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Healthy Eating: Vegetable Quinoa Pulao

vegetable quinoa pulao

Quinoa is a gluten-free superfood that has been gaining a lot of popularity in the past few years, and it is actually pronounced as Kveen Vaa. Quinoa, though popular as a grain, is actually a seed. It has a nutty flavour and lacks the sweetness & stickiness of rice. It is easier to cook than rice and you will love the taste. Although it is not as economical as rice, it is definitely worth a try! So let’s learn how to prepare super healthy and simple Vegetable Quinoa Pulao!

What You Will Need:

  • Quinoa (wash and soak for 30 min) – 1 cup
  • Onion (chopped) – ¼ cup
  • Cauliflower (chopped) – ¼ cup
  • French Beans (chopped) – ¼ cup
  • Carrots (chopped) – ¼ cup
  • Corn Kernels – ¼ cup
  • Green Peas – ¼ cup
  • Spinach – 2 tbsp
  • Coriander – 2 tbsp
  • Ginger Garlic Paste – 2 tbsp
  • Bay Leaf – 1
  • Cinnamon Stick – ½
  • Cumin Seeds – 1 tsp
  • Turmeric, red chili powder, coriander seeds powder, garam masala as per taste
  • Salt as per taste
  • Oil – 1 tbsp

How to Prepare:

  1. In a pan, heat oil and fry the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Then, allow the cumin seeds to sizzle.
  2. Add the chopped onion along with ginger garlic paste and roast it well until slightly brown.
  3. Now, add all the other vegetables along with turmeric, red chili powder, coriander seeds powder, garam masala and salt. Sauté them well for 4-5 min.
  4. It is time to add the soaked quinoa (discard the water), give it a quick stir and cook it for 2-3 minutes. Now add 1.5 to 2 cups of water.
  5. After a boil, cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5-10 min until done. Mix the contents using a fork and not spatula to give it a Pulao consistency.
  6. Serve it hot with curd or raita.

Highlights of the Vegetable Quinoa Pulao

  • This absolutely easy recipe gives you everything required for a balanced meal.
  • It is high in protein and contains sufficient amount of all essential amino acids.
  • 100% satiety with the fiber content it has in limited portion size.
  • Fun Fact: A cup of Quinoa will provide twice the protein and about 5gm more fiber than the same amount of white rice.

Hope you try this awesome Vegetable Quinoa Pulao recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Click here for more healthy recipes, or get them directly from a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr 

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Navratri Special Recipe: Falhari Cheela

Falhari Cheela

In my previous article, I shared a healthy Falhari Dhokla recipe. As promised, I am going to share another yummy recipe you can make and enjoy with your family this festive season! Falhari Cheela is kind of pancake made from a combination of Singhara Atta (Water Chestnut Flour) and Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour).

These flours contain many health benefits and nutrients such as protein, calcium and vitamins which keep one energetic during fasting. The batter is spiced up with Indian spices and finely chopped green chillies.

How to Prepare Falhari Cheela

What you will need:

  • Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat Flour) – ½ cup
  • Singhara ka Atta (Water Chestnut Flour) – ½ cup
  • Chopped Green Chilli – 1
  • Chopped Coriander Leaves
  • Jeera (Cumin) – 2 teaspoon
  • Haldi (Turmeric Powder) – ½ tsp
  • Black Pepper Powder – 2 tsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Ghee (for cooking)

Method

  1. In a bowl, add the flour, chopped chilli along with coriander leaves, jeera, haldi, balck pepper and salt.
  2. Mix the batter with enough water to get a pouring consistency.
  3. Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladle of batter and spread it evenly like a pancake. Do not spread the batter a lot, as it would then stick to the pan.
  4. Add a teaspoon of ghee on the sides of cheela and spread some sesame seeds to add a crunchy flavor.
  5. Cook on both sides for about 2 minutes until done.
  6. Serve the hot Falhari Cheela with Tamatar ki Chutney (Tomato Chutney) or Coconut Peanut Chutney.

Highlights of the Recipe

  • Falhari Cheela is perfect for breakfast or dinner. It is filling and easy to digest.
  • The oil/ghee used is minimum, as it is not fried.

This Navratri, let’s take a pledge to eat as healthy as possible. For tips on how to stay healthy during Navratri, ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Do you have a special healthy Navratri recipe? Share it with us in the comments below!

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Navratri Special Recipe: Falhari Dhokla

falhari dhokla

A couple of years back, I wrote about How to keep Navratri Healthy where I shared some basic tips on choosing healthy alternatives during Navratri. This time, I’m sharing some special Navratri recipes which you can make at home and relish guilt-free! The first recipe is the Falhari Dhokla!

How is it Prepared?

Falhari Dhokla is made with a blend of Samak ke Chawal (Sama flour) and Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat flour) by soaking it in some Dahi (Yoghurt) and water, then adding Indian spices for flavor

Traditionally, Dhokla batters are prepared by fermentation and steaming method, which is then finished with a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves on top of it. Since, Kuttu Dhokla can be preferred during Navartri, it is prepared in a simple way without any tempering.

Falhari Dhokla Recipe

What you will need:

  • Kuttu ka Atta (Buckwheat flour) – 1 cup
  • Samak ke Chawal (Sama flour) – ¼ cup
  • Dahi – ½ cup
  • Green Chilli (grounded and pasted) – 1
  • Finely chopped coriander leaves
  • Black pepper powder – 1 tsp
  • Red chilli powder
  • Fresh grated coconut (to garnish)
  • Eno’s fruit salt
  • Salt as per taste

Method:

  1. Mix Kuttu ka Atta, Samak ke Chawal, Dahi, chilli paste, coriander leaves, black pepper, salt in a big bowl. Mix well to make it a batter. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Stir tablespoon oil and a pinch of Eno’s fruit salt into the batter.
  3. Grease the Dhokla plates with little oil and pour the batter evenly forming a thick layer.
  4. Sprinkle red chilli powder and steam it at high heat in the steamer (Idli maker can also be used) for 10-15 minutes until done.
  5. Cut the hot and steamed Dhokla into square or diamond pieces.
  6. Garnish with grated coconut and coriander leaves.
  7. To enhance the taste serve with Spicy Green Coriander chutney.

Highlights of the Recipe

  • The ingredients are easily available in your house during Navratri.
  • It is prepared with a healthier cooking method i.e. steaming. No fried = No Guilt!
  • It is a healthy and easy to cook alternative to any Falhar snacks and tastes best when served with a hot cup of tea.
  • The kids will love it!

Hope you enjoyed this Falhari Dhokla recipe. During Navratri, try something different and avoid fried food as much as possible! Will you try this at home? Share you views and experience in the comments below!

For tips on how to stay healthy during Navratri, ask a GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalized health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

Stay tuned for my next recipe which will be on how to prepare Falhari Cheela!

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The Magic of Indian Masala Chai

masala chaiThe word Chai actually means tea in English and Russian. In India, it is also known as Masala Chai. More appropriately, it means spice blend. Tea has become a daily part of Indian life. It is now a key element of our culture which has spread throughout the world. Masala Chai is an everyday drink in most parts of India. It is common for Indians to delight themselves with 2 cups of it per day.

In almost every street corner and even office spaces, you will find a Chai Wallah (tea vendors) who prepares this traditional beverage. They prepare this rich Masala Chai over an open fire in small stands and stalls and serve it in clay tea cups called Kullarhs.

Well, you can prepare it yourself! This may be the right tea for you, to give you the strength and energy during the day and to take you on an amazing ride through the world of Indian tea. Let’s prepare it together! Have a look at our Masala Chai benefits, recipe and get your ingredients ready.

Some amazing Benefits of the Indian Masala Chai

  1. Improves Digestion: The spices used in Masala Chai help in regulating the digestive system. It also helps in keeping your gut healthy. A spice like Ginger aids digestion by improving circulation and delivering oxygen to organs so they can perform optimally.
  2. Supports the Immune System: It is known to strengthen the immune system and keeps common infection at bay. It helps provide relief when infected with common cold and cough.
  3. Improves Heart Health: Cinnamon, one of the main ingredients in Masala Chai, helps lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Drinking Masala Chai can prevent cardiovascular disease when consumed regularly over long periods of time.
  4. Relieves Aches and Pains: The spices found in Masala Chai can alleviate common aches and pains. These health benefits derive from the anti-inflammatory properties of many of the ingredients in it, specifically ginger and clove.
  5. Reduces Nausea: Spices like Ginger and Cardamom are well known for their ability to reduce nausea and seasickness. Masala Chai soothes an upset stomach and alleviates stomach pain associated with nausea.
  6. Boosts Energy: It is a wonderful experience having a hot cup of ‘Masala Chai’ after a hard day’s work. Caffeine is a natural stimulant in Masala Chai which boosts energy and gives you the kick which you need to start your day.
  7. Boosts Metabolism: Tea is known as a heat generating food in Ayurveda. It helps speed up metabolism. Ingredients like ginger, clove, black pepper and cardamom helpincreaset loss and increases the metabolism of the body in a short period.
  8. Contributes to Reduce Sugar Levels: Ingredients used in Masala Chai such as clove, cinnamon, and cardamom helps in preventing diabetes by increasing the insulin sensitivity of the body and lowering one’s blood sugar levels.
  9. Relieves PMS: It can be your best friend to fight the symptoms of PMS the natural way. Ingredients like ginger, clove, and cardamom work as natural painkillers when you are experiencing period pains. It calms your nerves, keeps you in a good mood and relaxes your muscles.

Authentic Masala Chai Recipe (Serves 2 cups)

Masala Chai ingredients

Ingredients

  • Water: 1 cup
  • Milk: 1 cup (organic whole milk, almond milk, oat milk)
  • Black tea/ loose leaf: 1 ½ teaspoon
  • Jaggery Powder: 2-3 teaspoons (more or less) or maple syrup, honey, brown sugar
  • Clove: 2-3
  • Cardamom: 2
  • Cinnamon: ½ stick
  • Peppercorns: 3-4 (optional)
  • Ginger: 2 slices or crushed
  • Star Anise: 1 (optional)

How to prepare

  • Lightly crush cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, star anise, and peppercorn and add in boiling water
  • Add black tea/leaf and boil it for 2-3 minutes
  • Add sugar and milk
  • Bring it to simmer twice or more
  • Turn off the heat and strain it into your favorite mug
  • Your Masala Chai is ready!

A common myth is that green tea has more health benefit than black tea.  This is simply not true. It is because all tea (Black, Green, and White) comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis, they offer the same benefits. The spices which we have used in our Masala Chai are well known in Ayurveda for many health benefits.

  • Ginger is anti-inflammatory and improves digestion, prevents and manages stomach ulcers, protects against symptoms of cold and flu, and stimulates blood circulation. It also reduces blood cholesterol by improving liver function
  • Cinnamon has Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial properties. It helps in lowering LDL cholesterol and has a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardamom is considered as a kidney cleanser. It is known to enhance appetite, improve digestion and provide relief from acidity in the stomach. It is also considered beneficial to the urinary tract system
  • Cloves are well-known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. They’re also known to heal ailments of the digestive system and promote good digestion as well as metabolism
  • Black Pepper is a powerful anti-oxidant. It improves digestion and promotes intestinal health. It is an effective remedy for respiratory conditions including colds, coughs, and flu
  • Star Anise aids digestion, alleviates cramps and reduces nausea. It also helps in preventing constipation, supports good sleep, promotes bone and skin health.

So, add the ingredients mentioned above in your regular tea to make it a complete Indian Masala chai. Do share your experience in the comments below!

For more on tea, check out Healthy Reads. You can get more valuable insights on the food you consume directly from your GOQii Coach by subscribing for personalised health coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/bsr

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