Ujwala's Delicacies – Indian inspired all natural kitchen.

Whole Grain Dahi Vada with Homemade Yogurt

Sunday, June 9th, 2019 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

The soft vada soaked in creamy white dahi (curd) and topped with aromatic spices and chutney is a delight to the plate. I have given the recipe a healthy twist by using whole grain urad dal to make the vadas for added fiber. Furthermore, this is one of the most excellent low carb, no preservative recipes as I prefer to use unsweetened homemade yogurt. My favorite vegetarian, protein-packed, gluten-free snack. It is a snack in Indian cuisine, yet it fully qualifies as a light, healthy meal. Make a choice depending on your mood and how hungry you are for vadas. This is dahi vada is not only packed with protein, but it also has high calcium, fiber, vitamins, and active probiotics as well. Though vadas are fried, since they are dipped in water, some of the oil is separated. If you still want to make it an ultimate power nutrition meal, fry vadas in one of – coconut oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, vegetable oil. These oils have a high smoke point around 500f. Which means the oil doesn’t break down chemically and produce harmful radicals till it reaches that temperature.

I wonder many times that ancient Indian cooks have come up with such awesome homemade recipes without using any artificial flavors or stock. I feel responsible to preserve such recipes and pass on to next generations. If you agree with me, follow me, make as many recipes for our children and they will repeat.

Dahi Vada: Names & Nutrition

Dahi vada is known by various names across India such as- Dahi Vada (in Gujarati); Dahi Bhalla (in Punjabi); Doi Bora (in Bengali); Dahi bara (in Odiya); Dahi bada (in Rajasthan) and Thayir vadai (in South India).

Dahi vadas are packed with protein and calcium. They serve as a refreshingly savory energy booster during hot summer days. This is one of the low-fat Indian keto recipes which when had as an appetizer can save from over-eating. The recipe uses a lot of dahi, also called curd or yogurt. The curd is extremely beneficial for weight loss. Moreover, curd helps in digestion, enhances immunity, makes skin glow and aids in maintaining healthy bones & teeth. The vadas are made up of whole grains, and the dietary fiber present in whole grains help maintain good health.

Colocasia Stem Sauté

Friday, March 1st, 2019 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

Around the world, almost 10% folks relish a wide assortment of Colocasia as a staple food. The leaves of this plant are quite popular while Colacasia stems are enjoyed by a very limited group of people. So please go ahead and relish this low carb, highly nutritious delicacy. This vegan Colacasia Stem Saute is a gluten-free recipe. It is a delicious Keto Indian curry benefiting the body tremendously for being highly fibrous and packed with nutrition.

Colocasia: How to Recognize it by Form and Name?

Colocasia plants also known as Elephant-ear plants because of their large leaves shaped like those of elephant’s ears. Unlike Alocasia, Colocasia leaves droop downwards.

Colocasia is called by a host of names in different Indian languages such as Taro, Arvi (Hindi name); Kachu (Bengali); Aaloo (Marathi); Sempu (Tamil); Chempu (Malayalam); Kesavedantu (Kannada); Pan (Manipuri) etc.

Till and besan laddu

Tuesday, January 15th, 2019 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

Makara Sankranthi is celebrated for three days. The first day is Bhogi. North India is known as Lohri. The second day is Sankranthi which is dedicated to worshipping Surya (the Sun god), Varuna (the rain god) and Indra (king of gods). The third day is Kanuma which is dedicated to cleaning cows, farm animals, and farm equipment and also offering prayers to them for helping with a successful harvest season. Sweets called nuvvula laddu, sakinalu, ‘ariselu’ and ‘bobattlu’ are made and offered to family and extended families. Pongali made of fresh harvest rice and jaggery is made. For this reason, in Tamilnadu, it is called Pongal. Since Sankranti falls in winter, consuming sesame seeds mixed in jaggery is beneficial to keep the body warm. Eating sesame and jaggery is believed to take away the bad elements of the minds and hearts of people. Sesame helps retain the Shakti (Divine Energy) and Chaitanya. It is known to eliminate sins if used in drinking water, bathing, applying til oil on the body and other uses. It is said sesame seeds have a greater ability to absorb and emit sattva (One of the three components in the universe, signified by purity and knowledge) frequencies.

Sesame, almond laddu for Sankranthi

Saturday, January 12th, 2019 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

The word ‘Sankranti’ means the movement of the sun into Capricorn. On Makar Sankranti, the sun enters new zodiac-sign of Capricorn or Makara. Most Hindu festivals are based on the lunar calendar, making the dates of festivals change every year. But Makar Sankranti is a festival which falls on the same day every year as it follows the solar calendar. As Makar Sankranti is one of the oldest solstice festivals and falls on the equinox, day and night on this day are believed to be equally long. Post the festival, it is officially the beginning of spring. Indian summer and the days become longer, and nights shorter.

Alu Gobi with chinese cauliflower

Friday, December 28th, 2018 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

Alu Gobi with Chinese Cauliflower: A Healthy Fusion

Alu Gobi, a common vegetarian dish cooked in a majority of Indian households. The aromatic flavorsome alu gobi served with fluffy chappatis or steamed rice is a comfort food relished by kids, adults and the elderly generation after generation in India. Yet, potato & cauliflower stir-fry is also enjoyed by other nations. A little digging into the history takes us 8000 years back to South America where potatoes originated.

The potatoes journeyed from South America through Spain, Italy and reached England only in the 19th Century. Every country blended the potatoes with their very own veggies, herbs & seasoning. In between that, the 14th Century traces references of “alu gobi curry” in the cuisines of the affluent Mughal Empire. Mughals were believers of Islam with Turkish ancestry and their non-vegetarian recipes are popular till date. A wide assortment of rich spices and dry fruits came to India along with them. Drawing inspiration from the Central Asian Alu Gobi recipe, the royal Mughal’s chef impressed the royalty with meatless vegetarian curry made with potatoes, cauliflower, and exotic spices! The conjugal of alu gobi and spices made its mark in Indian vegetarian recipes. It has survived through years while the hands cooking them and mouths enjoying the lovely dish have changed.

Bandaru (Tokkudu) Laddu

Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

Bandaru Laddu is also known as Thokudu Laddu – one of Andhra’s most favorite sweet. They are originated in a place called “Machilipatnam” in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The so-called modern day Machilipatnam used to be called “Bandaru”. Hence the name Bandaru Laddu. These laddus made by pounding the fried besan murukus. In the Telugu language which is spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh Pounding is called tokkudu. Hence the name Tokkudu Laddu. Bandaru laddu, with its striking and smooth velvety texture melt right in your mouth.
Like most cultural celebrations, food forms a major part of the Diwali experience. Carts sell sweet and spicy food on nearly every street throughout the festival, and families and friends watch the festivities or relax afterwards over sweets. Food is also a major part of the Indian identity. Children grow up at their mothers’ apron strings, watching as families come together to cook and chat. As adults, they return to bring the family recipes to life and catch up on everything that’s happened between visits. To cook Indian food is a window into what it is to be Indian, and I intend to give each of my readers that authentic experience.

Hemp hearts, pistachio laddu

Tuesday, November 6th, 2018 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

Did you know hemp seeds are from the same species as cannabis (marijuana)? Hemp and Marijuana are species of Cannabis that are both members of the Cannabis Sativa family. Hemp contains a very low concentration of THC, while Marijuana is high in THC. Hemp seeds have a long list of health benefits. They are highly nutritious, rich in good fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Because of their mild, nutty flavor, they are versatile to use in salads, as toppings or in desserts. Eat them raw or roasted. Hemp hearts are vegan, vegetarian, keto friendly, paleo friendly, gluten-free and diabetic friendly. Hemp hearts are a great addition to the divine Diwali festive season.

Hemp hearts are high in Omega-6 compared to flax, while flax is high in Omega-3. Hemp seeds without shell are commonly called Hemp hearts. Hemp hearts are exceptionally high in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, protein and fiber.

Gond (acacia), pistachio laddu

Friday, November 2nd, 2018 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

Gond, also known as Gum arabic, acacia gum, acacia, is a natural gum collected from different species of the acacia tree. Acacia is most known for its medicinal values. It is widely used in treating various conditions. Acacia has a long list of benefits. With so many benefits, let’s make a satisfying laddu with it. Though it is called gum, it doesn’t stick to teeth. It is a bit sticky, but is known to reduce plaque and is used to treat gingivitis. Along with health benefits, gond has perfect crunchy texture, that it is a great ingredient to make laddus. Though Acacia gum odorless, bland, its brittle texture makes laddu unique. What a great way to celebrate Diwali.

Rava laddu with brown sugar

Thursday, November 1st, 2018 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

Rava Laddu is south India’s common sweet made for festivals, weddings, gatherings, pujas. Laddu can be compared to bliss balls, truffles known to the western world. To be more precise, Rava laddu is no-bake, no chocolate bliss balls or no-bake, no chocolate truffles. Rava aka Semolina and coconut laddu is all-natural and high-quality and tasty dessert you can ever have. It is perishable. Will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks. Freshness can be extended by refrigerating and also by not using milk. Don’t settle down with store-bought low-quality sweets. Making your own laddu is easier than you think. Satisfy your sweet tooth with homemade, natural, high-quality sweets.

Rajgira, coconut and brown sugar laddu.

Tuesday, October 30th, 2018 By Ujwala Leave a Comment

This festive season, enjoy low-carb and low-sugar Indian food without sacrificing genuine Indian taste. Those looking for low-carb, low-sugar recipes will find a haven here. Whether it is Diwali, Navratri, Dasara, Sankranthi or Rakhi, this sensational laddu will impress everyone.

Tiny Seed. Big flavor. That’s amaranth.

Originally a staple of the Aztec diet, amaranth soon made its way to Asia where its taste, texture, and nutrition earned it the title of “king seed.” The leaves, flowers, and seeds of all three are edible. When you add amaranth in amounts up to 25% of total flour used in gluten-free recipes you improve the nutritional value, the taste and texture of gluten-free baked goods. Additionally, amaranth is an exceptional thickener for the roux, white sauces, soups, and stews.
Amaranth or rajgira means “immortal” or “everlasting” in Greek because it contains more than three times the average amount of calcium and is also high in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and it is the only grain which contains Vitamin C. Rajgira also has far more lysine, an essential amino acid, which the body does not manufacture, compared to other grains. Lysine is needed to metabolise fatty acids, absorb calcium, and is essential for strong, thick hair.

Amaranth is a less popular cousin of quinoa—another previously obscure, gluten-free supergrain favored by the ancient Incas. These crops have similar nutritional profiles, but amaranth is less likely to be found in your grocery store.

Amaranth is high in protein and important minerals, such as calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. But its most desirable nutritional feature is amino acids. Amaranth nearly matches the optimal amino acid ratios set by the World Health Organization.

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