TheVegFusion.com

TheVegFusion.com: December 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

Spice of the Week: Cloves



This week we’re going to take a look at three great recipes that use cloves.




Cloves are used to add a powerful flavor to both sweet and savory recipes, but they also have some great health benefits. Cloves also offer some significant health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, and they have antiseptic and germicidal properties which make cloves useful in fighting infection. Due to their antiseptic properties, it’s common to use cloves to help fight a tooth ache, or to soothe pain after dental work. 

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Sweet Potato Fries


Sweet Potato is one of the best sources of beta carotene in a form of vitamin A. It is very low in calories. There is no saturated fat or cholesterol making it an ideal diet food. Sweet potato has Vitamin C, B6, Manganese, Copper, Potassium, Iron, Calcium, and Fiber.


AO = Antioxidan tDF = Dairy Free GF = Gluten Free HF = High Fiber LS = Low Sugar V= Vegan



Cooking Level: Easy
Preparation Time: 20 Minutes
Baking Time: 20-30 Minutes

Ingredients:
Sweet Potatoes
Crushed Garlic
Salt to taste
Fresh Parsley
Oil Spray

Preparation:
1. Wash and cut the sweet potatoes in Julienne style.
2. Spread it all the over the baking sheet
3. Preheat the oven at 200 degrees
4. Spray with cooking oil spray
5. let it bake for 20-30 minutes until they turn crispy
6. Sprinkle with salt, crushed garlic and parsley. 

I would like to thank Mayank for passing this recipe to me and his consent to post it on my blog.  Please try this recipe before you crave for french fries or pick a bag of chips. Please feel free to give your valuable comments and suggestions on this recipe. 




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Monday, December 24, 2012

Spice of the Week: Parsley

Spice of the Week: Parsley


This week, we’re going to take a look at three great recipes that use parsley.




Parsley is commonly thought of as a garnish, but it can also be used to enhance the flavor of a wide variety of dishes. In addition to its great flavor, parsley has some significant health benefits. Parsley contains myristicin which helps to remove various toxins from the body, and ultimately it can help to prevent various types of cancer. Parsley also contains antioxidants which help to metabolize carbohydrates, and acts as an anti-inflammatory.    

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Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Mexican Enchiladas




Enchiladas are all time favorite!! Easy to make and healthy it can be. To make fun try to involve kids and family member too. I am pretty sure they will enjoy making it . Enchilada filling and sauce varies from recipe to recipes. Here is quick recipe.
Recipe type: AO = Antioxidant DF = Dairy Free GF = Gluten Free HF = High Fiber HP = High ProteinLS = Low Sugar, V= Vegan
Cooking level : Very easy
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Assemble time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
8-10 corn tortillas
2 tbsp of canola oil
Taco seasoning 1.5 oz (As per your taste)
One can 15 oz black beans
One small zucchini diced
One small onion diced
One small yellow squash
Few tofu small pieces
Red and Green bell pepper
Small amount of corn kernels
Tomato sauce 8 oz
1 and 1/2 cup of water
Enchilada sauce mix 1.5 oz
1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
Any vegetables  
One Can black beans
Black Olives and  Spring onions for garnishing


 To assemble
1. For Enchilada sauce: In a medium pan,  add water with tomato sauce and according to your taste add enchilada mix seasoning. Bring to a boil.Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes on a medium high heat. Set aside.
2. For filling:  In another pan or microwave safe bowl. Add black beans rinsed and drained , add green and red bell pepper, corn,  zucchini,  squash. Per your choice you may add more vegetables.  Add taco seasoning per your taste and cook on medium heat  for 3-4 minutes and mix it well. Set aside



3. In a skillet on a medium heat, apply oil on both sides of tortilla to make it soft so it doesn't crumble when you roll it. Please do not deep fry the tortilla.

4. Fill the mixture of enchilada  filling in the middle of tortilla and roll it as shown in the picture.

5. Pour the enchilada sauce over the tortilla enough to cover the edges of the tortilla.

6. Sprinkle with shredded  cheddar cheese, black olives, Spring onions.

7. Microwave the tortilla with its filling and sauce for 1-2 minutes.

8. Serve it with guacamole, salsa,  lettuce, and tomatoes. http://www.thevegfusion.com/2009/05/salsa-mexican.html

Please try to make it at home and feel free to give your valuable suggestions and comments.

Enjoy!!

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Monday, December 17, 2012

Spice of the Week: Cilantro

Spice of the Week: Cilantro



This week we’re going to take a look at three great recipes that use cilantro!




Aside from being a versatile spice, Cilantro also has a number of health benefits. Cilantro is unique in that it is a bonding agent for heavy metals. As a result, it’s great for removing toxins from the body. Cilantro is also great for helping with digestive problems. It’s often used to treat various types of stomach trouble. With its great taste and health benefits cilantro makes a great addition to any kitchen.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Healthy Fruit and Vegetable Smoothie/ Juice






Yum Yum Smoothie



It turns out you a really can eat your way to better health. A smoothie for breakfast helps you get hydrated at the start of the day, something soda and coffee won't do. Since your body pulls water from many foods in order to stay hydrated, you won't have to drink water when you're sipping on a smoothie (especially a homemade one without the artificial sugar). Milk and yogurt are largely water, so if your smoothie is dairy-based  (dairy is optional), you'll quench your thirst. This is especially handy if you only have one cup holder on your commute. In hot weather, add a few ice cubes to the blender for extra water.
I personally love juice mixed with vegetables and fruits.

Ingredients


Cooking level: very easy


Preparation time: 5 minutes

AO = AntioxidantDF = Dairy FreeGF = Gluten FreeHF = High FiberHP = High ProteinV= VeganLS = Low Sugar

Servings 3 of 6 fluid oz

Ingredients:


One cup of water
One stalk of celery
Two tbsp of crushed/chunk pineapples
One carrot
Two tbsp of pomegranate seeds
few red grapes
One tsp of chat masala or dash of sea salt and black pepper
Half gala apple
One tbsp of flax seeds optional ( i add for the Omega fatty acid in my diet) 
Ice cubes optional

Preparation:

Wash all the ingredients very thoroughly so all the debris  is gone and cut into pieces. No need to take the peel off.Add all the ingredients  in a blender to blend till  its smooth. I shall highly  recommend the "Vitamix" blender for smoothies  it blends very evenly and it blends fiber into juice very finely. However, one can use any other blender available at home. Also, you can filter the juice  threw sieve if you don't like the too much fiber. I prefer to leave fiber in my juice. Good for you. Cheers!



Vitamix Blender



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Monday, December 10, 2012

Spice of the Week: Ajwain

Spice of the Week: Ajwain


This week we’re going to take a look at several recipes that make use of ajwain.




Known as Bishop’s Weed, or Gout Weed, Ajwain is an herbaceous plant that yields grayish-brown seeds commonly used in Indian cooking. Ajwain has an unusual aroma similar to oregano, and it’s got a sharp taste. It’s also been used to treat asthma, colds, and indigestion. 

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Coconut Water: thirst quencher



Ready to drink coconut 














Are you Thirsty? Do you want something to Drink? Next time when you go try get a can of cola or carbonated drink try this natural thirst quencher. Go for the goodness of tender coconut water instead.  We are lucky that now it is available here in America. Naked or Zico brand has started it selling here. I must thank both the companies. I suggested this brand to friend of mine who had upset stomach.
This mildly sweet in taste drink is easily available in India and other countries. In India, coconut water is advised for the sick and  healthy. It is healthy and natural drink and all natural drinks are good for health. It is low in calories and great thirst quencher after exercise. It can also be used to make smoothies.

The complex composition of coconut water contains ascorbic acid, vitamin B, iron, protein, fructose, nitrogen and some basic minerals like potassium, phosphoric acid, calcium and magnesium. Its best to consume it in its natural form because  any  kind of process done on coconut water may destroy its nutrients.

Coconut water helps in preventing urinary tract infections, dehydration, intestinal disorders, nausea and vomiting(high in electrolytes). I am sure after reading this article you will definitely try coconut water. following are few dishes out of coconut milk. I will be adding more recipes of coconut sooner BE TUNED!!


ENJOY!

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Kansar: Traditional Gujarati Sweet Dish

KANSAR: Traditional Gujarati Sweet Dish 


Dr. OZ  has very good ideas about healthy lifestyles from all over the world. Often his discussions take me back to my roots. I was watching his show and the topic was "Cracked Wheat for Anti-aging."
 Our ancestors' knew all about the food with high nutrition value which includes cracked wheat.  Here is the good old traditional sweet dish using cracked wheat which is made on any auspicious day such as wedding, festivals like Diwali.
Kansar is believed to bring  good Luck!!

Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cooking level:  easy

Ingredients
3/4 cup Cracked Wheat or Wheat Germ
1/4 cup Whole Wheat flour
4  Cups water
3 tbsp Jaggery or Molasses or Agave Nectar or brown sugar
2 tsp White fine sugar in powder form for sprinkling
3 tbsp Ghee or Unsalted butter

For vegan and Jain  may use canola oil.

Preparation
1.Mix cracked wheat and wheat flour.
2. Add 1tbsp of ghee or clear butter or oil for vegan in the flour.
3. In a medium sauce pan, boil the water add jaggery or molasses or agave nectar for sugar free recipe
4.Add crack wheat with flour mixture in boiling water.
5. Mix well and cook for 15 minutes on a low heat.
6.Check for water is absorbed completely.
7. Take it out in a plate sprinkle with ghee/oil and powdered sugar.
Enjoy!!



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Monday, December 3, 2012

Spice of the Week: Chili Powder

Spice of the Week: Chili Powder

This week we’re going to take a look at a few recipes that use chili powder.




In addition to the unique spicy flavor chili powder provides, it also has a number of health benefits. Chili powder is a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It’s also a great source of potassium and calcium. These vitamins and minerals are directly linked to maintaining eyesight, and strengthening your immune system.



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