Tomato Chutney

Tomatoes are kind of vegetables that commonly used on all type of cuisines and people of all ages like to have it in their intake. A good thing about it is that they are widely available throughout season fresh. Because of their great flavor and texture it can be used on wide range of food stuffs. If fresh, it can be used on daily cooking stuff or can also be stored for long by means of Ketch-up or Pickles. In a short they are very delicious fruits and being loved all over the Globe.

Unlike, Tomatoes are  part & partial of most of the delicacy in India. One of such popular type is called Tomato Chutney, which is basically a side dish that sits well with all kind of dishes. In terms of preparation this could be one of the easiest receipe to think.

Health Benefits

Tomatoes are kind of vegetables which offer enormous health benefits. They are low in calories and with huge amount of Vitamins, Fibers and Mineral that essential for maintaining a good health. Tomatoes also contain dietary lycopene contents, a kind of powerful antioxidant that helps in fight against cancer. According to the studies of American Medical Association, daily consumption of tomatoes decreases the oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.

Ingredients:

·         Tomatoes (Chopped) – 5 (Medium)

·         Garlic (Chopped) -  2 (Large)

·         Green Chili (Slit Lengthwise) – 2

·         Curry Leaves – Few

·         Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp

·         Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp

·         Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp

·         Salt as per taste

·         Sugar – 1 Pinch

·         Cooking Oil – 2 tsp

·         Coriander Leaves (Chopped) –1/2 tbsp (Optional)

Preparation Method:

Ø  Heat Oil in a Pan; add Mustard Seeds, Cumin Seeds, when they crackle.

Ø  Add Slit Green Chili, Chopped Garlic, Curry Leaves and sauté for a minute.

Ø  Then add chopped Tomatoes, Salt, Sugar and Turmeric Powder; mix well.

Ø  Cover and cook till the tomatoes are tender & gravy gets thicken. The consistency of the gravy should be as per your own choice.

Ø  Finally add Chopped Coriander Leaves and mix well.

Ø  Now the “Tomato Chutney” is ready.

Tomato Chutney is well served with Rice, Pulao, Paratha and Puri, Plain Dosa.

Chili Mushroom

Mushrooms are kind of fungus that is being used as herbs for hundreds of years for their great healing qualities and gradually they are accepted as food for their great flavor and texture. As per wikis there are around more than 14,000 varieties of Mushroom are found, out of which around 3,000 are edible. The dishes made of Mushrooms are not only delicious but also healthy in nature, reason why they have been enjoyed more or more on several international cuisines from east to west. This version of Chili Mushroom dish is inspired by the cooking techniques of Indo-Chinese Cuisine, which is quite popular in Indian Subcontinent.

Health Benefits:

As per the research conducted from time to time, it has been found that the health benefits of Mushrooms are enormous.   They are excellent source of potassium & trace elements that helps to lower the blood pressure and reduces the risk of stroke. Mushrooms have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients that give protection to our body against cardiovascular diseases.They are low in calories with Zero fat for which they are ideal food for people following weight management programs. They are also rich source of riboflavin, niacin, and selenium. As per the Research conducted by Beckman Research Institute in California shows that mushroom cells contain mechanisms that suppress breast and prostate cancer cells. Clinical trials on the mushroom cancer link are in the works and we should see the results in about a year. In other words a regular consumption of Mushrooms will keep us fit and fine.

Ingredients:

·         Button Mushroom  – 100 gms

·         Capsicum (Green) – 25 gms

·         Capsicum (Yellow) – 25 gms

·         White Onion (Chopped) – 1 (Medium)

·         Ginger – Garlic Paste – 1 tsp

·         Green Chilly (Chopped) - 2

·         Soya Sauce – 1 ½ tbsp

·         Vinegar (White) – 1 tsp

·         Pepper Powder – 2 tsp

·         Ajinomotto – ½ tsp

·         Sugar – ¼ tsp

·         Salt as per taste

·         Corn Flour (Mixed with Water) – 1 tsp

·         Cooking Oil – 1 ½  tbsp

·         Spring Onion (Chopped) – For Garnishing

Preparation Method:

Ø  Wash & strain the Mushrooms and cut them into halves.

Ø  Cut Capsicums into halves; remove the seeds & cut them into diced shape; Keep aside.

Ø  Heat Oil in a Pan; Shallow fry the Mushrooms and Capsicum for a minute; Keep aside.

Ø  In the same pan add Chopped Green Chilly & Onion; Sauté for a minute.

Ø  Add Ginger- Garlic Paste and sauté for a while till the raw smell goes off.

Ø  Now add the fried Mushrooms & Capsicum; cook for around 3 mins in medium flame.

Ø  Then add Pepper Powder, Salt, Ajinomotto, Sugar, Vinegar, Soya sauce and cook till the Mushrooms & Capsicum are tendered.

Ø  Finally add Cornflower mixed Water & Stir well for around 2 mins or till the gravy is thicken.

Ø  Now the “Chili Mushroom” is ready. Garnish with Spring Onion.

Chili Mushroom is well served with Fried Rice and  Steamed Rice.