plum cake

Ingredients:

- 1 cup (225g) all-purpose flour

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 1/2 tsp baking soda

- 1/2 tsp salt

- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, room temperature

- 3/4 cup (165g) granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs, room temperature

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup (120mL) buttermilk, room temperature

- 2 cups (340g) fresh plums, pitted and chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) cake pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until just combined.

6. Fold the chopped plums into the batter.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Serve slices of the plum cake and enjoy!

Eggs ..Shakshuka

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time :15 minutes

Level: easy

To serve 2

 Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern breakfast recipe, also very popular in the African continent. Most people in Israel enjoy this simple and easy yet delicious recipe for lunch and dinner too.

I was introduced to this when our son a final year hotel management student who had to do a project on eggs- 10 egg recipes, and that's how Shakshuka came to our home .When I can't make up my mind on what to cook for dinner...

Only one answer comes to mind...and that's Shakshuka. I usually cook this for cold winter dinners, it's so quick and I enjoy it with a hot crunchy buttery toast.

For all those who haven't tried,must give it a try and you won't regret it. It's worth a try.

It's an easy recipe, eggs are poached in a tomato sauce and garnished with parsley.

Sharing my version

Ingredients :

• 4 overripe soft tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste
• 1-2 green chillies
• 2 medium-sized capsicum

• Fresh parsley
• 3 tsp olive oil or any other oil( do not use mustard oil)

Cooking direction:

• Heat oil in a large shallow pan
• Add green chillies slit in two
• To this add chopped onion
• Cook till colour changes

• To the onions add ginger and garlic

Add finely chopped capsicum

Cook till the colour starts changing

Add finely chopped tomatoes and add salt.

(You can add tomato paste about 2 tbsp) 

Cook till mushy

Make an indention in the sauce and crack open one egg in each indention.

Cover and cook till egg whites are firm

Garnish with parsley.

Sprinkle freshly ground pepper.

Jhalfrezi

 Hi friends, 

Holiday season is just round the corner, as we get ready to welcome Christmas 2022 after two years of dampened spirits left by Covid 19. Christmas '22 is much awaited. 

It's a season to eat ,drink and be merry.

But Christmas is much more than that, it's making room in your heart for Jesus who  is our Saviour.

With the Christmas tree up,

 and my grandkids letters posted to Santa Claus. I am free to cook a friend's recipe of jhalphrezi .

It's a most favoured recipe of the North Indians.

What you require:

• 1/2 kg meat of  your choice mutton,beef,pork ,or chicken. The flavour varies from meat to meat.
•   3 Onions  large sliced finely
•    2 tbs ginger garlic paste.
•    Red chillies and green                chillies, as per your taste         since it's called jhalfrezi   it   should be spicy.
• 2 large tomatoes finely chopped 
• 1/2 tsp salt or  to taste
• A pinch of   garam masala  (nutmeg,mace, cinnamon and cardamon and cloves. Hand pounded or ground coarsely) 
•  1 tsp  coriander powder and cumin powder.(optional)

   I don't use it in this recipe

• 1/ 2 cup ghee/mustard oil

How it's done:

• In a handi fry the onions till golden brown. Remove and cool.
• In the same oil/ ghee add bay leaf, black cardamom, pepper corns,3 clove.1 small cinnamon stick and flavour the oil. 
• Add the meat and ginger garlic paste brown till ghee starts floating. 
• Add browned onions and fry for 1, minute 
• Add tomatoes and cover, cook over slow flame till done.
• Add 1 heaped tsp of spice

Garnish with coriander leaves.

My traditional plum cake

Hi friends, 

I am back after a long stay away from my favourite hobby...cooking,baking, creating and trying out my variations of different recipes.

With Christmas just a week from now, I have donned my apron .... I still haven't bought a new one... actually to tell you the truth, I love the old faded one...it's been my soul companion through so many recipes ,some an instant hit , while others miserable blunders.

Well I have been wanting to share my grandmom's traditional plum cake recipe. She put her whole heart and soul into it. As a kid I remember her collecting orange peels and transforming them into candied orange preserve, while they were soaking in a big jar with a good measure of rum...cross my heart...it would be a whole bottle,  our mouths would be watering to try out some sweet flavoured rum.The ginger too was candied in August/ September

It would smell heavenly as you walked past those jars look down mockingly at you, as if telling you " keep your hands off"

November we saw her chopping and dicing minced meat (preserved fruit)and walnuts and almonds.

As December slowly crept in, it was time to bake.

Now baking in the early 60's wasn't as easy as now ...just plug in the oven ,set the temperature,  set the alarm put in your batter and then wait for the alarm to buzz.

No ,no , it was done on a bukhari...we were in Kashmir those days. The coal had to be removed till we got a moderate temperature.

Creaming the batter was another interesting story. We kids were allowed to crack an egg if we were good and at our best behaviour.

At last the cakes were spooned into moulds and covered with a lid and put to bake for 2 to 3 hours. 

It was such an agony waiting for a bite. You think we got a bite...not yet... they had to be cooled down  on wire racks , when  we were tucked in bed. The cakes were sliced and were put on our breakfast plates, the next morning 23rd Dec, it was as always.

What beautiful memories of yesteryears.

Sharing my grandmom's recipe of plum cake.

What you need:

•   2 cups plain cake flour
•   3 large eggs
•   200 gms of white butter/ or 

        refined cooking oil  

•     1  cup of sugar             home   made preserve   has sugar.         
•         You can add sugar as per your taste.
• 1 tsp cake spice           (nutmeg,mace,cinnamon, cardamom powder)

•  1/2 cup home made caramel/ you can use store bought too.

• 2 cups of preserved minced meat ..those are preserved fruits.
• 3/4 cup dry fruits and nuts.
• Hot milk as desired if the batter is very thick.
• A pinch of salt
• 2 level tsp baking powder.

How to make it:

• In a large dish cream in butter sugar and eggs till fluffy .

• Fold in the flour through a sift which is mixed with a pinch of salt and baking powder, and cake spice.

• Add caramel till you get the desired colour

• Add minced meat  (preserved fruit)

• Add  nuts

• Spoon the batter in the moulds .tap on the counter to let out air bubbles.

• Put in a preheated oven and bake on 180°C or till done.

Refer to my teatime snacks for recipes of orange peel and ginger preserve.

Chickpea salad

Summer months  seem longer   day  by day and nothing like salads to to beat the heat. Salads are a complete meal, and so easy to put together. 

You can use a variety of vegetables, fruits , cottage cheese,boiled,eggs ,boiled chicken.

 The secret to a healthy salad lies in what you toss into it ,how you finish off .I like it with a drizzle of salad oil or olive oil.

You can eliminate oil and replace it with lime juice or wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar is good too, and if you are a diabetic it helps reverse diabetes.

I have taken to using pink salt in my cooking since the past year. It's loaded with minerals especially Pottasium  and magnesium which are essential for our metabolism and proper functioning of the body.

 Refined salts (packaged) salt is stripped of the vital minerals and is loaded with Sodium chloride.

Today I am sharing a protein packed salad which is relatively easy to put together .

Cup 

                            Chickpea salad

Ingredients

200 gms boiled salted chickpeas

1 cup finely shredded onions

1 cup finely chopped tomatoes

1 cup finely grated carrots

1 cup sweet corn

1 cup freshly diced cucumber

1 cup beets

1 cup shredded cottage cheese(paneer)

1 cup pomegranate

1 cup boiled shredded salted chicken(optional)

Method:

Finely chop and mix in a large bowl

Drizzle with olive oil

Salad dressing

1/2cup apple cider vinegar

Rock salt  to taste

Roasted cummin

1 to 2 tsp sugar( 2 tsp honey)

Crushed pepper

Chill

Just before serving drizzle some dressing :

        Nutritional Value:

• 1Cup cottage Cheese 28gms protien carbs 6.2gms

• 1 cup shredded chicken 48gms protein

• 200gms chickpeas:10.7 gms, carbs 35 gms
• 
  
• 1 cup corn: 5.4 gms, carbs 41 gms

• Assorted vegetables approx : 1cup traces of minerals and vitamins

Tips for Diabetics and weight watchers

All lentils are a high on carbs ,it has protein but it's on the lower side 

If you are looking to reverse your diabetes or watching your weight, then be mindful of the portion size. A diet high on macronutrient protien, saturated good fats and vitamins and minerals 

Especially salads are recommended.

It's a nutrient packed salad,good for munching ,ideal to carry in a tiffin , school going children should form habit to eat healthy.

 

Summer Beverage

Cooking gets me so bugged in summers. Thouroughly dislike the sweat pouring down the face .yucks!

I use the weekend to peel and grind the ginger garlic paste for the entire week. Add some green chillies and some vinegar. You get a tangy ready to use paste.

Next step i peel and slice the onions and they sit in the freezer, till needed.

Wash the chicken,fish and box them into ready to use portions . 

With so much done,now plan up your meals.

Ideally a healthy plate should be having protien, vegetables and fruits , with traces of minerals.

And some unsaturated healthy fats.

Fuss pots stop your nakhras,and adopt healthy foods , otherwise you have the rest of your life to repent in leisure.

Curb refined oils, they have no nutrients,but have high amounts of Omega 6 ,which causes inflammation in your body. Reason for body aches

They are rich in transfats and increase tryglycerides ,which are bad for diabetics and those with high blood pressure

Whatever foods our grandmoms, used was good and it's time to make a healthy switch over. 

Modern food is man made, artificially created (genetically modified) is harmful and has lesser nutrients.

Sharing a traditional recipe.

Beverage: Sattu smoothie

Easily available and is now a superfood.

      Sattu drink (Sweet)

      Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Sattu powder
•  1 glass chilled milk 
• 2 tsp sugar or condensed milk
• 1 banana ( optional)

   Method:

•  In a blender puree banana
• Add Sattu, milk and sugar and blend
• Serve chilled

Savoury:

• In a glass add 2 tbsp Sattu powder
• Add chilled water
• Sprinkle chat masala,
• Black salt
•  lemon juice, 
• roasted cummin
• muddled mint.
• Stir and enjoy the rustic flavours. ( Any day better that bottled fizz drinks which are loaded with too much refined sugars

Loaded with Protien and is an ideal beverage to start a summer breakfast.

 Stop man made foods, they're interested in your money,not your health.

Desi apnao,apna sehat bac

3 ingredient icecream

 Hi friends,

I am back again after 10 months of no activity.

I am posting this recipe for a very dear young friend of mine, who didn't like the idea of mine not writing.

I have been wracking my brains on what to post, and after much thought it's  of beating the summer by a refreshing, healthy,easy breezy recipe which a ten year old can put together.

It's fuss free ,and very easy,  diabetic friendly and low calorie.

So here we go:

This is a must try  and for you my dear Sheeba

Ingredients:

• Bananas.  2 
• Peanut butter 2 scoops
• Cream (Amul )or skim off the milk as per your taste. But please add some for flavour.
• Chocolate chips ( optional)
• Stevia for sweetness. Can use sugar too

Method:

• Chop bananas and put them in a zip lock bag and freeze for 4 to 5 hours 
• Remove from the pouch and churn in the grinder, add sweetened peanut butter or unsweetened it's upto you.
• Add cream churn and remove in a air tight container. Add stevia or  sugar while churning.
• Freeze for 3 to 5 hours ( depends on the settings of your fridge.
• Remove from container and churn till double in volume and smooth and light textured 
• Garnish with chocolate chips
• Freeze again. Cover with cellophane to avoid crystal formation.
• Serve in ice cream cups. Can top with chocolate sauce .

My collection of poems

_I stand in front of the mirror_

_Above which hangs a picture of mine. I smile._

_That youthful face smiles back at  me and says, "It's been a while."_

_With a remorse I look up, my skin so parched,_

_'My face so sombre._ _But the twinkle in that eye says,_ _"Brighten up! You can look youthful again."_

_But I look at at the now vacant eyes in the mirror..._

_These old eyes have seen life lived,  three score years and ten._

_The corner of my mouth droops, yet I smile._

_The smile is so empty._

_I look longingly at the myriad imagined faces in the mirror._

_Each face a reflection of what I had once been,_

_Each face trying to say something._

_I looked aghast at those faces of the good yesteryears. What happened?_

_There I spot behind a rugged tree my three year old face._

_Such innocence I see in those gleaming eyes._

_And yes, I could not forget that five year old face, it was so pale and distraught._

_I smiled to myself; I could remember that was my first day at  school._

_A seven-year old face peeping through the curtains,_

_And now a 12 year old face eagerly looking up,_

_And soon so many faces started dancing before my eyes,_

_So full of stories I had lived._

_And now I am grey and weary, my duties all done._

_My child has flown to build a nest of her own;_

_I hear her li'l ones chirping, 'tis music to my ears._

_I have no regrets, life gave me so much._

_I thank the Lord above for holding my hand and keeping me safe,_

_Above deep troubled waters and scorching desert sands._

_The face in the picture reminds of the lessons life taught_

_That made me rich and truly blessed._

_I smile back and say, "Thank you. You made my day!"_

Indira Bhan

04/08/21

Genitically modified organism in the Agriculture, industry

 Organic farming and genetically modified organisms and their effects on the environment 

The Agriculture industry

The agricultural industry dates back 7000 to 10000 year's in  cultivation of food crops and preparation of soil for sowing seeds. Whereas farming deals with rearing animals and livestock for meat and milk .

Animals were used as beasts of burden and also to till the ground and make it fallow for sowing seeds.

Organic farming

Modern times  has given rise to organic farming from the existing traditional ways of cultivation. More people are giving up lucrative jobs for organic farming.  People are aware of the harmful health hazards of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and  families earning two incomes

will go to any length and pay heavily for  organically grown vegetables and fruits they are safer and are packed with nutrients, and are also free from growth enhancing steroids. some of the fruits and vegetables are unfit for human consumption since they are ripened with Calcium Carbide.

Animal feed is made from fodder, hay ,grass and legumes, and caution has been taken that they are traditionally grown and are free from any chemical residue.

Genetically modified plants:

Cultivation of food has further led to genetically modified and engineered foods.

These plants have their genetic material (DNA) altered, this is not natural and is artificially done by modern biotechnology

Advantages of GM foods

The WHO states that GM foods are developed and marketed because :

• . It gives excellent growth and thus can be sold at competitive prices.

• They claim that there is better nutritional value in GM foods.

• This contains a Bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) this is a conventional insecticide making the plant less susceptible to disease.

• GM food  products are  portrayed in the market in such a way that consumers think are safe and nutritious.

Disadvantages of GM foods

• They release toxins in soil over a period of time

• .They disrupt bio diversity

• The transgene crops endanger the farmers, trade and the environment

• The excessive production of GMO will be rendered ineffective over time because pests will develop resistance towards them.

Safety Assessment of GM foods

The WHO and FAO of the United Nations have evaluated GM foods and have found no allergic reactions on humans.

GM foods currently available in the international market have passed safety tests and are not likely to present any risk to consumer health.

GM foods are not regulated in some countries because they primarily focus on their citizen's health.

Some cultures across the Globe react with a different attitude. In some religion Technological modification of food and it's production has been banned.

USA is the largest producer of GM foods corn, potatoes, soybeans , cotton, they are nutrient dense foods and are recommended for  the consumers of  third world countries, as they are high in nutrients.

Some countries have stated that they use GM foods as animal feed, it was found that it did not pose any health risks for humans.

Vandana Shiva 

She is an Indian scholar, an environmental activist. She was raised in the foothills of Dehradun, her father was a forest officer, she grew up amidst nature and pledged to put up a fight against the" Green Revolution". She said it damaged the fertility of the soil and it's an ecosystem.

She strongly voiced her opinion against logging trees and building large dams.

She has authored 20 books of which " Plunder of the land" and biopiracy have gathered international acclaim. 

This Spring she led a crusade in Europe where she voiced her opinion against seeds created in the laboratory.

She hopes she can create awareness among the masses to protect the environment from genetically engineered modification of crops.

Indira Bhan

Setting up an organic garden

              Organic garden.....

          Gardening that matters

Organic gardening may be a natural 

 and sustainable way of growing food . The method protects the soil and is environment-friendly, as well.Organically grown vegetables and fruits are nutritious and delicious. Despite the various health challenges faced by the people  they are turning to organic farming. Growing food on the rooftop or backyard for sustenance is now widely in practice.

Here's a step-by-step guide for beginners on how to start an organic garden.

Planning - People are generally apprehensive about starting an organic garden; they typically worry about weeds, pests, and the yield of their garden; thus growing an organic garden is simply going back to nature. Once you plan the layout of your garden, choose an area that has sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours.

Use the space on your rooftop or backyard to cultivate a permaculture system. This is often a mini jungle of wildflowers and grass and maintains the ecological balance. The bees and birds are regular visitors, they assist in pollination. 

Preparation- Soil pH measures the acidity of the soil. It should be as close to neutral for plants to absorb nutrients. Testing kits are available within the local market. Follow the instructions on the packet to match the proper value. The proper composition of the soil should be ⅓ humus, ⅓ rotted manure, and ⅓ freshly dug garden soil. 

 Collect kitchen scrap, eggshells cropped grass, and twigs in a large drum to make homemade compost. Layering the scrap with organic manure hastens decomposition. The entire process of making nutrient-rich compost takes up to 90 days.

Plants are often cultivated in buckets, containers, wide-mouthed jars, and enormous plastic bottles. Grow bags are durable, and therefore sustenance of these bags is low.

Sowing and planting-  Seeds are sown in a nursery in paper cups, and disposable egg containers these are called"mini-greenhouses". The method of germination starts within two or three days in favorable weather, and young saplings can be transplanted into pots that have been prepared for them. Cover the soil with dry leaves, twigs, and wood chips.  This process is "Mulching" It protects the plants from losing water through evaporation, and prevents soil erosion. Buy organic certified seeds by USDA. Seeds sold by the corporates are patented and hybrid. Many organic seeds come from within the kitchen. Decayed tomatoes can be squashed into the soil they will germinate in two or three days. In the same way, ginger and potato nodes can be planted too; especially if bought from an organic store.

Herb corner_ When planning the layout of the garden, a small corner, is earmarked preferably near the kitchen, for Microgreens like Cilantro, peppers, radish, lettuce, and celery; these are very handy when making fresh salads and garnishes. 

Harvesting- seasonal vegetables like carrots, potatoes, cabbage, peas, tomatoes, Broccoli, Aubergine, onions, and garlic can thrive with minimum care. When the primary batch of vegetables is harvested, alternatively prepare the soil for the subsequent batch. This method is named crop rotation, in this manner soil fertility is preserved and it keeps a check on weeds and diseases.

.

Caring for your plants-Watering plants requires careful monitoring, Excessive watering can damage the roots. Use natural insecticides like neem oil and soapy water as pesticides. 

A few destructive pests to observe out for are tomato hornworm, Japanese beetles, and aphids.

 The key to organic control is to understand their lifecycle so that treatment can begin early. 

When tiny seedlings grow, they become a source of pride and joy to the gardener. Talk to plants, touch them, whisper to them, establish a bond with them. Studies show that when you talk to plants they grow better. (Dodd.S 2021) You can almost see them smile back at you.

References:

Dodd, S.(2021, January 10)  "They_respond_to vibrations" 

Does talking to plants help them to grow? 

Retrieved from the Guardian website: 

Https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jan/11/they-respond-to-vibrat ions-does-talking-to-plants-actually-help-them-grow

Dodd, S. (2021, January 10). "They respond to vibrations." Does talking to plants help them to grow? The Guardian. Retrieved from
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/jan/11/they-respond-to-vibrat ions-does-talking-to-plants-actually-help-them-grow

pH scale:

I have placed this diagram here to make sure you can see it, in case it is not visible in the comment I have made in the pH section of your article.

	Acidic
	Neutral
	Alkaline

Post covid recuperation at home.

Post-Covid Recuperation

Hi there

I thought of penning an article on post covid recuperation. You have been told that your patient will be discharged and after a period of observation for forty-eight hours, he can continue treatment at home.

Having been hospitalized for four to five weeks has been very emotionally and physically draining on him. He has gone through so much physical fatigue and weariness. 

Hospitalization was mandatory for managing his oxygen levels. He had to be on oxygen therapy. The incessant coughing leaves him drained out. It wasn't easy seeing people die around him with  corpses laying all around him

It's normal to lose one's mental balance. Anyway, the best portion of the story is that he survived it and is coming back home.

Post covid manifestations

After the patient has been discharged, he is still sick and suffers from extreme fatigue and exhaustion, he still has a hacking cough which can leave the body in writhing pain, his loss of taste and smell hasn't come back and has been through extreme weakness and needs a nutrient dense diet.

He needs love and comfort , the reassurance that his family is by his side

He has gone through sleep disorders and needs 7-9 hours of restorative sleep.

A schedule can be drawn out for a daycare routine, which should include yoga and physical fitness.

Keep a copy of the his holy scripture, or he could download an app for spiritual messages, songs and scripture readings of the religion  he practices.

Preparing the patient's room.

He has to be in quarantine and has to maintain strict isolation for the next two, to three weeks.

Make his room cheerful, put up brightly coloured curtains. Let the kids put up "Get well soon " cards. Since visitors will be restricted , and  kids and the elderly out of bounds. A cheerful room will be a small step in his recovery.

An extra bedroom or a guest room with an attached bathroom would be ideal.

A nice huge window would be wonderful, place his bed by the window and a small bedside table or a cabinet with his medicines, sanitizers, towels, a fresh change of clothes

The bathroom should have his soaps and fresh toiletries. Do not bring home the toiletries he was using in the hospital. Discard everything in the discard units it will be burnt in the incinerator.

Keep his favourite books by his bedside.

The caregiver at home 

One person should be assigned as a Caregiver, he should be wearing a protective overall, a mask and gloves, with a head cover. The caregiver takes charge of the patients medicine, diet and exercise program.

Nutrient-dense diet

Remember the hospital long stay has been a physical and emotional drain. Meal planning is very important and will aid quick healing and recovery process. 

A high protein diet is crucial for quick recovery.

Give him eggs, chicken and milk and cereals , his diet should nutrient  dense.Add fiber in the form of fruits and vegetables. This will ease out any signs of constipation.

Rest and sleep

He should be allowed  7-9 hours of recuperative sleep, yes, that's the time when the body goes through the process of restoring health.

 

An exercise program 

Exercise elevates the mood, it releases the happy hormone tryptophan, you will notice that even short bouts of exercise done over the day, makes him happier and healthier.

Aim at 20-25 minutes of pilates, stretching, and some yoga asanas.

If you have space outside isolation room you can ask him to take short walks.

Many people procrastinate, but in the long run, workouts and training programs prove beneficial

Exercise also boosts your immune system.

Lung Rehabilitation

Covid mucks up your respiratory system, there may have been clots and your patient may have been on strong high dose steroids, or he may have been on ventilators forcing high volumes of oxygen into the lungs.

Once off the ventilation, the doctor and lung rehabilitation physiotherapists customize breathing exercises which should be taken seriously to avoid fibrosis of the lungs. Lung therapy regains the elasticity of the lungs.

Time for God

God has given a second chance, believe in the power of God and prayers. Worship your creator .Always thank God for the countless blessings he has given you.

A second life has been given ,that's the best blessing of God.

Prayers, listening to spiritual music and reading positive scripture passages will soon take you to your road of recovery

 

Remain positive, be cheerful and half the battle has been fought.

Biblical Diet(part 2)

Food for healthy and glowing Skin

The Bible gives us a huge list of foods that should be eaten for healthy living. Food gives joy, and most people look forward to its rich flavours and textures.

God gave us food to glorify him, it's very important to please God with a healthy body, soul and mind.

The Bible speaks about clean and unclean foods. (Leviticus 11:4-44)

There are certain foods especially meats which we should refrain from. 

Food is fuel for our body, hence eating the right foods is very important.

God gave us dietary laws in the Old Covenant but they still apply, ignoring these food laws puts our bodies at stake. 

Meats

We must eat red meats sparingly. In the Biblical days, red meat was eaten at feasts, banquets and celebrations. It is a well-known fact that too much consumption of red meat raises cholesterol and is not good for cardiac health.

Fish and fowl 

The Bible recommends several servings of fish and fowl for healthy living. Chicken, goose, pigeon, quail, partridge and duck are a rich source of Vitamin B12, B6, it promotes our heart health, it raises our HDL (high-density lipoprotein)

The omega 3 fatty fish oils are very good for our healthy skin too, besides having a host of heart benefitting nutrients.

Olives &Olive oil 

A moderate intake of olive oil in our diet on a day to day basis promotes Our cardiovascular health. But the oil must be virgin or extra virgin oil. Besides these oils coconut oil, sunflower oil is a heart-healthy oil. 

Dairy products 

We often read about God's promised land flowing with milk and honey. References have been made in the old covenant of the health benefits of goat milk. Dairy products should be used sparingly, as it raises the cholesterol levels in the blood.

Cheese is a good source of calcium but is high in fats, so it should not be a regular part of our daily diet. It was often eaten at feasts and celebrations.

Lentils & Wholegrains

Lentils were a good source proteins, they were often stewed or made into soups. 

Whole grains were daily staples with lentils and were often used to bake bread.

Reference has been made to bread as Jesus Christ " I am the bread of life"(John 6;35,48)

Just as Christ is essential for our salvation (Acts 4:12) , whole grains are essential for healthy living. They give us 20-30% of fibre. Soluble and non soluble fibre and are rich source of vitamins especially B12,B6.

Fruits & Vegetables 

Fruits and vegetables along with whole grains constitute the bulk of our biblical diet.

Fruits were consumed as fruit sugars were natural sugars and were good for our health.

Grapes were very popular and the Bible has made many references to fermented grape juice or the"Red Wine" as being beneficial for heart health. 

Grapes were known to fight tooth decay, they also had antioxidants, in facts grapes were used as anti-cancer medicines.

Grapes also promoted intestinal health.

Nutritional sugar in fruits were recommended as they were healthy

Sadly we have given into modern eating habits ofter adopted from the western culture. Junk food, drinks high on caffeine and sugar and processed foods are mostly favoured by our youth.

Biblical Diet (part 1)

 

Foods with healing properties 

Whatever you eat and drink do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31)

There are many references in the"The holy Bible"to the medicinal properties of plant foods and herbs,.they all contribute to the health benefits and longevity of man given by the Almighty Creator.

The importance of diet, preparing and eating food was a spiritual act.

10 foods that we come across several times in the holy scriptures :

1. Olives and Olive Oil ( Deuteronomy: 6 10,11)

The jews were elite olive merchants during biblical times. Olives were known for their healing properties  :  

• For cooking
• For lighting lamps
• It was a sacred oil for anointing the Kings and priests.

• It was used as a beauty product
• It was used to cure skin ailments 

In the modern world, several studies show that olives are still recommended for Heart, brain, skin and joint health. It's also known as anti-cancer and in managing sugar levels in diabetic patient

2  Pomegranates (Deuteronomy 8: 7,8)

Several studies have shown that pomegranates have anti-inflammatory properties, they are rich in oxidants, help fight obesity, and have anti-tumour properties

 3  Fermented grapes(Song of Solomon 1:2)

 Moderate alcohol intake, especially red wine was known to lower the risk of cardiac mortality

Fermented grapes were rich in flavonoids and when the grapes were fermented Resavetrol was released, which helps maintain heart health.

Modern-day Scientists recommend 5 ounces of red wine for the heart.

A little wine will cheer your heart.

4  Flax(proverbs 31:10,13)

Flax is one of the most important plant fibres

It was used to spin linen. It was also known for its medicinal properties in Babylon in about 3000 B.C

It is a natural  vegan source of omega 3 fatty acids ,very good for the heart 

5 Sprouted grains(Ezekial 4:9)

We read in this book that God gave prophet Ezekial some sprouted grains and lentils, a good protein recipe for bread " now known as the "

Ezekial bread"

Research shows that, zinc and iron are easily absorbed when the grains are soaked and sprouted and then baked into bread.

6  Raw goat milk(proverbs 20:27)

Raw goat milk is a very source of  vitamins and minerals, and it contributes to healthy teeth.it is loaded with Calcium, vitamin K2, Magnesium, phosphorous and fat soluble vitamins.

In the modern world research has shown that goats milk prevents anaemia and decentralisation of bone.

Goats milk helps with digestion and metabolic utilisation of minerals such as iron calcium and phosphorous.

7  Lamb(Exodus 12:11)

Lambs are the most revered animals in Biblical history as they are symbolic of" the Passover lamb" which refers to Christ.

Lamb is a young of a goat /Sheep before the tender age of one year.

It is the healthiest of red meat and promotes  Cardiac health. It is a very rich source of protein, Vitamin B6, B12, Zinc, Phosphorus and Niacin.

8  Bitter herbs 🌿(Exodus 12:8)

Coriander from the popularly known Cilantro and Parsley is a bitter herb

It is a very rich health-promoting and a very powerful anti oxidant.

9  Vegetables(Daniel 1:2)

Daniel and his friends requested a vegetarian diet, King Nebuchadnezzar and his officials were astounded to see four healthy Jewish young men more fit than those who were fed meats or good foods from the King's table.

Vegetables are nutrient-dense and are more effective in healing.

 10  Raw honey(proverbs 25:16)

Raw honey is liquid gold with a host of medicinal properties. It is used 

As an antioxidant

As a beauty product 

It is a fantastic replacement for energy drinks

God had promised the Israelites to take them to a land flowing with milk and honey.

Please refer to the Bible verses for a meaningful experience.

Chicken 65( South Indian)

Let your gastronomical juices flow;

Chicken 65 is a lip-smacking dish, I somehow thought that it was a Chinese dish with an Indian twist to it....what they call "fusion" in the culinary school.

Well, I am wrong as my South Indian friend proudly pointed it out as a dish from down South. 

I set out to educate myself and settle all arguments. To my surprise, it is displayed on every menu which serves meat and fish.

There are many stories about it's origin some going down to the weirdest that I have ever heard.

Mr Buhari from Kerela proudly displayed this in bold letters on his menu as he wanted the 1965 Indo Pakistan war soldiers to eat a nice chicken dish.

My doubts put to rest, as it's very much an authentic dish of the Indian subcontinent.

Now straight to the recipe.

What you need:Chicken (preferably ) boneless, can use bony too

At least 500 gms. Can double the recipe, you won't have leftovers.

•   500 gms Chicken 
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 2 tbsp refined flour
• 1tsp red chilly powder
• 1tsp pepper powde1/2 tbsp Coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• Lemon juice
• 1 egg

Oil for frying

Use the above ingredients to marinate the chicken

Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes

Now fry over a moderate flame till nice and golden and crisp.

Ingredients for the sauce

1. 1/2 cup yoghurt
2. Some curry leaves
3. 1 tsp coriander powder
4. 1 tsp Salt( or to your taste)
5. 1 tsp chilly powder

Mix the above with 2-3 tbsp of water

Cooking instructions 

•  Heat a pan 
• Add two tsp oil
• Season with cumin seeds, green chillies 

• Add the curd mixture cook for a minute or two
• Add the fried chicken and garnish with spring onions

I have my version to it by adding soy sauce instead of curd.

After all you are going to eat it, so give it a free hand , let you innovative spirits flow.

Have fun!

Homemade chicken sausages

Homemade Chicken sausages without casing

Preparation time:15-20 minutes

Cooking time:20 minutes

Level: easy

One of the most interesting recipes I have learnt over the years is how to make Chicken sausages at home...

Preservative-free, no plastic casing, easy on spices and just the way you would like it.

I used to live in a small town where we were solely dependant on the Central Dairy farm at Aligarh for sausages, ham, salami. It was all fine, till our store shut down permanently. Missed all the goodies, but life passed on.

One day my newly married daughter told me she had learnt how sausages were made at home.

I was very enthusiastic and set out to master the art the coming weekend.

The first try was not bad. I have then perfected the trick of the trade with a variety of flavours.

You need boneless chicken breast and a good mixer grinder. I shaped them in a cling film wrap and they turned out so perfectly shaped.

Once they are shaped you put them in  a pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes.

Cool, open the wrap, fry them till crispy on the outside.

I will walk you through the recipe step by step

Ingredients

500 gms boneless chicken

1 tsp ginger and garlic paste

Salt to taste 

Pepper as per your taste

Parsley 

Basil leaves (few)

Chilly flakes as per your taste

1tsp cooking oil

Lemon juice(optional)

Method

Grind all the above into a fine paste

Now spread cling film on the work area

Spoon two scoops on the film

Shape into a long cylinder

Roll the wrap nicely and secure ends

Do the same with all the mince

In a large pot boil water and boil all the sausages for 15-20 minutes( the water should be a rolling boil)

Remove and chill 20 minutes

Remove the cling wrap and fry the sausages

And they are done.

You can flavour them with mustard sauce soy sauce, Schezewan sauce, garam masala if you want them spicy.

Note

These can be stored in the freezer for up to two weeks.

Potato croquettes

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Frying time :5-10 minutes

Baking time :30 minutes

Level :easy

Clearing up the refrigerator is not a task I look forward to, but it has to be done over the weekend. I enjoy organising my stack of containers with portions of chicken, fish, vegetables neatly cut and diced, right down to making my own ginger garlic green chilly paste. 

There is always boiled potatoes, I must confess that I love keeping peeled, mashed potatoes, they are so handy and can be cooked in a jiffy.

Chicken is a must-have in the fridge and a few eggs, carrots, capsicum, milk. 

This weekend I have mashed potatoes so am making potato croquettes, grandkids demand.

It's an easy, fuss-free recipe, the kids enjoy shaping them. You can fry them or bake them for 30;40 minutes. (Depending on the temperature in your oven)

Ingredients:

•  1 bowl Mashed potato (approx 4-5  potatoes )
• 4 slices of bread (I have used sides of a loaf)
• 1 capsicum diced into small pieces
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• Ginger and green chilly paste
• Green garlic( optional) enhances the flavour
• Salt to taste
• Grated cheese

• Mixed herbs 
• Corn flour
• Oil for frying 

Method :

• In a large bowl add the mashed potatoes
• To this add fresh bread crumbs
• Add cornflour, salt and pepper
• Chilli and ginger paste
• Add mixed herbs

• Add onion and diced capsicum and grated cheese
• Add two tsp of refined oil
• Apply some oil to your hands and shape them into small cylinders
• Freeze for 20 minutes

• In  a plate take cornflakes, crush it
• coat each croquette with cornflakes
• and fry till golden and crisp.

Note:

     You can bake at 180 degrees  in a preheated oven for 30 minutes. Give it a milk wash for a lovely golden colour.