The Malnad Cuisine of Chikamagalur

The Malnad cuisines is one of the undiscovered cuisines of India. Originated from the region of Karnataka, the cuisine of Malnad is known for its rich flavors and aroma. The cuisines got its name because of the heavy rainfall the area received. 'Malenadu' means 'The Land of Rain' in the local language. The Malnad cuisine has strong influence of the fresh and organic ingredients from the locale. These local ingredients that influence the cooking include the locally grown turmeric leaves, raw jackfruit, colocasia leaves, tender bamboo shoots, rice and the rest. The freshly ground masala from the local spices add the flavors to the cuisines.

The Malnad cuisines involves a cooking type which includes less oil and fresh spices. As compared to rest of the South Indian Cuisines, the Malnad Cuisines is mildly spiced. Oil usage is minimal in Malnad cooking, as steaming is more focused upon rather than frying foods. The use of rare ingredients such as tiny local edible mushrooms(akki alubu), tender bamboo shoots(kalule), red ants(chigli) as well as colocasia leaves make the Malnad cuisine one of its kind.  As any other South Indian fare, many chutneys and pickles make their way into your food plate. These pickles or chutneys are made with vegetables such as brinjal, lady finger, coconut, turmeric leaves, jack fruit and the rest.

Some of the healthy options to try out include:

Akki Roti - A rice flat bread.

Maamsa Saaru - Local mutton curry

Menthya Sasive - Gravy prepared with fenugreek seeds

Iddiyappam - Breakfast food cooked by steaming rice flour

Halbai - Dessert cooked with rice and jaggery

Kai Kadubu - Steamed dumplings filled with fresh coconut and jaggery.

Benne Kadubu - Rice dumplings

Neer Dosa - Breakfast crepe cooked with rice flour and coconut milk

Hurlisaru - A curry preparation with horse gram(kulith)

Though the serving of food on a green banana leaf may make it appear as any South Indian fare, yet, the strong and appealing cooking of Malnad has its own identity which is making Chikmagalur one of the destinations to visit. 

Health Benefits of Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are also known as linseed or common flax or locally alsi. These seeds come in two varieties one brown and other golden yellow. Irrespective of color, flax seeds contain high nutritional values and equal amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seeds are slightly larger in size as compared to sesame seeds. They have smooth and shiny hard shell. The nutty flavor of flax seeds is becoming quite popular among health conscious consumers. Flax seeds are available in stores throughout the year. They should be consumed in proper proportion. Excessive consumption may cause diarrhea.

How to Consume Flax seeds

Flax seeds can be consumed either roasted or powdered. Flax seeds when roasted taste crunchy and can be eaten as it is or by adding in salads or as mouth-freshener. Powdered flax seeds can be added to smoothies and cereals.

Learn more about How to make homemade flax seeds mouth freshner(mukhwas)

How to store Flax seeds

Flax seeds can be stored at room temperature for as long as four months. Once you buy flax seeds, store them in airtight container. Powdered flax seeds stay fresh as little as one week only if it is stored in airtight container in the refrigerator.

Culinary Uses of Flax seeds

1. Flax seeds can be added to oatmeal, smoothies, curd, yogurt or water once it is grounded or powdered.

2. Sprouted flax seeds are edible and can be consumed just as any other sprouts. They have a light spicy flavour.

3. Grounded flax seeds can also be added to casseroles, baked dished and snack foods.

4. Whole flax seeds can be added to salads, multi-grain or whole wheat bread, crackers, muffins and energy bars.

5. Sprinkle grounded or whole flax seeds(slightly roasted) on your morning cereal, milkshakes or cooked oats.

6. Grounded or whole flax seeds can also be sprinkled on cooked vegetables.

Health Benefits of Flax seeds

1. Flax seeds are known to contain high levels of lignans which are considered to be beneficial for the heart.

2. Flax seeds contain anti-cancer properties.

3. Being rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds is one of the best vegan health options for foods.

4. Flax seed meal and flour are considered to be high source of fiber and hence can help lower cholesterol levels.

5. Hair massage with flax seed gel is said to stimulate and nourish hair follicles, thus improving blood circulation.

6. Daily consumption of flax seeds is said to be highly beneficial for the skin. It is said to minimize skin rashes and skin irritations. It also moistens the skin and helps get rid of wrinkles.

7. Flax seeds is highly recommended in weight loss diet as consuming flax seeds benefits to loss weight.

Side Effects of Flax seeds

Though flax seeds consumption is good for our health, yet over-consumption of flax seeds can have its own side effects. Flax seeds are to be consumed daily in measured proportion, say about 1 to 2 tablespoons a day per individual. People consuming more than this dosage may experience increase in bowel movements, diarrhea, stomachache, nausea, constipation and bloating. If flax seeds are grounded and stored, then they should be consumed within the mentioned time limit or they could turn rancid. 

Fish Moilee Recipe

Fish Moilee or Meen Moilee is one of the traditional and well known recipes of Kerala. Meen Moilee is traditionally cooked with Surmai or seer fish but one can experiment with almost any kind of fish. Surely the results would turn out fabulous. I am using fish fillets in the following recipe, but traditionally sliced fish is used commonly. Make sure to use thick slices if you are cooking with sliced fish. Do not over cook the fish.

Ingredients for Fish Moilee Recipe

Fish fillet - 500 gm, cut in large cubes
Coconut milk (thick) - 1/2 cup
Coconut milk (thin) - 2 cups
(Use one large coconut to first extract 1/2 cup of thick milk and then followed by 2 cups of thin coconut milk)
Onion - 1, sliced
Tomato - 1, cubed
Curry leaves - 10/15 leaves
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Coriander leaves - 1 tbsp, chopped
Green chilies - 5 to 6, slit
Coconut oil - 2 tbsp (you can also use olive oil)
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Coriander powder - 1 tsp
Cumin powder - 1 tsp
Garlic - 8 cloves
Ginger - 1 tbsp, crushed
Red chili - 4
Cashew nuts - 5 to 6
Coconut slivers - 2"
Salt, to taste

Method for Fish Moilee Recipe

Grind to paste garlic, ginger, red chili, coconut sliver and cashew nut. Set aside.

Heat oil and add to it mustard seeds, green chilies, onion and half the curry leaves. Saute till onions are transparent.

Add the ground masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric and continue to saute till the raw smell of the masala fades.

Add thin coconut milk, salt and mix well. Gently add to this the fish slices. Add tomatoes and rest of the curry leaves.

Lower the heat and simmer till fish is almost cooked. Add the thick coconut milk and continue to simmer till the gravy turns thick. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve hot with rice.

Overweight Child Diet Plans

Starving your overweight child to lose weight is not done. If you seriously wonder how your overweight child can lose weight, you will have to undertake some strong measures yourselves. This would include ensuring that your overweight child enjoys healthy diet plans that can help him lose weight. A healthy diet plan for an overweight child would include cutting down on lot of junk and including healthy food items in the menu that taste good and are beneficial for them.

Overweight Child Diet Plans

Discuss With Your Child's Doctor

Before making any diet plans for your overweight child it is advisable to consult with your doctor. A doctor can determine your child's obesity and accordingly suggest the right diet for your child - What needs to be included and what needs to be excluded from the diet. Accordingly you can make diet plans for your overweight child.

Include Healthy Replacement Options

Including healthy replacement options for the existing ones can help tremendously while making overweight child diet plans. This replacements can help your child lose weight and can also make up for the missing nutrients in your child's body. Some healthy replacement food options are listed in the table below:

No	Regular Food Options	Healthy Replacements
1.	White rice	Brown rice
2.	Refined flour	Whole wheat flour, Multigrain flour
3.	Aerated Drinks	Fruit and vegetable Smoothies, fresh fruit juices
4.	Chocolate bars	Homemade protein bars, granola bars
5.	Ice creams	Fruit popsicles
6.	Sugary cereals	Wholegrain cereals, oats
7.	Pasta	Whole-wheat pasta
8.	Burgers	Healthy sandwiches
9.	Butter	Low fat butter, margarine
10	Whole milk	Low fat milk, soy milk

Encourage Your Child's Involvement in Diet Planning 

Involving your child in diet planning helps in a big way. Once you help your child understand how important it is to include healthy foods in your daily diet, involve him or her in your plans for diet plans to lose weight. Take your child grocery shopping and give him an option of choosing his healthy food and drinks. Teach your child how to read food labels and learn about healthy food. 

Go For Healthy Snacking

Healthy snacking allows you to nibble on some awesome food options without worrying about calories and putting on weight. For instance instead of munching fried chips, one can try healthy snacking on dry fruits. Involve your children in kitchen by allowing them to help you prepare some healthy snacks at home such as protein bars or granola bars. Kids can always help in making healthy salads or other kid friendly foods such as fruit muffins or fruit flavored yogurt. More they involve in food making process, more they opt to eat and enjoy the healthy foods. Some healthy snacking options can include:

- popcorn without butter

- cucumber, baby carrots and cherry tomatoes lightly tossed with salt and pepper

- yogurt with fresh fruits

- fresh fruits

- fruit muffins

- fruit smoothies

Try Recipes Which Allow Hiding Your Child's Disliked Food Items 

Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, beetroot always end up in most disliked foods by kids. Parents often wonder how to incorporate these foods as part of their kid's healthy diet plans. So maybe such foods can find their way in your child's weight in a disguised way. Instead of including these foods in their actual format you could mash them and disguise them to make their way in your child's food without fuss. For examples smoothies, soup, kebabs, cutlets are great way of incorporating food items in a tasty way.

Learn more about how your overweight child can lose weight

10 Tips While Planning Overweight Child Diet Plans

1. Keep in check your child's like and dislikes for certain food. Like for instance few children hate vegetables like broccoli, pumpkin or even bottle-gourd.

2. Remove items such as whole cream, refined flour, excessive sugar, salt, etc from the menu.

3. Include healthy options such as olive oil or reduced fat cheese and cream.

4. Replace refined flour varieties with whole grain varieties. For instance whole wheat biscuits instead of regular biscuits, whole wheat bread instead of white bread.

5. Plan diet revolving around small food portions. Avoid large portions, instead serve your child small portions of food five to six times a day.

6. Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet plan.

7. Include lean meat instead of meat portions with high fat.

8. Prepare healthy food options and keep them in reach for a child to nibble on when hungry. This could include home-made protein bars, smoothies, granola bars, sliced fruits, or homemade fruit flavored yogurt.

9. Include low fat milk or cow milk in your overweight child diet plans instead of whole milk. You could also include Soy products such as soy milk and tofu.

10. While eating out, encourage your child to opt for healthy options other than fried items.

Homemade Flaxseed Mukhwas Recipe - Healthy After Meal Mouth Freshener

Mukhwas is a wonderful post-dinner snack or a mouth freshener which is widely eaten after meals in India to aid digestion. This homemade mukhwas recipe contains flaxseeds along with the regular sesame seeds and fennel seeds. Flaxseeds (alsi) are rich source of Omega3 fatty acids and are considered as  one of the wonder foods. It is said that consumption of just 1 or 2 tsp of flaxseeds is all one needs to gain several health benefits. Hence this is one way how to eat flaxseeds for health benefits. This Homemade Flaxseed Mukhwas Recipe is easy to make and requires only a couple of steps.

Ingredients for Homemade Flaxseed Mukhwas Recipe

Flaxseeds - 1 cup
Sesame Seeds (unpolished) - 1 cup
Fennel Seeds - 1 cup
Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Sugar - 1/2 tsp

Method for Homemade Flaxseed Mukhwas Recipe

In a large bowl, combine flaxseeds, sesame seeds and fennel seeds. Add salt and lemon juice. Mix together. Set aside for an hour.

Dry roast the mixture in a heavy bottom pan for a couple of minutes on a slow flame. Do not burn the mixture or roast for a long time Alternatively you can also microwave this mixture on HIGH for around 30 seconds.

Once done, allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add the sugar and mix the mixture well. Allow the mixture to cool completely.

Once done store the mixture in an airtight container. 

Prawn Salad Recipe

Ingredients for Prawn Salad Recipe:

King Prawns - 400 gm, de-veined and cleaned
Tomatoes - 3, large, sliced
Eggs - 4, hard-boiled, sliced
Lettuce leaves - 7 to 8
Vinegar - 1 tbsp
Mustard sauce - 1 tsp
Mayonnaise - 2 tbsp
Salt, as required
Olive oil

Method for Prawn Salad Recipe:

Boil prawns till done. Don't overcook them. Halve each prawn lengthwise and refrigerate.

On a serving plate, place washed lettuce leaves and arrange sliced tomatoes and eggs on it.

Place the prawns on the top of the sliced tomatoes and eggs.

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with mustard sauce, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Pour this sauce over the prawns just before serving.

Mushroom Stew Recipe

The mushroom stew recipe calls for an appetizing stew, very easy to make and certainly delightful.

Ingredients for Mushroom Stew Recipe:

Oyster Mushrooms - 200 gm
Coconut milk - 4 cups
Onions - 2, finely chopped
Carrot - 1, sliced
Potato - 2, boiled and cubed
Green chili - 3, sliced
Green peas - 1 cup, boiled
Ginger - 1 tsp, grated
Garam Masala powder - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric - pinch
Curry leaves - handful
Salt, as required
Oil, as required

Method for Mushroom Stew Recipe:

Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, once they start spluttering add curry leaves.

Add to this, chopped onions, green chillies and ginger. Saute and add chopped mushrooms, stir fry.

Add turmeric and salt. Stir well and add to this two cups coconut milk. Once the stew starts boiling add to this garam Marsala power, cubed potatoes, sliced carrot and green peas.

Now add the remaining coconut milk and simmer the stew on a moderate heat for around five minutes.

Serve hot with rice.

Almond Soup Recipe: Memory Enhancer

Haven't we always been told by our grandmas and moms about eating almonds first thing in the morning to boost memory. Well almonds (badam) are one of the best known Brain-friendly foods and can help enhance the brain function. So I wish to share this brain enhancer recipe of almond which can definitely prove out to be helpful for you as well as your children. Include this soup in your daily breakfast or any time snack.

Ingredients for Almond Soup Recipe:

Almonds - 15
White stock - 3 cups (recipe followed)
Butter - 2 tsp
Flour - 1 tbsp
Hot milk - 1/2 cup
Almond Essence - 2 drops (available in super markets)
Cream - 2 tbsp (freshly beaten)
Salt, as required
Pepper, as required (freshly ground)

Method for Almond Soup Recipe:

For around 10 minutes keep the almonds soaked in hot water. Drain and grind them to smooth paste, keeping 2 or 3 almonds aside. Use little white stock while grinding for smooth mixture.

Slice the rest of almonds into thin slices and bake them in the microwave oven till crisp. Set aside.

Mix the almond paste with the whole white stock and stir well. Set aside.

In a non-stick pan, heat butter. As soon it melts add to this flour and saute on slow flame. Ensure no discoloration of flour.

To this add the almond paste and mix well. Allow the soup to boil with continuous stirring.

Add the milk to this soup and along with add the almond essence, salt and pepper. Check the flavours and allow the soup to simmer for 5 more minutes.

Finally remove from heat. Add in the cream and mix well. Serve hot.

Recipe for the White Sauce:

Dice mixed vegetables including potatoes, onions, pumpkin and cabbage to make up 2 cups of vegetables. Pressure cook the vegetables with 5 cups of water until softly cooked. Blend the mixture and strain. You get around 3 to 4 cups of white sauce.

Vegan Eggnog Recipe

Ingredients for Vegan Eggnog Recipe: 

Silken Tofu - 200 gm
Soymilk (vanilla flavor) - 1 cup
Sugar - 2 tsp
Brown sugar - 1 tsp
Turmeric - 1 pinch
Brandy - 2 tbsp (optional)
Nutmeg powder - 1/2 tsp

Method for Vegan Eggnog Recipe:

Blend all the ingredients thoroughly mentioned above except nutmeg powder with a blender.

Pour the eggnog into a glass and dust with nutmeg powder.

Microwave Cardamom Fudge Recipe

Low fat sweet cooked effortlessly in microwave in matter of minutes!

Ingredients for Microwave Cardamom Fudge Recipe:

Curd - 1 and 1/2 cup, thick
Cottage Cheese (paneer) - 1 and 1/2 cup, freshly made
Sugar - 8 tbsp (ground)
Cardamom - 2, skinned and pounded
Dry fruits - 1 tbsp (cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios)

Method for Microwave Cardamom Fudge Recipe:

Get the curds through a fine mesh strainer for 2 hours, till all the whey inside the curd drips out and the curd gets thick. If you don't have a mesh strainer, no problem just hand the curd in a muslin curd for whole day.

Blend the curd with freshly prepared cottage cheese and sugar, with blender.

Pour this blended mixture in a microwave safe shallow dish.

Sprinkle pounded cardamom and the nuts over the top.

Microwave the dish at 100% power on HIGH for 7 minutes. Stir once and put it back in the microwave and cook for 2 more minutes.

Take the dish out, allow it to cool and cut it into small squares.

Almond Jade Stir fry recipe

Ingredients for Almond Jade Stir Fry Recipe:

Olive oil - 1 tbsp
Almonds - 1/2 cup, blanched
Garlic - 2 flakes, halved
Carrot - 1 sliced
Bell peppers - 2 no, sliced
Mushroom - 100 gm, sliced
French beans - 100 gm, sliced
Ginger - 2", finely chopped
Water - 5 tbsp
Soya sauce - 3 tbsp
Cornstarch - 2 tbsp
Salt, as required
Pepper, as required
Sesame oil - 1 tsp


Method for Almond Jade Stir Fry Recipe:

Heat olive oil in a skillet or over a non-stick pan and add garlic.Add almonds and toss lightly until crisp and lightly browned. Cook for 6 - 7 minutes. Remove the almonds and set aside.

In the same pan add the vegetables along with ginger and saute over high heat. Stir-fry until crisp. Reduce the heat.

In a bowl mix soya sauce along with corn starch and water. Mix well and add this mixture to the vegetables. Toss the vegetables for 2 more minutes, season with salt and pepper. Stir in the sesame oil along with the almonds in the vegetable pan.

Serve hot with brown rice or tossed noodles.

How to make easy Corn on the Cob in the Microwave

To make corn on the cob in microwave easily follow these simple steps:

Dehusk the corn and place it in a microwave proof shallow dish.

Add just 1 tbsp water per cob and allow it to cook on HIGH for 5 to 7 minutes. The time of cooking depends entirely on the size of the corn.

Don't forget to turn the corn halfway through cooking.

Do allow the corn to stand for at least 2 to 3 minutes before taking out of the oven.

Add little butter on the top of the corn and there you go!

How to make almond butter at home

As we all the know the goodness of almond in our daily life, lets try innovative ideas about how we could make use of this almonds without anyone noticing it that we added them as apart of the meals. For kids who don't like eating almonds, one way you could include them in meals is by making almond butter and using as a spread in sandwiches and salads.

Here's how to make almond butter:

Soak few almonds for half an hour in water.

Grind these almonds to smooth paste and mix a little oil to it.

Almond butter also works as a good alternative for mayonnaise and can be used as sandwich spreads, salad dressings and in many other ways. 

Rosemary Grilled Chicken in a White Wine Sauce Recipe

Ingredients for Rosemary Grilled Chicken in a White Wine Sauce Recipe:

Chicken breasts - 2 nos
English Mustard - 2 tbsp
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Dried rosemary - 1 tbsp
Salt, as required
Pepper, as required

Ingredients for White Wine Sauce:

Butter - 1 tbsp
Olive oil - 2 tbsp
Flour - 1 tbsp
White wine (dry) - 60 ml
Chicken stock - 25 ml
Cream - 2 tbsp
Dijon Mustard - 1 tbsp
Salt, as required
Pepper, as required

Method for Rosemary Grilled Chicken in a White Wine Sauce Recipe:

Marinate the chicken breasts with english mustard, dried rosemary, olive oil, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Later heat a pan and sear chicken breasts on both sides till evenly browned.

Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees and cook the chicken in it for 20 minutes.

In a pan melt butter and add flour to it. Keep stirring continously until light brown.

Add to this cream and mix well.

Pour in the chicken stock and mix well. Cook it for 10 minutes and allow the sauce to thicken.

Add to this dry white whine and the Dijon mustard. Mix well.

Seaso the sauce with salt and pepper.

Serving tips: Place the chicken on a serving dish and spoon hot sauce over it.

Thai Stir Fried Vegetables Recipe

Enjoy this bowlsome of veggies with a Thai twist. Very easy and can be made in minutes
 
Ingredients for Thai Stir Fried Vegetables Recipe:

Baby corn - 8 nos, halved
Mushrooms - 100 gm, halved
Celery - 1 stalk chopped
Cherry tomatoes - 100 gm
Garlic - 2 cloves, chopped
Thai red chillies - 2 nos, split lengthwise
Zucchini  - 1 sliced
Bell pepper - 1 sliced
Soy sauce (light) - 2 tbsp
Worcestershire Sauce - 2 tbsp
Pepper, as required
Salt, as required
Sesame oil  - 2 tbsp

Method for Thai Stir Fried Vegetable Recipe:

In a wok, heat sesame oil and add garlic and saute till golden. Add the celery and fry until they get soft.

Add to this baby corn and stir fry for 2 minutes. In a similar manner keep adding other vegetables and continue frying.

Add both the sauces and stir fry.

Add basil finally and serve hot.

Please note: Don't keep frying the vegetables for too long or they would turn soft. Let the veggies taste done yet crunchy.