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Know what you Eat - Brown rice is good source of complex carbohydrate. It provides 15 essential nutrients, including B-vitamins, niacin and potassium. Brown rice is a very good source of selenium, which is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism and immune function. Pigeon peas are nutritionally important, as they contain high levels of protein and three important amino acids. Fruits and Vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Yogurt promotes intestinal health, improves lactose intolerance, builds stronger bones, enhances immunity, lowers blood pressure, and may even have anticancer and weight-loss effects. Almonds are low in saturated fat and contain many other protective nutrients - calcium and magnesium - for strong bones and vitamin E. Walnuts are a good source of fiber, protein and omega-3. Beans supply high quality protein which provides a healthy alternative to meat or other animal protein without containing the fat.
You know why i call this rainbow meals, it has all the colors and contain food from all the food group. I made this for couple of guests, yes Kids who had come over for sleep over and stayed for lunch the next day. I normally try to include food from all the food group during the normal days and that too now it is summer time and kids eat lunch at home back from vigorous activities from sports camps, i cook like this almost every day except for the dessert. We don't have the habit of having desserts except when we have guests.
Rainbow Brown Rice
IngredientsCooked Brown Rice - 4 Cups
Chopped Vegetables(cut into thin strips) - 4 cups(Keep them separately and do not mix it)
(Include as many colors as possible i used Carrots, purple onions, green, orange, red, yellow bell peppers, Cabbage)
Coconut Oil - 2 Tbsp
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Green Chillies slit - 2 or more if you need it more spicy
Salt to taste
Method
1) Heat 1/2 tsp Oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds.
2) Once it stops spluttering add the Green Chillies, Onions and Carrots and once they are tender, add the chopped bell peppers all four colored.
3) Once they are little tender add the shredded cabbage and stir for few seconds and switch off the stove.
4) Now add salt, rest of the oil and cooled brown rice and combine with a thoroughly.
Mixed Vegetable Raita/Pachidi
IngredientsMixed Vegetables - 2 cups (Finely Chopped Onions, Grated Carrots and Cucumber(keep cucumber separately), Chopped Green and Red bell peppers)
Yogurt - 4 cups
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Cilantro - 2 tsp for garnishing.
Method
1) Squeeze out the extra water from the cucumber(you can drink this juice don't discard it.)
2) Combine the vegetables, yogurt, salt, pepper and cilantro.
3) Mix thoroughly and serve
Black Eyed Bean Salad
IngredientsBoiled , rinsed and drained black eyed beans - 2 cups
Chopped tomatoes and yellow onions - 1 cup
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Lime juice to taste
Olive oil - 1 tsp(optional)
Cilantro - 2 tsp for garnishing
Method
1) Soak black eyed beans for atleast two hours and pressure cook adding little bit of salt.
2) Once cooked wash, rinse and drain the water from the beans.
3) Add the chopped vegetables, beans, salt, pepper, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and combine thorougly.
Fruits & Nut Dessert
Ingredients Mango - 1
Apple - 1
Chopped Almonds - 2 tbsp
Chopped walnuts - 2 tbsp
Chopped Dates - 2 tbsp
Raisins - 1 tbsp
Honey or Maple syrup- 1 tbsp(optional)
Ghee (Clarified butter) - 2 tsp
Cardamom + Nutmeg powder - 1/2 tsp
Method
1) Heat ghee and roast the nuts till golden.
2) Roast the raisins till they plump and remove.
3) Now add the cardamom + nutmeg powder, dates and the chopped mango and apple pieces and saute for a few seconds and switch off the stove.
4) Now add the nuts and honey or maple syrup to the fruit pieces and combine to serve.
Event Participation
1) All the above dishes go to What you are Cooking for your Guests hosted by Raji of Rak's Kitchen.
2) The Fruit & Nut dessert spiced with Cardamom & Nutmeg go to Think Spice - think spiced sweet treats hosted by Sunitha.
3) The black eyed bean salad goes to the 14th helping of My Legume Love Affair hosted by Susan.
4) This also goes to Well balanced three course meal event hosted by Yasmeen.
