature's best spices and ingredients.
A peak in to a typical Indian spice box

1.Mustard seeds,usually used for tempering the lentils or vegetable stir fries.
2.Coriander Powder
3.Garam Masala ,ground cinnamon,cloves,cardamom and cumin
4.Fenugreek seeds,used for tempering the lentils or vegetable stir fries,also its sprouts are very nutritious
5.Cumin seeds
6.Hot Indian chili powder
7.Turmeric,the golden spice of Indian cuisine
8.Cinnamon sticks
9.Pepper corns
10.Cardamom
11.Cloves.
Its better to store the ground spices(2 and 3) in air tight container to preserve its potency.Just for illustration I placed them in my spice box.

Methi(Fenugreek) Sprouts Peas Rice

The budding baby plants called sprouts , synonymous to new life,are known as wonder foods ,as it helps in clearing toxins of the body and building healthy immune system.Similar to Mung sprouts ,the methi sprouts can be grown easily grown quickly indoors, even in the winter,see Mung Sprouts Noodles

Slightly bitter methi Sprouts are nice complement with sweet Peas Rice.Sprouts can also be cooked up with lentils and mixed in salads.
Methi(Fenugreek) is considered very nutritious for the nursing moms for it enhances the milk supply.For more such wondrous sprouts recipes don't miss the JFI:Sprouts event,hosted this month by Ammalu's kitchen.
Ingredients
2 cups brown or white rice
1/2 cup sweet peas ,fresh or frozen
1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
2-3 whole cloves
2 tablespoon Olive oil or vegetable oil
Salt for seasoning
1/2 cup sprouts.

Method
Wash and soak rice for 10 minutes. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil,drain all the water from rice and add to the boiling water.Season with salt.Add oil,spices and when rice is almost done,add the peas.If possible drain the excess starchy water or if that's lot of work ,add just 3 cups of water instead of 4. Cover and let cook completely,mix in the washed sprouts in to the warm rice and serve with lentils curry.

Green Parathas :Comforting food for the Soul

Flat Bread also known as Roti, Paratha or Chapati are the common breakfast and staple food in Indian sub continent. Parathas with curry on side is my comfort food. Cynthia describes about comfort foods in her interesting article here. Parathas\Roti brings back my childhood memories of family breakfast. Ammi(mom) used to make fresh parathas for nashta(breakfast) almost every day. Making Parathas was a tradition in my family, Ammi mixed the dough, Pappa kneaded it to softer consistency. Dough was allowed to rest for at least 20 minutes. Ammi rolled it and my elder sister roasted it. We(Dad,big sis,big bro and me) took turns to eat as the Parathas were cooked garam garam(hot). Ammi used to eat her breakfast after sending us off to school. I certainly miss my
family:(.Thankfully I can still cherish the sweet memories with parathas in my everyday diet.

Making Parathas is skill which can be achieved only through practice.Years(6yrs precisely) of practice, my parathas are still need some working for rounder curves. Parathas are part of our two meals every day ,its low-carb compared to Rice( 22grams per serving for whole wheat to 35grams per serving for white rice).Also with Rice prices tripled , parathas are comforting even to the wallet.

Mixing some toasted wheat germ in wheat flour adds more nutrients to the recipe.The blanched greens like spinach(Palak) and fenugreek leaves(Methi)makes parathas nutrition complete.
Lets shed some light on the herb called Methi(fenugreek) common in Indian curries.Its one of the healing herbs for good reasons ,its a cholesterol lowering,anti-cancer and anti-diabetic agent. Recommended in nursing moms diet to increase supply of milk. The seeds soaked in water and ground to paste is a good hair conditioner(make a note of that ladies:)).

Green Flat Bread
Ingredients
2 cups Whole wheat flour
2 tablespoon toasted Wheat Germ
2 Tablespoon Extra Virgin olive oil(EVOO)
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 cup fenugreek leaves(methi)[fresh or frozen],chopped
1/2 Cup Spinach,fresh chopped
1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon chilly powder


To make Parathas
Step 1 Blanch the leaves
Blanch the greens by simmering them in hot water for a minute. drain and keep aside.
Step 2 prepare the dough
Take a mixing bowl add all the dry ingredients mix them. Make a well in the middle of dry mixture pour in the water and oil. Mix until the dough is of right smooth consistency. knead for couple of minutes and let rest for about 10minutes before rolling in to parathas.
Step 3 Rolling the Paratha
This may be the toughest part if you are making it for the first time. Watch someone skillful do it before trying it yourself, like the lovely ladies here in this video .Divide the dough in to about 12 portions and roll in to balls. Sprinkle a little flour(I prefer All purpose flour) on the rolling surface. Use a rolling pin to roll them in to round parathas.
Step 4 Roast the Parathas
Preheat an iron pan(Tava) or non stick pan at medium high flame. Roast the parathas flip once and spread some oil and flip again after few seconds. For softer parathas use a spatula or a kitchen towel to lightly press and roll them around the pan. Parathas are ready to serve when slightly brown on both sides. A tangy tomato chutney is a perfect side with these green parathas.

Green Parathas with Fenugreek and Spinach are my entry for Kalyn'sWeekend Herb Blogging.Hosted this week by Amy and Jonny from We Are Never Full



Tangy Tomato Chutney Recipe

See Recipe...

Ingredients
2 Plum red Tomatoes finely chopped
2 cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon each of mustard seeds(Rai) and cumin seeds(Zeera)
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon onion seeds(Kalonji)
Salt to season
few curry leaves
1 or more green chillies or dry red chillies
1 table spoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil(EVOO)

To make the chutney
Heat EVOO in a saucepan on medium heat. Add the mustard seeds,kalonji and cumin seeds. Wait till you hear spluttering of mustard seeds. Add crushed garlic cloves, chillies and saute for a few seconds. Add rest of the spices and tomatoes. Cover and cook until tender. Serve with Khichdi or Parathas.

Other Parathas Varieties
Avocado Parathas

Cumin Parathas

Layered Paratha

Flaky Paratha
Cauliflower Paratha

Methi(fenugreek) Onions Pakodas

Methi(Fenugreek) is rich in iron and good source of calcium and mineral like magnesium and potassium. Fresh methi tastes stronger than frozen. Methi in curries gives a unique taste, the methi in onion pakodas adds more flavor.
Ingredients
1/4 cup methi(fresh or frozen) chopped
1 big size Onion ,sliced lengthwise
1/2 cup Gram Flour(ground chick pea flour)\Besan
pinch of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
Pinch of Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Olive oil(preferably)

Those are frozen block of Methi.
To make the Pakodas
Prepare the batter by sifting the flour and soda in a medium bowl. mix in the sliced onions ,chopped methi ,chilly powder,cumin seeds,salt and turmeric. Add just few drops of water and keep the batter thick.
Heat Olive oil in deep frying pan. When the oil is medium hot(test by dropping pinch of batter,if it rises while sizzling the oil is ready) ,drop CAREFULLY spoonful of batter in the oil. Fry about 4 spoonful at a time until lightly brown and crispy about 7-10 minutes.Serve with hot sauce or sprinkle of Chaat masala on top.

This is my entry for Herb Mania Event started by Dee of Ammulu's Kitchen. This months host is Redchillies.

Roasted-Vegetable Filled Crepes with Green Pepper Coulis

Crepes loaded with Vegetables is just the way i like to eat my breakfast or brunch on weekends. A good serving of vegetables surely promise a healthy start of the lazy weekend.

Ingredients
For Stuffing
1/2 zucchini, finely diced
1/2 yellow squash, finely diced
1/2 cup Sliced Carrots
1/2 cup green bell peppers, finely diced
4 Asparagus cut in 3 inches length
1 small jalapeno sliced(optional if you like keep the crepes mild)
1/4 teaspoon chilly powder
2 tablespoon olive oil
Salt
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 teaspoons chopped parsley\Cilantro leaves
For Crepes
1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
1 organic egg.
Pinch baking powder
Salt and white pepper
1 cup low fat milk

For Green Pepper Coulis(Sauce)
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup vegetable broth or plain water
1 roasted green or red bell pepper, seeded and peeled(See this recipe for how to roast a pepper)
1 clove garlic

To make the Vegetable Stuffing
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a mixing bowl, coat vegetables with olive oil. Add salt ,chilly powder and chopped garlic. Toss and place on baking sheet. Roast until very golden brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. Cool. Add chopped parsley or cilantro.
To make Crepes
In a small bowl crack an egg and lightly whisk it . In another bigger bowl sift flour, baking powder and salt and pepper together and slowly whisk in milk and eggs. If batter is still a little thick, dilute with a bit more milk.
Heat a small saute pan and lightly oil it (or use spray). Place a small amount of batter (about 1/4 cup) and swirl it around in pan to cover bottom. When bottom is cooked, the edges will be a little brown. Remove and flip, then let cool on tray. Make 6-8 crepes.

To make the Coulis(Sauce)
Heat Oil in a saucepan and add flour roast for a minute, then broth or water. Add green or red roasted pepper and garlic. Simmer 10 minutes.
Pour hot mixture into blender and blend until smooth to make green or red pepper sauce.

Put together
Spoon filling mixture into center of each crepe; fold . Place crepes on a plate, ladle sauce on top and serve.
This recipe is my entry for latha's WBB-Combi Breakfast

Garlic Herb Chicken

Garlic Herb Chicken
Herbs like cilantro are rich source of Vitamin A and C. Spinach has endless list of useful nutrients. Garlic helps lower cholesterol and has lot of other healthy benefits.Herbs and garlic match very well with the mild taste of Chicken.


Ingredients you'll need are
1 lb Free-range skinless chicken with fat trimmed
1 cup cilantro chopped
1 cup spinach chopped
1/2 cup mint chopped
1/4 cup fenugreek leaves chooped
1 small onion chopped
1 small tomato chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chilly powder
2 cloves garlic
1/2 inch ginger root or 3/4 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To make the Curry
Trim any excess white fat from chicken pieces. Freeze the chicken for an hour before trimming that way fat cuts off easily. Clean meat by running it through cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and keep aside for few minutes.This helps kill any bacteria on meat.

Blend all the herbs and keep aside
Heat a skillet on medium high flame. Add Olive oil ,chopped onions and cumin seeds. Saute for a minute and add the minced garlic . Now add the chopped tomato ,herb mixture ,chicken and chilly powder. Cover and let cook for about 30minutes on medium flame. When the chicken is tender serve with Brown rice or Flat bread(Paratha)

This recipe is off to Srivalli's Curry Mela

Spinach Fenugreek (Palak Methi)Lentil Soup

This is a simple soup with goodness of Lentils and Spinach. Tastes best with plain Flat Bread(Paratha) or Pita Bread.


Ingredients you'll need are
1/2 cup Moong Lentil
1 cup chopped Spinach

1/4 cup Methi(fenugreek) leaves,chopped
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
2 small cloves Garlic
1/2 teaspoon mustard and cumin seeds
2 Dry Red Chillies
1 sprig curry leaves
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil

To make this Simple Soup
Wash and Soak lentil for few minutes.

Cook the lentils in a cup of water ,turmeric ,salt and greens(Spinach and Fenugreek) until lentils are tender. May take 8-10 minutes in a pressure cooker or 20 minutes in a cover skillet. Now mash the cooked lentil mixture. Add another 1/2 cup of water or more if you like it more diluted.
Tempering the lentil soup
If you are from Middle east you probably will eat this soup without the tempering(Tadka).
Indians will rarely eat a lentil soup without the "tadka"
To prepare Tadka, heat EVOO in a smallest pan you have in the kitchen. Add the seeds ,peeled garlic, curry leaves and chillies. When the mustard seeds start to splutter you'll know the time is right to mix this tadka sensation in the lentil mixture.

Serve warm with your favorite kind of parathas or pita.

Health Nut Alert
Tadka can sometimes make you sneeze. Its could be because of the chillies used in the tadka , its just means your tadka is potent.

This is my entry for Sangeeth's Eat Healthy :Calcium rich Event