Healthy Recipes | GOQii

December 24, 2018 By Harpreet Kaur Leave a Comment

7 Healthy Indian Drinks

There are only so many times you can say, “Just water for me, thanks,” Water is a healthy and safe bet, sure. In fact, it can’t be beaten. No drink can match water, isn’t it? Water is a panacea for many health problems

70 % body is comprised of water. There are innumerable benefits of having water. It promotes weight loss, boosts immunity, increases brain power, prevents hair fall, renders glowing skin, helps in clearing the gut, removes toxins from the body and many more.

So what do you do when you want more options but don’t want to stray from the healthy side of things? Luckily, there are actually several beverages that can do you one favour or another while spicing up your waterlogged palette.

In this blog, I am going to talk about the healthiest drinks in India. Some of them are my absolute favourites and I include them in my diet throughout the year. Not only these drinks are tasty and easy to make but also offer numerous health benefits

From digestion related problems to skin issues, hair fall issues to serious problems of kidney, liver and heart, these drinks serve as pure nectar for the body.

There are sometimes when we feel like drinking something hot and cool, sweet and salty, morning and evening, summer and winters. I have chosen some most versatile health drinks

The SEVEN health drinks you must try are:

Starting with # 7 RAGI MALT

Ragi Malt Drink

If you are looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, try this one. Considering the nutritional and therapeutic value of Finger millet or Ragi for the human body, it is quite surprising and unfortunate that it is totally absent in most people’s diets today. 2 years ago, I read about it and even heard about the benefits and started having it regularly, since then this drink has been a part of my routine.

Quick Recipe:

Ragi flour 3-4 tsp in a bowl with a little bit water poured in it which should be enough to make a paste of it.
Then boil 1 cup of water and rock salt according to the taste and add ragi paste
Keep stirring it for 2-3 mins, once it cools down to add some lemon juice 1/2 and some curd (50 gms) in it.
Mix it well and your drink is ready, you can even have this in your breakfast when you are running late for work or it is a rescuer for people who have excuses to skip breakfast especially for the weight watchers.

Benefits:

Gluten free

Rich in Fibre

High in Calcium

Amino acids

Minerals

Vitamin D

# 6 Turmeric Milk

Turmeric Milk

We all must have tried it in our childhood or otherwise due to its anti-inflammatory properties but this turmeric milk recipe is quite different especially in winters.

Recipe:

1 glass of milk to boil (200gms)
On boiling it add ½ tsp of turmeric
Add a pinch of black pepper and ¼ tsp of Cow Ghee
Let it boil with all these ingredients

Turmeric has antibacterial and viral properties and is considered a super herb since ancient times. The purpose of adding Black pepper helps in absorbing the turmeric in the body. The combination of ghee+ milk= pre nectar (acts as a panacea for many health problems) keep infections at bay this winter. Have it before 1 hour of going to bed.

Benefits

*Excellent Body detoxifier

*Blood purifier

*Cleanses Blood vessels

*Flushes out the toxins

*Kills Cancer cells

*Anti-ageing

*Improves Skin Tone

# 5 Buttermilk or Chaas

ButterMilk

Do you feel bloated after having heavy or spicy meals or feel thirsty through the day? Then it’s a must-have for people with weak digestion made in a traditional way. It helps you getting relief from all digestive and stomach related issues

Authentic recipe:

In a blender add coriander leaves, mint leaves some ginger, curd, a pinch of asafoetida, rock salt, black salt and water.
Blend them all
Next step is flame 1tsp of ghee and add few cumin seeds in it and 1-2 curry leaves
Let them splutter and later pour it on buttermilk and enjoy!

Benefits

* Rich in Vit B and Calcium

* Probiotics

* Try having this buttermilk post lunch for maximum benefit

#4 Lemon Honey Water

lemonhoneywater

One of the most popular drinks amongst the weight watchers and an excellent detoxifier. Some people complain that it causes a sore throat and acidity and is not that effective too. Which can be due to some common mistakes that people make while preparing it

Mistake 1> putting too much water and just 1 lemon to avoid acidity and increase water intake

Mistake 2 >Putting honey in hot water which may act against your body

To reap the maximum results out of it drink it early morning on empty stomach to see the miraculous results

Recipe:

200 ml lukewarm water, mix the juice of 1 lemon and 1tbsp honey
Do not gulp it, gradually sip it down and finish it

Benefits

The citric acid in Lemon flushes out the toxins
Clears skin
Shrinks fat cells
Aids digestion
Detoxifies the body
Cleanses the blood
Boosts immunity

#3 Coconut water

Fresh_coconut_water

This is a natural energy drink detoxifies the body. Ideally, the right time to drink it before 12 noon for max benefit. And, even after an intensive workout session to hydrate our body. As it is a great mother nature’s Sports drink

Benefits:

Biologically pure
Has potassium equal to 4 bananas
Perfect electrolyte balance
Prevents hypertension

# 2 Sugarcane juice

Sugarcane Juice

It is an answer to people who have sweet tooth and crave for something sweet to drink especially in summers. It is the tastiest and healthiest of many juices, not only low in Glycaemic index is recommended to diabetics as well. It is a super juice among all other fruit juices. It is rich in nutrients as well. Adding ginger and mint to it will even more improve your digestion!

Benefits

Rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants
It cures a Common cold and boosts immunity
Fights fever and other infections too
Boosts energy
Strengthens liver
Relieves constipation
Removes Bad breath and Tooth Decay

#1 Carrot Milk

carrot milk It’s a number one drink to try especially in winters and it’s already around. It works as a natural health supplement which can be taken from children to adults to old age

Recipe:

1 Medium sized grated carrot
Half boil the carrot in a half cup of water
Post that adds 200ml of milk in it
Let the water evaporate and we would have a powerful health supplement ready

Benefits

Improves eyesight especially for people who work in front of gadgets for long hours
Relief from dark circles
For glowing skin
Increases strength
Clears vitamin deficiencies

Have it at least 2-3 times a week, if you want you can have it every day, anytime

If you wish to sweeten it, you can some jaggery powder or some honey

Honourable Mention:

Whenever you feel like drinking something Drink water! The best way is to keep it in a copper vessel on a wooden surface and keep it overnight and drink first thing in the morning and don’t pour it in other utensil and drink it straight from the copper vessel to multiply the nutrients in it.

I believe all the above drinks are very convenient and can be added in our fast-paced busy lives, as looking good is not enough- feeling good is what matters.

December 22, 2018 By Richi Seth Leave a Comment

Low Fat Christmas and New Year Eve Recipes

It’s that time of the year when you reconnect with your loved ones for celebrations such as singing carols, dancing etc, it’s the Jingle bells season. As we are nearing the closure of this year, I am drowned in sweet memories of Christmas Celebrations at school and with my friends and family. It’s a time to gorge on some festive food. But, the dilemma with most is how do you gorge on food and yet keep it healthy.

After pondering over the last few days here are some recipes which I have planned for my Christmas and New Year Eve’s party.

To start with here is a yummy soup recipe to stimulate the taste buds

1. Cauliflower and Leek soup

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 leeks, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 cauliflower, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks, carrot and onion. Stir a little and cover and let the leeks cook till they’re soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the cauliflower and stir to coat. Turn heat to high.
Add a little water, basil and bring to the boil, then cover and let simmer on low heat.
Puree the soup with a hand blender.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
A dash of nutmeg helps in stimulating taste buds.

Nutritional Value: Low-calorie soup rich in folic acid and soluble fibre. Basil and nutmeg act as super foods for immunity building.

Stir-fried green beans: An accompaniment to the soup

Ingredients:

100 gms Green French beans
1tsp extra virgin olive oil
Sesame seeds
Grounded pepper
Rock salt
Oregano

Method:

Heat oil in a pan
Add sesame seeds and allow them to splutter
Add the beans and sauté
Put some salt, pepper and cover the lid
Cook for 5-7min until a little soft yet the bite remaining
Sprinkle some oregano and serve

Nutritional Value: The best side dish. Full of fibre, protein and low-calorie snack.

Chicken, kale and sprouts stir fry

Ingredients:

100 gm kale
2 lean chicken breasts shredded
2 tsp sesame oil
1-inch ginger shredded
Red pepper thinly sliced
Handful Brussel sprouts
1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 lemon juice and lemon zest

Method:

Cook kale along with a good splash of water and cook for 1-2 mins until soft yet a little bite remaining, then cool under running water to keep the colour.
Add half the oil and cook the chicken strips until brown, then remove and set aside.
Heat the remaining oil and fry the ginger, pepper and sprouts until soft a little.
Add all the above together and tip in the soy, lime zest and juice. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Value: A good combination of lean protein and fibre. Adding ginger and lemon makes it digestive. A good recipe for a snack or salad or as a main course with some brown

Whole wheat flour and Ragi cake:

How can a party be without a dessert? Ditch the calorie-laden and not so healthy maida and give a twist to the cake.

Ingredients:

Ragi Flour-3/4 cup
Wheat Flour-1/4 cup+1 tsp
Baking Soda-1 Tsp
Jaggery-1/2 cup
Palm Sugar-1/2 cup
Oil-1/4 cup
Curd-1/tsp
Water-1/4 cup
Banana-2(Ripe)
Raisins-15
Badam-8
Butter-1 tbsp

Method:

1. Remove gasket and whistle of the cooker and keep it in low flame. This is to bring the preheat effect of the oven. (20 – 25 minutes would do)
Heat water in a saucepan and add jaggery (powdered/grated) and palm sugar and let it dissolve and filter.
Mash banana and leave aside
In a bowl sieve both the flours together and add 1 tsp of baking soda and mix well.
In another bowl add the jaggery + palm sugar mixture, mashed banana, curd, oil and beat them well.
To this add the flour mixture and beat/mix well.
Add the raisins and almonds and mix well.
Grease the tin and pour the mixture
Place a stand/plate inside the cooker and then place the cake tin.
Close it and let it cook for 5 minutes in medium flame.
After 5 minutes keep the flame slow and let it cook for 30-40 minutes.
Use a toothpick to check if the cake is completely cooked. When you prick the cake deep inside the toothpick will come out clean when the cake is completely cooked.

Nutritional Value: Low calorie with the goodness of calcium from ragi. Have it guilt free.

Crusty pita bread and chickpeas: A quick and less cooking involved snack

Ingredients:

Pita bread or a multigrain bread
Boiled chickpeas
Chopped onions, coriander, green chillies
Lemon zest and lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Other herb seasonings

Method:

In a bowl mix all the above ingredients and set aside.
Toast the pita or the multigrain bread.
Put this mixture and have it like that or can toast them in a sandwich.

Nutritional Value: Low-calorie protein rich and good carbs snack.

Christmas Balls: These amazing small balls will give a twist to the party

Ingredients:

Dark chocolate
Dry fruits mix(coarsely ground)
Honey
Sesame seeds(for coating)

Method:

Take a bar of dark chocolate and make it melt in a hot water bath(Boil some water and keep the second bowl in hot water and put the chocolate bar)
Now put all the ingredients together except the sesame seeds and make small balls.
Now coat these balls with sesame seeds when still wet.

Nutritional Value: Have these with no hesitation as it is full of antioxidants and the richness of dry fruits.

Hope these party ideas are a hit at your Christmas party. The recipes are low calorie, nutritive, easy to make and So enjoy the party guilt-free with these yummy healthy preparations.

December 21, 2018 By Zeba Masroor Leave a Comment

4 Healthy recipes for Christmas and New Year

Festivities always puts one in a dilemma what to eat and what not to eat and secondly how much to eat. It’s seldom hard to resist good food.

Are you looking for something nutritive as well as healthy for this Christmas and New Year?

Well, then we have 4 healthy recipes for you to try this Christmas and New Year. They are easy to cook and delicious and not to forget very healthy too.

Gourmet Almond Eyes (Almond Cookies)

It does not matter for whom you are making it. Whether it is for your beloved, for your Granny or your family and friends! these NUTRITIVE Almonds, jam-filled cookie bites will prove to your loved ones how much you care about them and their health.

Let’s check what goes into this very tasty Christmas cookies.

Ingredients:- For about 40 cookies

1/4 organic lemon

200 g (8 oz) flour

150 g (6 oz) butter

100 g (4 oz) sugar

1/2 pack vanilla sugar

1 egg

100 g (4 oz) ground almonds

175 g (7 oz) jam

Method:-

Step 1. Grate the lemon rind. Knead it with flour, butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, the egg, and the almonds to smooth dough.

Step 2. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas 4). Roll out the dough thinly in portions between two sheets of grease-proof paper. Cut out the biscuits. Cut out holes in the centre of half of them. Bake on a baking tray lined with grease-proof paper for about 12 minutes.

Step 3. After they are cooled off, spread jam (e.g. strawberry jam) on those without holes. Place the biscuits with the holes on top. Optionally, sprinkle with icing sugar.

Facts:-

Preparation: 45 minutes

Baking: 12 minutes

Calories per cookie: 60 kcal

2) Christmas Apple Cake–
I really like apples, so I always get several bushels. I eat an apple a day in winter because Apple has so many benefits for our health — the yellowish flesh in nectarines is rich in bioflavonoids, especially carotenoids. These pigments are antioxidants that help to protect against CANCER and other diseases by reducing the cellular damage that is caused when the body burns oxygen. The antioxidant in nectarine which includes Vitamin A, vitamin C and beta-carotene prevent cancer and oral cancer.

Apple also helps to REDUCE WEIGHT –nectarines are low in calorie fruit, which makes it a perfect food for people who want to lose weight. It contains fewer calories with no saturated fat, fibres in apples suppress hunger and aids in weight loss.

Thus Apple is quite nutritive. When there is a get together I love to make apple pie, apple salad or Apple Cake. If you are thinking what to make this CHRISTMAS or New Year, here is a recipe for APPLE CAKE! Apple cake is a moist yummy cake with a rich sweet butter sauce.

Ingredients:-

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/2 chopped walnuts

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 medium tart apples, peeled and grated.

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup cream

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 egg
Method:-
In a mixing bowl put cream butter and sugar and then beat in an egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in apples and walnuts. Pour into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the centre comes out clean.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in sugars and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and keep it on simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over warm cake.
3) Chicken and Bell Pepper Tomato Chilli Stir Fry

Ingredients:-

Chicken breast – 2
Salt and pepper – 1
Cake flour – 1
Red chilli pepper – 1
Vegetable oil – 2 Tsp
Vinegar- 1 tbsp
Sweet chilli sauce – 2 tbsp
Ketchup – 2 tbsp
Bell pepper

Methods

Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper and flour. Coat a frying pan with vegetable oil, add the red chilli pepper, and then fry the chicken until golden. Add the vinegar and steam the chicken.

Chop the bell peppers into 2 cm pieces, add to the frying pan and fry. Season with the sweet chilli sauce And ketchup.

Benefits of chicken:-

The white chicken is a great low-fat source of protein and the B vitamin niacin. Protein is often used in cutting diets and it’s good source of lean protein

4) Christmas Baked Brown Rice Pudding:-

Rice pudding is for those who love homemade food, it has the appeal of homemade comfort food.

Ingredients:-

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups milk

3 beaten eggs

1/3 cups raisins

1 cup uncooked brown rice

1/2 cup white sugar

1 pinch ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:-

Place uncooked rice in a 3-quart saucepan, and add water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine beaten eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well. Stir in rice and raisins. Pour into a baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes; stir pudding and sprinkle with nutmeg. Bake additional 30 minutes or until a knife inserted halfway between the edge and the centre comes out clean. Enjoy warm pudding.
Servings per Recipe: 11
Benefits of brown rice

It lowers the risk of developing diabetes

It’s high in fibres

it’s a good source of madness and selenium

It can prevent weight gain

It can lower cholesterol

It offers many cardiovascular benefits

It reduces the risk of childhood asthma

It promotes bone health.

So do not waste time and try these healthy recipes. It’s a good way to get people to eat these tasty foods that are healthy.

December 14, 2018 By Trupti Vyas (Pandya) 1 Comment

Winter Recipes

Winter has set in and it is that time of the year when our body experiences tremendous changes in energy levels, metabolism and our food preference also changes. Winter is also the season which is full of colorful veggies and fruits in market. Our body needs extra vitamins and minerals to help combat cold weather, illness and to maintain your good health.

Let me share with you some nutritious food ideas that will help boost immunity and maintain energy levels through the day.

Here are 5 healthy dishes which will help you to keep warm on cold days-

Millet Vegetable pan bread (Bajra Dudhi Thepla)-

Ingredients–

(Bajra) Millet flour – 1 cup
Wheat flour – 1 cup
Bottle gourd (Dudhi)- 1 cup (grated)
Curd – 1/3 cup
Oil – ½ cup (to add in flour and roast theplas)
Green coriander – 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
Green chilly – 1-2 (finely chopped)
Ginger paste – 1 tsp
Asafoetida – 1 pinch
Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
Red chilly powder – ¼ tsp
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Sesame seeds – 1 tsp (optional)
Salt – ½ tsp (as per taste)

Preparation

Take out flour in any big utensil. Mix wheat flour in the same bowl. Also add bottle gourd, ginger, green chilly, green coriander, Asafoetida, cumin seeds, red chilly powder, turmeric powder, sesame seeds, salt, 1 tbsp oil and curd. Add 1-2 tbsp water or as per requirement and knead soft dough. Keep aside the dough for 10-15 minutes so that it gets set.

Grease your hand with some oil and knead the dough. Pre-heat the pan (tawa). Take little amount of dough (lemon size) and make a round ball. Take one ball, dust it with dry flour and place it on rolling plate and roll into 6-7 inch diameter bread (thepla).

Place the rolled bread (thepla) on pre-heated pan (tawa) and when color of the bread (thepla) turns darker from surface then flip the side. Spread 1 tsp oil on the upper surface. Flip the side and spread some oil on this side as well. Roast the bread (thepla) on medium flame until it gets brown spots on both sides. Take it of the pan and place it in a plate.

Serve the Millet Vegetable pan bread (BajraLaukiTheplas) with curd (yogurt), Corainder paste or pickle or with any vegetables of your choice.

Suggestion: Mix finely chopped spinach in the flour for making Millet Spinach Breads (Bajra spinach thepla) and add finely chopped fresh fenugreek leaves for making millet fenugreek breads (bajramethitheplas).

Winter special Fenugreek seeds and edible gum sweet balls

Fenugreek seeds gum balls is a traditional recipe which can also be used as an Ayurveda treatment for various ailments, especially during winters. These sweet gum balls are not only known for their medicinal properties but also taste delicious.

These are prepared with Fenugreek seeds mixed with wheat flour and Jaggery. New mothers can have these sweet balls as dietary supplement or to overcome any post-delivery problems. People suffering from joints pain, especially in winters, can have this sweet.

Ingredients-

Fenugreek(methi) seeds- 100gms.
Milk- ½ litre(2-1/2 cup)
Wheat flour-300gm(1-1/2cup)
Ghee- 250gm(1-1/2 cup)
Edible gum (Gond)-100gms- (1/2 cup)
Almonds-30-35.
Black Pepper- 8-10.
Cumin powder-2tsp.
Dry ginger- 2tsp
Green Cardamom- 10-12
Cinnamon-4 pieces.
Nutmeg-2
Jageery-1-1/2cup

Preparation:

Clean Fenugreek (Methi) seeds properly(wash seeds then put them in a thick cotton cloth and leave it in the sun to dry, cloth can be washed and used again). Put clean seeds in a mixer and make a thick paste somewhat similar to flour. Boil milk.

Put the grounded Fenugreek (Methi) in milk and let it soak for 8-10 hours.

Cut almonds into small pieces. Gently crush black pepper(break 1 pepper into 4-5 pieces), crush cinnamon and nutmeg into fine powder. Peel Cardamom (Elaichi) and crush it as well.Pour 1/2 cup clarified butter (Ghee) ina pan, fry soaked (Fenugreek) on a medium flame till it turns light brown and smells good. Remove the mixture in a plate.

Put the remainingclarified butter(Ghee) in the pan and heat, fry Edible gum(Gond) and take it out on a plate(fry Gond on a law flame). Fry flour in leftover Ghee in the pan till it becomes light brown then take it out.

Put 1 tspclarified butter in the pan followed by the pieces ofJaggery(Gur), melt Jageery (Gur) into liquid form (Chashni) on a low flame. Add Cumin (Jeera) powder, Dry Ginger(Sauntth) powder, cut almonds, black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, Cardamom in the Liquid syrup of Jageeryand mix well.

Take little amounts of the mixture, shape it into small balls similar to a lemon and put it on a plate. Keep Fenugreek seeds and edible gum sweet balls (MethiLadoos) in open air for 4-5 hours.

The sweet is ready, keep them in an air tight container and eat one sweet ball every morning or evening with warm milk. This prevents pain in joints, back and pain due to the cold.

CARROT CAKE SNACKS BITE-

Ingredients-

21/4 cups shreddedcarrots
3/4cups date (about 10 large dates)
2/3cups coconut (shredded or flaked)
1/2cups walnuts
1/2cups sunflowerseeds
1 teaspooncinnamon
1/4teaspoons groundginger
1/8cups toasted sesame seeds
1/8cups shreddedcoconut.
1/8cups chopped almonds

Preparation

In a food processor, blend all the snack bite ingredients together.Scoop out full grinded mixture in a bowl and roll it into a ball.

Roll the balls in sesame seeds, coconut, or chopped almonds for additional crunch. Use the listed optional ingredients to determine the amount of sesame seeds, coconut, or almonds you need.

Store refrigerated or in an air tight container.

Spinach with Chickpeas Green salad-

Ingredient–

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ onion, diced
300g frozen spinach, thawed and drained well
400gtin chickpeas and green peas, drained and boiled.
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation: Take 400gm of chickpeas and green peas in a pressure cooker. Add half a litre water to it and cook till 4 whistle blow. Let it cool for some time. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add and Cook the garlic and onion in the oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add and Stir in the spinach, chickpeas, green peas, cumin and salt. Use your stirring spoon to lightly mash the beans as the mixture cooks. Allow to cook until it getsthoroughly heated. Serve it hot.

Green Greek Smoothies-

Ingredients-

Cup freshly cut pieces of kiwi.
A bowl of Greek yogurt.
½ cup of milk.
Pinch of grounded cardamom.
1 tsp of (water) soaked chia seeds
Fresh Mint Leaves

In a blender,place kiwi, yogurt and milk and blend it for about 1 minute or until smooth.Pour into the glass, and sprinkle with cardamom. Garnish with mint leaves and add 1 tsp of soaked chia seed on it. Serve immediately.

Tip- You can also try other winter fruits and veggies– like oranges, apple, spinach, Beets instead of Kiwi.

Try these healthy and delicious winter warming recipes. And, don’t let the cold weather keep you from enjoying fresh homemade foods. Let’s Enjoy!