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Tawa Naan (Without Tandoor)

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Naan is definitely the most popular bread in Indian restaurants. Traditionally, naan is cooked in a tandoor (hot clay oven). I have already done a naan recipe using the oven and I used pizza stone to give a tandoor texture. But I find at home “tawa naan” is much easier to make. Tawa Naan turns out really soft and it tastes great. It’s hassle free because you don’t need a tandoor or oven. Naan Goes well with chole, palak paneer or any gravy based dish.

This recipe will serve 2.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (plain flour, Maida)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup yogurt at room temperature
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons oil
  • About 1/4 cup look warm water
  • Also need 1/4 cup all-purpose for rolling

For Garnishing

  • 1 tablespoon soft butter or ghee
  • About 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro
  • About 1 tablespoon chopped green chili (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt


We also need tawa or skillet to make naan, nonstick skillet will not work for this recipe. Iron tawa or skiller works the best for making naan.

Method

  1. For garnishing mix all the ingredients, butter, salt, cilantro, and green chili Set aside.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients together, add 1 tablespoon of oil and yogurt mix it well. Then add the water gradually to make very soft dough but not sticky. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough well. Apply light oil to the dough and cover. Let the dough sit for about 3 hours in warm place.
  3. Dough should be about 1-1/2 time, knead the dough again on floured surface. Divide the dough in four parts, lightly roll into the flour, cover the balls and let it sit for about five minutes before rolling.
  4. Roll the naan one at a time on a lightly floured surface little less than 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the water lightly on one side of the naan.
  5. Heat the tawa on medium heat, to check if tawa is ready sprinkle the few drops of water on tawa, water should sizzle.
  6. Put water side naan over tawa, once the naan start bubbling and dough start drying, turn the tawa over flames keeping about 2 inch away from the flames to cook the naan from top. Note: yes naan will stick to tawa and will not fall of, this the reason you cannot use the nonstick skillet.
  7. Once naan browned to your satisfaction, remove, and spread the butter mix over. Place in a on a plate and cover with a cloth to keep warm until serving.    Naan is ready!

RECIPE SOURCE : http://www.manjulaskitchen.com/tawa-naan-without-tandoor/




8 Facts You Need To Know About The Top Vegetarian Diet Myths

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Probably the healthiest eating pattern you can follow is that of a vegetarian or vegan. However, people (especially meat eaters) or individuals who tend to like fast food often classify vegetarians, or those who practice the lifestyle, as being frail in frame or anemic.

However, those are just two of the “myth-conceptions” that are perceived by people who are not accustomed to eating vegetarian or vegan cuisine. In fact, many of the vegetables and fruits that are featured in vegetarian menu plans are nutrition-rich and low in calories.

Plant diets offer elite nutrition and a great boon in health effects, such as lower risks for heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. The Adventist Health Study 2 showed that vegans weigh an average of 30 pounds less than meat eaters do. Eating from the earth has great benefits, and it is important to know the facts and ignore the rumors.

The following myths and facts should assist you in debunking some of the “myth-conceptions” associated with a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Myth 1: Vegetarian Diets Lack Iron, So Vegetarians, And Vegans Are Often Anemic

Fact: The vegetarian or vegan diet features such iron-rich, anemic-unfriendly foods as mushrooms, dried apricots, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, and peas.

Myth 2: Vegetarians Do Not Get Enough Protein

Fact: Many vegan foods, such as beans, and whole grains provide ample protein.

Myth 3: You Cannot Follow a Vegetarian Diet When You are Pregnant

Fact: Pregnant women find a vegetarian diet the best way to provide nutrition for their unborn baby and lose any extra pounds after giving birth. Not only do fruits, legumes, grains, and vegetables provide plenty in the way of iron and calcium, they also supply fiber, which cuts down on the digestive discomfort associated with pregnancy.

Myth 4: You Cannot Follow a Vegetarian Diet if You are Involved in Sports

Fact: Many athletes successfully follow a vegetarian diet and obtain quality protein for muscles from foods such as beans, grains, tempeh and soy products, which provide just as much protein as animal products.

Other foods that increase endurance and keep athletes lean and mean include peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, raisins, cheese, eggs, sesame, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds, black beans, lentils, and chickpeas. Quinoa is an excellent source of nutrition and protein.

Myth 5: It’s Hard to Get Kids to Follow a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

Fact: Some of the foods that are featured in vegetarian or vegan fare includes peanut butter, popcorn, and a variety of delicious fruits, such as strawberries, mulberries, kiwi, grapes, apples, oranges, and pears. Tacos, wraps, and smoothies are vegan and vegetarian foods that are tasty and nutritional. Most kids will not turn down these healthful and delicious foods.

Myth 6: Switching to Vegan or Vegetarian Eating is Difficult

Fact: You don’t have to make a significant switch to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle as adapting to one can, in time, become quite easy. Make a few changes to begin, and then keep adding until animal products are completely eliminated.

For example, you might try making tacos with black beans instead of meat. You can eliminate meat or chicken from stir-fry. Progressive changes will help you make a switch that is as successful as it is healthful. Mushrooms are hearty and make a great main dish. Veggie burgers, tofu sausage, Tempeh bacon are all tasty vegetarian foods.

Myth 7: Vegetarians Do Not Like To Use Any Animal-based Products

Fact: Vegetarians are simply avoiding meat to eat more healthily. They often do not mind using such animal by-products as wool or leather. Vegans, on the other hand, usually have given up both meat and animal derivatives. Generally, vegans do not support the use or consumption of any animal-derived products, including, honey, and wool, silk and leather. Veganism is more of a philosophy than a diet.

Myth 8: Vegetarians and Vegans Often Need to Include Supplements in their Diet

Fact: The only supplement that is needed to support a vegan diet is B-12, which is found only in red meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. Otherwise, vegetarians and vegans get plenty in the way of all the required vitamins (B-grouping, A, E, C) through grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits. Many vegetarian and vegan foods are also rich in iron and calcium.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9038240

Quorn Moussaka

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  • Serves: 4
  • Ready in: Over 60 Minutes
  • Suitable for vegetarians
  • Freezer friendly
  • Syns per serving: FREE

This low-Syn Greek-style favourite tastes every bit as good without meat.

ingredients

  • 1 large aubergine, cut into 1 cm thick slices
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 350g pack Quorn Mince
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 500g fat free natural yogurt
  • Salt & ground black pepper
  • Low calorie cooking spray

method

  1. Place the aubergine slices onto a clean paper towel and sprinkle with salt. Leave for 20 minutes then rinse with cold water and dry.
  2. Meanwhile, dry fry the onion, garlic and Quorn Mince in a large heavy based saucepan. Add the tomato purée, canned tomatoes and parsley and simmer for approximately 30 minutes until tender. Transfer the mixture into an ovenproof dish.
  3. Beat the eggs and yogurt together in a bowl and season to taste.
  4. Place the aubergine slices on a grill pan and spray with low calorie cooking spray. Place under a preheated hot grill for 4-5 minutes each side. Arrange the aubergine on top of the Quorn mixture and pour the yogurt and egg mixture over. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4 for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/recipes/quorn-moussaka.aspx

Welsh Onion Cake

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  • Serves: 4
  • Cook time: Ready in about 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Ready in: Over 60 Minutes
  • Suitable for vegetarians
  • Freezer friendly
  • Syns per serving: FREE

Great on its own, or as an accompaniment to roast lamb, this Welsh onion cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

ingredients

  • 225g green cabbage, finely shredded
  • Low calorie cooking spray
  • 500g onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 sprigs of rosemary
  • 900g Maris Piper potatoes, thinly sliced
  • Steamed green beans, to serve

method

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C Fan/Gas 5. Blanch the shredded cabbage in a pan of boiling water for 3-4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Spray a pan with low calorie cooking spray, add the onions, a little salt and one sprig of rosemary. Cover and cook gently over a low heat for 20 minutes, stirring often. Discard the rosemary and set aside.
  3. Spray the potato slices all over with low calorie cooking spray and season. Arrange half the potatoes in the bottom of an ovenproof frying pan, overlapping, in a circle. Add a layer of cabbage, a layer of onions and finally another layer of potatoes. Place the pan on the hob over a medium heat for 5 minutes to colour the bottom, then transfer to the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked.
  4. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 10 minutes. Place a plate on top of the frying pan and turn out the onion cake. Remove the leaves from the remaining sprig of rosemary and chop. Garnish with the chopped rosemary and serve with steamed green beans.

ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/recipes/welsh-onion-cake.aspx

Mushy Pea Curry

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s=speed weight loss
ss=super speed weight loss
ff= free foods
sff= super free food

  • Serves 4
    Syn Free on EE

Ingredients

1 300g Tin of mushy peas (ss)(ff)
1 400g chopped tomatoes (s)(sff)
1 onion, chopped finely (s)(sff)
2 Tbsp. of garam masala
1 Tbsp. of curry powder
1 Tsp paprika
1 Tbsp. sweetener

Method

Cook the onion in a pan sprayed with fry Light until transparent

Add curry powder & paprika, stir continuously for a few minutes until the onions are coated.
Add the mushy peas, tomatoes, sweetener and cook for 15 mins until it thickens. Add garam masala 5 mins before the end of cooking.

Allow to cool then blitz with a hand blender.

When reheating add 100mL per person of hot water and bring to the boil, then turn to simmer.

Add chicken to the sauce or use it as a general sauce.

(I had chicken & chips)

SOURCE : MINIMINS

Cointreau Chocolate Orange Pots

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  • Serves: 4
  • Ready in: Less than 30 Minutes
  • Syns per serving: 5

Luscious layered desserts, with a dash of tangy orange liqueur.

ingredients

  • 3 oranges, peeled, pith removed and separated into segments
  • 50g dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
  • 2 medium eggs, separated*
  • 1 tbsp sweetener
  • Finely grated zest of ½ orange
  • 1 tbsp Cointreau
  • 4 tbsp fat-free natural fromage frais
  • 1 level tbsp milk or dark chocolate curls (or grated chocolate)
  • 1 level tsp cocoa powder, to decorate

Method

  1. Divide the orange segments between 4 dessert glasses.
  2. Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and melt over a pan of gently simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water (or in the microwave on a low heat for 30 seconds). Stir until smooth and leave to cool slightly.
  3. Put the egg whites in a large, clean glass bowl. Beat with an electric hand whisk on a medium speed until they form stiff peaks.
  4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetener, orange zest and Cointreau. Stir in the melted chocolate.
  5. Using a large metal spoon, gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture until well combined. Spoon the mixture over the oranges and chill for 3-4 hours, or until set.
  6. To serve, top each chocolate pot with a tablespoon of fromage frais. Decorate with the chocolate curls and cocoa powder.

ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/recipes/cointreau-chocolate-orange-pots.aspx

Speedy Bolognese

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Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Ready in: Less than 30 Minutes
Suitable for vegetarians
* Freezer friendly
SP Perfect for Extra Easy SP
Syns per serving: FREE

The essential Italian pasta sauce is as popular as ever and it’s always worth making double and freezing half for a rainy day

ingredients

  •     Low calorie cooking spray
  •     500g lean beef mince (less than 5% fat) or Quorn mince for a meat-free version
  •     1 onion, roughly chopped
  •     1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  •     3 celery sticks, roughly chopped
  •     4 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
  •     400g can chopped tomatoes
  •     4 tbsp tomato purée
  •     500g passata
  •     1 tsp dried mixed herbs
  •     Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  •     Small handful of finely chopped fresh parsley, to garnish

method

Spray a large non-stick frying pan with low calorie cooking spray and place over a high heat

Add the mince and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until browned, then add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and stir-fry for 1 minute
Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, passata and dried herbs, season well and cook over a medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir the bolognese into your favourite pasta and serve hot, with parsley scattered over.Tip: Extra-lean turkey mince or extra-lean pork mince would both work well instead of the beef.

ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.slimmingworld.ie/recipes/speedy-bolognese.aspx

Banana Passion Fruit Pavlova

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  • Serves: 4
  • Cook time: Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes, plus cooling
  • Ready in: Over 60 Minutes
  • Syns per serving: 4

Our indulgent home-made meringue nests are a joy to sink your teeth into and the filling will transport your tastebuds to a ‘dessert’ island!

ingredients

  • 2 large egg whites
  • 75g caster sugar
  • 2 level tbsp sweetener granules
  • ½ level tsp cornflour
  • ¼ tsp white wine vinegar
  • 150g plain quark
  • 100g fat-free natural Greek yogurt
  • 2 ripe and wrinkly passion fruit
  • 2 small bananas, sliced


Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 120°C/fan 100°C/gas ½.
  2. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick baking paper. Using a bowl or cup as a template, mark 4 x 10cm circles on the paper, spaced well apart, then flip over the paper so that the pencil marks are on the underside.
  3. Put the egg whites into a large clean bowl and whisk, using an electric hand whisk, until stiff peaks form. Gradually whisk in the sugar and sweetener to form a stiff, glossy meringue. Whisk in the cornflour and vinegar and spoon the mixture into a piping bag (fitted with a star nozzle, if you like).
  4. Starting in the centre of each circle on the baking paper, pipe the pavlova mixture in a spiral to form a flat disc, then pipe 2 lines of meringue around the edge of each disc to form the walls of the nests. Bake for 45 minutes, then turn off the oven and leave the nests in the oven for at least 3 hours or overnight to cool and dry out.
  5. When you are almost ready to serve, beat the quark and yogurt in a bowl until smooth. Halve the passion fruit and scoop the pulp into a bowl with a teaspoon.
  6. Carefully peel the pavlova nests off the paper, spoon in some of the quark mixture and top with banana slices and passion fruit pulp. Serve straight away before the meringue has a chance to soften.

Tip: Save time by buying your meringue nests instead. Shop bought nests are a bit smaller than ours so this dessert will be 2½ Syns per serving if you have 1 each or 5 Syns per serving if you have 2 each.

 

ARTICLE SOURCE : http://www.slimmingworld.co.uk/recipes/banana-passion-fruit-pavlova.aspx




 

11 Benefits of Black Tea that You Didn’t Know About

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Have you ever heard people criticizing your choices in having caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee? Though over-indulging in anything will have negative consequences, having an extra cup of black tea might not be as bad as you might have imagined.

Personally I love my perfect cup of tea. It’s how I like to begin my day—not to help me wake up, but rather I like to enjoy a tasteful cup of bliss first thing in the morning. When it comes to herbal, green or black tea, different things suit different people and a doctor’s recommendation should never be overlooked, but for most of us, indulging in a cup or two of black tea might in fact be a healthy life choice, as some studies have shown.

Both green and black tea are made from a shrub called Camellia Sinesis, but with different processing methods. In addition to the leaves being withered, rolled and heated, black tea leaves are fermented before the final heating process.

Below are 11 health benefits of having a cup or two of black tea on a regular basis, though it should be noted that it is recommended that black tea should be consumed without any additives like milk or sugar to truly harness its benefits.

1. Oral Health: Studies funded by the Tea Trade Health Research Association suggests that black tea reduces plaque formation as well as restricts bacteria growth that promotes the formation of cavities and tooth decays. Polyphenols found in black tea kill and surpass cavity-causing bacteria as well as hinder the growth of bacterial enzymes that form the sticky-like material that binds plaque to our teeth.

2. A Better Heart: As identified by Arab L. et al. in their 2009 research paper called “ Green and black tea consumption and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis”, it is seen that regardless of people’s country of origin, individuals who consume 3 or more cups of tea had a 21% lower risk of a stroke than people who consume less than 1 cup of green or black tea per day.

3. Antioxidants: Black tea contains polyphenols, which are also antioxidants that help block DNA damage associated with tobacco or other toxic chemicals. These antioxidants are different from those obtained from fruits and vegetables and therefore as a regular part of our diet they can provide additional benefits towards a healthy lifestyle.

4. Cancer Prevention: Though a lot more research is required to confidently suggest cancer prevention techniques, some research over the years suggests that antioxidants like polyphenol and catechins in tea may help prevent some types of cancer. It has been suggested that women who drink black tea regularly have a lower chance of ovarian cancer than their counterparts.

5. Healthy Bones: It has also been suggested that regular tea drinkers have stronger bones and lower probability of developing arthritis due to the phytochemicals found in tea.

Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese

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INGREDIENTS

  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 400g lean (5% fat) minced beef
  • 2 cans chopped tomatoes
  • 1 beef Oxo cube
  • Good splash Worcester sauce
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves
  • Frylight Olive Oil cooking spray
  • Salt and fresh ground pepper
  • Spaghetti
  • Parmesan

METHOD

Heat a large frying pan or saucepan and spritz with Frylight Olive Oil. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for a minute or two until softened. Add the minced garlic and stir, taking care not to let it burn (it turns bitter!). Add the minced beef and cook until browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon.

When the beef has browned, pour in both cans of chopped tomatoes. Crumble in the Oxo cube and add a good splash of Worcester sauce and stir through. Add the lid to your pan, turn the heat to low and let your dish work its magic…

The longer you leave this to cook, the better the taste! I like to leave mine on low for 1 hour +, but if you’re in a rush, 20 – 30 minutes won’t disappoint.

When you’re almost ready to serve, add your pasta to a pan of boiling water and cook according to the packet instructions.

Whilst your pasta is cooking, add your salt and pepper seasoning to your bolognese and throw in some torn basil leaves, too.

Serve in big, generous bowls with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

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