Low carb Indian meal options

 

"On a Diet" doesn’t means no or very little food rather it talks about incorporating all healthy and nutritious low carb food and to bring a significant lifestyle change for obesity.

Popular low-carb diets on internet are not designed keeping the Indian eating tastes and habits in mind.
Some of my favorite simple low carb Indian meal ideas are listed below:

1.Veggie Besan chilla (No oil is required if cooked on a good non stick tawa) and cucumber + tomato sandwich or bread pizza having onion and capsicum with very little or no cheese. The veggie chilla is all protein and can be taken with a low calorie juice like watermelon or carrot.

The serving per person (in case of diet for obesity) should include one chilla with one bread option with juice.                                         

 

 

2. Besan chilla (stuffed with paneer and onion  ), sprouted moong and lassi

 

 

 3.Spinach Dhokla and moong dal chilla with hung curd dip(hung curd + chopped onions and shredded walnuts + salt and black pepper)

 

4. Moong sprouts, poha and fresh melons .

 

5. A platter full of all goodie ingredients: green beans with sesame and garlic, whole wheat katori stuffed with some veggies, roasted apples and little pomegranates and a plate of veggie salad(cucumber, red and green capsicum, black channa, onion, 3-4 roated bread crumbs, salt and pepper.)

 

 

 

These meals are very filling as most of them have protein and a lot of fibre ; so serving per meal should be taken care of if you want to reduce weight…………………… :) agoodstuff

 

Whole wheat flour & carrot katori

A gorgeous homemade katori that can seriously impress anyone you are serving this.

Ingredients: Grated carrot (1), butter (2 table spoons), wheat flour(3/4 cup), baking powder ½ tea spoon, salt (as per taste)

Making:  Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and knead it to make soft dough (add water in drops if the dough becomes hard). Cover this dough with a cotton cloth for 30 minutes.

Now fill the cup cake moulds as shown below:

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 mins at 375degrees or till it turns a bit brown.

Take the katoris out of mould and let them cool on rack for a few minutes.

Your katoris are ready and can be refrigerated for 4-5 days.

Stuffed Katori: Fill a mixture of corn, onion, capsicum, cheese, little salt and oregano in the katoris and put them in the oven for 5-7 mins.

Serve warm and enjoy the crispy and cheesy veggies…………:  ) agoodstuff.

Roasted capsicum & garlic flavored salad

This salad is both filling and delicious. I love all the color! I prefer a salad this way than normally eating a cucumber or tomato as it covers a lot of vegetables in a single go. The crisp taste is taken care with help of a baked vegge tikki.

Ingredients of Salad (serving for 2)

Chopped cucumber(1/2), chopped Tomato (1), chopped Onion (1), boiled baby potatoes (5-6), chopped green capsicum (1 small), grated carrot (1small), cut along length - red capsicum (1/4 only), Garlic(2 cloves), paneer or cheese( 1 tablespoon), lemon juice (1 tablespoon), black pepper ( ½ tsp), salt, green coriander, chaat masala(optional)

Making:

Roast the garlic in just 1 tsp of oil and add red capsicum to it, sauté a little bit and then keep it to side.

Take all the vegetables in a big bowl and sprinkle salt, pepper and lemon juice and mix it softly. Add roasted garlic and capsicum over it. Sprinkle some paneer, coriander and chaat masala for a final look.

Tikki

Mix finely chopped green beans, onion, bread crumps, roasted peanut powder ( roast the peanuts and grind them coarsely), salt and corn flour (1 table spoon for 2 tikkis), chat masala(optional). Bake it in oven till it turns brown.

You are gonna love this one.  Super filling with all the beautiful seasonal flavors…….……. : ) agoodstuff

Lemon spaghetti with paneer

There are times when you are about to make dinner and when you open the fridge, :( the empty shelves stare back at you. If you have some pasta (spaghetti) on hand, 1-2 vegetables and lemons then the dinner is only a few minutes away. To make it more full-fledged meal add home made paneer cubes(At the boiling point of milk add 1 to 2 spoons of white vinegar or 1-2 lemons to separate the paneer from milk. Do it fast as over boiling of paneer will make it hard. Use a muslin cloth separate it completely from the water and hang it for a few minutes to drain excess water).

Lemon zest Spaghetti  Recipe:

Sauté some vegetables like onion, capsicum, broccoli etc in little oil and add little salt to it. Boil water in a pan and then add spaghetti, 1 tsp of oil and salt to it. Cook until tender and then sieve it from water. Put a pan on flame and put ½ tsp of oil, add the vegetables, spaghetti and the red pasta sauce(homemade sauce: in one tsp oil add some crushed or grinded garlic cloves, sauté it for a minute on low flame and then add 2-3 tomato puree, ½ tsp of oregano, red chilli powder and salt to taste. Sauté it for another 2 minutes and the sauce is ready).

Switch off the flame just after mixing the above ingredients and then add a few lemon drops, a pinch of lemon zest and garnish with paneer and olives.

Serve warm……………… : ) agoodstuff

Roasted Cabbage Wedges

Cabbage wedge salad is one of my favorite roasted salads which you might have seen, but, the below one is a twist with mustard and cheese. I prepared this on last Saturday in a family get-together and believe me it was an eye catcher and was real yummmmmmmmmmmm.
 

This would be fantastic dish next to a main course or as a lighter lunch option also. Either way, if you are a cream cheese mustard fan, you'll likely love this, so be sure to give it a try.

Cabbage wedges salad ( serves 2):

Ingredients:

1 big cabbage cut into small wedges

Mustard sauce (2 table spoons)

Chaat masala ( as per taste)

Black pepper (as per taste)

Bread crumps(4 breads grinded for ½ a minute)

Spread cheese or cream cheese (2 -3 table spoons)

Oil ( 1 tsp)

Add the cabbage wedges in a baking dish and then sprinkle bread crumps, chaat masala, pepper and 1 table spoon of cheese and then add another layer of bread crumps and sprinkle again chaat masala, pepper , cheese and mustard sauce. Add 2-3 drops of oil over the crumps and place the dish in the owen.  Roast at 350F for 15-20 mins (till the bread crumps starts turning golden brown) and then serve hot.

Happy Veggie Baking……………………………………………. : ) agoodstuff

 

 

Fabric Button : DIY

I was always fascinated towards fabric buttons. A few days back only, my aunt told me an easy way to make them at home without any market supplies. That was the moment and I made many at home for my daughter’s frocks and other accessories.

 

“Fabric button” is a fun and the most simple fabric project and the only things required are: a needle, thread, a fabric and a button (recycle old clothes buttons).

Cut a square fabric of your choice, place your button in the middle and mark a circle at 1and1/2 inches from the button and finally cut it into a circle shape.

Now make a thread circle with needle as shown in the figure.

Finally pull the threads from the both ends and cut the extra thread.

Fabric button is ready to be incorporated in your other designed products…………agoodstuff : )

Green beans with garlic & sesame

This Sunday, I was just looking for a little variety in green beans, since we have made these only with potato or with rice for biryani’s or pulao’s. I tried a thai recipe this time and the final product was this delicious, flavorful and super healthy side dish that got absolutely devoured at lunch on Sunday.

Ingredients: Green beans, 1sp grated carrot Garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, dry coriander powder, red chilli, oil and salt.

Recipe:  Chop the ends of the beans and put them aside. Blanching process: Boil plain water and at the point of bubbles showing up, add the beans and a little salt to it. Boil the beans for 2-3 mins only and take them out of water before they change their color. Yes, we need the green of the beans do not over cook them.

Peel and chop garlic & ginger in 2: 1 ratio ( more garlic and less ginger). Now put a pan on the flame and add a little bit of oil. Add garlic and ginger to it and keep stirring. Now, add beans before the garlic turns brown.  Sprinkle grated carrot, coriander powder, red chilli, sesame seeds ( a pinch only)  and again keep stirring for 2 mins.

 ( optional: You can also add soya sauce and crushed peanuts at the time of serving).

Serve warm as a side dish……………………… :  ) agoodstuff

Mango Lassi with a twist

Beat the heat with this cool and refreshing summer drink.

All you need is a mango, 1/2 cup curd and an orange. Blend the mango pulp and curd with a little sugar. And finally add a tinge ( 3-4 spoons) of orange juice to make it more tangy and refreshing. Serve it chilled by adding crushed ice.

 

 

Ummmmmm……….totally irresistible……my kiddos favorite...........................  : ) agoodstuff

 

Mango Shrikhand

 

When the mercury rises, cool down yourself with great indulgent delicious chilled creamy deserts. This healthy treat will definitely help to fulfill your summery sweet cravings.

 

 

Ingredients: Mango, Sweet Hung curd, Powdered sugar, nuts (pistachios, almonds and raisins).

Make a mango pulp and add powdered sugar to it. Cool it down in refrigerator. Now, add the nuts to the Sweet hung curd(wrap the curd in a muslin cloth and hang it until all the water is squeezed out of it  and then add powdered sugar to it) and chill it too. While serving, first place the hung curd mixture at the bottom and then add mango pulp to it. Dressing of this desert can be done with the sweet hung curd.

 

 

This desert should be served chilled to enjoy the tangy taste of mango and curd in a balanced way………… : ) agoodstuff

 

POM POM DIY

Small little embellishments which can be used in your crafts for a beautiful color splash, can be made at home with little effort. Lets DIY small cutie colorful balls of happiness:

Material: Wool, scissor, cardboard

1.Cut two large circles out of a cardboard
and make  inner circles in them as shown.

Place both the cardboard circles one over another.

Now tie a knot with the wool and wrap the wool as shown below:

Now , cut the wool between the two discs of cards , tie a knot with a string between the discs and then pull the discs apart .

 

Trim the pom pom with your scissors to make it neat and even.

Make larger pom pom by increasing disc size and keeping inner circle smaller and increasing the wrapping rounds  (by 3-4 )of wool as shown below:

Beautiful POM POM Crafts Ideas

1. Flower Decor

For Tutorial: http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/07/pom-pom-ball-with-yarn/

2. Pom Pom Caterpillar

For Tutorial: http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2010/03/pom-pom-critters-for-pesach-or-anytime.html

3. Cute Little Angry Birds

For Tutorial: http://www.alannageorge.com/2013/03/26/how-to-angry-bird-craft-and-treat/

4. Watermelon Rug

For Tutorial: http://rhelena.hubpages.com/hub/Free-Craft-Projects

5. Blue Little Birdie

For Tutorial: http://www.ruralmom.com/2013/05/adventures-in-pompom-land-craft-diy.html

Make cute little creatures and even bigger crafts like rugs, separators, door hangings etc…...........................................….happy crafting……………agoodstuff  : )

Pencil Pouch DIY

Its summer time and the kids are all set to go back to school for new sessions. Let’s make something special for the kids and let them take pride in saying, " My mommy made this for me"…

Style 1 for Top chain Fabric Pencil case 

 

 

Material:

Two Cloth pieces (one for the outer side and the stronger & darker one for innerside (use your scraps leftover)
A zipper (you can always purchase a longer zipper and shorten it, just follow the directions on the package.
Scissor, needle, lace and a patch cut out of old cloth(for decoration purpose)

Seriously, the most time consuming part for me was picking out the correct fabric and cutting them, the rest goes pretty easy. So, Let’s go…

1. Place both the cloths one over other to see the size ( the length of the cloth should be 4 inches more than the regular pencil length).  

 

2. Attach the decorative patch with thread and needle. Attach the lace in the middle of the cloth by sewing it.

3. Open the zip and sew one at the top and the other at the bottom of the cloth as shown below.

4. Now, fold the cloth from the centre and sew the sides along with zip(put the metal part inside of the zip before sewing).

 

5. Turn the inside out of the pouch and remove the extra threads and finally iron it up.

 

 

 

Style 2 Top Buttoned Fabric Pencil case 

 

 

 

 

This pouch is made from a single thick white cloth on which a ribbon is attached at the bottom and a small pocket  is attached on a side that is supposed to be the top. Then the cloth is folded (to bring the inner sides out)and sewed from side and bottom. Finally a flip is attached at the top with fabric made button.

Fabric button is attached on the flip and the simple snap button is used for closing purpose. (Fabric buttons can be made easily at home). At the top, the sides are also folded inside with help of snap buttons.

Attach Scooby strings or attractive key-chains to make it more stylish……………… agoodstuff :)

BODY CLEANSING WITH FRUIT JUICES

Incorporate fresh fruits and juices in your diets to beat the stressfull and high calorie weekends.

 

           

 

DETOXIFICATION WITH JUICES

1.        Beetroot and Pineapple Juice

Simply  blend   the  beetroot  and  pine apple  pieces  ( in  a  ratio  of 1:4  respectively) with  some  chilled  water,  until  smooth. Strain it and be ready to detox your body.

                  (Beetroot is rich in minerals like magnesium, iron & potassium along with vitamins: A, B6, C; folic acid and antioxidants.)

2.                Carrot, Apple & Beetroot Juice

Take peeled carrot,  apple and  beetroot chunks  in  3:1:1/2  ratios  respectively  and  blend  it  with  ½  spoon  of  grated ginger  and little  chilled water. Strain it  with  little quantity of chilled  water (if required).

(High fiber veggies keep the digestive track moving with calming effects of ginger)

3.                  Watermelon and Mint juice

Simply  cut  pieces  of watermelon  in  a  juicer / blender and blend  till  it  becomes  watery,  add  a  few  leaves  of  mint and  blend  again  for  2 secs.

(Watermelon has a lot of lycopene and is high in vitamin A, vitamin C and magnesium along with lots of fibre.)

4.                Cucumber and celery juice

Blend cucumber pieces and then add peeled apple chunks and celery pieces to it in ratios of 3:2:1 respectively). A smooth healthy detox treat is ready to drink.

(Celery is rich in Vitamin B complex & sodium. Cucumber is an antioxidant with lots of vitamin K. Apple is rich in fructose which regulates blood sugar.)

5.                Pears, Apple and Cherry Juice

Combine  a  mixture  of  three  nice  tasting  chunks  of pears, apple  and  cherries  (in equal quantities) in a blender  and  an  excellent  feel  better drink  is  ready.

(This juice is rich in vitamin A, B complex, vitamin C and E along with lutein which strengthens the bone and is age defying.)

6.                Kiwi, Grapefruit and Orange Juice

Blend  kiwi,  grapefruit  and  oranges  in  1:1/2: 2  ratios respectively and a delicious unique taste of drink is ready.

(An immune booster juice full of vitamins.)

Healthy living………..agoodstuff  : )

Til Ladoo(Sesame seed ladoo)

Happy Sankranti

 Til Ladoo, a famous maharastrian and rajasthani sweet recipe that people prefer to eat in winters because it comes under warm food categories, is

the healthy recipe of the month.

You will be amazed to see the nutritional value of til:

·         A handful of sesame seeds contain calcium more than a glass of milk, prevent osteoporosis to a greater extent.

·         The sesamolin and sesamin in sesame seeds protect against cardiovascular disorders and diseases.

·         The high copper content in sesame seeds prevents and give relief in arthritis and strengthens the bones and joints

·         Til oil is known for its medicinal properties for massage on joints for elderly specially in winters.

 Lets make some ladoos at home today within 10 minutes. 

Til Ladoos are made with til(sesame seeds) and jaggery (gur).

Such a simple list of ingredients…right. (some people add roasted peanuts

 and a bit of oil to it)

Take equal quantities of crushed gur and grinded( softly for sec) sesame

seeds. Roast the seeds in a pan/ kadhai till it turns very light brown and

then add jaggery (gur) to it. Mix both the ingredients properly and then

 switch off the flame and cover the pan with lid for a few minutes(2-3

minutes) (to settle down gur with seeds). Make ladoos(small balls) of this

mixture with hands while its warm and then let them cool. Once they are

cool they can’t  be reworked so do a bit of hurry while making them.

Enjoy Sankranti with til ladoos………………: ) agoodstuff