Spice of the Week: Mango Powder

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

Stuffed aloo Paratha

Samosa Punjabi

Okra Sabji

Mango powder is used to add a unique sweet and sour flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. In addition to its great taste, mango powder has some significant health benefits. First and foremost, antioxidants found in mangos have been proven to help prevent cancer. Mango powder also helps to lower cholesterol, and promote eye health. Great flavor and great health benefits make mango powder a welcome addition to any spice rack!

Spice of the Week: Lemon Juice

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

Khaman Dhokla - Spongy Chana Dal snack

Ridge gourd -Turia with split mung Dal

Bitter melon karela fritters

Lemon juice is used to add a sour citrus flavor to both sweet and savory recipes. In addition to its strong sour flavor, lemon juice also carries a number of health benefits. Keeping a positive alkaline state has been proven to help prevent cancer, and lemon juice helps to keep your alkaline state positive. Lemon juice also helps to purify your blood and detoxify your system. Lemon juice helps to keep you healthy and it adds a great flavor to your recipes, so be sure to keep it in your kitchen .

Spice of the Week: Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is often used to add its unique flavor to sweet dishes. In addition to the flavor it can add to a recipe. Vanilla extract also has some great health benefits. It can help to relieve nausea, it can reduce anxiety and stress, and some studies have even linked vanilla extract to weight loss. Great flavor and great health benefits make vanilla extract worth keeping in any kitchen

This week we’re going to take a look at three great recipes with use vanilla extract

Effortless Chocolate Pie

Fruit Cup for the Spring

Tiramisu

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Spice of the Week: Sesame Seeds

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

Garlic & Sesame Spinach

Khandvi -Dahiwadi- Chickpea Flour Rolls

Khaman Dhokla - Spongy Chana Dal snack

Sesame seeds have been used for thousands of years to add flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. Sesame seeds have been proven to contain a number of health benefits. They have been linked to the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, and gingivitis. So give these great recipes a try! 

Spice of the Week: Saffron

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

Masur Pullav - Lentil Biryani

Shrikhand - Sweet Yogurt with Saffron

Halva- sherra

Saffron is known for being the most expensive spice available, and it’s used in both sweet and savory dishes. Saffron also carries a number of health benefits. It has been used to treat stomach problems, it inhibits skin tumors, and it even helps to improve eye and vision health. It may be pricey, but this unique spice packs a great flavor, and a lot of wonderful health benefits. 

Spice of the Week: Nutmeg

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

Shrikhand - Sweet Yogurt with Saffron

Mutter Methi Malai - Peas with Fenugreek Leaves

Fruit Cup for the Spring

Nutmeg adds a strong unique flavor to both sweet and savory dishes, and it also has a lot of health benefits. Nutmeg has antibacterial properties, and as such, it can help to kill bacterial in the mouth that can lead to cavities. Myristicin, which is found in nutmeg, has been linked to improving memory. Nutmeg has also been proven to aid in digestion making it ideal to help treat an upset stomache. 

Spice of the Week: Cloves

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

Cauliflower and potatoes, peas subji

Five Lentil Mix - Panch Dal

Spinach Rice

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. 

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.

Garlic Bread Spread

Falafel Sandwich

Artichoke Spinach Dip

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.    

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!

Healthy Buttermilk-Chaas

Cilantro Chutney

Quesadillas with Homemade Salsa & Guacamole

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.

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.

Green Bean Vegetable Dish

Dal Baati

Bhakri - Thick Indian Bread

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. 

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.

Masala Chickpeas- Chole

Stuffed Okra

Stuffed Eggplant and Potatoes

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.

Spice of the Week: Curry Leaves

Spice of the Week: Curry Leaves

This week we’re showcasing several recipes using curry leaves

Opo Squash with Bengal Gram Dal

Bataka Poha - Pressed Rice with Potatoes

Onion & Tomato Raita

Curry leaves are among the most widely used spices in Indian food, second only to turmeric. These potent leaves are a good source of Vitamin A, calcium, folic acid, and antioxidants. They have even been used to treat bruises and skin diseases. Ground, raw, or cooked, these leaves make a great addition to a wide variety of recipes. 

Spice of the Week: Turmeric

Spice of the Week: Turmeric

This week we’re highlighting three great recipes that all use turmeric.

Cauliflower and potatoes, peas subji

Split Pigeon Peas - Toor Dal

Khichadi

This bold Indian spice adds a great, strong flavor to recipes that make use of it. It’s also got some great health benefits! Turmeric promotes good circulation, and helps to prevent blood clots. As a result, it can help to lower the risk for heart attacks. It also helps to keep your bad cholesterol down!

Spice of the Week: Cinnamon

Spice of the Week: Cinnamon

You probably already have some cinnamon in your spice rack, but you might not realize just how versatile it is. While it’s commonly known for its uses in sweet recipes, cinnamon can also be used in savory recipes to achieve a unique flavor. It also has some great health benefits – cinnamon can improve insulin levels, and lower glucose levels.

Here’s a great recipe that makes use of cinnamon.

Fruit Cup for the Spring

Fruit cup

This is a great recipe for any season.  It is versatile with many fruits. Here, I've used mostly pears, apples and cherries.

Cooking Preparation Time: 30 Minutes                        
Cooking Assembly Time: 10 Minutes      
Serves: 12
Recipe Type: Vegan

Ingredients:

6		Peeled & Sliced Fresh Pears or Apples
1/2	Cup	Pitted Fresh or Dried Cherries
1	TBsp	Lemon Juice
2	Tsp	Vanilla Extract
1/2	Cup	Packed Brown Sugar
1	TBsp	Cornstarch
1/2	Tsp	Ground Cinnamon

Toppings:

1/3	Cup	Toasted Chopped Pecans
1/2	Tsp	Ground Cinnamon
1/4	Tsp	Ground Nutmeg
1/4	Cup	Butter
3/4	Cup	Old Fashioned Oats
1/2	Cup	Brown Sugar
1/3	Cup	Flour

How to Prepare:

1.             Combine apples or pears, cherries and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. 

2.             Set aside so it won't go black.

3.             In a different bowl, combine vanilla, brown sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon.

4.             Gently mix pears or apples with the cornstarch mixture. 

5.             Let it sit for an hour or two.

6.             Refrigerate.

7.             For the Topping, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, pecans, cinnamon and nutmeg in a bowl. 

8.             Add butter.

9.             Mix it well and set aside.

10.          After refrigeration, place apple or pear mixture in a small 9 inch baking dish.

11.          Garnish with oat topping mixture.

12.          Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. 

13.          When it starts to bubble or turn golden brown, it is ready to eat.

I enjoy my fruits with dash of sweetness, warm and healthy.  Vanilla ice cream is best with the warm fruit.  Oberweis Vanilla Ice Cream is my favorite.

Here’s a few more great recipes with cinnamon in them.

Easy Sugar-Top Muffins

Spinach Rice

Potato Curry

Red bell pepper

Autumn is here!!  I love to see fall colors all over my neighborhood.  I love going to farmers market this time of year. I love picking up a basket full of red,green and yellow peppers which which range from hot to very hot to taste.Bell peppers are very versatile and can be used in different ways.  Here is  a quick very easy recipe. If you want treat for your taste buds with peppers. 

Preparation Time: 5 minutes.

Cooking Level :  Very Easy

                                                                                                                     

Red bell pepper

AO = Antioxidant

DF = Dairy Free

GF = Gluten Free

HF = High Fiber

HP = High Protein

J = Jain

LS = Low Sugar

V= Vegan

Ingredients:
2 Red bell pepper chopped without the core
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 tsp Coriander powder
1 tsp Cumin powder
1/4 tsp Chili powder
1/4 tsp Ajwain seeds or Thyme optional
1 tsp  Oil of your choice
1 tsp dry mango powder aka Amchur Powder or lemon juice to taste
Salt to taste
Preparation: 
1. In a wok add oil on medium heat.
2. Add bell peppers and stir fry
3. Add all the spices.
3.Let it sizzle for two minutes ,cover and turn off the heat.

Ready to serve with Roti,  rice or use it as condiment. Other favourite recipes are Tomato and red bell Pepper soup, Thai curry, and Vegetable lasagna. Red bell pepper has a unique flavor and sweetness. One can use any pepper but the red one has a unique taste to it. Enjoy!!

Spice of the Week: Cardamom

Spice of the Week: Cardamom

Known as the queen of all spices, cardamom is the dried fruit of a herbaceous plant. It helps with the digestive process, and it can even help to burn body fat more effectively. Oh, and it also adds a great flavor to a wide variety of recipes!

Get started cooking with cardamom with this recipe.

Thandai indian milk drink

Prep time 20 Min's

serves 4

Ingredients:

2 cup fresh rose petals

4 cup milk

4 tbsp sugar

30 almonds soaked

4 tbsp fennel seeds

4tbsp poppy seeds

4 ground black pepper

2 tsp cardamom powder

Fresh fruit can be added optional

How to make:

1. Grind all the Ingredients in a blender jar and make it a paste. Add in it milk and may be fresh fruit. Blend till smooth. Let it chill in a refrigerator for few hours. Pleasestrain it before drinking ,can be added vanilla ice cream or ice.

Check out these other great cardamom recipes!

Jeera Rice

Puran poli Sweet roti

Carrot Halwa

Spice of the Week: Garlic

Spice of the Week: Garlic

Chances are you’re already familiar with garlic to a certain extent, but you might not know all of the benefits garlic has to offer beyond its flavor.  Garlic can help to reduce cholesterol and unhealthy fats, and it also contains an anti-bacterial agent which can give your immune system a boost. So garlic tastes great and helps to keep you healthy!

Garlic & Sesame Spinach

Photo courtesy of Food Network

Toss Spinach in hot, garlicky oil for a cleansing and delicious dish.

Cooking Difficulty Level: Easy

Cooking Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

Serves: 4


Ingredients:

1	Tsp	Olive Oil
1	Clove	Garlic, pressed
1	Lb.	Spinach Leaves
		Salt & Pepper to Taste
1	Tsp	Sesame Seeds

How to Prepare:

1.            Warm oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. 

2.            Add garlic and stir until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. 

3.            Add spinach (do in two batches if necessary) and toss until just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes. 

4.            Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Tips:
You can add sliced cherry tomatoes for added color and freshness.

Check out these other great recipes, all of which use garlic.

Garlic Bread Spread

Healthy Harvest Noodles

Falafel Sandwich

Spice of the Week: Ginger

Spice of the Week: Ginger

Ginger is used in a wide variety of recipes. This root is used in a wide variety of breads, vegetable dishes, rice and bean dishes, and even some drinks. In addition to adding a great spicy flavor to the recipes it’s used in, ginger also has some great medicinal benefits. It aids digestion and can help to ward off a cold.

If you’d like to start cooking with ginger, check out the following recipe!

Masala Chai Tea

Chai  is the drink offered everywhere in India. No doubt it is a little bit habit-forming, but it is great way to start the day. It has antioxidant proprieties and gives relief from the common cold and allergies. Different varieties of this tea are available and the recipe below is more for black tea. I like Tetley Tea bags which are good to use. You can also find many different kinds of tea leaves in Indian grocery stores. Fresh ginger and Lemon grass and/or fresh mint can give a very nice flavor and punch to the taste. This recipe will also work with soy milk.

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

Serves: 2


Ingredients:

1	Cup	Milk
1	Cup	Water
1	Pinch	Tea Masala
2		Tea Bags
2	Tsp	Sugar

 Directions:

1. Mix all of the ingredients.
2. Bring to a boil.
3. Let simmer for a few seconds. 
4. Chai is ready and tastes great with biscuits!

Tips:

• Tea Masala is a mix of 2 Tbsp Dry Ginger Powder & 2 Tbsp Cinnamon and Cardamom Powder with a pinch of black pepper.  
• If you mix ingredients together you can store the mixture in a jar and use as needed.

Take a look at these other great ginger recipes:

Mutter & Tofu Panjabi style

Mutter Paneer

Khaman Dhokla - Spongy Chana Dal snack

Yellow Thai Curry

Spice of the Week: Cumin

Spice of the Week: Cumin

Cumin is widely used in Indian cooking, and it’s one of the main ingredients in allspice. This grayish brown seed has a strong heavy odor, and a bitter taste. Cumin is also known for its medicinal benefits. It helps to promote digestion by stimulating gastric juices, and it’s often used to treat colds, sore throats, and various types of stomach problems.

If you’ve got some cumin in your spice collection and you’d like to put it to good use, check out this recipe for Mung Dal with Spinach

Mung Dal with Spinach

This recipe is packed with protein and vitamins. It is quick, easy and tasty. It is eaten with Roti and Rice.

Cooking Preparation Time: 30 Minutes     
Cooking Difficulty Level: Medium
Recipe Type: Vegan & Gluten Free
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:

1	Cup	Mung Dal
3	Cups	Water
1/2	Tsp	Cumin Seeds
1	Tbsp	Coriander Cumin Powder
1/2	Tsp	Astofedia
1/2	Tsp	Turmeric
1	Tbsp	Oil
1	Medium	Tomato, cut & cubed
1	Small	Green Chili
		Salt to taste
		Lemon Juice
		Cilantro to garnish
1	Bunch	Spinach, washed & chopped finely
2		Shallots or Fresh Garlic
1	Small	Piece of Fresh Ginger or Ginger Powder
1	Small	Onion, cut & cubed

How to Prepare:

1.             Wash split mung beans (Dal) thoroughly. Set aside to soak for about an hour. 

2.             Once soaked, add beans to three cups of water in a pan. Bring to a boil on high heat and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.

3.             In a separate pan, heat the oil.  Add astofedia, cumin seeds, onion, chopped garlic and spices.

4.             Then add the chopped spinach, salt, ginger, chili, coriander and cumin powder and fry for 4-5 minutes.

5.             Add tomato and lemon juice. Mix the boiled Dal with fried spinach mixture in the pan.

6.             Let it simmer for few more minutes. 

7.             Garnish with cilantro and serve it hot.

8.             It works very well as soup or curry with rice. Enjoy!

Looking for more great recipes that use cumin? Take a look at these recipes.

Five Lentil Mix - Panch Dal

Suki Bhajii Masala Potato

Healthy Buttermilk-Chaas