Ujwala's Delicacies

Indian inspired all natural kitchen.

Malabar Spinach in lentils

Dal with rice or roti is a staple food in every Indian household. My childhood was no different and I’m carrying on the tradition with my family. Lentils are a tasty, nutritious item on a vegetarian dinner plate. Low in calories, and high in protein, calcium, fiber, lentils are versatile food to your diet. Many ways to transform lentils – dal, salads, spreads. Lentils cook much quicker than dried beans and do not need soaking before cooking. You will love this simple, easy, homespun weekday meal. Boost your dal by adding any greens or veggies to make it heart friendly, diabetic friendly. Lentils are a hassle-free addition to any meal with nutty and earthy in flavor. Lentils are available with or without the husk. The husk contains the highest amount of dietary fiber. Consuming lentils with husk adds taste and highest amount of dietary fiber content to your diet.

Malabar spinach or Indian spinach is not spinach at all. It doesn’t look or taste like spinach at all. Malabar spinach leaves are thick, fleshy. They cook very fast. Other than making lentils, you can saute, make soups out of Malabar spinach. This dish called bachali kura pappu in Telugu.

Purslane with mung lentils

From salad to stir-fry to dals, purslane is versatile leaf to use. Purslane is native to India and Persia, and thats where it is known as an edible plant. Rest of the world knows it as weed. It is known as Paruppu Keerai in tamil, gangabayala kura in telugu, kulfa in hindi. Many countries use purslane as a food.

Purslane has fleshy succulent leaves and stems. It can be called as tasty, easy to grow weed with rich nutrients. Purslane grows anywhere from fertile to the infertile soils. You can substitute spinach in many recipes with purslane and get 2-6 times more nutrients. Young, raw leaves and stems are tender and are good in salads and sandwiches. They can also be lightly steamed or stir-fried.

Whole-grain, kale, moong lentil falafel

Those moong lentils sitting in your cupboard have been trying to say something. Let me out… play with spices and cook me crunchy. Fried in oil, moong dal can transform into a crispy, nutty, savory snack. Reach for something crunchy when you need snack. If you haven’t heard of Masala vada, allow me to do the honors of introducing. Masala vada is South Indian crispy, savory fried snack. It is one of most crowd cheered festive snack. Which makes its appearance in every home on a festival day, entertaining smiley family and friends. In different southern states, they are also called masala garelu, masal vadai, paruppu vadai. If you haven’t tried this snack yet, also allow me to introduce to all-natural step-by-step recipe. This is dangerous knowledge.

Raw mango dal with chana lentils

Dal is made with lentils, mixed with a variety of vegetables. Lentils absorb flavors from other foods and seasonings, making it easy and tasty dish. Lentils are available throughout the year and are inexpensive. They make a great meat substitute or side dish. Lentils are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are a good source of fiber, lean protein, folate and iron, potassium, calcium, zinc, niacin and vitamin K.

There are dozens of varieties of lentils being cultivated. While the most common types in the United States are either green or brown, lentils are also available in black, yellow, red and orange colors. They are sold whole or split into halves. There are several ways to use lentils. Cook till mushy and make soup, cook just right to retain shape for a thick curry with rice on side. Lentils generally have somewhat nutty flavor.