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The humble ‘Khichdi’

khichdi

My love for ‘Khichdi’, a mixture of cooked rice with lentils, vegetables with tempered spices dates back to my childhood days. It’s the preferred choice of mothers to feed their child Khichdi (minus the spices) as it’s the easiest to digest, well-balanced \food. Khichdi is a mixture of Carbohydrates, protein, Fibre and calcium.  

History of Khichdi

Just to take you a little into the history of Khichdi, the wonderful dish traces its origin in the Indian subcontinent as early as 1350. ‘Khichdi’ was recently promoted globally by the government as India’s ‘Super Food” and Queen of all foods”. The government also plans to globally promote Khichdi as healthy, delicious and easy to make Superfood of India.

The Great World food India event held at the India Gate Lawns, New Delhi set a Guinness book world record of making the largest portion of Khichdi weighing 918kg. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and well-known yoga and Ayurveda Guru Baba Ramdev were among the eminent personalities who took part in preparing the KHICHDI. The humble khichdi has travelled across borders—From Egypt to Britain.

Taste better and retains nutrients when cooked in an earthen pot

Khichdi tastes best when cooked in an earthen pot. Clay pot’s porous nature allows both mixture and heat to circulate through the food. This results in aromatic food, which is generally lost in other types of utensils. Clay is alkaline in nature and it interacts with acidity in the food, thereby neutralizing the pH balance and eventually making the food healthy. It is believed to provide the required minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus and sulphur that benefits health. Due to its heat resistance and slow cooking, the food retains all its nutrients and moisture, therefore you would not require extra oil or fat for providing moisture to your food. Apart from calming the body and detoxifying it, the ingredients in khichdi also have the perfect balance of the basic elements required to improve energy, immunity and digestion.

Health Benefits

Khichdi is the food of choice of Panchakarma, a form of Ayurvedic healing that helps in mind, body healing and detoxification. Wondering why white rice is part of the mix? During cleansing, the metabolism slows down and the digestive strength weakens, so any food you eat must be very easy to digest. You also need adequate proteins to keep the blood sugar stable and burn fat, which is where the lentils come in.

Nutritional Benefits

Nutritionally speaking, khichdi and veggies make a balanced meal that reboots your digestive system after eating packaged and restaurant foods. And if you want to add some colour to your khichdi, try a palak khichdi. It’s one of the healthiest one-dish meal you’ll eat. For most, khichdi is the kind of food you eat when you are unwell as it is considered a bland dish. While, yes moong khichdi is an easy-to-digest meal when you have an upset tummy or fever but hey, that’s not what khichdi is all about.  Every region in India has a unique variant of this dish.

There is Bengal’s khichuri; Haryanvi Kichri with Bajra and moong dal served with lassi; Bisi Bela Bhat in Karnataka; Hyderabad’s popular breakfast khichdi-kheema khatta are some of the popular khichdi varieties.

Varieties of Khichdi

Moong khichdi may not fit in your definition of tasty food, but in Surat, this is a much-loved meal. You’ll love their khichdi served with piping hot kadhi, a mixture made of curd and some add-ons like cooked vegetables. Khichdi is the ultimate comfort or soul food, however humble it may be.

Bajra ka khichdi is a popular dish in Rajasthan eaten during winter. Bajra along with ghee keeps your body warm and your skin soft and supple in the cold weather. You can whip up a lip-smacking bajra khichdi at home.

So let me share some amazing khichdi style with you

Daal Khicdhi—simplest and common one( rice, tur dal, spices, veggies, peanuts and desi ghee).

Bhogar Khichdi–(rice, moong dal, veggies, spices, and desi ghee)—This is BENGAL speciality.

Sprouted lentil khichdi–( rice, sprouted lentil, herbs spices, desi ghee)

Pongal (Tamil Nadu khichdi)-(rice, moong dal, desi ghee, Kaju, spices.

Barely khichdi-(barley, herbs, veggies, spices, desi ghee)

Khato-–Hyderabadi khichdi (rice, moong dal, veggies, desi ghee)

Mushroom pesto khichdi–( rice, mushroom, cheese, pasta, pine nut and desi ghee)

Corn Palak khichdi–( rice, moong dal, corn, spinach, spices, desi ghee)

Sabudana khichdi–( sabudana, peanuts, potatoes, and desi ghee) You can enjoy khichdi with curd, buttermilk, grilled fish and veggies.

So let’s cook some Khichdi in one meal today and sooth our soul.

 

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Healthy Dips and Sauces

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We always want our main course that we eat to be healthy. Would you like some side dishes to make your meals more interesting? Have you ever thought of side dishes that you could have along with your main course which are equally healthy as your main dish and can be had as fillers in the mid meals?

There are many such alternatives available in the market which is not only full of preservatives but also loaded with sugar, fats and are way too costly.

This thought led me to write this blog on healthy dips and sauces which are not only easy to make but are pocket friendly. To add to the benefits – ‘No added preservatives’. All your family members especially children would love indulging into these dips and sauces with various food items. Don’t be shocked if you see your child’s plate clean after this.

Let us have a look at some of the yummy healthy dips and sauces which serve to be an excellent side dish

  1. Avocado Yoghurt Dip
Ingredients Amount
Low fat Greek Yoghurt/ hung curd ½ cup
Avocados (ripe) 2 no
Garlic Ginger (minced) 1 tsp
Fresh Coriander leaves 3-4 TBSP
Mint leaves Few sprigs
Bell pepper 1 no
Lime Juice of 1 no
Red chilli powder ¼ tsp
Salt To taste
Pepper powder To taste

METHOD:

  1. Mix all the above ingredients in a blender. Mix until smooth paste.
  2. Serve with vegetable sticks or whole grain chips.
  3. You can use it as a base for your sandwiches and rolls

BENEFITS

Rich in healthy fats,proteins, loaded with vitamins, minerals, good for digestive and gut health

  1. Mix fruit Salsa
Ingredients Amount
Pineapple (diced) ½ cup
Mango (ripe) (diced) ½ cup
Strawberries(diced) ½ cup
Fresh mint leaves 2-3 TBSP
Ginger ½ inch
Bell pepper 1 no
Lime (big) 1 no
Red chilli powder ¼ tsp
Salt To taste

METHOD:

  1. In a saucepan, mix pineapple, mango and strawberries, bellpepper, ginger, chopped fresh mint leaves, red chilli powder, lime juice and salt. Mix well until well blended.
  2. Enjoy this sweet, tangy, spicy salsa with pita chips/ wheat bread

BENEFITS

Super antioxidant rich. A blend of various vitamins, minerals and helps improve immunity

  1. Beans Basil Hummus
Ingredients Amount
Fresh kidney beans (cooked) 2 cup
Chick peas (soaked and drained) 2/3 cup
Garlic cloves 4-5 no
Ginger ½ inch piece
Fresh basil leaves/ tulsi leaves ½ cup
Mint leaves Few sprigs
Onion 1 no
Lime (big) 2-3 no
Green chilly 1-2 no
Salt To taste
Pepper powder To taste
Low fat yoghurt As required

METHOD

  1. In a blender, add 2 cups of cooked fresh kidney beans(not the dried one), overnight soaked and drained 2/3 cup of chick peas, ginger, garlic, basil leaves, mint leaves, onion, lime juice, green chillies, salt, pepper powder. Grind it well until it becomes a smooth paste. If required you can add low fat yoghurt to get the required consistency
  2. Serve with veggie sticks, chips or crackers
  3. You can even use it as a base for any rolls/ frankies

BENEFITS:

Rich in proteins and probiotic. Excellent for gut health and immunity boosting

  1. Tahini Recipe
Ingredients Amount
Roasted sesame seeds 2 TBSP
Olive oil 2 TBSP
Lemon juice 1 ½ TBSP
Garlic clove 1-2 no
Hung curd 1 cup
Salt to taste

METHOD:

1 Take roasted sesame seeds, olive oil, garlic cloves and lemon juice in a blender

  1. Blend until smooth paste
  2. Mix the above tahini paste with hung curd. Mix well and serve chilled with flat breads/ khakhras/ veggie sticks

BENEFITS:

Great source of Calcium, probiotics and healthy fats

  1. Healthy mayo
Ingredients Amount
Grated cucumber ½ cup
Grated carrot ½ cup
Hung curd 1 cup
Oregano, ½ tsp
Parsley, Basil leaves, Chilli flakes ½ tsp
Salt to taste
Freshly ground Pepper powder ¼ tsp

METHOD:

  1. In a bowl, mix all the above ingredients
  2. Serve chilled with flat breads/ khakhras/ homemade tortilla/ nachos/filling in wheat breads

BENEFITS:

Alkaline in nature, coolant, good source of fiber too

  1. Peanut/ Almond butter
Ingredients Amount
Roasted peanuts/ almonds (salted/ unsalted) 200 gms
Olive oil/ Ricebran oil As required
Organic honey Optional
Salt to taste

METHOD:

  1. In a blender jar, take roasted salted/ unsalted peanuts or almonds and grind till finely coarse
  2. Add a few drops of olive oil
  3. Blenderize until smooth paste.
  4. Add salt and organic honey if required
  5. Peanut butter/ almond butter is ready to serve with khakhras/ whole grain bread/ sandwiches/ fruits/ vegetable sticks

BENEFITS:

Healthy fats. Serves as a great pre and post workout meal option

  1. Guacamole
Ingredients Amount
Avocados (ripe) peeled, pitted 2 no
Tomatoes, ripe 1 no
Fresh Coriander leaves 3 TBSP
Onion, finely chopped ¼ cup
Garlic, minced ½  tsp
Lime (big) 1 no
cumin powder ½  tsp
Salt To taste
cayenne pepper (optional) 1 pinch

METHOD:

  1. In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt.
  2. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic.
  3. Stir in cayenne pepper, cumin seed powder
  4. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavour, or serve immediately.

BENEFITS:

Rich in healthy unsaturated fats. Antioxidants, vitamins and minerals

If you have been making some interesting dips and sauces then do share the recipes with us. Share your feedback on these dips and sauces when you make.

Enjoy!!!

 

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You can indulge when you are expecting!

Sex-During-Pregnancy

Isn’t it is exciting to create something wonderful which is a part of you and your partner! Yes, I am talking about a baby here!. However, the 9 months are full of challenges for the mother and the father, physical intimacy being a major concern. In this article, I am trying to address the common concerns of sex during pregnancy, its benefits and when to abstain!

The roller coaster hormonal ride, change in the taste buds, fatigue, weakness and mood swings are just a few reasons which put women off their sex drive especially in the first trimester. Many women might also experience an increase in libido during pregnancy! Check, which side of the coin does your loved one fall on and indulge!

If you are an expectant mother, you will notice an increased blood flow to the pelvic area and engorgement of the genitals. It might be accompanied by sore and tender breasts which results in a heightened sensation. You might enjoy it or be put off. Communicate with your loved one and let him know.

Boys and girls, pregnancy is also the time for you to bond. So if you are up for it, go for it! As far as your baby is concerned, be rest assured he/she is safe in amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus. The mucus plug at the cervix prevents infections from entering the womb. Your baby, on the other hand, does not care what you do and neither does it know. In fact, you might experience some happy kicks once you are done!

Hitting the big ‘O’ during pregnancy is safe if you have a normal & low-risk pregnancy and cannot start labour or cause a miscarriage. Mild uterine contractions post an orgasm (or during nipple stimulation and the prostaglandins in semen) are harmless. Even if your climax is particularly intense these contractions aren’t harmful — they’re not a sign of labour. So let loose, enjoy the pleasure you deserve!

However, ensure your partner is tested for infections before indulging! Because you’re better off safe than sorry (with or without a baby on the way).

When is it off limits!

  1. As a woman, when your body says “no”, please listen to it!. Respect yourself and your decision.
  2. Your practitioner might declare your pregnancy as high risk depending on your tests and restrict sex
  • If you’re experiencing signs of preterm labour or, if you have such a history
  • If you’ve been diagnosed with incompetent cervix or placenta previa
  • If you’re experiencing vaginal bleeding or if you have a history of miscarriages

If you are restricted from being intimate, communicate with your partner to find ways to address the intimacy you’re both cravings. Focus on hand holding, cuddling, the old-fashioned making out… Your woman will love you for the support you give her during this time!

Ayurveda insists on listening to one’s body. Apart from this, sexual activity should be limited during the first trimester and post the 7th month since it is a delicate time. Also, at all times one should avoid compression of the abdomen.

While making love is beneficial, it is also beneficial during pregnancy if your practitioner has not advised otherwise.

1. Making love restores the functioning of the body with the release of certain hormones and ensures proper circulation. This means the fetus receives an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients when in the womb that aids growth and development.

2. If you are making love regularly during pregnancy, it can help keep your pelvic floor muscles toned and strong to help you deal with the arduous phase of labour. Don’t give your exercise a miss though!

3. Making love increases the level of IgA antibodies in the body that boost immunity during pregnancy.

4. It leads to release of endorphins in the body that makes both the mother and the baby happier by reducing levels of stress. Sex also increases production of oxytocin, a hormone responsible for attachment and love.

5. Better sex, better bonding and a surge in endorphins help an expectant mother to sleep better, fight fatigue and other nagging symptoms of pregnancy.

6. It helps keep pre-eclampsia at bay because man’s sperm has a special protein called HLA-G that helps regulate body s immune system and lowers blood pressure levels in a woman during pregnancy.

While you can try any position during your pregnancy, here are a few positions you might find comfortable instead of the common missionary.

position 1

 

position 2

 

position 3

 

position 4

 

position 5

So guys and girls, keep the myths at bay enjoy this special period with your special one!

 

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Fat or sugars- which is more harmful

fat vs sugar

You may have heard that carbohydrates can lead to weight gain (and this very statement might cause you to think that sugar is worse) but, you probably have also heard that fat can lead to weight gain (and this statement may force you to think fat is worse). With these two different thoughts in your head, you find yourself hopping from a low-fat diet to a low-carb diet and then back to a low-fat diet.

Well, if you are confused as to which one is worse (Fat or Sugar), you are not the only one. This ‘fat v/s. sugar’ debate has been on for a long time and has created lots of dialogues and articles – none of which however come up with a clear picture.

Here is the truth: While there is actually no good sugar that you can include in your everyday diet, fat can be good or bad (depending on the kind you pick).

Excessive Sugar Equals Fat:

Excessive sugar converts to fat in your body; as you eat something sugary or drink a soda, your body does not use all the energy that is produced by sugar. The extra sugar that you consumed, is stored by your body and eventually, is turned into fats. Therefore, an intake of too much sugar has no nutritional value other than it getting stored in the body and converting to fat. Sugar is present in common snacks like biscuits and cakes, cereals, fruits, aerated drinks, smoothies and ready meals. Limiting the sugar intake should be a priority for you to maintain a healthy body. There are many negatives of a high sugar diet.

  • High sugar diets can lead to resistance to insulin resulting in diabetes.
  • The main reason for causing caries in teeth.
  • Sugar-rich diet raises Low Dietary Lipoprotein (LDL) (bad cholesterol), blood glucose and insulin levels. These are all major risk factors for heart disease.
  • Sugar is addictive and causes the release of dopamine in the brain. The pleasure sensation that the brain gets when dopamine levels are elevated creates an addiction.
  • Excess sugar is not used up by the body and is stored as fat for future use. It is a major cause of obesity.
  • However, fruits contain a small amount of fructose. Humans can easily tolerate the small amounts of fructose found in fruit. Reduce the added table sugar in your diet.

Fat Depends – there are good fats and bad fats:

  • Fat is considered deleterious to health and the root cause of high cholesterol. However, there are different kinds of dietary fats
  • Saturated – Animal fats and dairy
  • Monounsaturated – Olive oil, avocado, ground nuts and
  • Polyunsaturated – Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats in fish, walnut and flax seeds.
  • Eating a moderate amount of saturated fats, such those found in butter and meats, coconut oil along with seed oils such as olive and avocado are okay.

Foods with good fats are vital for good health:

  1. Essential for absorption of fat soluble vitamins like Vitamin A (vision), Vitamin D (strong bones), Vitamin K (blood clotting), and Vitamin E (healthy skin). These vitamins are vital for brain health.
  2. Saturated fats found in butter and coconut oil play a role in improving immunity. The saturated fats are present in white blood cells and their loss can reduce the ability of white blood cells (WBC’s) to kill germs.
  3. Less fat in the diet can lead to skin becoming dry and chapped.
  4. Fats provide twice the caloric energy as sugars. A fat rich meal helps to keep the body satisfied. A diet rich in walnuts, salmon, olive oil, and butter aids in weight maintenance.
  5. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats raise the levels of High-density lipoprotein  (HDL or good cholesterol) in the blood.

In conclusion, I would say both sugar and fat cause equal damage and cause us serious medical problems and especially when bad fats are combined with sugar in a meal. You need to come up with a diet plan that avoids sugar completely and uses only good fats. Also, avoid processed foods and eat whole natural foods along with regular exercise.

 

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