New year’s eve is just around the corner and people all over India are certainly in a festive mood, to ring in 2020 with enthusiasm.
The whole spectrum of the desi population, right from youngsters to the elderly, are busy making plans to herald the new year with music, dance and of course, food!
And whether you are planning on hosting a grand party with your entire family, or just a cosy gathering with a few close friends, a sumptuous feast would definitely be a common feature.
Post indulging in oily, fried and sugary treats, many of us tend to face constipation, diarrhoea and other gut problems, due to the high levels of unhealthy fats, carbs and sugars in the lavish delicacies served at parties.
Worry not, for here are two easy to prepare and quick-fix traditional Indian recipes – Gulkand from the north and Puli Inji from the south, that are flavoursome, healthy and also help soothe the tummy, post that elaborate year-end banquet and revelries.
Instant Gulkand (Sweetened Rose Petal Jam)
Ingredients:
1 small cup of rose petals
2 tbsp sugar
½ tbsp honey
½ tbsp cardamom powder
Method:
Wash the rose petals thoroughly in lukewarm water.
In a deep vessel, gently mash the rose petals along with sugar.
Heat a little water in a pan, add the rose petal and sugar mix, along with honey and cardamom powder.
Cook in medium flame for 10 minutes and then turn off the stove.
Serve a small portion of this fragrant Gulkand after a heavy meal, to help stimulate digestive processes.
Nutrition:
Serve a small portion of this fragrant Gulkand after a heavy meal, to help stimulate digestive processes.
Nutrition:
Rose petals are infused with generous amounts of antioxidants as well as vitamins A and C, which eliminate toxins and free radicals from the body and also aid in bile secretion. This helps initiate smooth digestion and maintain optimal gut health. Honey is packed with calories and iron for instant energy and treating anaemia, as well as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium to strengthen bones. Also Check Out: Honey And Its Various Avatars For Therapeutic Benefits- Infographic
Puli Inji (Tamarind And Ginger Curry)
Ingredients:
1 cup tamarind extract, liquified
1 small ginger piece, finely chopped
1 small green chilli, cut
¾ tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp jaggery, powdered
½ tbsp groundnut oil
2 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp fenugreek seeds
¼ tsp hing powder
5 - 6 curry leaves
Salt, to taste
Method:
In a pan, heat the groundnut oil on low flame and add mustard seeds.
Once they sputter, add the fenugreek seeds, hing powder, curry leaves ginger slices and green chilli.
Sauté for 2 -3 minutes and then add the turmeric powder, tamarind extract and jaggery.
Add required amount of salt, cook for 10 minutes until the flavours blend it and then turn off flame.
Serve a few spoons of this tangy puli inji with the rich, extensive spread at parties, to soothe the tummy.
Nutrition:
Tamarind is a treasure trove of polyphenols – potent plant antioxidants that confer useful anti-inflammatory traits to prevent the onset of heart disease and cancers. Ginger comprises valuable dietary fibres to aid in digestion. Jaggery abounds in the vital trace mineral – iron, to help in healthy red blood cell synthesis and transport. Also Read: Palm Jaggery: Delicious Recipes To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
