Book Review

The recipes in this blog have one theme in common - providing low-fat, fiber rich, protein rich vegetarian recipes. I dislike processed foods. I believe that cooking a healthy meal on a daily basis is a challenge which can be easily overcome with little advanced planning. Exercise combined with nutritious meal contribute towards a healthy weight and life-style.

The best way to lose weight is not by eating less, but by actually eating well balanced and nutritious meals. I was thrilled to see this book - You on a Diet. Highly recommended.

Wheat Rava Upma

Wheat Rava Upma

Wheat is rich in fiber. What is all this hype about fiber and why should this be so important for healthy living ? Fibrous foods help us feel satiated with small amounts. They release energy slowly for many hours after their intake, thereby reducing the need to stuff oneself with other kinds of food.

Upma refers to cooking wheat rava in water. Toss in sliced carrots and cut beans and edamame seeds to enrich the fiber and protein content. Spice it up with grated ginger, green chillies and garnish it with coriander. All in all the recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare (including the cutting of vegetables).

Serve with yogurt and treat your stomachs to a nutritious wholesome meal.

Onto the algorithm -

Ingredients

Makes for 2 people

1. Wheat rava - 1 cup
2. Carrots diced - 1/4 cup
3. Edamame seeds - 1/2 cup
4. Cut beans - 1/4 cup
5. Diced onions - 1/4 cup (optional)
6. Ginger - 1 inch long grated
7. Cumin seeds
8. Cilantro
9. Green Chillies 2-3 (as per taste)

Recipe

1. Boil about 3 cups water separately in a vessel
2. In another container, add 1 tbsp oil of your choice
3. Put in the cumin seeds. Once the cumin crackles add the diced onions, ginger, green chillies
4. In the same container add the wheat rava and shallow fry for 10 min
5. Steam cook the carrots, beans and edamame seeds separately.



6. Add the vegetables to the rava
7. Add the boiling water, salt and cover with a lid. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes.
8. If necessary add a little more warm water to it and cook until done.
9. Add chopped cilantro

Serve with yogurt.

As a variation you may add juice of 1 lemon after removing it from the stove.

Want to know more about wheat ? Click on this link.