~ A2Z Healthy Vegetarian Cuisine

Know What U Eat: HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO !!!!!!! Mexican lunch/dinner/snack idea's are always appreciated in my family, as it contributes food from almost all groups, fresh, very healthy & yummy.In the platter here, I have Guacamole dip for those crunchy whole corn chips, mix vegetable stir fry, rice with beans and favorite tomato/fruit salsa..About the whole recipe, although it doesn't take too much of time to make all of these in a single day session, some of them could be pre-made and stored in refrigerator. Its not exactly what we get in Chipotle, the famous Mexican grill, but its homemade, fresh and very much similar to its Burrito bowl, unless you like a scoop of everything in here wrapped up warm in your favorite tortilla, which we all love to eat whenever we decide to eat out now a days. For now enjoy this Mexican Fiesta..

Ingredients:
4 ripe hass Avocado's
1/2 C Fresh Cilantro, chopped
Juice of one lemon/lime
Salt & Pepper to taste

Method:
1. Mash three riped avocado's, with a fork, add lemon juice, cilantro, salt - pepper mix everything, and keep it aside.
2. Now dice the remaining avacado and add in above mixture..its thats simple. Enjoy!!

Note:
1. Always choose greenish black riped hass avacado variety to make this dip.
2. This dip is always prepared fresh...Avcoado gets easily oxidized in contact with air..to avoid its browning make sure you add enough lemon juice.

Tomato Salsa: (For picture visit here)

Ingredients:
4 C Fresh Ripe wine tomatoes
1 Onion, red or yellow
1/2 C Fresh Cilantro, chopped
3 small Indian green chili OR 1 jalapeno pepper,chopped
1/2 tsp red chili powder OR 1/4 tsp Black pepper powder
2 pinches of Sugar
Salt to taste
2 Tbsp Rice wine Vinegar / fresh lime juice

Method:
1. Throw onions, green chillies, and chop in food processor using pulse setting for 3-4 times untill they are evenly chopped. Remember do not make a paste...then put tomatoes, and rest of the ingredients, again chop evenly using pulse. to keep it chunky.

Mexican Rice:(For picture visit here)

Ingredients For Mexican Rice
1 cup cooked Basmati or Thick Variety Rice
1/2 cup black/red beans cooked
1/2 cup jullian or chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup yellow corn (fresh or frozen)
1/2 teaspoon green chilli-ginger paste
1/2 teaspoons chilli-garlic sauce
1Tbsp Taco Seasoning Mix
** Salt acc.to taste

For the tempering
1 tablespoon oil or butter
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

For the garnish
1 tablespoon chopped coriander.

Method to make Mexican Rice.
1. Make the rice, Place the rice in a sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds, as it becomes toasted and fragrant,in about 30secs add the green chilli-ginger paste,chilli-garlic sauce , then add black/red beans,bell pepper,corn,rice,and then add salt & taco seasoning mix.
4. Mix all together quickly & lower down the flame.Set aside.

Vegetable Stir Fry: (For picture visit here)

Ingredients:
1/2 C Diced Paneer / Tofu
4 C Mix Vegetables (Carrot,Brocolli,Zucchini,Cauliflower, Water Chestnuts,Bell peppers, Yellow Corn,Baby Corn) Washed & Diced in similar pieces.

For Seasoning:
1 Tbsp (EVOO) Olive Oil
3 tsp Sesame Seeds
1 tsp Dried Coriander Pwd
1 tsp Turmeric Pwd (optional)
3 tsp Taco Seasoning Mix
1 tsp red chilli flakes (optional)
Salt to taste

Method:
1. Heat oil in large non- stick skillet / kadhai.
2. Add all the vegetables, now add sesame seeds & toss it well, then add all the seasonings except salt. Put the flame on high and cook it for 5 - 6 mins for that crunch needed in this recipe, you can cook more if desired.
3. Add salt.
4. Mix it very well. Serve Hot. I would just eat them alone.....Works great as a side dish with Plain Rice / Indian flat bread / or with any other main course.

Sending it to Joyful Eating Whilst Travelling, event hosted by Jagruti.

Like so many things getting lost in this era of inevitable technology & scientific changes, we just want to preserve and share whatever has been passed on out of experience, common sense, intuition than scientific research and which eventually amazingly has proved to be true after years of research in this generation. Our main purpose of coming up with this event is, there are lot of home remedies which would have run in all families for years, this should go on to our next generation. So let us take this opportunity and thank all our blogger friends for such an overwhelming response who made this Event "Home Remedies Series 1" a HUGE SUCCESS. Last but not the least Thanks to Priya of Priya's easy n tasty recipes.. for sending in the maximum entries.

Ruchika of Ruchikacooks will be guest hosting the "Home Remedies Series-2" event from March 1 to March 31. Do send in your entries and make the event large.Thanks Ruchika in taking this event forward. Interested ?? Email us for future hosting to a2zvegetariancuisine at gmail dot com.

These are some of the home remedies that worked for all of us and we are sharing it with you, this is not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, if you have any medical history or concerns before taking any home remedies.

Here are some Home Remedies for Common Cold, Cough, Sore Throat, Nasal &

Chest Congestion & Similar Illnesses.

	Do you know which is "The Spice that Ignites Your Body's Astonishing Immune System, 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamin E and stronger than vitamin C, this 'antioxidant breakthrough' may help boost your immunity, maintain normal cholesterol levels, and put the brakes on aging'. None other than TURMERIC, we use everyday at home. Check 2 Varieties of Turmeric + used in Milk - A remedy for Cough and Cold which loosens mucous and works as natural expectorant. By Sadhana & Muskaan at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults & Children
	Though this ailment runs its course in a few days, still it is very tough to bear sore throat without any medication. Managing sore throat through the duration that it stays, is very easy and there are a number of herbal remedies available. These remedies give relief from the pain and irritation and also do not have any side effects that tag along with medicines. Homemade Cough Drops for Sore Throat by Muskaan at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine and few other remedies given with this article, does really help. Its an Oral Consumption, can be prepared in quantity and kept for 4 - 5 days. For Whom: Adults & Children
	Basil leaves, coriander, ginger, pepper corns, & palm sugar makes this soothing concoction. Padma says, this concoction is best to consume when you are suffering from severe cold and cough. It relieves from congestion and soothes our throat. "Kashayam" for severe cough & cold. Also check the picture of ingredients in her blog. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults & Children - reduce the quantity for kids.
	Kamala at Cookatease says, This "kashayam" (herbal concoction) is prepared with common spices available at home and with some herbs available in stores selling herbal medicines. Continuous sneezing, blocked nose (difficult to breathe) or runny nose, sore throat, cough and symptoms like headache, feverishness, chilliness, body ache and not feeling well in general. Check out, how to prepare this Kashayam for Cold. Also check the picture of ingredients in her blog. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh For Whom: Adults & Children above the age of 5.
	Pepper milk, this hot milk is such a prefect remedy of flu and cold. A simple drink prepared with hot milk, a pinch of turmeric powder and a spice powder prepared with dry roasted pepper and cloves. Priya prepares this pepper milk whenever anyone at home have flu or cold. nothing beats this Pepper Milk for Flu & Cold. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh in a jiffy. For Whom: Adults & Children. Check the dosage for kids in her blog.
	Spice says, she started using this remedy whenever any one in the family get those symptoms like itchy throat means onset of cough and it really works. If you start taking it as soon the symptom starts, cough and itchy throat usually goes away in couple of days but we do continue to take it for 3-4 days. Do check her Golden Spice Home Remedy for Cough by Spice at Spice Buds Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults & Children (for kids 1/4 tsp)
	To smooth your throat, relieve your sore throat, try Ginger Tea for Sore Throat by Cham at Spice Club Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults
	Here many people drink this ginger tea with brown sugar when they have sore throat/cold/cough and for her the symptoms do get reduced. PJ usually drinks 3 glasses of this continually just adding water and brown sugar to the same glass with ginger and she feels better. It might work for you as well. Do check Ginger Tea for Sore Throat by PJ at Taste Buds. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults
	Ginger "Surasam" (herbal juices) that are heated and taken orally, these heated herbal juices r quite used in rural villages, as grandma's medicines, for sore throat, also prefect for cold.. Try this Peppercorns & Ginger Surasam for Cold & Sore throat by Priya. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults
	For headache & sore throat.. Nithu uses, pepper powder, cumin seeds, cinnamon powder, honey and ginger. She is sure, you would definitely feel better within an hour of taking this drink Pepper & Ginger Juice for Cold,by Nithu Bala. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults
	For Cold & Sore Throat Turmeric Pepper Milk is a good home remedy and has immediate effect for cold/sore throat or cough. Saraswathi shares, her Turmeric Pepper Milk for Cold & Sore Throat with us. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults
	Shankara at Infomania shares his Ginger Honey Mixture as a quick remedy for cough, he is given few more tips for cough, do check them at Home Remedies for Cough & Cold by Shankara at Shankar's Corner. Its an oral consumption, prepared fresh. For whom: All

Lack of Appetite, Indigestion & Nausea

	Garcinia indica "Kokum" Juice is a health drink as it absorbs heat of your body & gives you instant energy. It gives respite from indigestion too. When mixed with yogurt it becomes "natural antacid". Home Remedy for Reducing Body Heat / Digestive Tonic by Muskaan at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine. Its an Oral Consumption, Can be prepared and kept for 2 days in fridge. For Whom: Adults/Children above age 5.
	This is one of the beverage (non -alcoholic)- Cham uses to drink when she had indigestion, known as "Stomach settler", relieve the upset stomach Ginger Ale for Indigestion and Upset Stomach by Cham at Spice Club Its an Oral Consumption. Syrup can be pre-made. For Whom: Adults/Children
	This "kashayam" herbal concoction can be sipped when you have Dizziness/upset tummy / nausea /indigestion / lack of appetite PJ at Taste Buds shares this awesome concoction with us. Here it is. Sukku Malli (Dry Ginger & Coriander Seeds) Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh For Whom: Adults.
	This coffee helps a lot for digestion, cough, mild fever, nasal congestions, vomiting sensation, adding all the valuable herbs...Now whenever she feels down with fever or cold, she prepares this decoction immediately. Dry Ginger & Coriander Seeds Coffee by Priya at Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults.
	There are so many health benefits with this popular oldest spice, of India along with jaggery. As it improves digestion, stimulates taste buds and improves the appetite .It also helps in prevention of diarrhea and constipation and prevents gastric troubles. Home Remedy for Body Heat & Indigestion by Padma Rekha at Plantainleaf. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh For Whom: Adults, Children.
	This is a natural cure for gas and indigestion in babies. Earlier commercial gripe waters contained alcohol, which has now been stopped due to ethical issues Check out.3 Varieties of Gripe Water for Stomach Ailment of babies by Muskaan at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine. Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Infants/Children
	Never known Black Tea for Diarrhea, treating - loose motions, relief of cough and throat pain, hair conditioner, for dark circles by Veggi Fare - RachanaKothari. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults.
	This mouth freshener not only tastes good but has lot of medicinal uses. Fennel seeds are particularly useful in the treatment of disorders of the eye, it satisfies thirst, subsidies vomiting sensations, colic, the formation of mucus and feverishness. Fennel is a good diuretic and can cure those who suffer gas when taken after food. It is beneficial against bad-breath too. Try home made Sesame Fresh for Bad Breath & Indigestion by Veggi Fare - Rachana Kothari Its an Oral Consumption, can be pre-made and stored. For Whom: Adults & Children.
	Ginger Tea for Indigestion,Nausea,Cold & Sore throat by Nithu Bala She says, when ginger and honey mixed together they give immediate relief from cough, sore throat and running nose. Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Adults
	Jeeraga (Cumin)Kashayam This remedy is not only for mom's-to-be, anyone who has digestion problems can drink. .Shared by PJ at Taste Buds. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh For Whom: Adults & Children after the age of 5.
	Home Remedy for improving digestion & relieve digestion related stomach cramps Soaked Fenugreek with yogurt for Indigestion by Sadhana at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine. Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Adults & Children.
	This simple and easy drink, helps for gastric problem and improves digestive system. It can be consumed anytime / anyone. Cumin water by Saraswathi. Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Adults & Children including Pregnant Women.
	Very useful Herbal water multiple herbs with the major ingredient being Karingali herb which has medicinal property to treat sore throat & diarrhea, this herbal water is used as a thirst quencher, this interesting remedy is contributed by by Swathi Iyer of Zesty South Indian Kitchen. Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Adults & Children, infants over 6months of age.
	Colic, Digestion for Infants Remedy with Nutmeg by PJ at Taste Buds.

Home Remedies for: Glowing Skin/Blood Purification, Constipation, Tonsils, Sinus, Anemia, Heat Stroke, Motion Sickness, Diabetes, Swollen Gums, Aching Muscles, Lactation, Acid Reflux .

	Check this when the 3 Aces of Ayurveda Fenugreek & Turmeric & Dry Ginger by Muskaan at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine creates magic, for motion sickness, nausea, antiviral, antioxidant, alcohol withdrawal, elevated cholesterol problems, painful menstruation, migraine headache, blood purification, low blood pressure, reduce flatulence. Also is an Anti Aging agent, and best for diabetes when consumed daily. Its an Oral Consumption, can be pre-made & stored. For Whom: Adults.
	A Master Cleanse / Natural Laxative Phylum Husk for Constipation ,eliminates the burning sensation after defecation, regulating blood glucose levels, prevents indigestion and flatulence. shared by Muskaan at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine. Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults & Children (Check special children's husk available in market)
	Apart from a home remedy for diabetes, in India fenugreek is used as a home remedy to treat infected tonsils & improve digestion Fenugreek water for Infected Tonsil by Sadhana at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine. Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Adults & Children.
	Vapor with Thyme Water A best Home Remedy for Sinus by Ruchika at Ruchika Cooks Water with herbs for vapor steam is prepared fresh. For Whom:Adults
	Sugar and some assortment of spices is an effective remedy for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It also quenches thirst and prevents the excessive loss of sodium chloride and iron during summer due to excessive sweating.Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke – Aam Panna by Priya at Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh For Whom: Adults & Children.
	This Greenish Herbal Juice,with plenty of vitamins, rich in iron n healthy without any calorie, very good to take before breakfast in empty stomach, people who need to take iron tablets can replace those tablets very well with this juice. Herbal Juice for Anemia by Priya at Priya's Easy N Tasty Recipes Its an Oral Consumption, prepared fresh. For Whom: Adults & Children
	The candied ginger is well known to stop motion sickness, nausea and stimulating salivation Candied Ginger for Motion Sickness by Cham at Spice Club Its an Oral Consumption, can be pre-made & stored. For Whom: Adults & Children
	Pomegranate, Indian Gooseberry & Fenugreek Powder for Diabetes, osteoarthritis,anemia, Eye care, Heart disease, improving appetite & hair loss. by Srivalli at Spicingyourlife. Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Adults
	Soaked Fenugreek to increase Milk Production for Lactating Women by Sadhana of A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Lactating Women
	Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda A therapy for Shortening or preventing Cold/Infections, Swollen gum and Acid Reflux by Sadhana at A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine. For Whom: Adults & Children.
	The amino acid 4- hydroxyisoleucine, contained in the fenugreek seeds, may directly stimulate insulin secretion so check out this Fenugreek powder for Diabetes by Sadhana A2Z Vegetarian Cuisine Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Adults
	The Fenugreek potion by Dershana of Footloose chef for PMS which she has personally benefitted. Its an Oral Consumption For Whom: Women
By Alde at OrMaybePizza	Massage Oil for Sore and Aching Muscles The clove works to stimulate blood flow, and will act as a mild pain reliever. The sage also helps in pain relief, and has a wonderful calming affect on the body. Its an Topical Application For Whom: Adults
By Spice at Spice Buds	Simple Home Remedies Colic, Diarrhea, & Cold

Non Blogger Entries : Home Remedy for Fever

Prajakta Bhalerao from Iselin, NJ says, My kids were having very high fevers two weeks back. I tried this homemade kadha for them every hour and got good results. Its very inexpensive and no side effects.

Ingredients: Tulsi Kadha or Tea

Holy basil or Tulsi Powder 2 tablespoons or 1/4 cup fresh leaves
Khadisakhar or sugar cubes 1/4 cup
Sunth or dry ginger powder 1 tsp or fresh ginger grated 1 tsp
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Coriander seeds 1 tsp
1 tsp salt

Method:

Boil with 2 cups of water till it becomes ¾ . Let it cool . Take 5 spoons every hour or so and give to children . This will help to maintain the body well hydrated with electrolytes plus Holy basil has many properties. In fever or flu it will immediately lower the temperature. It also loosens the mucus and allows it to pass through respiratory tract. It’s a natural antibiotic so any bacteria will go away . cumin seeds help to sweat and make toxins go out of the body. Sunth is good for the throat as well as for cough. "Khadisakhar" or sugar cubes are better alternatives than white sugar and also has medicinal properties. Continuous drinking of this Kadha or juice will help to increase immunity. My daughter does not like and make funny face while drinking it but my son started loving this Kadha and asks for it immediately after waking up.

P.S. Pls try with other fever reducing medicines in High fever or discuss with your physician.