TheVegFusion.com

TheVegFusion.com: May 2013

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Kalakand Burfi Indian sweet


Burfi-Kalakand 
Kalakand is a very tasty, sweet dish that is famous in both Punjab and Gujarat, where it is actually called burfi. Thankfully, it is very fun and easy to make.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time :20 minutes

Ingredients:
-2 cans (15 oz. each) of Ricotta cheese
-One 14 oz. can of  sweetened condensed milk
-One 15 oz. can of instant non-fat milk powder
-2 tbsp of unsalted butter or ghee
-Handful of silvered pistachios
-2 tsp Cardamom powder


Preparations:

1.In a Heavy sauce pan on medium heat, add 1 tbsp of butter or ghee. Add all the ricotta cheese and stir so it does not stick at the bottom. After 10 minutes, the water should mostly be evaporated off.





2. Add sweetened condensed milk to the cheese and stir again for 10 minutes. Be careful not to burn yourself here. The water in the ricotta cheese will start to bubble.







3. Now you should start to see the milk get solid and lumpy.
The best way to check on the plate is to take out 1 tsp of mix and try to form a ball. If you can do this, that means it is done.
Now you can add carnation powder to the milk cake and stir continuously. Within a minute or two turn off the stove and mix well so it is uniform.

4. Grease a 6x9 inch pan with unsalted butter or ghee and pour the milk cake.  Garnish with pistachios and cardamom powder. Let it cool down for 2 hours. Cut into desired lengths and serve.

*This dessert stays good for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.


Tips:

-2 can 3/4 measure full sugar can be substituted for sweetened milk

-Vanilla extract and different nuts (almond or pistachio powder for example) can be used to get a different flavor. I recommend trying out fresh Ricotta cheese from the deli (not canned Ricotta).

-This recipe can be done in the microwave also:
Use a glass container and cover it with Saran wrap and microwave for 5 minutes. Stir and again microwave for 5 minutes then add sugar or condensed milk and microwave for 5 more minutes. Add carnation powder and microwave for 3-4 minutes till it is done.

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Monday, May 27, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Avocado



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





Avocados have a rich flavor that works well in a wide variety of recipes. Avocados also  have a number of health benefits. They can help to prevent a wide variety of types of cancer, and they can help to lower cholesterol levels. Avocados can even promote heart health and eye health making them a super food that belongs in every kitchen. 

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Monday, May 20, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Sour Cream



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





Sour cream is generally considered an unhealthy condiment due to the high percentage of fat it contains, however, it’s not as bad as you might think. In fact, a two tablespoon serving of sour cream contains less fat than just one tablespoon of mayonnaise. Sour cream is commonly used to add a little extra flavor to various recipe. It actually has a lower fat content than a lot of other condiments, so you may want to give it a try. 

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Healthy house dressing for salads


One thing always attracts me in my kitchen is simple recipes.
Simple recipes are easy, fun and healthy. Instead of ranch salad dressing I use oil and vinegar. Any type of vinegar-red wine, balsamic cider as long as it's 5% acid it is healthy for you.

To make balsamic vinaigrette,  I use three tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. For variety you may use shallots,   garlic, or dijon mustard and fresh herbs of your choice.

Simple switch gives big results. Olive oil vinaigrette gives protection against cancer,  it helps in managing blood sugar, and  block the growth of human cancer cells.

So next time if you pick ranch salad dressing think of vinaigrette it is good for you.

Here I have Mazzetti Balsamic Vinegar available in stores which has  6% of acidity.

Enjoy with your favorite salads!!

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Monday, May 13, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Carrots


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





Carrots add a unique, somewhat sweet flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Carrots don’t just have a great flavor; they also have some great health benefits. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene which helps to keep your eyes healthy. Carrots also help to fight cancer and they also keep your skin looking young. Carrots are great for you and they taste great, so try one of these recipes today. 

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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Oven Baked Cauliflower




Usually I make cauliflower with little oil and curry powder. But, recently I made with little effort using oil and spices and roast it in the oven.  It turned out delicious and yummy!

Preparation Time:10 minutes

Cooking Level: Very Easy


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

 Ingredients:
Cauliflower washed and cut length wise
Salt to taste
Black pepper
Thyme fresh or dried
Basil leaves fresh or dried
1tsp of giardiniera marinated pepper mix mild flavor(optional).

How to prepare:

1. Wash and cut cauliflower lengthwise as in picture.



2.In a mixing bowl. Add cut cauliflower, spray olive oil, add
   salt, pepper, thyme and basil.

3.As shown in picture spread it on cooking sheet notice how it is full flower like mini trees.

4.Roast on 400 degrees for say 15-20 minutes till it is shrunk in size. See in picture mini trees look little small.


4. Take it out in a bowl. Mix with giardiniera this is totally optional or to taste.

Enjoy! This the best way to get your one of the five servings of veggies!
Try it with fresh healthy Broccoli as well.



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Monday, May 6, 2013

Three Great Recipes That Use Cucumber



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





Cucumbers have a mild flavor that works well in a wide variety of recipes. Cucumbers contain B vitamins making them a great source of energy; if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day, put down the coffee and pick up a cucumber. They also help to rehydrate you, and they’re extremely low in calories too! Cucumbers are great for you and they taste great so pick some up and start using them today!

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Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Tofu Scramble Feast






Tofu Scramble With Toast 


Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Level: Very Easy 
AO = Anti-Oxidant, GF = Gluten Free, HF = High Fiber, HP = High Protein

Ingredients:

1/2 Block of extra firm tofu
2 Small red potatoes
1/4 Yellow onion
4 medium sized mushrooms
1/2 Green bell pepper
1 Tomato
1/2 Avocado
Shredded cheddar cheese
Olive Oil
Salt
Black Pepper
Curry Powder
Italian seasoning
Red Pepper Flakes 

Preparation:
1. Drain the tofu and pat it dry with a napkin to absorb extra water.Chop the tofu into small cubes and put it in a bowl.  Smash the tofu using fork into crumbles.
2. In a pan, add olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper and curry powder and put the potato, onion and tofu  to saute.  
3. Add a little bit of water and cover it for 3-4 minutes.  Then  add the bell pepper and mushrooms.  
4. After a few more minutes, add italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for a couple more minutes until the potatoes turn soft.
5. Serve the tofu scramble in a bowl with  freshly chopped  tomato, avocado and shredded  cheese on top!

I served  tofu scramble, toast with  fig jam which I bought from whole foods stores. 






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How to make yogurt at Home

Preparation Time:  1/2 hour
Setting time: Variable 6-8 hrs
Ingredients:
1 quart 2% reduced fat free milk or Whole milk
2 tbsp culture means fresh plain yogurt (no sugar or flavor)
Tip: you may borrow culture from your neighbor who has home made yogurt or buy yogurt with live active cultures.
How to make yogurt:
1. Boil the milk in a heavy pan so milk does not stick to bottom or  it can be microwave in glass container for 16-17 Minutes to bring to a boil.

2. Let it cool for 20-30 minutes until it is lukewarm to touch.

3. Mix culture in a lukewarm milk and use hand blender to blend it well.

4. Cover the container and leave it in oven for four to five hours. If temperature is below 70F leave oven lights on.  Optimum temperature is a must for good results with yogurt. Do not disturb the milk for 5-6 hours to allow it for setting.

5. After 5-6 hours, check it if it is like jello. If it is not, let it sit for 1-2 hour until it is done.

If refrigerated stays good for four to five days.


Tips: Yogurt can be made from skim or whole milk. Save the clean starter for next batch. if you can scoop yogurt as shown in the picture above it is the best of its kind. 

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