Wednesday, 19 August 2015

Coconut, Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew











Ingredients


  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon tumeric
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 green chilli
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 1 large potato, chopped into 1inch cubes
  • 1 can light coconut milk*
  • 1/4 cup chopped coriander
  • Basmati rice, for serving

*TIP- If you can only find full fat coconut milk, then dilute half a cup of coconut milk with half a cup of water*

Method


1. In a medium-large skillet (with a lid for later), heat the vegetable oil and the chopped onion. Allow this to soften for 3-5 minutes, and then add the grated garlic, ginger, chilli and spices. Stir and leave to simmer with the onions for 5-7 minutes, add a splash of water if the onions are sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
2. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, the can of tomatoes, the light coconut milk and the chopped sweet potato. Turn the heat down to simmer, cover and leave for 30-50 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender. At 30 minutes, check the taste of the spices and add more if needed and add salt according to taste. 
3. Before dishing up, sprinkle the chopped coriander on top and serve with the steaming basmati rice.

Tuesday, 18 August 2015

Chicken Fried Steak













Ingredients


Chicken Steaks

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Peppered Cream Gravy

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 - 1 and 1/2 cups milk, at room temperature

Method


1. Wash the chicken steaks, dry them with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Sift the flour onto a plate and coat with flour. Place the steaks onto a clean surface and cover with cling film then pound them with a meat cleaver until they 1/4 inch thick. Coat again with flour then dip them into the beaten eggs and then dredge in flour again until fully coated.
2. Pour enough oil into a large skillet to come about 1/4 inch up the sides and set over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the steaks with tongs and cook 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through. Remove the steaks and keep warm.
3. To prepare the gravy, pour off all but two tablespoons of oil and remove any burnt drippings from the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium, and add the flour, salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking consistently, until the flour is golden. Slowly whisk the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until the gravy is thick and creamy, stirring constantly until 7 or 8 minutes. season again with salt and pepper according to taste.
4. Serve the gravy over the chicken - fried steaks and mashed potatoes.

Thursday, 6 August 2015

Baked Breaded Chicken Strips












Ingredients


  • 3 large chicken breasts
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1/3 cup mustard
  • 1/3 mayonnaise
  • 3 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 cups bread crumbs

Method


1. Preheat oven. Line a large, baking tray with foil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mustard, mayonnaise and the garlic. Set aside, while you prepare the chicken. Place breadcrumbs in a second bowl, and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
3. Wash and dry your chicken with paper towels. Cut chicken into 1-inch thick strips. Lightly season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
4. Place chicken strips into the marinade and mix well. Roll each chicken strip into your breadcrumb mixture a few times to make sure they are all fully coated. Transfer the chicken to the baking tray.
5. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. 
6. Serve with chip and honey mustard sauce* and enjoy. 

Honey Mustard Sauce

Ingredients


  • 1/3 cup mustard
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Method


1. Mix until well blended and refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Monday, 3 August 2015

Cajun Seasoning

Ingredients


  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 5 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon chilli flakes

Method


1. Mix altogether and store in airtight container.

Creamy Spinach and Shrimp Pasta












Ingredients


  • 200g fettuccine pasta
  • 500g small shrimp, cleaned and de-veined 
  • 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning (recipe below)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 25g butter, plus 1 tablespoon
  • 1 large bunch of fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup full fat milk
  • 1 cup double cream
  • 1 pack of Philadelphia cream cheese
  • 75g parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 25g cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes
  • Salt to taste

Method


 1. Cook pasta as per instructions on the box, drain and set aside.
 2. Defrost and wash shrimps thoroughly. In a bowl, add the fajita spice, lemon juice  and garlic - mix the shrimps in evenly and leave to marinate in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.
3. Heat the 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan and add the marinated shrimps. Sautee for three minutes and then add the spinach and cook for another 3 minutes. Cover the pan, turn off the heat and set aside.
4. In a medium-large pot, melt the 25g butter and add the milk, cream and cream cheese. Whisk vigorously until all the cream cheese has full incorporated into the liquid. Add both the parmesan and cheddar and continue whisking until you have a nice smooth and creamy sauce. 
5. Using a slotted spoon, place the shrimp and spinach into the sauce. Try to avoid any liquid from the shrimps going into the sauce. Add the black pepper, chilli flakes and the pasta and mix thoroughly. Season with salt, according to preference.
6. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Sunday, 2 August 2015

Almond Nuts

Benefits


Protects Against Cancer: Almonds are quite rich in antioxidants which provide protection from cancer causing agent free radicals. Along with it contains fibre which cleans toxin so stored in the colon.

Bone and Teeth Health: It contains a a good amount of calcium which strengthen bone and teeth. Along with it provided magnesium and phosphorus which strengthens bones. It can prevent osteoporosis.

Supports Fetus Development During Pregnancy: For proper development of fetus, pregnancy women require folate. Late of folate in the diet can be responsible for irregular development of the brain and spinal cord in children. So it can be highly beneficial.

Skin Care: Almonds are also good for the skin, it improves skin health and makes it supple. It contains vitamin E that is powerful antioxidants that nourishes skin and prevent ageing.

Good For Weight Loss: Fibre is hard to digest. So the body burns more colorie to break fibre, during this process colorie is burned and there is a boost in metabolism, which aids in weight loss.

Boost Brain Power: It also protects brains cell damage from free radicals. Along with it also improves blood circulation towards the brain. It is highly recommended that children should eat almonds to improve their memory.

Good For Diabetes: Diabetes risk rises with sudden increase in sugar level. But eating fibre rich almond lower the rise of sugar level in blood. So it provided complete benefits fro diabetes patients.

Improves Energy Levels: As almond is a good source of manganese, copper and riboflavin helps in synthesis of energy. So its improves energy level along with protecting from free radicals.

Cashew Nuts

Benefits


Lowers Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: High Levels of magnesium and over 80% of unsaturated fats maintain optimum blood pressure and control the 'bad' cholesterol in the body.

Antioxidants, Fats and Iron Composition: The alkyl phenol, fats and iron content in cashew nuts cleanses your body of free radicals and protects from cancer, hair loss and premature ageing.

Healthy Bones: The magnesium and vitamin K in cashew nuts ensures firm and healthy bone density and health. It also facilitate absorption of vitamin D in our body.

For Nerves: Magnesium works towards betting nerve function and its receptivity by relaxing them and controlling the excess discharge of calcium in the blood stream.

For Digestion: High fibre content of cashew nuts protects from constipation, piles and aids in treatment of colon cancer. It also protects the stomach lining from acid, protects from ulcers and induces smooth digestion.

Vitamin K For Dental Health: Vitamin K in cashew nuts leads to stronger teeth as it regulates absorption and distribution of calcium in the body.

Clotting: Vitamin K plays the vital role of coagulating the blood thereby healing the wounds and also nullifying the effects of blood thinning drugs.

ZeaXanthin For The Eyes: Cashew nuts is considered great for your vision and fights the degenerative diseases of the eyes owing to content of ZeaXanthin which is an anti-oxidant.

Prevents Gall Stones: High magnesium content protects from gall bladder stones by ensuring that excess calcium is not released in the blood stream.







Apricots

Benefits


Eye Health: Vitamin A and Beta Carotene in apricots strengthens optic nerves of eyes and protect from macular degeneration and other eye diseases that result in complete or partial loss of vision.

Rich Source of Antioxidants: Apricots are rich in antioxidants and help in eliminating free radicals and toxins thereby strengthening the immune system.

High Fibre Content: Apricots have a high amount of soluble fibre which aids function and protects from constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders.

Healthy For Your Heart: The antioxidants, potassium and fibre in apricots optimise the health of the entire cardiovascular system including heart.

Potassium For a Healthy You: Potassium in apricots maintains electrolyte balance, optimises the blood pressure and reduces the chances of hyper led stroke.

Non-Heme Iron: Apricot contains non-heme iron which gets absorbed slowly, gradually and much more effectively thus protecting from Anaemia. 

Cancer: Rich content of antioxidants in apricots lend it cancer inhibiting properties that controls and prevents the growth of cancerous cells in the body.

Skin Benefits: The antioxidants in apricot make skin youthful, healthy and delay the appearance of ageing on face.

Helps You Lose Weight: Fibre, low calories and mineral content of apricot make them an ideal snack for people on strict diet and facilitates the weight loss as well.

Strengthens Your Bones: Apricots maintain strong and healthy bones owing to their calcium and potassium content.

Electrolyte Content: Eloctrolyte levels in the body are maintained by potassium and sodium amongst other minerals and both of these are contained in apricots in ideal quantities.



Dates

Benefits


ConstipationDates are often categorised as a laxative food. Dates have high levels of soluble fibre, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements and the comfortable passage of food through the intestinal tract, which can relieve symptoms of constipation. 

Bone Health and StrengthDates contain selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which are integral to healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age and their bones gradually weaken. So, eat your dates and give a boost to your bones!

Intestinal Disorders: Continuous intake of dates helps to inhibit growth of the pathological organisms and thus, they help stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria in the intestines. In terms of digestive issues, dates contain those insoluble and soluble fibres, as well as many beneficial amino acids which can stimulate the digestion of food and make it more efficient, meaning that more nutrients will be absorbed by the digestive tract and enter your body for proper usage.

AnaemiaThe high level of iron balances out the inherent lack of iron in anaemic patients, increasing energy and strength, while decreasing feelings of fatigue and sluggishness.

Allergies: One of the most interesting facts of dates is the presence of organic sulfar in them. This is not a very common element to find in foods, but it does have a worthwhile amount of health benefits, including the reduction of allergic reactions and seasonal allergies. Dates are a great way to somewhat stem the effects of those seasonal allergies through its contributions of sulfar to the diet.

Weight Gain: Dates should be included as a  part of a healthy diet. They consist of sugar, proteins and many essential vitamins. If you are thin and slim and want to increase your weight, or if you are trying to build your muscles to impress some girl, or you have become weak due to a serious medical problem – you need to eat dates!

Energy Booster: Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Therefore, they are the perfect snack for an immediate burst of energy. Many people around the world use dates for a quick afternoon snack when they are feeling lethargic or sluggish.

Nervous System Health: The vitamins present in dates make it an ideal boost to nervous system health and functionality. Potassium is one of the prime ingredients in promoting a healthy and responsive nervous system, and it also improves the speed and alertness of brain activity. 

Healthy Heart: Dates are quite helpful in keeping your heart healthy. When they are soaked for the night, crushed in the morning and then consumed, they have been shown to have a positive effect on weak hearts. Dates are also a rich source of potassium, which studies have shown to reduce the risk of stroke and other heart related diseases. 

Sexual Weakness: Studies have shown that dates are even beneficial for increasing sexual stamina. Soak a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk over night, then grind them in the same milk with a mixture of cardamom powder and honey. This mixture becomes a very useful tonic for increasing sexual endurance and reducing sterility caused by various sexual disorders. 

Night Blindness: The benefits of dates are extensive, and are commonly employed to fight off various conditions affecting the ear, nose, and throat. When the leaves of the date palm are ground into a paste and rubbed on and around the eyes, or when dates are ingested orally, it has been shown to reduce the frequency of night blindness.

Intoxication: Dates are commonly used as a remedy for alcoholic intoxication. Dates provide quick relief and have a sobering effect in case you feel as though have consumed an uncomfortable amount of alcohol. 

Diarrhoea: Ripe dates contain potassium, which is known as an effective way of controlling diarrhoea. They are also easy to digest, which further helps alleviate the unpredictable nature of chronic diarrhoea. The soluble fibre in dates can also help relieve diarrhoea, by providing bulk to the bowel movements and promoting normal, healthy functioning of the excretory system.

Abdominal Cancer: Research has pointed towards dates being a legitimate way to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer. They work as a useful tonic for all age groups, and in some cases, they work better than traditional medicines, and are natural, so they don’t have any negative side effects on the human body. 

Healthy Nutty Apricot Bites













Ingredients


  • 1 cup date paste
  • 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1/4 cup cashew nuts, crushed 
  • 1/4 cup almond flakes, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon 

Method


     1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, kneading together with your hands. 
     2. Using a teaspoon for measurement, form small balls.
     3. Keep refrigerated in airtight container.