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Vegan Chicken 555 Appetizer

By: Richa

Vegan Chicken 555 reimagines a beloved South Indian street-style appetizer. Crisp golden tofu is coated in a richly spiced sauce infused with fennel, ginger, garlic, coriander, and peppers,  and enough heat to make you reach for seconds (and maybe a cold drink).  gluten free, nut free. soy free option.

vegan chicken 555 on a plate with chutneys for dipping

This is another one in my series creating vegan versions of these amazing, meat-heavy, regional Indian appetizers. There’s just so much variety in all of these super delicious snacks and appetizers, and sometimes you don’t find those flavors and that spice in the vegetarian appetizers.

You can use this recipe with tofu, soy curls, chickpea tofu, chickpeas, or vegetables, like cauliflower. Basically, you coat your protein or vegetables of choice with this amazing, flavorful batter, and either pan fry or bake it. 

piece of tofu 555 dipped in cilantro mint chutney

Then, we make this easy, spicy, and delicious sauce mixture. It’s kind of a dry sauce, and you toss the crisped tofu “chicken” in it. Oh my god, it’s so incredibly delicious and also pretty spicy!

You can adjust the spice level to your preference. There are four kinds of chilies in this tofu 555: Kashmiri chili powder in the batter, and green chilies, cayenne, and red pepper flakes in the sauce. To get the flavor with less heat, reduce any or all of those. The combination of peppers adds a ton of flavor, so you definitely want to use some of each, even if you don’t use the full amounts. You can use a milder green chili to manage the heat, too,  if you prefer.

close-up of vegan chicken 555 on a plate

Basically, adjust the heat based on your preference, but definitely try this vegan chicken 555. It’s just so fabulously delicious!

Tofu 555 is great on its own or in crunchy salads with juicy fruits like apples, pears, or mangoes, or with roasted or fresh vegetables. A cucumber salad with a simple lime, salt, and pepper dressing also pairs wonderfully with this Indian appetizer. Or, you can make wraps with lettuce, creamy dressing, and fresh green chilis or pickled jalapeños. 

No matter how you serve it, you have got to try vegan chicken 555!

wrap made with veggies and vegan chicken 555

Why You’ll Love Chicken 555

  • crispy tofu in thick, spicy sauce with flavors of fennel, ginger, garlic, coriander, and 4 kinds of peppers
  • easily adjust the heat to your preference
  • use your plant based protein or use veggies of choice.
  • naturally gluten-free and nut-free with easy soy-free option

More Indian Appetizers and Snacks

Continue reading: Vegan Chicken 555 Appetizer

The post Vegan Chicken 555 Appetizer appeared first on Vegan Richa.

High Protein Lentil Trail Mix, 3 Ways Peanut gochujang, Indian Chivda, Nacho cheese flavors

By: Richa

Lentil trail mix is a super delicious snack, and here I will show you three ways to make it! Peanut gochujang, Indian Chivda, Doritos Nacho flavor! This high protein, savory granola is easy and fun to make and a perfect breakfast or snack. (16 grams of protein and fiber per serving!)

Indian-spiced savory lentil granola in a bowl

When I shared my red lentil granola recipe, quite a few of you asked for a savory version, and today I’m sharing three different ways to make savory lentil granola/trail mix! Make all three flavors of this delicious lentil trail mix, or triple your favorite flavoring and make one big batch.

Why three ways? Because I just couldn’t decide between these amazing flavors: Indian-spiced, peanut gochujang, and nacho spice. So, I decided to let you choose for yourself!

nacho cheese lentil granola in the jar

This trail mix/savory granola recipe uses split red lentils (aka masoor dal) as the base. You cook the red lentils on the stovetop until they are just al dente, and they roast up to be light and crisp in the oven with your seasonings of choice. 

The result is a protein-packed snack that is absolutely full of flavor, no matter which seasoning mix you choose! A serving of this trail mix has around 16 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber. You can amp up the protein even more by folding in hemp seeds into the granola once it has finished roasting.

peanut gochujang savory lentil granola on the baking pan after baking

The Indian-spiced lentils are inspired by Indian chivda, which usually uses rice flakes or other flaked or puffed grains. It is spicy savory with some balancing sweet from raisins or dates and is fantastically delicious! 

For the nacho spiced savory lentil trail mix, a took inspiration from my nacho cheese granola bars. It’s your favorite snacking chip in crisp trail mix form! you can adjust it to your flavor preference. Add more cayenne for more heat or more nutritional yeast for more cheesiness.

Indian-spiced savory lentil granola in a jar

If you love gochujang, definitely try the peanut gochujang lentil trail mix which has an amazing savory-spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness. It pairs so well with the crunchy peanuts! Comment below on which one will you try first!

Why You’ll Love Lentil Trail Mix

  • protein- and fiber-packed breakfast or snack with 16 grams each of protein and fiber per serving!
  • make all three flavors or choose from 3 amazing flavors: Indian-spiced, peanut gochujang, or nacho cheese
  • deep flavors and incredible textures
  • naturally gluten-free with soy-free and nut-free options included
spoon taking a bite of peanut gochujang savory lentil granola

Continue reading: High Protein Lentil Trail Mix, 3 Ways Peanut gochujang, Indian Chivda, Nacho cheese flavors

The post High Protein Lentil Trail Mix, 3 Ways Peanut gochujang, Indian Chivda, Nacho cheese flavors appeared first on Vegan Richa.

Fish Curry with Coconut Milk (Instant Pot)



Instant Pot pressure cooker is creating waves in the communities across the world and I am happy I have one at home to make some yummy dishes being absolutely carefree, stress free and mess free :)

Have tried quite a few recipes and I must say, so far so good. Very helpful when you have an errand to run and don't have enough time to cook the dish, switch off the gas and only after that dash out of the house. Instant Pot is a life savior in such scenarios. You wanna run to a grocery store? You wanna pick up your kid from the activities? You wanna go shopping? You wanna linger in your shower little more time :)(hell ya!)? no problemo :) Dump the ingredients of a recipe into the instant pot, set it up appropriately and off you go doing your errands tension free. By the time you get back home, your dish should be ready (hopefully :))


So today I made Tilapia Fish curry using coconut milk and spices. Tastes fantastic. This curry can be enjoyed with the plain rice or noodles. I usually use curry leaves for this preparation but today added thai basil leaves with thai bird chillies and the aroma was so fantastic that I just cudn't wait for it to be done. We enjoyed it as a family-- happily slurping away with the rice.

Very easy to make and a combination of spices and coconut milk gives this curry a heavenly taste and aroma. I actually enjoyed the thai basil twist on it :) It complements well with the aromatic long grained basmati rice or jasmine rice. You can make this same curry adding chicken or shrimp too.


Let us take a look at the Fish Curry with Coconut Milk (Tilapia)

Ingredients:
  • 3 cups coconut milk (can use coconut powder or tin)
  • 1.5 lb tilapia fish cut into big fillet (take any white fish)
  • 2 med onion sliced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes ( or 1 tomato chopped)
  • 4 pods garlic chopped
  • 2 inch ginger chopped
  • 2 green chillies (or thai bird chilies)
  • handful of curry leaves or thai basil
  • 1 tbsp coriander pwd
  • 2 tsp cumin pwd
  • 1 tsp chili pwd (or 1 tsp chili flakes)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp fenugreek pwd (optional, but it imparts nice taste)
  • Either use above 5 powders or 3 tbsp of curry powder.
  • 1-2 tbsp oil
  • salt to taste
  • 1-2 tsp lemon juice to taste



Preparation:

  • Press [Saute] to pre-heat the cooker. When the words 'Hot' appear on the display add oil, then drop curry leaves or thai basil (keep 5 leaves aside to add later),  then add onion, garlic, ginger and saute until onion is translucent. (around 3-4 minutes)
  • Add all the powdered spices and saute together for 1 more minute. 
  • De-glaze with the coconut milk making sure to un-stick anything from the bottom and incorporate in the sauce. Add green chilies (or thai bird), tomatoes, fish pieces. Stir gently to mix everything. [adjust thickness by adding more coconut milk or water if needed]
  • Close the lid of the Instant Pot, Press [manual] and use [+], [-] to adjust time. Set on 3 minutes pressure cooking time. 
  • When time is up open the pressure cooker using QPR (don't wait on NPR because fish gets done quickly).
  • Add salt to taste, remaining thai basil leaves and lemon juice before serving it hot with Rice or Noodles.


njoY!! happY cookinG!!

Note*:
 This curry can be easily made on stove top too. Pretty much the same process. Before adding the fish to the curry, bring it to a boil, then add fish pieces and simmer the curry for few minutes till the fish is done. Serve hot with Rice or Noodles.
 The color of the curry varies depending on your chili powder. Some chilies are spicy but don't impart that dark red color and vice versa.



Health Benefits: 
Coconut Milk: 
Coconuts are highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Unlike cow's milk, coconut milk is lactose free so can be used as a milk substitute by those with lactose intolerance. It is a popular choice with vegans and makes a great base for smoothies, milkshakes or as a dairy alternative in baking. Coconuts are one of those foods that oscillate between the 'good' food and 'bad' food camps. Coconut milk, especially the lower fat variety, can be used in moderation (1-2 times per week). source:https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-coconut-milk

Tilapia:
It is a bland yet delicious, lean white fish that has a wide variety of associated health benefits, including its ability to help reduce weight, boost overall metabolism, speed up repair and growth throughout the body, build strong bones, reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, lower triglyceride levels, prevent arthritis, protect against cognitive decline, prevent various types of cancer, reduce signs of aging, boost the health of your hair, and strengthen your immune system.

Medicinal uses of Curry leaves

Table of content

  • rigin of curry leaves
  • Surprising benefits of curry powder
  • Therapeutic benefits of curry leaves
  • Side effects of Curry leaves
  • Conclusion

 

The widespread use of antibiotics today is one of the main reasons superbugs that are resistant to several drugs have been on the rise. Because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects, as well as their potential to prevent diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, curry leaves are a popular choice among those who prefer natural remedies. Without this, they have properties that make them effective against cancer. You will get to know more about curry leaves along with Corriander Leaf.

Origin of curry leaves

Curry leaves, sometimes referred to as Kadhi Patta, are a crucial herb that originates from Southeast Asia and India and is a member of the Rutaceae family. Although dried curry leaves have a weakly acidic and mildly pungent flavor, they are frequently used to spice meals in Asian cuisines. But the unassuming curry leaf is more than just a tasty condiment. It is packed with health advantages, from improving the way your heart works to giving your skin and hair energy.

Surprising benefits of curry powder

Many of the regularly used spices in curry powder are beneficial to health on their own. When combined, the ingredients provide a flavorful seasoning that also supports the health of your heart, digestive system, and other bodily functions. You will get more benefits with Corriander Leaf from the curry powder let’s examine:

1. Control blood sugar

Curry powder users may be able to control their blood sugar levels. More research is needed in this area, however one study found that people who consume more curry powder have healthier blood sugar levels. They also have a lesser chance of developing diabetes. Curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, a key component of curry powder, is thought to be to fault for this. Additional studies have shown that turmeric decreases blood sugar levels.

2. Help prevent and fight cancer

Curry powder can aid in the battle against malignant cells when consumed frequently. This outcome is also due to the curcumin in turmeric. Curcumin inhibits a wide variety of cancer cell types, including those that result in breast, ovarian, prostate, lung, colon, and bladder cancer, according to studies.

3. Support digestive health

Curry powder contributes to the preservation of digestive health in large part because it contains turmeric and ginger. Turmeric helps to strengthen the microbiome, or good bacteria, in the digestive tract that aids in better food digestion. Ginger has been demonstrated to help pregnant women with nausea and vomiting, as well as soothe irritated stomachs.

4. Improve heart health

Blood pressure has a big impact on heart health. Patients with high blood pressure are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. One study found that people who use more curry powder regularly have a lower risk of high blood pressure. A different study found that curry powder improves circulation right after a meal. Turmeric, a common ingredient in curry powder, lowers cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart disease.

Therapeutic benefits of curry leaves

1. Treats Diabetes

The body’s blood sugar level is significantly reduced because of the curry leaves’ hypoglycemic property. As soon as curry leaves are consumed, the pancreatic beta-cells start producing insulin. It aids in minimizing the conversion of starch to glucose, which causes low blood sugar levels.

2. Prevents Anemia

Anemia is brought on by the body’s iron shortage. High iron content in curry leaves makes them very effective at raising blood’s hemoglobin and red blood cell counts. It functions as a natural blood purifier, enhances tiredness and fatigue symptoms, and lowers the risk of contracting infections.

3. Good for Vision

Because they are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, curry leaves are essential for treating eye conditions and enhancing vision. It lessens the likelihood of Xerophthalmia and night blindness by preventing the cornea from drying up and the development of clouds in front of the eyes.

4. Fights Infections

The antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of curry leaves are strong. Therefore, regular curry leaf eating protects our bodies from numerous illnesses and microbes.

5. Boon for Weight Loss

People who are participating in a weight reduction management program view curry leaves as a blessing. The leaves contain carbazole alkaloids, which prevent weight gain and lower LDL cholesterol (also known as bad cholesterol) levels in the blood. The toxic chemicals are removed from the body, and extra fat is burned.

6. Aids in Digestion

The high fiber content of the leaves has been shown to be helpful in treating a variety of digestive issues. Curry leaves’ carminative, digestive, antiemetic, and antidysenteric characteristics not only help with digestion but also guard against piles, nausea, bloating, and other unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. It stimulates the body naturally, which increases hunger.

7. Prevents Cancer

According to recent studies, the presence of phenols and carbazole alkaloids can effectively treat and prevent colorectal and prostate cancer.

8. Dental Care

Curry leaves contain powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities that are excellent for preserving dental health. The leaves’ essential oils strengthen gums and teeth, get rid of odors, and shield teeth and gums from diseases and foreign microorganisms.

Read more: Indian Cuisine for Balanced Nutrition.

curry leaves

Side effects of Curry leaves

Curry leaves are without a doubt very beneficial to health. Unfortunately, there could be issues if something is done in excess. There are some side effects of curry leaves that you should be aware of if you’re serious about including them into your diet. You can reach out to Corriander Leaf, if you have any query of advantages or disadvantages of curry leaves.

1. Possible Allergies

Curry leaves may cause allergic reactions in certain persons. It is therefore best for them to completely refrain from using the leaves. Contact your doctor right away if you have itching, redness, or swelling after using curry leaves.

2. Might Cause Upset Stomach

Curry leaves’ high fiber content may be beneficial for the stomach. Sadly, consuming too much fiber may cause stomach discomfort. Constipation, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and bloating are possible side effects.

3. May Cause Low Blood Pressure#9BCF2A

Due to the active iron ingredient in curry leaves, over consumption may result in low blood pressure. Although the body needs iron, too much iron consumption is long-term damaging to the body. Consequently, it is better to consume curry leaves in moderation.

4. Unwanted Water Weight Gain

Curry leaves contain a lot of salt. Bloating and water retention can occur when sodium intake is out of control. You might put on additional weight as a result of water weight. Therefore, it is advisable to eat the leaves in moderation.

5. Toxicity

Experts advise against eating curry leaf plants’ tiny pods because of their high level of toxicity. Therefore, before consuming the leaves, you should take considerable caution.

Conclusion

Curry leaves are a necessary ingredient in Indian food. To the many Indian meals, they are helpful in giving flavor and a pleasant perfume. Curry leaves also provide a number of health advantages. Improved liver and cardiac health, better eye health, improved digestion, and other advantages are just a few of the advantages. They are very simple to incorporate into a daily diet. Start your journey toward health by including these delicious leaves in your diet. 

Please let us know on our official website, “Corriander Leaf” if you find this topic helpful.

The post Medicinal uses of Curry leaves appeared first on The Corriander Leaf.

Karuveppilai Kuzhambu / Curry Leaves Gravy

KARUVEPPILAI KUZHAMBU
This month is full of Poojas and festivals traditionally followed by huge spreads of festive food . This is the time when people who follow different types of health diets tend to enjoy their cheat meals to their heart's content . The sudden change in eating routine may cause certain gastrointestinal issues later. Karuveppilai Kuzhambu - a spicy and tangy curry leaf gravy - is a remedial dish to avoid such issues and also to set right the system.

                                                                            
INGREDIENTS
Curry leaves - 2 cups tightly packed ( washed and patted dry )
Coriander seeds - 1 tbsp
Bengal gram dal - 1 tbsp
Split black gram dal - 1 tsp
Red chillies -  3 ( broken )
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Asafoetida - 1 pinch
Tamarind - a marble size ball ( Soaked in warm water )
Salt - 1 tsp
Sesame oil - 1 tsp
Ghee or oil ( for seasoning ) -1/2 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 pinch
METHOD
1. Heat oil in a pan and add the dals , coriander seeds , broken red chillies , cumin seeds and asafoetida  and roast till the ingredients emanate a pleasant aroma.
2. Add curry leaves and saute till the leaves wilt.

                                                                                              
3. Allow the ingredients to cool down and grind them together in a mixer .
4. Add the soaked tamarind and one glass of water to the ground mixture and once again blend together in the mixer.
5. Pour back the curry leaf and spice liquid into the pan .
6. Add salt and cook till it thickens into a Kuzhambu / gravy. ( The gravy should not be too thick like  chutney nor too runny like soup.)

                                                                                          
7. Splutter mustard seeds in 1/2 tsp of ghee or oil and pour it over the Kuzhambu / gravy.

                                                                              
Enjoy the flavoursome Karuveppilai Kuzhambu / Curry Leaves Gravy with a morsel of steaming hot rice at the beginning of a meal. 

Split Green Moong Dal & Curry Leaves Pakora

By: Rapti B
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these split green moong dal and fresh curry leaves pakoras are a match made in food heaven.  The Bhaumick household doesn’t need a monsoon to make pakoras, a.k.a tele bhaja, bhajiya, vada, etc. We make them at least twice a week (if not more) as a must-have accompaniment with dal. On most days,…

Caramelized Onion Dal

By: Richa

This rich and creamy Caramelized Onion Dal is the perfect comfort food for a cold day! It is bursting with flavor from caramelized onions and whole spices which are tempered in oil! Serve with rice for a delicious Indian meal.

a bowl with caramelized onion dal served alongside a side of rice and sprinkled with freshly chopped cilantro

Coming at you with a simple lentil dal that is bursting with flavor. This is another dal that I just made one night when I was craving a light dal and rice meal.

This caramelized onion dal is a creamy concoction of two types of lentils – red and yellow ones – which are cooked on the stove or using an Instant Pot and then simmered along with fragrant seasoned oil – tadka (tempering).

a frying pan with caramelized onion dal sprinkled with chopped cilantro

The caramelized onions add a whole bunch of umami flavor while the cumin and black pepper mixture added to the tempering provide some heat and a refreshing flavor!

To take this dish to the next level of deliciousness we serve this lentil dish drizzled with another round of tempering. This second mix of whole spices fried in oil until sizzling and aromatic gets folded through the creamy dal just before serving

Use whatever lentils you have on hand. I used a mix of yellow and red lentils. You can cook them on the stovetop or in the instant pot.

creamy lentil dal sprinkled with cilantro served next to rice on a plate

More daal recipes:

Dhaba Style Butter Dal (vegan)

Sabut Moong Dal  Creamy Green Mung Beans

Vegan Handi Lentils (Creamy Indian Dal)

Masoor Dal Tadka (Indian Split Red Lentil Dal)

Spicy Urad Dal (Black Gram Lentil Dal)

Continue reading: Caramelized Onion Dal

The post Caramelized Onion Dal appeared first on Vegan Richa.

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