TheVegFusion.com

TheVegFusion.com: April 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Coconut



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





Coconut can be used in a wide variety of both sweet and savory recipes. It contains protein which makes it an ideal addition to a vegetarian diet. Coconuts also contain a substantial amount of lauric acid which fights bacteria and helps to ward off various types of infection. Coconuts have a great flavor and some really impressive health benefit making them a welcome addition to any kitchen. 

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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Restaurant Review : Avatars


Continued Restaurant Review: I was in  Sausalito, California past week.  

Avatar: The Family owned  business operated by Mr Ashok Kumar and other family members.  
We loved the varied menu. Avatar operates on the Mantra :NO gluten No Oil No Dairy No carb No Sugar No Soduim, No problem!!

Owner with my husband
The restaurant ambiance is very cozy. The owner works very hard and very welcoming in nature. Looks like he is very popular with his customers.According to him he started his resturant in 1989 when no one knew what gluten was?  Finally, like the idea  He never uses ghee just a dash of olive oil.
Gluten free enchiladas with rice
This restaurant  would cater all  people with  any kind of dietary restrictions. This is not a regular Indian Restaurant catering ethnic food. But serves mexican, italian, cajun, jamaican and Indian flavor. This is one of its kind trying to blend all cuisines in world to one plate on your table. 
Vegetables with rice 
I requested for non spicy food and no meat dishes. Mr. Ashok Kumar, the owner came up with his creative recipes that are on the menu and others are not.  We did not order any starters we preferred entrees'. He offered us Enchiladas made of a quinoa,  millet, rice flour instead of regular corn and white flour. It was pretty amazing and good in taste.The other entree, I was served was  a very mild yet flavorful dish with rice, ginger, turmeric powder, dried mango powder (amchur powder). For sweetness he added touch of passion fruit juice and vegetables.

Dessert with mango sauce cream and rose syrup
Finally, I was served with desert made of pulp of mango, heavy cream, rose syrup (Roohafza), imitation of cheese cake and Indian Kulfi. I think its made out of carnation, pistachio and cream cheese. 
If you are in this area. I highly recommend trying this place and you would defintely enjoy!





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Monday, April 22, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Rice



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






Rice has a unique, mild flavor that works well in both sweet and savory recipes.  Rice also has some great health benefits. For starters, rice is packed with carbohydrates, making it a great source of energy. Rice is also exceptionally low in sodium making it an ideal food for people suffering from high blood pressure. Rice has even been linked to cancer prevention. So give these great recipes a try and see the benefits of rice for yourself. 

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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Pesto sauce


Here is the quick recipe for home made Pesto Sauce.

Preparation Time:10 minutes
Serving: 1/2 cup
Cooking Level: Very Easy

RECIPE TYPES:AO = Anti-Oxidant
DF = Dairy Free
GF = Gluten Free
HF = High Fiber
HP = High Protein
LS = Low Sugar
V = Vegan

Ingredients

3 Cloves of garlic optional

3 cups of fresh basil leaves washed and dried

1 and 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts

1/4 tsp salt and crushed black pepper

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup parmesan grated cheese

Preparation

1. Mix everything together in a blender or food processor until
 smooth.

 2. Store it in a refrigerator in air tight container. I prefer to make pesto sauce in summer time. When basil is in abundance and fresh. Also, I use basil sauce as sandwich spread and add red ,white and pesto sauces to my pasta.

3. I make vegetable sandwich using cream cheese, pesto sauce, cucumber,  lettuce, tomato and bread of choice. This is quick fix to any dull lunch.

Please try to make it at home and give your valuable suggestions or comments!!

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Monday, April 15, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Tofu


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







Tofu takes on the flavor of whatever foods you cook it with making it a versatile ingredient. In addition to its unique flavor, tofu also has some great health benefits. It can promote heart health, it can promote bone health, and it even helps to give you energy. Tofu has a lot of great health benefits, and it is an extremely versatile ingredient (not to mention being a staple of Indian cooking) so pick some up today!

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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Restaurant Review: Buzz Cafe




Just a quick update: every once in a while, I will now be providing reviews of recently visited restaurants.

I'm always ready to try something new. In my most recent trip to Chicago. We had a nice lunch during this visit. By the time I reached Oak Park, Illinois to visit my son I was ready for a good cup of Java: my afternoon guilty pleasure. So I asked my son to find out something different than a regular coffee shop. To my surprise, he found a place called Buzz Cafe with the help of a little Google searching.

The coffee was perfect: not too strong and not too mild, and it was served in a glass, which I prefer much more than the usual ordinary paper cup. It reminded me of my hometown back in India where tea is aways served in a small glass.

Mexican Spiced Mocha


Their pastries are very fresh and delicious: I especially liked their Pie Cookie which contains an almond filling with a chocolate drizzle on top.

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Dark Chocolate Almond Pie Cookie



I was very pleased with the appetizer that we ordered: a strawberry-filled brie wedge that came with tiny bread slices and apple wedges and grapes. The portion size was perfect for sharing.
The place also caters well to the vegan crowd with a few select entrées, including some that are gluten-free.


Strawberry-Filled Brie Wedge



The decor was very unique. Every table had differently designed chairs and the walls were full of paintings from local, aspiring artists. These paintings even have price tags listed if you're interested in purchasing them!

There was also a play area in the back of the cafe for little children, which makes the place much more family-friendly than you would expect. Overall the ambiance of the place made me feel very warm and welcome.

As an end-note, this may sound very amusing but their water was so clear and refreshing that my curiosity led me to ask the waiter about it, to which he had no answer. 

I'd recommend this place to those looking for a more interesting cafe experience than usual. You will not be disappointed.

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Monday, April 8, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Tomatoes




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






Tomatoes are extremely versatile; they work well in a wide variety of recipes. Everything from salads to soups to entrees can benefit from tomatoes. They also have some great health benefits. Tomatoes can help diabetics keep their blood sugar in check, they can help to combat some of the carcinogens found in cigarettes, and they can even help to prevent strokes and heart attacks! Tomatoes taste great and they have some great health benefits, so check out these tomato recipes today!

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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Vegetable Cutlets


Vegetable cutlets are popular everywhere.  As a child I always savored cutlets and look froward having it on the weekends.  My mother used to make it and I learned watching her as i grew up. Cutlets can be used in so many different ways. Here I tried basic method the way I learnt.
I use left over cutlet as a patties for veggie burgers. Sometime I use as  veggie balls with spaghetti. If you have not tried  it is must and you will sure enjoy making it and eating it.

Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cooking Level: Medium with effort

Receipe Types


DF = Dairy Free, GF = Gluten Free
LS = Low Sugar, V = Vegan

Ingredients:

6 medium potatoes, boiled and smashed lump free
1 cup boiled and drained peas
1 cup boiled and drained cut french green beans small pieces
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup beets boiled and grated optional  i did not add
1 tsp salt or to taste
1 tsp green chili paste
1 tsp ginger paste 
1 cup chopped cilantro leaves 
1 tsp amchur powder 
1/2 tsp garam masala optional
Oil for deep or shallow frying
1-2 cups of bread crumbs
1/2 cup of all purpose flour

Preparation: 
1. Boil and smash the potatoes with out any lumps
2. Boil peas, french cut green beans and drain the excess water and keep it to side.
3. Add peas, carrots, french cut green beans and onion and all spices (salt, green chili, cilantro, amchur powder)
4. Mix all the contents and make a oblong shape potato mix.
5. In a small bowl, add all purpose flour and 1/2 a cup of water to make a thick batter
6. Dip the oblong cutlets into the batter and bread crumbs
7. Fry the cutlets according to your choice (deep or shallow).

Deep Frying
Heat 3 cups of oil in a pan and fry the cutlets turn golden brown in color on both the sides

Shallow frying
On a medium high heat, add 1/2 a cup of oil and fry the cutlets until they turn golden brown in color on both sides

Put the cutlets on a paper towel to absorb the excess of oil. Cutlets can be enjoyed with various chutneys such as cilantro or sweet chutney and ketchup. 





Various Chutneys


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Monday, April 1, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Yogurt



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






Yogurt is commonly known as a sweet snack, but it can be used in both savory and sweet dishes Aside from being versatile, yogurt also has a number of great health benefits. Yogurt is rich in vitamins, it can aid in digestion, and it even helps to boost your immune system! So try these great recipes that use yogurt for yourself, and enjoy the great taste and health benefits yogurt has to offer. 

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