Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Ice Dream CookBook Review.Dairy-free Roasted Banana nut Ice Dream.And Peach Melba.

Have you ever dreamed of a frozen dessert that can actually boost the immunity? An Ice-cream that's creamy yet healthy?A sweet snack that even a diabetic is allowed to eat?A frozen treat that's free of gluten,artificial colors ,hydrogenated oils and high sugar syrups? Rachel Albert-Matesz's Ice Dream Cookbook is the answer to those dreams,the book brings definite good news for all the Ice-cream enthusiasts ,Coconut lovers and those on restricted diets(gluten-free,dairy-free,low-sugar).Her book reveals enticing healthier alternatives for making a perfect scoop of Ice Dream.

Rachel Albert-Matesz grew up eating a typical American Diet of refined and overly processed foods,fries and ketchup were her serving of vegetables.The nickname Betty baker (as in Betty Crocker) best suited her for her obsession with sweet baked goodies.The nutrition deficient diet eventually took the toll on her health with conditions like hypoglycemic episodes,cavities,acne,brittle nails,painful constipation,depression,mood swings,painful menstrual periods and a weight problem.In her quest for good health she discovered natural alternatives for a healthier diet,with keen desire to help other she became the "healthy cooking coach".Learn more about her story at TheHealthyCookingCoach.com.

She took the Challenge of creating a nutritious ice-cream with better all-natural ingredients.Her book Ice Dream Cookbook is the sweet success of endless testing and tasting.The cookbook has 80 delicious and healthy recipes with more than 200 Variations.The book discusses the essentials of incorporating healthy ingredients and provides alternatives to the common food allergens such as dairy,nuts,soy and wheat(gluten).The Coconut milk and virgin pressed Coconut oil is highlighted as the healthier substitutes for the fatty dairy cream and butter.She uses non-caloric herbal sweetener stevia along with other natural sweeteners like Agave nectar ,honey and maple syrup.In this way She cut the amount of sugar but maintained a similarly satisfying level of sweetness and lessen the health hazards of sugar at the same time. The book also has useful guidelines for equipments and techniques needed for whipping up the best tasting Ice Dream.

Rachel has created a whole range of flavors ,from basic like Vanilla ,Chocolate chip,Maple Pecan and Orange cream Ice Dream to beyond basic flavors like Avocado,Basil,Ginger,Lemon cookie crumble and Peppermint.Coffee and tea also have a place in these delectable dessert.My favorite pick had to the fruit and nut flavored.
There is also a chapter each on variety of sauces(fruity,chocolate and more) ,compotes and gluten-free cookies to go with the Ice dreams.

Roasted Banana Nut Ice Dream with Blueberry Sauce

I was truly elated when Rachel sent me a copy for review.With summer at its peak,this book couldn't have come at a better time.This book also reaffirms my recent discovery of Coconut as a health food.The recipes are very clear with intricate details .For my first Ice Dream I picked Bananas,yes! I love them for breakfast ,in smoothie or snacking ,these universal unseasonal fruits are packed with nutrients.Roasting the Bananas brings out the delicious caramelized flavor of the fruit and blended in coconut milk ,cinnamon and nuts,this is by far the tastiest concoction with bananas I ever had.The berry sauce with fresh berries of the season makes the ice dream all the more succulent.


Recipe by Rachel Albert-Matesz as in Ice Dream Cookbook.


Ingredients
3 medium-size ripe bananas, peels removed (about 2 1/2 cups when sliced)
2 to 3 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 tablespoon virgin-pressed coconut oil or palm shortening
1/3 cup cool or cold filtered water
2 teaspoon unflavored gelatin or 3/4 teaspoon agar agar powder (not the flakes)
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup or 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup; additional 1 tablespoon as needed
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pure stevia extract powder or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon clear stevia extract liquid (start with less; add more only if needed).
1/8 teaspoon finely ground, unrefined sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or alcohol-free vanilla flavoring
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
1 3/4 cups (one 14 ounce can) unsweetened preservative free coconut milk (regular, not lite).

Method
1-Gently melt coconut or palm oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Lightly oil a 2 quart (preferably glass or Pyrex) baking dish. I use an 8 x 10 or a 9×9x2 inch pan or a 9 inch Pyrex pie plate. don’t use a large pan or the syrup will burn.

2-Slice the bananas into 2 inch pieces into a medium bowl. Toss with maple syrup and coconut or palm oil. Scrape into the prepared pan. Reduce the heat to 400 degrees F and bake for 30 to 35 minutes (stir only one time) until bananas look browned and cooked through.

3-Add 1/3 cup water to a small saucepan. Slowly sprinkle with gelatin or agar agar powder. Let stand for 2-5 minutes to soften. Warm over medium-low heat, without stirring until gelatin or agar agar dissolves.
Scrape the mixture into a blender, vita-mix or food processor. Add the honey, sea salt, and stevia. Blend until smooth.

4-Add the roasted banana mixture, coconut milk, vanilla, and optional cinnamon. Blend until smooth , stopping to scrape the sides with a spatula. For a sweeter taste, add an additional 1/8 teaspoon stevia and/or 1 tablespoon honey. Blend, taste, and repeat if needed.

5-Pour into one or more wide-mouthed jars. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before churning.

6-Scrape the chilled custard into the canister of your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

7-Serve immediately or spoon into several 8-to 16-ounce freezer safe containers. Cover and freeze for 3 or more hours for a firmer texture.

8-Soften solidly frozen dessert by placing it in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes or on the counter for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.

Without the Ice cream machine method
You can make the Ice dream even without the Ice cream machine.After the step 4,transfer the Ice Dream mixture in to a freezer proof container,preferably air tight.Freeze for about an hour,then get the container out and whisk the mixture using a spatula or hand held whisk or electric whisk to break the ice crystals forming over the edges of the container.Freeze and whisk again after 30-40 minutes ,repeat this for about 6 hours until the mixture is almost frozen.Serve immediately or freeze.Do as in step 8 to serve.


Blueberry Sauce

Recipe by Rachel Albert-Matesz as in Ice Dream Cookbook.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh blueberries,rinsed and drained or 5 cups frozen blueberries
1/4 cup honey,agave nectar or 1/3 cup maple syrup(I used just 1 tablespoon)
1 pinch unrefined mineral-rich sea salt
2 tablespoon arrowroot powder(I used 1 tablespoon corn starch)
1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon pure stevia extract powder or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon clear stevia extract liquid(start with less;add more only if needed)
2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or orange juice
Directions
1.Combine the blueberries and honey in a heavy 2 to 3 quart saucepan.Cook over medium heat until berries bubble and release their juices,about 5 minutes
2.Dissolve arrowroot and stevia in lemon or orange jucie and add to the fruit.Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 2 to 4 more minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.Remove from heat and allow to cool.
3.For a smoother sauce,mash or puree half the berries with a potato masher or in a blender.
4.Transfer the mixture to wide-mouth jars or glass bowls.Cover when cool,and refrigerate.When cold to the touch ,freeze when you don't plan to use within 3 to 4 weeks,leaving at least 1 inch space at the top of the jar.
5.Serve close to room temperature ,or warm briefly in a small saucepan over low heat.


Peach Melba

The classic Ice cream dessert was originally created by French chef Escoffier ,in the honor of the Australian singer,Nellie Melba,at the Hotel Savoy in London in 1892.
Made with two favorite summer fruits :peaches and raspberry served with Vanilla ice cream,the fruity dessert sounded very easy to put together with the batch of Roasted Banana nut Ice Dream.
Ingredients
2 cups cool or cold filtered water
1/4 teaspoon pure stevia extract or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon clear stevia liquid
2 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or natural vanilla flavoring
4 large ripe peaches
8 scoops of Roasted Banana nut Ice dream or use any of the Ice dreams flavors in the book
1 cup Raspberry sauce *
1/4 to 1/2 cup toasted almonds or pistachios for garnish.

Directions
1.Combine the water,stevia,optional honey,vanilla,and peaches in 2 to 3 quart pot.Bring to boil over medium-high heat.Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer,uncovered,for 15 minutes ,until fork tender.Turn the peaches 3 times,about once every 3 to 4 minutes.(Set them in the pot with their stem ends up,then turn them upside down.This way,you always know which direction they should be facing as opposed to just setting them on their sides).Exact time will depend upon the size and ripeness of the peaches.
2.Remove peaches and reduce the poaching liquid by slow boiling for about 15 minutes,uncovered ,until you have about 1/2 cup.Transfer the peaches to a pyrex bowl and juices to another bowl or small jar.cover and refrigerate until cold.You can do this up to 2 days ahead.
3.To serve,peel,halve and pit the peaches.Divide reserved poaching liquid among 4 dessert dishes or wine glasses.Add a scoop of Ice Dream,and place a peach half on either side of the Ice Dream.Spoon the raspberry sauce in a wide band overlapping both the peach halves and the Ice Dream.Garnish with nuts and serve immediately.
4.Refrigerate unused peaches and sauce and use withing a few days.


*Raspberry sauce recipes remains the same as the bluberry sauce,strain the seeds if desired after pureeing the sauce.

Variations
** Replace water with white grape juice;then omit stevia and honey
** Replace peaches with nectarines,or raspberry sauce with strawberry ,blueberry or cherry sauce.

I served this melting scoop over the reduced poaching liquid ,peach halve and roasted pistachois.

More about Rachel's Secret Ingredients
Stevia,the Healthy Sweetener
Stevia is a non-caloric herbal sweetener extracted from the leaf of South American plant-Stevia Rebaudiana-a small perennial shrub that produces incredibly small,sweet leaves that taste 50 times sweeter than table sugar.Unlike Caloric Sweeteners,Stevia is non-cariogenic,which means it doesn't promote tooth decay,and it has no effect on blood glucose levels,which makes it safe for diabetics,people who suffer from reactive hypoglycemia,and anyone who wants to avoid adverse effects of sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Europeans have known about it since the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors discovered the natives of South American using the leaves of the Stevia plant to Sweeten Yebra mate`,their traditional herbal beverage.Researches were amazed to discover that it took only one leaf to sweeten an entire jar of their bitter tea.The leaves have also been used therapeutically by indigenous people as antiseptic and aid to healing wounds.
Stevia has been used widely as a sweetener in Paraguay,Korea,Thailand,China,Japan and several other countries,with no reported adverse effects.Stevia was first introduced to the United states in 1918,yet very few Americans have heard of it.Why?Stevia is an unpatentable product of nature;it threatens the multi-billion dollar a year artificial sweetener industry,which has been lobbied heavily to keep the sweet leaf off the market.
How to use Stevia?
It takes time to get used to the taste of stevia.The key to avoid the bitter after taste of Stevia is to use it precisely,usually tiny pinches or the purified powder or several drops of the clear liquid ,at a time.Remember more is not always better with stevia,only a minuscule amount is needed to produce a sweet taste.The cookbook provides the clear measurement guidelines to using stevia to substitute for sugar.
Stevia is available in many natural foods stores in US.Stevia comes in several forms and concentrations.
Green Stevia leaves and powder :made from the leaves,this represents the least concentrated form of the herb.
White Stevia Extract Powder :extracted from the leaves of the plant and has a smoother flavor than the unrefined green powder.
Green Stevia Liquid :liquid is made from whole stevia leaves
Clear Stevia Extract liquid :made from the concentrated steviosides,one of the main constituents of Stevia.

The Goodness of Coconut

Coconut is the tropical wonder food packed with essential nutrients.The coconut water is best thirst quencher while the copra(the meat of the nut) is used to make coconut oil,coconut butter and most delicious of all,the coconut milk.

The coconut oil has long been misunderstood as unhealthy saturated fat,but recent studies have revealed ,the medium chain fatty acid in coconut oil is does not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease.Also helps to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease.
The coconut milk is said be anti-carcinogenic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. The main saturated fat that it contains, lauric acid, is also found in mother's milk and has been shown to promote brain development and bone health. Some hope that coconut milk, with its powerful anti-viral properties, can one day be used in the fight against AIDS.
Rachel's exclusively uses the healthy coconut oil and coconut milk to substitute for the dairy fat(butter) and milk in the Ice Dream recipes.

If Allergic to Coconut Milk?
Replace the coconut milk with combination of cow's milk and heavy cream,using equal parts of milk and cream or 2 parts cream to 1 part milk.Use Organic or grass-fed cow's milk.

Get your Copy.

The cookbook is a best buy for any diet-conscious ,Ice-cream aficionados and those on restricted diets(low-sugar,gluten-free,dairy-free). Purchase The Ice Dream CookBook at Rachel's blog or at Amazon.com

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Shahi Paneer(Indian Cottage cheese). Announcing Weekend Wokking :Cheese



Shahi Paneer resonates the richness and royalty of the Mughalai Cuisine.Paneer is crowd pleasing delicacy of Indian Cuisine,especially for the lacto-vegetarians.It resembles Extra firm tofu in texture and can certainly be substituted with it for an healthier alternative.Store bought kind are almost always full-fat but Paneer can also be home made with reduced fat milk.

Roasted paneer

Recipe Shahi Paneer
Ingredients
2 cups Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or Extra Firm Tofu,cut in cubes
1/2 cup tomato puree
1/2 a medium onion Onion,finely chopped
1/2 cup roasted cashews,finely ground
1 teaspoon ginger and garlic paste
1 teaspoon fresh garam masala(mix of ground cinnamon,cumin,cloves and cardamom) 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds(zeera)
2-3 small green chillies,chopped
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Olive oil or vegetable oil

Method
Roasting the paneer in about tablespoon of oil is optional,just gives a nice firmer texture but could add to the fat calories.so skip it if desired.

In a saucepan saute onions with oil and cumin seeds over medium-high heat ,when lightly brown add the ginger and garlic paste,saute until nicely brown and aromatic about 2-3 minutes.Add the chillies and rest of the spices and the cashew powder.Keep stirring after a minute add the tomato puree with 1/2 cup of water.Bring to a slow boil,add the paneer cubes;simmer 8-10 minutes until the cheese soaks in the flavors.Serve warm with Flavorful rice or parathas.

This is my contribution to Weekend Wokking ,with ME as this month's happy host :D

Announcing Weekend Wokking :Cheese

I'm delighted to host Weekend Wokking for July.Weekend Wokking is a world-wide food blogging event created by Wandering Chopsticks to celebrate the multiple ways we can cook one ingredient.Check out Previous month's Cilantro round up.
The Secret Ingredient of July is CHEESE!.Its rich in calcium and protein,every cuisine has it own varieties.Show your passion for cheese,pick your favorite variety,chose the low-fat or vegan kind if on diet, whip cook bake or grill and share with Weekend wokking.

Here are the rules:


1. Entries for Weekend Wokking must be written specifically for the event, and the posts cannot be submitted to other food blog events. Exceptions include entries that are also submitted in photo contests.

2. Entries are encouraged to be original recipes created by the submitter, but if you made someone else's recipe, please include a link to that person's recipe. You are allowed to revisit your recipes, provided that the photos and post are new and created specifically for the event.

3. Submissions must include the words Weekend Wokking and a link back to this post. If the round-up is hosted by someone else, submissions must include a link to this post and a link to that round-up's host.Use of the logo is encouraged but not required.

4. Send me your entries by August 2 to my email YasmeenHealthnut(at)gmail(dot)com

Please put Weekend Wokking in the subject line of the email .Include the following details in the mail:

Your name or what name you would prefer to be called:
The name of your blog:
What part of the world you want identified as your residence:
The title of the recipe:
A permalink URL to the recipe:


Go Cheese!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Beet Chalupas.And some changes in Health Nut Challenge



The inspiration for this eyeful delicacy was the Beet Chalupas at WhatsCooking.Pleasing to the eyes and the soul,these are no match with the greasy fried Chalupas on the menu at the popular fast food joints.Chalupas meaning boat in Spanish is popular Mexican food,if you've loved making homemade tortillas then these should be easy,rolled with refried(not really fried) beans ,Chapulas make a quite a filling variation of tortilla.Topping can be customized as per liking,I used beet greens along with hot pepper salsa and fresh avocados.

Recipe Beet Chalupas

Ingredients
2 cups Corn flour\ masa de harina(I used Quaker)
1 cup beet puree(see here how to cook beets)
1 cup water(little more if needed)
1/2 teaspoon salt
For Filling
2 cups re-fried beans(recipe follows)


Method
Prepare the dough by mixing all the ingredient until smooth and well incorporated.
Cover and let sit for at least an hour.
To make Chalupas
Heat a cast iron skillet or thick bottom pan on medium heat.Take a small handful of dough,place about a tablespoon of the refried beans mixture in the center(see the pictures).Close the open end to form an oval shape,press this between sheets of plastic ,press using a flat thick bottom pan until evenly flattened.At this point you could use your rolling pin over the plastic sheet just to even out the edges.Carefully peel out from the plastic and roast about a minute on each side,spread about a teaspoon of oil for each chalupa.
To serve top with fresh chopped green salad with hot pepper salsa and sliced fresh avocado.

I like to eat these folded.

Refried Beans
2 cups cooked pinto beans(or use red kidney beans )
1 teaspoon of your choicest spices,I used chilli powder and cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon olive oil

Method
Heat the oil and add the spices and beans,warm the beans and mash them using potato masher or in a blender.cool before stuffing in the chalupas.


Roasted Hot Pepper Cilantro Salsa

Ingredients:
2 Poblano peppers or Bell peppers
2 Jalapenos peppers,chopped
1 big clove garlic,peel and chopped
1 teaspoon cumin(zeera) powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1/2 cup of fresh cilantro

Method
Char the pepper on high heat in a broiler or grill.Turn occasionally with tongs, until skin is blackened, 15 to 20 minutes. Allow to sweat in a brown paper bag for a minute, then peel the skin and remove the seeds.
Blend the roasted pepper with Jalapenos,garlic,cilantro,cumin ,oil and salt until smooth.

A more kid-friendly Variation.

Minus the hot salsa the chalupas can be served with sprinkle of low fat cheese,tomatoes and some chopped greens .Heat under hot broiler for a minute or 2 to melt the cheese.
The Beet Chalupas are off to Monthly Mingle :Mexican Fiesta ,hosted this week by Jenny@AllThingsEdible


Click-BiColor

Pink and green ,these Chalupas are my entry for Click: Bi-colour, exciting Photography event at Jugalbandi


Health Nut Challenge Change of Rules

The last date of the event has been extended to September 20,as I'm going to get busier than expected in the month of August.Also I'm allowing old entries and one picture of all the 3 courses is not a requirement,send 3 separate pictures of each course ,which ever is possible.Check out the rest of the rules at the announcement page here.Happy Cooking :D

Monday, July 6, 2009

Rosemary Zopf(Swiss Braided Bread) With Graubünden Barley Soup


Zopf is one of many kinds of breads savored in Swiss cuisine. This specialty braided bread has interesting similarity with the Challah.Swiss love this gorgeous bread for Sunday breakfast with butter or fruit preserves nevertheless I relished it with a bowl of soup for lunch.I use fragrant Rosemary ,that makes the bread all the more charming with its unique aroma and flavor.

Recipe Whole grain Rosemary Zopf

Ingredients
2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 cup All-purpose flour,little more for rolling
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary,finely chopped
1 tablespoon flax seed meal(optional)
1 pack active dry yeast,about 1 1/2 teaspoon.
2 organic eggs(vegan can skip the eggs and use 1/2 cup soy milk)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon Olive oil

I found this video very helpful for a beginner's lesson in braiding a simple 3 strand bread.
Method
Combine water and sugar in a small bowl.Sprinkle the yeast over the top. Set aside until foamy,about 8 minutes
Whisk eggs, stir in oil and salt.Combine yeast mixture, the egg mixture in to the dough along with rosemary,knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until soft and supple,about 2 minutes.
Shape dough in to a ball and place in lightly oiled large bowl. Cover with clean kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size,about 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 375F
Braid and Bake
Here is a video of 3 braid challah,very helpful indeed.
Turn dough on to a clean work surface and divide in to 3 equal pieces. Arrange ropes side by side on the work surface.
Starting at the far end braid the ropes. When the braid is finished,tuck both ends under and pinch to seal. Place loaf on a prepared baking sheet.Cover and let arise for another hour.
Brush loaf with little oil and sprinkle little more rosemary. Bake until golden brown,about 35-40 minutes.Cool on rack and slice,serve with soups or stews.


Recipe Barley Soup

This flavorful soup is from Graubünden in Switzerland ,laden with fresh vegetables and barley,and makes a superb accompaniment with the zopf.This is a low cal version of a typical swiss soup which are usually rich with dairy like cheese or cream.Add 2 tablespoon of heavy cream towards the end of the cooking process, if desired.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Barley
6-8 button mushrooms
1 medium potato,peeled and chopped
1 medium carrot,finely chopped
1 cup cabbage,finely chopped
1 medium onion or leek,finely chopped
2 cloves garlic,finely chopped
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary,chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Olive oil

Method
Rinse and soak barley for an hour.Drain.
Saute onions in medium hot oil until lightly brown,add the garlic,after a minute,add pepper,the vegetables,rosemary and barley.Cover and cook on medium-low heat for an hour until barley is cooked through.Garnish with some more fresh rosemary,serve warm with any hearty bread.

The Swiss specialty bread and soup are my entry for AWED:Swiss,hosted this month by Curry Leaf

Grilled Vegetables Wild Rice Salad


Wild Rice has splendid qualities that would make any diet-conscious go wild about them.It out beats brown rice in protein and richness of minerals.See the comparative nutritional values here. The unusual conditions it grows "wild" in isolated lake and river bed areas mostly in Wisconsin and California and laboriously harvested in Canoes,makes this a rare and expensive grain.Wild rice was of immense important produce to Native Americans.
I was delighted to find a small box of this amazing grain in a natural food store,though I can't afford to buy it as often as brown or white rice,I'll reserve this for some very special dishes like this Salad with juicy grilled vegetables.It takes longer to cook this whole grain when compared to white rice,soaking for 15-20minutes can lessen the cooking time.Mix with other grains and relish them in soups,salads,Casseroles and Pilafs.

Recipe
Serves 2
Ingredients
1/2 cup wild rice
1/2 cup brown rice

Vegetables
1 small zucchini
1 small yellow squash
1 small red\green pepper
1 medium Onion
use any other summer fresh vegetables like asparagus or corn
Marinade
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of dry herbs,rosemary or thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon chilly powder

Salad Dressing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dry herbs and spices mix
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cups of fresh dark greens,chopped(I used Beet greens)

Method
Cook the rice
Wash and soak the rice in cold water for 15 minutes.Cook in 2 cups of water,season with salt,until cooked through,35-40 minutes.Keep aside

Grill or Bake
If using bamboo skewers cut the peppers and onions to smaller size squares or cut in to strips otherwise.Combine all the marinade ingredients. Transfer all the vegetables in large bowl and toss them with the marinade. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Heat your grill or grill pan on medium high heat.
Either thread the vegetables on the bamboo skewers or simply place on heated grill about 6-8 minutes. or Bake in 400F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Prepare the dressing
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients in big salad bowl.Stir in cooked rice,grilled vegetables,combine well.Finally mix in the dark greens.Serve.


This wholesome grain salad is off to No Croutons Required :Grains over at Lisa's Blog.

Show me Your Breakfast.
Muffins ,home made granola ,pancakes or scones with fresh seasonal fruit along with Eggs and cuppa hot coffee or green tea is my usual breakfast.I'm glad to sharing this breakfast with Divya at Dil Se...


Whole grain Fruit Chocolate Muffins,Scrambled Organic eggs and Instant Coffee.And a ray of sunshine adds to the warmth.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

16 Bean Stew with Whole grain Dinner rolls


3 days since sun shined ,been pouring like never before,dampening all the summer fun.If only I could enjoy the rain like Aish in Barso Re....
Nanna re that would leave me sick with sniffles.Slurping a warm stew seemed more enjoyable till the gloomy clouds pass.

My pack of Goya 16 bean soup mix had been sitting in the pantry for too long and so was the trusty old slow cooker.Now seemed to be the best time to make a Spicy bowl of stew.

Slow cookers are very convenient for busy lifestyles,set it and forget it,unlike pressure cookers,the slow cookers can be left unattended for long hours at low heat.Moist and gentle heat from slow cooking gives ample time for the flavors to infuse yielding a better tasting meal.

Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups beans mix,soaked over night
1 big onion,finely chopped
2 Ripe Medium size Tomatoes
1 teaspoon ginger and garlic paste
2-3 Whole Spices Cloves ,Cardamon and cinnamon Sticks
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
3/4 teaspoon Chilly powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/2 cup fresh herbs like cilantro ,mint or parsley.
1 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice,freshly squeezed

Method
Heat oil in a skillet and add the cumin seeds along with other whole spices. After a minute add the ginger and garlic paste. saute until ginger garlic is aromatic and roasted,then add the chopped tomatoes,rest of the spices ,herbs and the beans.Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker,add 4 cups of water.Set the temperature at low,cover and let cook for 6-8 hours OR at high for 4-6 hours.Stir occasionally.If using pressure cooker,cook on medium-low heat for about an hour.
Mix the lemon juice,garnish with some more fresh herbs ,Serve warm with whole grain bread or dinner rolls.

Whole Grain Dinner Rolls


Ingredients
2 cup of Whole wheat flour
1/2 cup All-purpose flour
1 tablespoon flax seed meal
1 pack rapid rise yeast,about 2 teaspoon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon Olive oil
2 tablespoon black or white Sesame seeds for topping
1 tablespoon milk for brushing.
3/4 cup warm water

Method
Combine flour with yeast and salt in a large mixing bowl.Add water and oil ,mix well and knead the dough until smooth.Grease the bowl with some oil on the sides and cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place until double its size.punch the air out and transfer on the flour work surface.
Make walnut size balls off the dough and form them in to small rounds,place on a greased or lined baking sheet.The balls of dough should be 1/4 inch apart .Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425F,while they rise.When the buns have puffed up,brush them with some milk and sprinkle them with sesame seeds.Bake them for about 15 minutes until lightly brown on top.

This slow cooked bean soup and the Chicken shorba are my entry for Rahin's slow cooker food event.
Soup will also be served at Susan's My Legume Love Affair,13th helping ,hosted by Sunshinemom of Tongue Ticklers.


Thankfully ,mostly sunny with clear skies is the forecast for the weekend and I'm hoping for a spectacular July 4th.


Have a fun and safe July 4th :D

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

I love Cilantro! :Cilantro Coconut-milk pasta.


Cilantro(Coriander leaves) used in many Asian ,Middle Eastern and Mexican cooking, does more than just enhance the flavor or presentation of the dish.Cilantro is nothing less a Wonder herb, rich in nutrients, with antimicrobial properties,health benefits such as controlling blood sugar, lowering cholesterol and fighting inflammation and free radicals.Above all cilantro facilitates the ability to remove mercury and other heavy metals from our bodies,how amazing is that?
Always add it towards the end of the cooking process to get the most of its taste and health benefits.A fresh herb Pesto sauce that requires no cooking is one of my favorite recipes with fresh cilantro.I always loved its sharp distinct flavor in any dish my mom used it in.I continue to devour it in my cooking whenever possible.
Growing your own
You can easily grown your own cilantro from the coriander seeds and regularly enjoy the fresh herb.Take a look at Mona@Zaiqa's lovely lush green Cilantro in the pot,learn some tips.

In this recipe I pair this fabulous herb with creamy coconut milk.Even though coconut milk is a high calorie food,the saturated fat in it is actually considered as good fat.Using it in moderation should do no harm to the body.

Ingredients
1 cup fresh cilantro,keep the tender top stems on along with the leaves
3/4 cup thin Coconut milk
1 lb Whole grain or multi grain pasta
1 Big clove garlic
1/2 a medium onion ,finely chopped
2 small green chillies
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Method

Puree the cilantro with green chillies and 1/4cup of water(add less water for thicker sauce) in a blender or food processor.keep aside.
To Cook the pasta ,fill a large pot three-quaters full of water and bring to a boil.
Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until al-dente(with a bite to it),8-10 minutes.Drain thoroughly.

Meanwhile heat oil on medium heat in a pan,add onion ,saute until translucent then add garlic and the other spices,after a minute or two ,stir in the coconut milk.Bring to a slow boil,mix in the pureed cilantro and cooked pasta.cook for a another minute.Turn off the heat.Serve warm.


I'm submitting this recipe to Weekend Wokking, a world-wide food blogging event created by Wandering Chopsticks celebrating the multiple ways we can cook one ingredient. This month's secret ingredient is the Cilantro,the hostess of the month is Darlene of Blazing Hot Wok.
 

healthywithfood Copyright © 2012 -- Powered by Blogger