Cooking Time

2014-03-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

Instant Moong Dal Halwa(yellow)

Ingredients for Moong Dal Halwa

Moong dal powder 100 grams
Desi Ghee 100 grams
Condensed milk 50 grams
Sugar 140 grams
Milk 1 cup
Dry fruits (almond,chasew nuts, raisins etc -1/4 cup)

Recipie

Heat ghee in a thick -bottomed pan and add the moong dal power and saute , stirring continuously,over low heat till the dal powder turn brown.
Add sugar and saute for one minute
Add milk and mixed it well when milk fully absorbed then add condensed milk and saute it for two minutes.
Pour it into serving dish and decorate with dry fruits

Tip : If halwa leave the pan it means it will completely cook.

Heat ghee in a thick-bottomed pan and add the ground moong dal and sauté, stirring continuously, over low heat till the dal turns golden brown - See more at: http://sanjeevkapoor.com/moong-dal-halwa.aspx#sthash.35HGXaeM.dpuf

2014-01-01T01:34:00.000-08:00

Kaju ke barfi

Ingredients:

Cashewnuts 250 grams

Sugar                     300 grams
Rose essence(optional)    1/3 teaspoon
Silver warq(optional)     for decoration

Method:

Grind Cashewnuts to a fine powder.
Take a pan on the flame add sugar and sufficient amount of water to make a thick syrup of sugar.
Add cashewnuts powder in the sugar syrup and mix it well till the mixture leave the pan.
Remove it from the flame.
Immediately mix the rose essence and quickly turn onto a greased marble or wooden surface.
Quickly roll thinly with a greased roller.
Cut it into diamond shaped or another shape you like.
Store in an airtight container when cold.

2013-12-17T02:01:00.000-08:00

Other Spices

1. Black Pepper

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae,cultivated for its fruits, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning.The hot water serves to clean the peppercorns and to rupture their skin, which speeds the work of browning enzymes as the fruit is dried.The peppercorns are either left in the sun to dry or dried by machine. The skin becomes dark and wrinkled and the fruit hardens during the drying process.
Black pepper is made from the unripe, green fruit of the pepper plant, which is cooked in hot water, then dried.
Black pepper is hot and pungent, white pepper is hot but less aromatic.
It contains potassium, magnesium, iron, vitamin K and vitamin C.
Black pepper helps in treating diseases caused due to bacteria.The stomach ailments like dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation and diarrhea are also treated with black pepper.
Pepper is a natural decongestant.The spice is also acts as a remedy for cough and cold. The antibacterial properties of black pepper are used for treating respiratory disorders
Black pepper acts as an anti-depressant and stimulates the nervous system.

Ripe Peeper( Black) / Unripe Pepper(white)

_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Carom Seeds(ajwain)

Scientific name: Trachyspermum copticum. This is used for tempering flavouring in food and also used as a medcine ajwain belongs to the Apiaceae family of plants. When distilled, Ajwain produces Thymol. It has been used for ages past as a medicinal ingredient in Ayurveda!
Good source for digestion. Chew by itself or with a little sugar to make it more palatable in its raw form.
Boil a cup of water with 1 tbsp of Ajwain till the water is reduced to half its original volume. Drink this water. Useful for indigestion,dysentry.
Ajwain oil is used for rheumatic pain.
Mix one teaspoon of ajwain with one teaspoon of jeera (cumin) and boil them in a glass of water. Drink this whenever there is an attack of acidity for instant relief
Sniffing the fumes of ajwain or applying its paste on the head helps relieve the pain due to migraines.


Carom (ajwain)

_________________________________________________________________________________

3. Black Cardamom(Badi Elaichi or Kali Elaichi)

Black cardamom, also known as hill cardamom, Bengal cardamom and Indian cardamom.
Black cardamoms are usually dried using a strong flame, and so they usually end up tasting quite raunchy and smoky.
Black cardamom is one of the components of the popular spice mixture Garam Masala.
It is largely used in savory dishes ranging from curries, stews and daals (lentil dishes) to pilafs, in Indian cooking.
Mostly used whole to fully release its flavors and aroma.
It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc
Black Cardamom has been used to treat various stomach ailments, common infections and dental problems. It is also chewed as a mouth freshener.

Black Cardamon

_________________________________________________________________________________

4. Green Cardamom(Choti Elaichi)

known as "Choti Elaichi" with unique camphor-like aroma and excellent healing properties. The spice can be crushed and used in foods to enhance the flavour of the dishes.
green cardamom is highly anti carcinogenic.That is preventing the spread of cancer.
Green cardamom seeds, powder and even oil can bolster our digestion and give us relief from flatulence.
Green cardamom powder has a deep positive impact on our nervous system when consumed with honey
Mixing green cardamom and cinnamon can do magic for sore throat.
In winter improves blood circulation and keeps our entire body warm.
Good source for relief headache, exhaustion and depression.
Green cardamom is one of the most powerful antioxidant herbs that work as detox and cleanse our body Internally.
It is also useful for enhance our liver functions and keep our blood free from all types of impurities.
This pungent spice may help prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms

Green Cardamon

_________________________________________________________________________________
5. Cloves(Luong)

Cloves are the aromatic flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae.
The clove tree is an evergreen growing to 8–12 m tall, having large leaves and sanguine flowers grouped in terminal clusters.
Cloves have strong, sweet aroma and hot, pungent taste.
Cloves have been used in India for thousands of years, not only in cooking, but to sweeten the breath and to relieve the pain of toothache.
A tea that contains cloves can help you kick a respiratory infection.
Clove helps for clearing acne and blemishes.It is a natural antiseptic that balances the skin.

Cloves

Clove on plant

_________________________________________________________________________________
6. Cinnamon (Dalchni)

Cinnamon is a spice obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is used in both sweet and savoury foods.
Cinnamon bark is widely used as a spice. It is principally employed in cookery as a condiment and flavouring material.
It is also used in the preparation of chocolate.
Cinnamon regulates blood sugar.
It reduces LDL(harmful) cholesterol levels.
It reduces pain linked to arthritis.
It is a natural food preservative.
Effective in menstrual pain.
It has natural anti-infectious compounds.

Cinnamon

__________________________________________________________________________________

7. Nutmeg (Jaiphal)

The nutmeg tree is any of several species of trees in genus Myristica. The most important commercial species is Myristica fragrans, an evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia.
The nutmeg tree is important for two spices derived from the fruit: nutmeg and mace.
Nutmeg is used to add sweet and savory flavor to dishes such as pies, custards, puddings, cakes, soufflés, vegetables, egg dishes, lamb, and fish, and beverages.
Nutmeg used as a medicinal spice that brings relief from digestive problems.
Nutmeg keeps the brain sharp! It contains a natural organic compound called myristicin, which is known to shield your brain against degenerative disease.
The essential oil of nutmeg brings relief from muscular and joint pain.
Nugmeg is used for skin care , it reduces scars and alleviating acne.
Home remedy for skin care: (Just a little nutmeg, ground and mixed with water or honey into a paste, can make skin look clearer and brighter within a few days).

Nutmeg

_________________________________________________________________________________

8. Mace(Jayitri)

Mace is a spice made from the waxy red covering that surrounds nutmeg seeds. The flavor is similar to that of nutmeg,.
It is called Jayitri in Hindi.
Mace is strongly aromatic, warm, fresh, and nutty flavor.
It carries a stimulating effect on stomach and intestines, increasing appetite and reducing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a helpful remedy for many other digestive problems.
Mace is extremely rich in important B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A.
Mace is antiseptic in nature and is an important ingredient in several toothpastes. It effectively cures toothaches, aching gums, and bad breath.
Oil is extracted from bay leaves and is used in the treatment of paralysis, muscle pain, arthritis and flu.

Mace(Jayitri)

_______________________________________________________________________________

9. Bay Leaves (Tej patta)

Indian bay leaf, Malabar leaf, Indian cassia, Indian cassia bark or Tamala cassia. It is a tough, three-veined leaf that is popular in India and used in Indian cooking and for preparing perfumes.
It is called Tej Patta in Hindi.
The flavor and fragrance is similar to the cinnamon bark but slightly milder.
Bay leaves are lightly roasted and ground and added to the special Indian spice mix – Garam Masala.
The ground leaves are more aromatic than the whole dry bay leaf.
Medicinal Properties of Tej Patta or bay leaf has antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, carmiative, diaphoretic, diuretic and astringent properties. Bay leaves are rich in vitamin C and contain minerals like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium.
Bay leaf helps in the treatment of diabetes, migraine, gastric ulcers, abdominal pain, colic pain, bacterial and fungal infection and high blood pressure. It maintains the sugar level of blood, pulse rate and blood pressure.
Oil is extracted from bay leaves and is used in the treatment of paralysis, muscle pain, arthritis and flu.

Bay Leaves(Tej Patta)

____________________________________________________

10. Mustard Seed(Raai)

Mustard seeds are from the mustard plant, which belongs to the Cruciferous plant family.
Mustard seeds are the small round seeds of various mustard plants. The seeds are usually about 1 or 2 mm in diameter.
The mustard seeds used in Indian cooking, are tiny and black or dark brown in color.
They are important spices in many regional foods.
The seeds have a faint spicy smell much like curry leaves.
Tadka or Tempering is a cooking method in which cooking oil is heated till very hot and whole spices are added to it and fried.
Mustard powder used in Prickle(such green chilly prickle,mixed vegetable prickle).


Mustard Seeds(Raai)

____________________________________________________

11. Onion Seeds(Kalonji)

Kalonji is also called nigella.
Kalonji is used for flavoring to a variety of traditional foods.
Kalonji seeds are about the same size as sesame seeds.
Kalonji seeds are main ingredient in Unripe Mango Prickle.
Its used for Facial paralysi, Asthma, Male pattern baldness and Common cold.
It is best for all skin problems like freckles/brown spots, pimples and skin dullness.
Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) Benefits for Menstrual Cramp.

Onion Seeds(Kalonji)

2013-09-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

Spices Used In Indian Foods

1. Chilies(Mirch) :

It is the hottest spice.

Green chili is a staple of Indian and South American diets .

Green chili is mainly used as a spice in food, although it is included in some medicines. It yields an oil that is viscous, sharp and pungent, and can also serve as a seasoning.

The fresh green chili is rich in Vitamin C, while the red chili is rich in Vitamin A.Green chilies contain Vitamins B and E also, and is low on calories (due to very low amounts of fat and cholesterol).

A good source of Potassium and Iron.

It helps dissolve blood clots and aids in digestion.

They are excellent medicines for lungs as they act as decongestants.Chilies seem to have an anti-inflammatory property and have also been found to protect the lung tissue.

Chillies are also good in B-complex group of vitamins.

Red Chilli

Red Chilli Powder

Green Chilli

2. Tumeric(Haldi) :

Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.

Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a very common herb.Its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color.

It gives colour. It is used as antiseptic in home remedy.

The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes.

Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels.

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric contains a substance known as lipopolysaccharide, which helps stimulate the body’s immune system.

Turmeric

Turmeric Powder

3. Coriander(Dhaniya) :

Coriander, also known as cilantro, Chinese parsley or dhania, is an annual herb in the family Apiaceae. Coriander is native to regions spanning from southern Europe and North Africa to southwestern Asia. It is a soft plant growing to 50 cm tall.

This is also commonly used in indian food . It is used for flavoring the food. Its Green leaves used for garnish the food and also used for chutney's.

Coriander seeds as well as fresh coriander leaves help in healthy digestion. It has anti-oxidant properties which promotes healthy functioning of the liver and bowel movements. It helps in the production of digestive enzymes and juices.

Coriander is a rich source of many essential vitamins like folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, Iron and beta carotene.

Coriander is quite effective for curing various skin diseases like eczema, itchy skin, rashes and inflammation.

It also helps to cure mouth ulcers and sores. Gargle with boiled coriander water to reduce and cure mouth ulcers.

It can also be used as a cure for itchy skin and rashes. Make a paste of coriander seeds with a little bit of water and add a teaspoon of honey. Apply this paste over the itchy skin for instant relief.

Green Coriander

Coriander Seeds

Coriander Powder

4. Salt(Namak) :

Salt is a mineral substance composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of ionic salts.

Salt is essential to the health of people and animals and is used universally as a seasoning

Most Important ingredient for any food.It gives salty flavour to the food . If it is not then all spices are worth less.
Eggs boiled in salted water peel more easily .
Use salt and soda water to clean and sweeten the inside of your refrigerator. It won't scratch enamel either.

White Salt Crystal

White Salt Power

Black Salt(Kalanamak)

Kalanamak Powder

5. Astafotida(Hing) :

This spice is used as a digestive substance in food and pickles. It typically works as a flavor enhancer.

Crystal Hing

Hing Powder

6. Fennel Seeds(Saunf) : It is a highly aromatic and flavorful herb.It is used after meal for mouth freshener and for digestion.

Fennel Seeds

Fennel Powder

7. Fenugreek(Methi) : It is uses as a herb, spice and vegetable.The seeds are used in the preparation of pickles, vegetable dishes, daals and spice mixes. Fenugreek seeds are used both whole and in powdered form and are often roasted to reduce their bitterness and enhance their flavor.Its dry leaves give an aroma and flavor.

Fresh Fenugreek

Fenugreek Seeds

Dry Fenugreek

8. Cumin Seed(Jeera) : Cumin seeds are used as a spice for their distinctive flavor and aroma.Its helps in digestion.In Ayurvedic system of medicine,dried Cumin seeds are used for medicinal purposes. It is known for its actions like enhancing appetite, taste perception, digestion, vision, strength, and lactation. It is used to treat diseases like fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal distension, edema and puerperal disorders.

Cumin Seed

Cumin Powder

2013-08-31T01:15:00.000-07:00

Cooking Measurement for Daily Use

For Dry Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon    =   3 teaspoons = 14.2 Grams

2. 1/8 cup =   2 tablespoons      = 18.2 Grams

3. 1/4 cup       = 4 tablespoons = 56.7 Grams

4. 1/3 cup           = 5 1/3 tablespoons = 75.6 Grams

5. 1/2 cup     = 8 tablespoons       = 113.4 Grams

6. 3/4 cup       = 12 tablespoons      = 170 Grams

7. 2 cups            = 32 tablespoons      = 453 Grams

8. 4 cups            = 64 tablespoons      = 907 Grams

===================================================================

For Liquid Ingredients

1.    1 cup        = 237 ml

2.    2 cups      = 474 ml

3.    4 cups      = 946 ml

====================================================================

Common Baking Measurement

Butter -     1 Stick     = 4 oz.
                    4 oz.          = 113 grams
                    113 grams    = 8 tablespoon
2 cups        = 454 grams

Cake Flour, sifted -   1lb. = 4 1/ 4 cups

Bread Flour    ¹sifted - 1lb. = 4 cups

Sugar,   ²granulated -   1lb. = 2 1/4 cups

Cornstarch, Unsifted - 1lb. = 3 1/2 cups

Baking Soda/Baking Powder - 1 oz. = 2 tablespoon

Cocoa Powder - 1 lb = 5cups

Salt - 1 oz = 4 tablespoon

1 To put (flour, for example) through a sieve or other straining device in order to separate

the fine from the coarse particles.

2. A coarsely ground white sugar.