The ultimate guide to curry

 

Korma

The mild and creamy korma is a good entry-level curry for the spice-adverse. The pale yellow dish contains meat or vegetables, which are braised with yogurt or cream, and mild, fragrant spices. Sometimes almond, coconut or fruit is added. The origins of korma date back to 16th Century North India and Pakistan, where it was a delicacy served by the Mughal Court kitchen. Rumour has it that a famous white version of the dish was served to Emperor Shah Jahan and guests at his unveiling of the Taj Mahal.

Check out the Hairy Bikers' chicken korma recipe.

Tikka masala

Tikka means pieces of meat or vegetable. Masala simply means a blend of spices. The result? Chunks of meat marinated in spices, pushed onto skewers, dry-roasted in a tandoor oven and then dressed in a flavoursome, vivid orange, creamy, tomato sauce. The origins of chicken tikka masala – a favourite food of the Brits – is widely disputed. Some claim it hails from the Punjab, some from Birmingham and one Pakistani chef – with an eatery in Glasgow’s west end – has claims on the concoction.

Try this next level tikka masala recipe.

Pasanda

Pasanda is another curry derived from a dish served in the court of the Mughal emperors. The Urdu word pasande translates as favourite, which refers to the prime cut of meat that would have traditionally been used. In UK curry houses today, the pasanda is a pale yellow, mild (and often sweet) curry that contains cream or coconut milk, and ground almonds or cashews.

Cook this lamb pasanda.

Balti

This dish is all about the vessel it’s cooked and served in. The word balti is found in Urdu, Hindi and Bengali, and means bucket, although it is more of a thin steel or iron wok. Meat and vegetables – like onions, spinach, potato, and mushrooms – are cooked up quickly over a high heat, much like a stir-fry. The Brummies are claiming this one as their own, with the dish emerging out of Birmingham in the early 1970s.

Here's a recipe for chicken and spinach balti.

Bhuna

The name bhuna again refers to the style in which the curry meat is cooked. In Urdu, bhunna means to be fried. The dish, which originates from Bengal, is typically prepared by frying lots of spices at a high temperature. The meat is then added, and simmers away in its own juices. The result is a thick, intensely flavoured sauce. The dish is often served with green pepper and sliced onions.

Try this vegetable bhuna recipe.

Dopiaza

The name of this dish, which originated from Hyderabad, translates as double onion. It’s probably no surprise then to hear that it’s prepared with large amounts of the vegetable, which is used at two stages of the cooking process – both in the sauce and as a garnish. A sour note is another key element of this curry, which normally comes in the form of a large squeeze of lemon.

Here's a prawn dopiaza recipe.

Dhansak

A dhansak is made by cooking meat or prawns with a mixture of lentils and vegetables. And because the British seem to love all things sweet, the UK version often contains pineapple. Well, if it works on a pizza…

Try your hand at this lamb dhansak recipe.

Rogan josh

Rogan josh consists of pieces of braised lamb in a rich gravy. The flavour comes from garlic, ginger, browned onions and aromatic spices (like cloves, bay leaves and cardamom). Rogan josh is one of the signature dishes of Kashmiri cuisine, and a stalwart of the region’s multi-course meal, known as the wazwan. In the Kashmiri version, the rich red colour is a result of the local chillies – whereas British restaurants will add red peppers and tomatoes for a splash of scarlet.

The ultimate rogan josh recipe from BBC Food.

Madras

A spicy number! The madras is red in colour, made with heavy use of chilli powder and strongly spiced. Madras curry is said to originate from the city of the same name but ask for a madras in India and you’ll struggle – the term is a British invention. The madras you find in restaurants here is also not an authentic version of the curry English merchants would have been served up in Madras (now Chennai) hundreds of years ago. The madras we know and love was conjured up by British Bangladeshi restaurants in the 1970s.

Here's a quick chicken madras curry recipe.

Jalfrezi

The jalfrezi is another Anglo-Indian invention. The British in colonial India were always looking for ways to use up their leftovers, so they would fry them up with chilli and onion. With all the green chillies in this dish, it can range from medium hot to hold-on-to-your-hat hot. In fact, the word jalfrezi comes from the Benghali word 'jhal' meaning spicy.

Instead of ordering a takeaway, make your own chicken jalfrezi.

Vindaloo

Not for the faint-hearted, vindaloo is a fiery dish that frequently including potatoes. The vindaloo served here is a far cry from the original, which hailed from Portuguese-occupied Goa. The name derives from a mispronunciation of the Portuguese dish carne de vinha d'alhos (meat with wine-vinegar and garlic), which the European explorers were dining on back in the 15th Century. It is thought that some confusion around the Hindi word for potato – aloo – could explain the later addition of potatoes.

Here's a roast chicken vindaloo curry.

Phall

The phall (or faal, phaal, or phal) was dreamt up by British Bangladeshis in Birmingham. And this one is hot. Hotter than a vindaloo and hotter than most of us can handle, due to the ground scotch bonnet or habanero chillies that are often used to create the volcanic curry. Have a pint of milk by your side and proceed with caution.

The hidden toxins in your favorite foods

 In a report last month, researchers found toxic metals in every dark chocolate bar they tested, including big-name brands like Hershey's, Lindt and Tony's Chocolonely.

It may also be a surprise that a chemical used in explosives sometimes finds its way into breads, muffins and cookies, or that an ingredient in lighter fluid is used to keep chicken nuggets fresh.

In recent weeks experts also have issued warnings about red food dyes in candy, Doritos and sodas, which have been linked to cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Substance found in lighter fluids, is also in chicken nuggets 

Butane isn’t just for lighters anymore — it's also added to chicken nuggets, potato chips and some fast foods to keep them fresh for longer.

The chemical — tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) — is considered to be safe in low doses in foods.

But in higher amounts it has been linked to tumors, liver enlargements, convulsions and paralysis.

Food companies swear by TBHQ because it can preserve food, keeping its flavor, color and nutritional value for longer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the chemical for use in foods back in the 70s, when fast foods were becoming ever-more popular.

Now it is claimed to be in everything from McDonald's chicken nuggets and nstant noodles to snack crackers.

The FDA currently allows for no more than 0.02 percent of an item's total fat and oil content to be TBHQ.

Authorities in Europe have also determined that TBHQ is safe to use in foods in low concentrations. 

The chemical is made from butane, which is stored in lighters as a liquid and released as a gas ignited by a spark.

Explosive material in breads, muffins and cookies

Potassium bromate has been used as an explosive for decades.

But the white powder is also mixed into flour used for baked goods such as breads and cookies, because it can help dough to rise and keep its shape.

Lab studies have repeatedly linked it to cancers in the thyroid and peritoneum — the thin layer of cells covering the bladder, rectum — and the uterus.

But the FDA is yet to outlaw its use in the United States, and continues to consider the substance as 'GRAS', generally recognized as safe.

This contrasts with the view in many other countries and blocs, including the UK, Canada, India, Brazil and the European Union — which have all outlawed it.

Warnings over its potential to cause cancer date back to 1999, when reports on this risk began to be released.

The food industry has long argued it is safe to use because during cooking the powder is converted into potassium bromide, a non-carcinogen.

But tests in the UK back in 1994 showed that potassium bromate remains in foods even after cooking.

This included all six unwrapped bread products tested, and seven out of 22 wrapped that were checked.

Lead exposure in children is often difficult to observe, with no immediate symptoms.

But if there is suspicion a child has been exposed, then parents should talk to their child's healthcare provider about getting a blood test.

Lead is more harmful to children under six years old because their body is still developing. 

Children:

- Damage to the brain and nervous system;

- Slowed growth and development;

- Learning and behavior problems;

- Hearing and speech problems.

This can lead to: 

- Lowered IQ;

- Decreased ability to pay attention;

- Underperformance in school. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Dark chocolate has been repeatedly lauded for its health benefits, from promoting heart health to packing a heavy punch of antioxidants.

But a recent investigation into 28 popular brands — including Lindt, Hershey's and Trader Joe's — found all the bars contained alarming amounts of cadmium and lead.

Cadmium ends up in chocolate when it is sucked up through cacao tree roots, with exposure over a long period of time linked to kidney failure and weak bones.

But lead, which is well-known to be dangerous to humans, gets into chocolate after cacao beans are left out to dry by roadsides — and become coated with lead from car fumes.

Lead exposure over long periods is linked to memory loss, abdominal pain and low mood in adults.

But in children it can damage brain development, as well as leading to learning and behavior problems and issues with speech and hearing.

Experts say there is too little heavy metal in each individual bar to poison someone, with this only likely to happen after eating more than an entire sharing-sized bar.

The FDA sets no national limit for lead and cadmium levels in chocolate.

A spokeswoman for the agency told DailyMail.com last month: 'The FDA continues to monitor and regulate levels of environmental contaminants, including lead and cadmium, in foods.

'If the agency finds that the level of a contaminant causes the food to be unsafe, we take action.'

Vomit chemical hiding in butter and parmesan

It turns out that a chemical found in vomit is also present in some butters and parmesan cheeses.

Called butyric acid, it is a short-chain fatty acid made naturally that ends up in animal products — such as those using milk.

About three to four percent of butter is butyric acid, which is behind the disagreeable smell created when the food turns rancid.

Few studies have been carried out into the substance, but those that have suggest it has positive health benefits.

The substance has already been linked to a lowered risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer and improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics.

No estimates are available on how much of the acid is needed to prompt health benefits in people.

But raising fiber intake may be the best strategy, scientists say, because this triggers bacteria breaking it down to produce chemicals like butyric acid.

Carcinogenic chemical in candy 

A substance deployed in paints, rubber and plastics is also hidden in many popular candy brands.

Industries often use titanium dioxide to give their products a white color and glossy sheen.

But manufacturers of popular candies, salad dressing and chewing gum also use it to give a smooth texture or as a white colorant.

The FDA has imposed strict guidelines on how much can be used in food, setting a maximum limit of no more than one percent.

While US regulators say the compound is safe in small amounts, the additive has been banned in European Union countries.

Microplastics lurking in fast foods 

Popular fast food items from major chains like McDonald's and Burger King contain small amounts of industrial chemicals called phthalates, the compounds used to make plastic pliable. 

Scientists have repeatedly found evidence of these insidious chemicals in a majority of foods tested. 

A study published in 2021 tested 64 fast food items from national chains including McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Chipotle, and found the majority contained these chemicals. 

They have previously been linked to health problems including hormone disruption, infertility and an increased risk for learning, attention and behavioral disorders in children.

The substances mainly get into foods when they come into contact with packaging and handling equipment, such as cellophane and papers.

Concerns are being raised over microplastics as they are introduced into the food chain amid widespread use of plastics.

But researchers say the levels being detected in foods at present are not such that they would raise alarm at federal agencies.

Source :

• This cancer-causing chemical may be lurking in your bread | Environmental Working Group
• Phthalate and novel plasticizer concentrations in food items from U.S. fast food chains: a preliminary analysis | Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology

What Food Cravings means ?

 Craving: Chocolate

What your body wants: Magnesium

What you should eat: Nuts, seeds, dark green vegetables and fruit

Craving: Sugary foods and drinks

What your body wants: Chromium, tryptophan and phosphorus

What you should eat: Dark green vegetables, chicken, cheese, grapes, sweet potato, eggs, nut and grains

Craving: Bread and pasta

What your body wants: Protein and nitrogen

What you should eat: Red meat, beans, chia seeds, fatty fish

Craving: Oily or fried foods

What your body wants: Calcium

What you should eat: Green leafy vegetables, lentils, organic milk and cheese

Craving: Salty foods

What your body wants: Chloride and silicon

What you should eat: Cashew nuts, seeds, fatty fish and goat's milk

🐣

Eyes in Swiss Cheese

One of the most noticeable features of Swiss cheese is these famous “eyes”. For over a century, people believed that bacterial growth creates gases that make holes in the cheese. Except that’s not quite true.

During the milking process, tiny hay particles stick to buckets and stay in the milk. By controlling the number of hay particles in milk used to make cheese, the scientists could control the size and number of holes that appeared. The specks of hay cause weakness in the curd structure and act as a nucleation site for the carbon dioxide bubbles produced by the bacteria in the cheese to form. The rind is tough enough that it traps the air bubbles inside the cheese and creates eyes. The traditional milk bucket being replaced with modern technology explains the “cheese blindness epidemic”.

This is a bigger deal than you think because the US Department of Agriculture has a grading system for Swiss cheeses (defined as “cheese made by the Swiss process or by any other procedure which produces a finished cheese having the same physical and chemical properties as cheese produced by the Swiss process”, not cheese from Switzerland) based on the size of the holes. Grade A requires cheese to have “uniformly distributed well-developed round or slightly oval-shaped eyes" between 6/16 to 13/16 of an inch (1 to 1.7 cm). This rule only applies to Swiss-style cheese sold in the U.S. 

Source : https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/number-and-size-of-swiss-cheese-holes-can-be-programmed/

Benefits of fatty foods

1- Foods of plant origin do not contain cholesterol, which is only found in foods of animal origin. It is also not present in oilseeds such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and peanuts.

2- Olive, sunflower, sesame, cottonseed, walnut, hazelnut, peanut, soybean, and corn take the lead in vegetable oils.

3- The increase in omega (n-3) fatty acids in the diet helps prevent coronary heart disease. These fatty acids must be taken with food. Linoleic acid (n-6) is found in sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, and peanut oil. Linolenic acid (n-3) is available in green leafy vegetables, soybean oil, walnut oil, oily marine fish, and seafood. While n-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, on the other hand, are found in aquatic products and breast milk. It is also necessary for retinal and brain development.

4- Oilseeds are rich in water-soluble group B vitamins of Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2) Niacin, and Folic Acid, as well as vitamin E, one of the fat-soluble vitamins.

5- Hemicellulose is partially soluble pulp. It reduces intra-colonic pressure, increases fecal volume, and helps in regulating blood glucose and decreasing serum cholesterol. Foods with the highest content of pulp are legumes, followed by oilseeds (almonds, walnuts, peanuts), bran whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. The amount of pulp in a daily diet should be 25-30 grams.

6- Diet Pulp is the main component of dietary products in terms of creating a feeling of satiety. Hard-shelled fruits (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds) are rich in pulp, which is necessary for the functioning of the digestive system. They soften the feces by drawing water and prevent constipation. Due to their soluble fiber content, they have positive effects on health in terms of regulating blood sugar, lowering cholesterol levels and protecting against cardiovascular diseases.

7- Vitamin E, which is present in high amounts in hard-shelled fruits, acts as a trap for free radicals in the cell membrane by antioxidant effect and prevents oxidation of unsaturated fats, which are vital for cell integrity. This protective effect, which is essential for the health of all cells, also helps to prevent many diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. These foods can be used in diet as an alternative to foods such as meat and eggs in preventing cardiovascular diseases due to their high energy content but lack of cholesterol.

8- Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are important minerals in controlling blood pressure. Due to the high potassium and magnesium but low sodium content in oilseeds, the recommended daily consumption may be efficient in controlling the blood pressure. Meanwhile, patients with hypertension should consume salt-free oilseeds

5 significant colours for women's diets

The right foods help women maintain both their health and fitness. 

Yellow foods for reproductive health

Yellow fruit and vegetables, particularly lemons, aid women's reproductive health and are often required in diet plans. Lemons can be consumed during the day in the form of flavoring for salads or meals. Lemons, which are a source of vitamin c, prevent the formation of bacteria in the body and offer immune system benefits. Another important food is yellow peppers. Yellow peppers, high in vitamins and minerals, can be consumed during meals or in salads. Yellow peppers are important for women's vaginal and perineurium health. Yellow foods also play an important role in regulating the digestive system and brain function.

Avoid cancer with purple foods

Purple options, which provide important antioxidants due to purple pigments called anthocyanins, suppress cancer cells and enhance the immune system. Anthocyanins, which give color to purple foods, also serve as anti-aging tools. For instance, beetroot protects against cancer with its high antioxidants. Beetroot, which can be consumed in salads, plays an active role in liver health in women. It also plays an active role to fight many skin diseases that may originate from the liver.

Another miracle food is purple grapes. Purple grapes, which can lower cancer risk in women, also support brain development. Due to the fiber and vitamins they contain, they help remove toxic substances in the body and play a role in brain health and development.

Maintain weight with green food

Broccoli is one of the primary green foods that should be consumed. Broccoli is high in vitamin c and fiber. Paired with a proper nutritional plan, broccoli is effective in the prevention of obesity. It is also effective in the protection of organs such as the brain and eyes due to its high antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids. Another green nutrient that women should consume for their health is avocado, which is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Red foods for immune system

Offering rich antioxidants, tomatoes help prevent both vaginal and heart diseases. They restore the immune system and are good for ear, nose and throat diseases. Red apples also contain plenty of vitamins, while their antioxidants are helpful for fighting many diseases in women. They are also effective against upper respiratory tract infections, discharge and similar complaints.

Orange foods for eye health

Apricots, one of the foods that should be consumed frequently for eye and sexual health in women, can be consumed as a snack or in the form of compote every day. Apricots also balance blood sugar levels. Another important orange option is carrots. Carrots, with high vitamin a content, are also crucial for eye health in women. Consuming one carrot a day positively affects eye health. They are also effective against diseases of the immune system.

Increase your immunity with a home made soup

1/2 cup red lentil
1/2 cup green moong dal
2-3 cloves
2-3 peppercorns
1/2 cup chopped spinach leaves
1/2 chopped carrot
5 cloves garlic
1-inch ginger
2 tomatoes chopped
1/2 beetroot chopped (Optional)
2 small amla chopped
A handful each of chopped coriander and mint
1 red onion chopped
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp pepper powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
2 tbsp desi ghee

Heat your pressure cooker and a tsp of ghee. Now, add the red lentils and moong dal and mix well. Add the water, salt and pressure cook it for 3-4 whistles and allow the pressure cooker to cool naturally. Open the pressure cooker and blend everything to a smooth puree.
In a pot, add all the veggies including the gooseberries in 4-5 cups of water, stir and cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from fire, allow it to cool. Once the veggies cool, puree them.
Heat ghee in a large pan over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the peppercorns and cloves and allow to splutter. Now, add the chopped onion and ginger garlic paste. Once the raw aroma goes, add the vegetables puree and blended daal to it.
Add the seasonings, chopped mint and coriander. Add water to make it the consistency of a soup and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot with a sprinkle of black pepper and a dollop of homemade butter.

The planetary health diet

Scientists have been trying to figure out how we are going to feed billions more people in the decades to come. You can still have a couple of portions of fish and the same of chicken a week, but plants are where the rest of your protein will need to come from. The researchers are recommending nuts and a good helping of legumes (that's beans, chickpeas and lentils) every day instead.If you served it all up this is what you would be allowed each day:

1.     Nuts - 50g a day

2.    Beans, chickpeas, lentils and other legumes - 75g a day

3.     Fish - 28g a day

4.     Eggs - 13g a day (so one and a bit a week)

5.     Meat - 14g a day of red meat and 29g a day of chicken

6.     Carbs - whole grains like bread and rice 232g a day and 50g a day of starchy vegetables

7.     Dairy - 250g - the equivalent of one glass of milk

8.     Vegetables -(300g) and fruit (200g)

The diet has room for 31g of sugar and about 50g worth of oils like olive oil.

Source https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-46865204 

How to eat a cupcake ?

Eating a cupcake is much more of a mess nowadays, I can't say no to cupcakes at church, work or at friends house so when I eat a cupcake frosting sticks around my face and it was quite embarrassing. So here is the way how to eat cup cake with out mess and fuss :)

How to Eat a Cupcake, Like a Gentleman  --- A YouTube Video 

Happy Onam all !!

September 7th 2014

This year I celebrated yet another Onam, and this time it is perfectly virtual or electronic ... in all sense ..

Onam happens to be on a Sunday one my favourite day of the week , started with sunday mass and sunday brunch of usual chappathis and peas curry. Spoke to parents and sisters (both made it home ) and grandma they are 6000 miles away from me, by the time I spoke to them they have finished there Onam Sadhya same as above pic, with our own plantain leaf from garden. I have a time difference of 4.5 hrs with them and it is very good evening over there and they are getting ready to sunday church.

I did n't cook anything special for Onam this year as it is not worth doing it for one person..

Thousands of miles away from the homeland affected my spells of nostalgia to prepare a few Onam special dishes at home. Relatives back there in the land of King Mahabali purchased the readymade Ona-sadhyas (meals) to captivate TV programmes. Times have changed and my cooking habits too.. Simple gestures of affection are enough to brighten up and enliven even an ordinary day. Thanks to all my school and college friends who wished me Onam along with theirs family.

Wishing you a wonder full Onam where ever you are in the globe :)

Which one do you choose ?

Best food for abdominal muscles /abs

Best Colon Cleansing food

Indian Spices.

What Is "Organic" Means in your product ?

How to make Humus ??

Porotta Special

17 must haves in diet

Here are some must-haves in your diet:

1 . Consider water
Hydrate your body. Drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water every day. Start your morning with a glass of lukewarm water.

2 . Eat timely meals
Eat at regular intervals. Have five meals a day in which three can be main meals and two can be mid meals.

3 . Breakfast is a must
Breakfast is a must because it provides 25 per cent of the total energy and nutrients required by the body.

4 . Quality call
Good quality of food is a must. Remember the quality of food you eat determines your efficiency in your work. Avoid refined foods like white rice, maida-based products like bread, pasta etc.

5 . Go green
Make sure to include green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables — such as broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, berries and citrus fruits. These fruits are rich in vitamin c and vitamin A, which may help protect against various types of cancer and other diseases.

6 . Say yes to herbal tea
Include herbal teas. Having two cups of green tea can do wonders for the skin and also increase the efficiency of our immune system.

7 . Opt for healthy fat
Enjoy healthy fats. Include omega 3 fatty acids and unsaturated fat rich foods like olive oil, flax seeds, sesame seeds, soyabean, walnuts, seafood such as tuna and salmon to increase your immunity.

8 . Fibre is important
Have fibre rich foods like oats, barley, ragi, bajra, whole wheat grains, different variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

9. Protein perfect
Having protein is essential. Vegetable sources of protein are beans, nuts, pulses and whole grains. These are good choices as they offer fibre, vitamins and minerals. The best animal protein choices are fish and poultry.

10. Calcium
Include adequate amount of calcium in your diet by having milk and milk products, soybeans, shrimp, ragi, sesame seeds, and leafy vegetables.

11. Vitamin B12
This is a rare  vitamin. A slight deficiency of it can lead to anaemia, fatigue and depression. Vitamin B12 rich sources are oysters, liver, fish, beef, eggs, fortified cereals, milk and milk products.

12 . Healthy snack
Have healthy snacks in between to keep up the energy levels the whole day.

13 . Plate of salad
Consume a bowl of green salad every day — a simple trick to keep away excess calories.

14. Two fruits at least
Have at least two fruits everyday.

15 . Spice it up
Include spices/herbs like saunf, basil leaves, one to two cloves, ginger or garlic in your daily diet to enjoy its enormous medicinal properties.

16 . Go nuts
Have a handful of nuts a day. They are calorie dense foods packed with proteins, healthy fats and some essential vitamins and minerals.

17 . Dine right
Have early and light dinners.