Friday, November 30, 2007

Cabbage Carrot stir-fry

Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage

Cabbage belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables. The members of this family of vegetables are so named for their cross shaped (crucifer) flower petals. Rich in nutrition and fiber, cabbage is an absolutely phenomenal source of Vitamin C. Even more impressive is that cabbage is famous for a specialized, naturally occurring, nitrogenous compound known as indoles. Current research indicates that indoles can lower the risk of various forms of cancer.

It is no wonder that the lowely, plain, boring cabbage gets rave reviews from the world of nutritionists. Cabbage is relatively cheap yet one of the richest when it comes to protective vitamins. Talk about the original weight loss food! One cup of cabbage contains only around 15 calories.

Cabbage is rich in the following nutrients:

Vitamin A: responsible for the protection of your skin and eyes.

Vitamin C: an all important anti-oxidant and helps the mitochondria to burn fat.

Vitamin E: a fat soluble anti-oxidant which plays a role in skin integrity.

Vitamin B: helps maintain integrity of nerve endings and boosts energy metabolism.

It is a perfect food for anyone suffering from anemia as well as pregnant women due to its high foliate content. Cabbage also contains beta-carotene and potassium.

Here is the simple recipe of Cabbage-Carrot stir fry.

Ingredients
small size cabbage, finely shredded
1-2 medium carrots, chop to fine sticks
half onion, sliced
2-3 green chillies, slit longitudinally
2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tsp cooking oil
1 stp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
few curry leaves
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
salt to taste
Quick view of the vegetables

Method

  • Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds & cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add garlic, onions, curry leaves & green chillies. Saute it for 2-3 minutes. Add the turmeric powder.
  • Then add the shredded cabbage & carrots and mix well.
  • Keep it covered for 2-3 minutes. Stir & then cook again for about 5 mins.
  • This way the cabbage will be soft yet little crunchy.
  • Serve hot with chappati or rice.

Here is a quick view after addition of cabbage & carrots.


Final dish ready to serve

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Quick & Easy Tadka Dal

Just couple of minutes and create this simple delicious dal packed with proteins. Very easy to prepare, yet very tasty.

Ingredients
1 cup masoor dal
1 medium size onion, sliced
1 medium size tomato, diced
2-3 green chillies, slit long
2-3 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tsp jeera
1 tsp turmeric powder
salt to taste

For tadka
2 tsp cooking oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp jeera

For garnish

cilantro, chopped fine Quick view of all the ingredients
Dal starting to boil at about 6-7 minutes.

Method
Wash dal. Put all the ingredients in a saucepan. Add 2 cups water. Add salt as per taste. Let it boil, which usually takes 6-7 minutes. Reduce the gas to medium heat & let it cook till done, which usually takes 12-15 minutes.

Make tadka and pour over the dal. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Dal is ready to serve with steamed rice/chapatis.
Dal ready to serve