Paemlo-Tropical Exotic Fruit

Pamelo

Pamelo fruit is native of Asia and is the largest citrus fruit. Pamelo is a pale green to yellow when ripe it tastes like mild sweet grapefruit. It is a amazing citrus fruit with lots of vitamin C. When I saw it the other day at the super market I could not resist buying it. We grew up enjoying this exotic tropical fruit and would consume almost once a week.  I used to enjoy it with some sprinkled salt (black rock salt) and black pepper.
In some places, it is available to us perfectly peeled in half.

Cut Pamelo

It is unique in taste ,loaded with antioxidants, low in calories and fat,good amount of  fiber,good for heart health, fights against cancer, anti aging benefit. Sometimes. given the size of the fruit  one would wonder how to cut and open the fruit. Here I am trying to explain in detail step by step procedure:

1.Cut the cap off of the fruit with a knife

2. Cut the bottom of the fruit with a knife

3. Slice the fruit into 4-6 pieces

4. Peel the rind and membranes of the fruit as you do it for the orange

5. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper or you can enjoy with salads, juice or pickle.

Enjoy!!

Kumato tomatoes Bruschetta

Prep time:  5 minutes
Bake time:   10-12 minutes

cooking level : very easy
Recipe Type : AO = Anti-Oxidant ,
                        V = Vegan
Serves: 2-4

Ingredients: 

2 kumato tomato chopped
one small red onion chopped
2tsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp of balsamic vinegar
one bunch fresh basil washed and chopped
2 cloves of minced garlic
one french baguette

1. sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2. Directions:

Kumato  tomatoes  are truly exceptional. Try it and you will experience authentic tomato flavor. It has a mild clean flavor and once sliced, it then ripens to a dark brown skin with a sweet spicy aroma, ideal for salads. Here is a quick recipe of Bruschetta . I am sure You will enjoy this.

1. Mix everything in a bowl. set aside for ten minutes.
2. Cut the french baguette into oblong shape.
3. Spoon the mixture on top of bread. Leave the juice on side otherwise bread will get soggy.
4. Toast the bread in toaster oven for 5-7 minutes till it is golden brown.
5. Enjoy!

                                                                                    

                     

                                                             

Spring Salad

Fresh Spring Salad

Spring is the season when fresh fruits are in abundance, and so it is with my great pleasure that I share my favorite spring salad..A meal is not fulfilling without it. Recently I made a salad with romaine lettuce. This recipe is a simple recipe of just five ingredients.

Ingredients

• Fresh washed and cut strawberries
• Fresh pears, washed and cubed
• Crushed almonds
• Romaine lettuce
• Italian vinaigrette dressing

Mix all of these together and toss a dash of the dressing and enjoy!

Kachumber: Finely Diced Salad

Chopped Salad

This salad is must with khichadi and other rice dishes.  Kachumber has special place in Thali.  Thali is a selection of different dishes, usually served in small bowls on a round tray.  All of the bowls are filled with vegetables and beans. Kachumber is also a part of Thali.  Here is a simple example in a salad of fresh vegetables.  A fresh and healthy recipe for Spring!

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes
Cooking Difficulty Level: Very Easy
Recipe Type: Vegan

Ingredients:

1	Small	Skinny Cucumber, finely chopped
1	Small	Green or Red Apple
1	Small	Raw Mango, chopped
1	Small	Onion, chopped
1	Small	Tomato, cut into pieces
Few	Leaves	Mint, finely chopped
1	Small	Green Chili, seeded and diced
1	Tsp	Lemon Juice
		Salt to Taste
1	Tsp	Chaat Masala
		(Cumin Powder can be added.)

How To Prepare:

Mix togther add salt lemon juice and chaat masala.  Salad is ready.

I am sure you will like it too!

Beet Salad

Beet Salad

This is one of the most natural recipes for health.  There is no cooking required.  At first I thought, "How it will taste?" I was amazed to find that it was highly refreshing, crunchy, nutty and tasty.  I am sure health fanatics will love it.  I have adopted this recipe from the Isha Yoga Foundation where I attended a five day seminar.

Ingredients:

1    Beet, grated 1/2 Green Bell Pepper, finely chopped 1/2 Cup Raw Peanuts, soaked for 2 hours Small Ginger, grated 1/2 Small Fresh or Frozen Coconut, Grated 1    Tsp Lemon Juice Salt to taste Pepper to taste Few Pieces Jalapeño, finely chopped Fresh Cilantro, chopped

How to Prepare:

1. Mix all of the ingredients together well. 
2. I would add salt at the time of serving so it does not get watery.

Yummy and healthy!

Papaya Salad

Papaya is easily available all over India and Thailand. One of my favorite salads is made with papaya. I love the recipe for this salad that is found in most Thai restaurants. It is healthy, tasty and adds exotic flavor to any meal.  I'd like to share my version or the traditional Indian way of making papaya salad.  It is low in fat, packed with antioxidants and high in vitamins.

Cooking Difficulty Level: Easy

Cooking Time: 15 Minutes

Recipe Type: Vegan

Ingredients:

1	Small Slice	Green Papaya (check freshness by denting with finger nail -milk should ooze out)
1	Small	Green Chili cut into piece lengthwise
1	Tsp	Sugar
1	Tsp	Lemon Juice
1/4	Tsp	Turmeric
1/4	Tsp	Mustard Seed
2	Tsp	Oil
1/4	Tsp	Asteofedia (optional)
		Salt to Taste
		Fresh Chopped Cilantro

How to prepare:

1. Wash papaya well. Peel and grate with grater.
2. Add sugar, salt, lemon juice, and mix together.
3. In a small butter warmer add oil. Heat the oil on medium heat.
4. Add mustard seeds, green chili, astofedia and turmeric.
5. Add mixture on top of grated papaya. Add cilantro.
6. Mix it well and serve with your choice of food.

Tips:  Green papaya is available in an Asian store near you.

Basil Dressing

This recipe came to me from an old collection of recipes.  I thought it would be interesting to share with my friends.  I love basil and always like to cook with it.

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Tarragon-flavored Wine Vinegar 1/4 Cup Vegetable Juice 2    TBsp Vegetable Oil 1    Clove Garlic, minced 1    TBsp Chopped Fresh Basil or 1 Tsp Dried Basil 1/2 Tsp Paprika 1/4 Tsp Salt-free Herb & Spice Blend 1/8 Tsp Freshly Ground Pepper

How to Prepare: 

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar. 
2. Cover jar tightly and shake vigorously.
3. Chill.  
4. Shake well before serving dressing over salad greens.

It makes a little more than 1/2 cup.

Enjoy with your favorite salad greens.

Onion & Tomato Raita

This side dish is tasty in itself. It is in category of relishes and called Raita.  I love this recipe, it is very quick, original and very easy to make. 

Cooking Difficulty Level: Easy
Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

Ingredients:   

1		Carrot, shredded
1	Medium	Onion, chopped finely
1	Small	Tomato, chopped
	Cup	Yogurt, plain
		Salt to taste
1	Tsp	Urad Dal
Few		Curry Leaves - limdo
1		Green Pepper, seeded & chopped
Few		Coriander Leaves, chopped
2	Tsp	Oil

How to Prepare:

1. Stir plain yogurt very well.
2. Add salt, carrots, tomatoes and onions.
3. Heat the oil in a small frying pan 
4. Add curry leaves and urad dal. 
5. Once it starts to roast, add it on top of yogurt.

This is a healthy dish. I always make it with spinach rice. You've got to taste it to belive it!

Spring Salad

This salad is must at my Thanksgiving dinner.  I had a family reunion at my place and this salad was a big hit. My daughter tried to make it and she said it came out exactly perfect.

Ingredients:

1	Bag	Ready Spring Mix Salad
1	Small	Garden Cucumber
1	Small	Tomato
1	Big	Orange
2	TBsp	Pecans
1	Small	Pear (red are sweet)
2	TBsp	Dried Cranberries
1	TBsp	Parmesan Cheese
	Sprinkle	Virgin Olive Oil Vinaigrette
		Salt to taste
		Pepper to taste

How to Prepare:

1. Wash salad spring mix by rinsing in water and letting it dry for a couple of hours on a towel.
2. Cube tomato and cucumber and pear.
3. Peel and cube orange.
4. Toss in spring mix the tomato, cucumber, orange, dried cranberry, pecans, cheese and pear.
5. Mix it thoroughly and sprinkle with a little bit of oil vinaigrette, salt and pepper.

Delicious!!!

Tips:  

• Spring mix is readily available. 
• Sweet pecans are available in the store, also. Otherwise, in a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, stir in 1 cup pecan halves and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Cook and stir until pecans are toasted and coated with sugar.
• Plain pecans work just as well as the sugar-coated ones.

Enjoy!!!!!

Mung bean salad

prep time:30 mins
serves 4

Ingredients:
2 cup sprouted mung beans( raw not boiled)
2 carrot cubed or shredded
1 small cucumber
2-3 small radish
1/2 small cabbage shredded
1 small tomato cubed
salt to taste, cumin powder
black pepper , 1/2 tsp lemon juice

How to make:
1. Mix all the ingredients together. Toss in spices. Set aside.
Can be served with any meal or good for ladies lunch.