CAULIFLOWER BEANS & CAPSICUM CURRY

This is a simple recipe that goes well with rotis and rice. This has a lot of taste, color, flavor and fragrance all along with the nutrients and the fiber from the vegetables. Tickle your taste buds and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• Cauliflower - 1
• Beans - Chopped -2 Cups
• Red Capsicum - 1 
• Onion - Finely Chopped - 1/2 cup
• Red Chilli Powder - 1 Tbspn (Adjust as per your spice levels.)
• Corriander Powder -1 Tbspn
• Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tspn
• Salt (to taste)
• Cilantro (Optional) - For aroma, taste & garnishing.

For Seasoning:

• Cumin seeds - 1 Tbspn
• Mustard seeds - 1 Tbspn
• Oil - 2 Tbspn

Method:

• Place a saute pan on medium heat and add oil to it.
• Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds once the oil is hot.
• Once the mustard seeds start sputtering, add the finely chopped onions to the pan and saute them till the onions turn translucent.
• Add the freshly cut beans to the pan and saute them for 5 mins.
• Add the red capsicum pieces and the cauliflower florets to the pan.
• Add the red chilli powder, corriander powder, turmeric and salt to the pan and mix the contents of the pan. Cover the pan and cook them till they are done.
• Add cilantro a minute before turning off the heat.
• Serve the curry with rotis or rice.

BASIL GINGER SOUP

BASIL- GINGER SOUP
Basil ginger soup- which is also called as Thulasi allam soup is very good for winter evenings. This recipe is passed to me from my grand mother. This hot soup is very soothing and can help to prevent cold / alleviate sore throat.

Ingredients:

• Basil / Thulasi leaves- a handful
• Ginger / allam paste- 2 tbsp
• Water - 2 cups
• Corn powder -1 tbsp (mix with 2 tbsp water and keep aside)
• Cardamom powder of 3 nos
• Pepper powder 1 tsp
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Place basil / thulasi leaves, ginger paste,water, cardamom powder along with pepper powder and salt in a microwave safe glass bowl.Micro high for 5 minutes.
2. Remove it outside and add  corn powder(mixed in 2 tbsp water) to this boiled soup and stir well .
3. Again micro high for  5 minutes and remove it outside and mix them well.
4. Now again place the soup bowl in microwave and micro at minimum temp 180 W for 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Switch off and remove it..Cover with a lid and set it aside for 5 minutes and serve hot..
6. Do not filter, drink as it is.It can be directly boiled on stove top  for 15 minutes and can be had.

Its a very hot yummy soup for cold / sore throat.This can be given to children as well  in very limited quantities with less pepper powder.

COLD PREVENTION

Tips to prevent from cold:

• Not to be exposed to the dust, pollution and cool breeze. Cover yourself properly and cover your nose and mouth .
• Sanitize with a sanitizer, after washing hands properly.
• Drink lots of liquids and water. (at least 2 litres of water a day)
• Drink boiled milk to which turmeric powder is added. Do not eat heavily prefer a light food,but do not skip the food completely.
• Adequate sleep (at least 7 to 8 hours) is needed for body immunity.
• Fruits containing Beta carotene have to be taken.Orange, red,yellow, green coloured fruits and vegetables are to be eaten.
• Daily food which contains Vitamin-C are to be eaten.
• Food supplements that provide Zinc should be eaten.
• Light exercises are to be done.
• Adequate rest should be taken in intervals.

These are some of the tips to be followed to prevent yourself from cold.