Vegetable Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 green bell pepper

• 1 Red bell pepper

• 1 large onion

• 1 courgette

• 1 aubergine

• 1 tbs olive oil,

• Pinch of Salt and pepper

• 300 – 400g lasagne sheets

• 150g mozzarella

Tomato sauce ingredients

• 2-3 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cans chopped tomatoes

• Hadful of basil leavez

• 1 onion finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

white sauce ingredients

• 70g plain flour

• 700ml milk

• 70g butter

Method

Start by Preheating the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.

Chop up all the veggies and add to a lightly oiled baking tray. Coat the veggies with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and place in the tray. Roast the veggies for 30mins until they turn lightly browned.

Remove from over and leave Leave on rack cool down.

How to make tomato sauce.

In a large pan heat the olive oil and add in onions and garlic.

Cook them for 5 mins over a slow heat until softened.

Turning the heat to medium, pour in the chopped tomatoes and bring to boil and then let it simmer for anout 25 mins.

Now add in the basil leaves, take of heat and leave to cool down. Once the mixture is cooled, pour into the processor and blitz till smooth.

How to make the white sauce.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, the. Add and stir in the plain flour. Let this cook for 2-4 mins and then whisking in the milk and bring to boil, while stirring all the way through. Lower the heat and cook till the sauce starts to thicken up.

Preparing the Lasagna

The oven should be preheated at 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

Oil the ovenproof lasagna dish lightly.

Add a layer of the cooked vegetables to the dish, then pour over a layer of the tomato sauce. Followed by covering with a layer of lasagne sheets and drizzling a small layer of the white sauce.

Repeat this process until you have three/ four layers of pasta.

Lastly scattering mozzarella cheese over the lasagna till fully covered

Place the the lasagna dish inside the preheated over and bake for 45 minutes, till golden brown.

Moong Dal Waffles

My moong Dal waffles are a healthy, low fat protein packed snack. They are quick and easy to make. They are best enjoyed both warm and cold.

Ingridents

1 cup Moong Dal soaked in water for 4 hours.

1 cup diced green pepper.

1 cup sweetcorn.

1 cup chopped cilantro.

2 tsp turmeric powder.

1 inch ginger.

2 tsp asafetida powder.

1 tsp red chili powder.

Salt as needed.

1 tablespoon oil.

Ingridents

1 cup Moong Dal soaked in water for 4 hours.

1 cup diced green pepper.

1 cup sweetcorn.

1 cup chopped cilantro.

2 tsp turmeric powder.

1 inch ginger.

2 tsp asafetida powder.

1 tsp red chili powder.

Salt as needed.

1 tablespoon oil.

Tapioca pearl Waffle

My Sabudana waffle recipe is quick and easy to make and very tasty. It’s a popular Maharashtrian delicacy, crispy form outside and soft from inside. It’s best enjoyed warm, with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients

1 cup soaked & washed Sabudana

1 cup chopped coriander

1 tsp ginger paste

1 green chilli chopped

3 small potatoes

Salt as needed

1 tbs lime juice

1 tbs sunflower oil

Method

• Wash and soak Sabudana overnight.

• Steam the potatos and mash them.

• Drain the sabudana and & air dry.

• Place the Sabudana, in a bowl, add in the mashed potato, ginger paste, chopped green chilli, chopped coriander. salt and lime juice .

• Mix well

• Make small flat pattys out of the mixture.

• grease the heated waffle maker with oil.

• Now place the flat patty in waffle maker and close it.

• Cook till the waffle patty is crispy from both sides.

saag Tofu

Sagg paneer/ sagg tofu is very popular in northern India and originates from the Migdalia cuisine.

Saag tofu is my healthy variation of saag paneer. This is a healthier, low fat version, but Still delicious and full of taste. I prefer to use tofu instead of paneer when making this curry, as tofu contains last calories and fat then paneer. If you prefer to use paneer, please do so.

Tofu paneer is really easy to make, it takes me about 25 minutes to make. It’s a really simple but tasty curry to make, as it only needs a few ingredients. Sagg Tofu is best served with rice, chapati or naan bread.

Ingredients

6 ounces of tofu & cut it into 1 inch cubes

1 bag of spinach chopped up.

2 tbs olive oil

Tomato puree

1 tsp ground turmeric

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsb garam masala

1tsp ground coriander

2 tsp salt

1 medium onion chopped

2 garlic cloves (mashed)

1 tsb of fresh mashed ginger

1 cup low-fat plain yogurt

Instructions

• In a large pan, heat the oil and add in the onion and tofu.

• Let it cook for 10mins on a medium heat (the onion should be soft and brown and tofu golden brown.)

• Now add in the the spices garlic, salt and ginger. Let it cook for 2-3mins till the spices mix together.

• Now add in the tomato puree & chopped spinach.

• Mix it well and let it cook for a further 5-7 mins.

• Lower the heat, stir through the yoghurt.

• Now remove from the heat & garish with fresh coriander.

• Serve warm.

Inflammation in the body: How food can help to fight it.

Food has the power to heal. It’s a potent tool to treat and prevent illnesses.

Inflammation & Nutrition. Inflammation acts like the body’s defense mechanism. The immune system recognises harmful and foreign stimuli and starts to elimate it from the body so it can start the healing process .

Food has power to heal. It’s a potent tool to treat & prevent Illnesses.

There are 2 types of inflammation:

Chronic inflammation: Is referred to as a slow, long-term inflammation lasting for prolonged time in the body. It’s mainly connected to the environment around us, our dietary choices, stress levels and general health. It can be harmful and may increase the risk of several diseases.

Acute inflammation occurs when our body sees harm coming like an infection, and starts to fight in a short period. Thus, known as a normal response for the body ans immune stern to promote the healing process.

Nutrition & inflammation. Our daily diet choices can help to keep both our body and immune system healthy and strong.

Plant based protein. Research over time has shown us that consuming high intake of red meat and dairy products in our diet can increase high level of inflammation in our body. Where as Plant bases proteins such as lentils and beans have a lower levels of inflammation levels. They consist of high fibre levels and anyhocyanin.

Herbs and spices. Herbs and spice have high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients and have many anti-inflammatory properties. They can help to flavour our meals without adding excess salt and fats. Turmeric, Cardamom, Rosemary, Black pepper and Cinnamon are antiinflammatory herb and spices and should be included in our diet to naturally lower inflammation.

Dietary Choices. Eating a high intake of rainbow colour of fruits and vegetables can help to fight inflammation and strengthen our immune health. Fruits such as cranberries, blackberries, and blueberries are known as anti- inflammatory foods. Anti inflammatory veg includes brocli, cabbage and leafy green vegetables.

Garlic consist of organosulfur compounds and flavonoids. These are known to help with fighting inflammation, infections and cardiovascular diseases.

Ginger is packed with antioxidants and contains gingerols. Gingerols has proven to fight inflammation and with high levels of antioxidants, ginger is able to prevent free radical production anti inflammatory disease.

Onions Onions has a flavonoid called quercetin, which is know as the following Anti- carcinogenic, Anti- inflammatory, Antiviral

Other factors that can help with fighting inflammation.

Vitamin D Research has shown that having low levels of vitamin D in the body can cause inflammation. It always good to check Vitamin D levels and correct them if needed to.

Sleep. A good sleeping pattern is vital for optimal health. Disturbed sleep patterns has been associated weak immune system and increased inflammation levels in the body.

Managing stress Excessive stress levels can have an effect on our physical and emotional health. This also contribute to high level of inflammation in the body. The best techniques for stress management at home is to practice meditation daily and simple breathing exercises. Alway consualt a healthcare professional for ongoing support is advised if needed.

Savoury PinWheels

Ingredients

1 tbs of oil

1 tsp Fennel seeds

1 medium Oinion

4 Garlic cloves

2 green chillies

2 tsp Salt

1 tsp Red chilli powder

1 tsp Turmeric

1 tsp Gram masala

Small cup Lemon juice

Handful of Coriander

2 Potatos

1 midium cup Frozen peas

Puff pastry sheet

Butter

1 tsp Cumin seeds

Method

To a large wok add 1tbs of oil.

Add in the cumin and flannel seeds and let them cook for a minute.

Now add in the onion, garlic, ginger and green chillies.

Then add in the turmeric, red chilli powder, gram masala and salt.

Mix well and let it Sauté for 5mins, to let the spices cook.

Add in the mashed potato and peas and mix well.

Add lemon juice and coriander and mix well. Let it cook for a few minutes and take it of gas.

Roll out the puff Pastry sheet and spread a layer of the mixture on it.

Slowly roll up the pastry sheet into a tight log.

Now cut the log in to slices and place it on to a baking tray.

Brush the pinwheels with butter to give it that golden colour.

Place the baking In the oven and bake at 400F for 20minutes.

Quick & easy lunch box ideas:Turmeric infused rice with green peas.

Ingredients

1 cup of basmati rice

2 cups of water

1/2 cup frozen green peas

2 tsp olive oil

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 turmeric

Season with rock salt

Method:

Boil the rice in water until it’s cooked. Now wash the peas in warm water to remove ice.

In a frying pan heat oil and add in cumin seeds. Once they have coloured & start to crackle slightly, add in the peas and cook for 2 mins. Now add in turmeric, salt & mix well. Remove from the heat.

Once the rice is cooked drained out the water and add it to the pea pan.

Using a fork mix it well through and add salt to taste.

Batata Poha

Batata Poha is popular and traditional South Indian breakfast recipe. In Maharashtra it’s know as Pohe and in Gujarat as Poha.

Batata Poha Is easy to make and is low in calories. It has aprox 76.9% of carbs and 23% fat, making it an ideal choice for a quick healthy meal. It’s also packed with iron, and ranked low on the glycemic index.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 3 servings

Ingredients

2 cups thick Poha (rice flakes)

1 medium potatoe chopped

1 large onion chopped finely

8 curry leaves

1 tsp Cumin Seeds

1 tsp mustard seeds

1 tsp Asafoetida

1 tsp Turmeric Powder

Salt to taste

1 Lemon

2 tbs oil

1 cup of finely chopped fresh Coriander

Method

Put the poha in a strainer.

Wash the poha throughly and gently. Drain the excess water through a strainer.

In a large wok heat 2 tbs of oil. Add in the mustard seeds, once the seeds start to splut, add in the asafoetida, cumin seeds, green chilies and curry leaves.

Allow the spices to cook for 45- 50 seconds.

Now add in the chopped onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Add in the boiled chopped potatoes and mix well and let it cook for 2mins. Stir to prevent sticking.

Add in the salt and turmeric powder. mix it and leave it for a minute.

Now add the soaked poha and mix well and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add fresh lemon juice, and chopped coriander leaves.

Mix well & turn of the heat.

Batata poha is ready for serving.

White Dhokla Recipe

White Dhokla is a popular Gujarati snack. Dhoklas is a healthy and light snack. Easy to make and tastes delicious. It only a needs a few ingredients that are available from the kitchen pantry

Prep Time 35 minutes Cook Time 20 minutes Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cup Rice Flour

2 tbs semolina

1 cup Yoghurt

1 tsp Asafoetida

2 tbs White Sesame Seeds

2 tsp Mustard Seeds

2 tablespoon Suji

Few Curry Leaves

2 tsp Eno

1 tsp fresh Ginger chili paste

Cup of Fresh Coriander Leaves

Salt to taste

Oil as needed

Instructions

In a bowl add In the rice flour, yoghurt, semolina.

Add in 1tsp Asafoetida, 2 tsp oil, pea size of ginger & green chilli paste and 1 tsp of salt .

Now whisk to a lump free smooth batter.

Leave the batter to rest for half an hour.

Check after 30mins, if the batter has become thick, add in a little bit of water & adjust.

Add water to the steamer and turn it on.

Grease the baking tin throughly and keep it ready.

Add 2 tsp of ENO to the batter and mix it quickly and well.

The batter will start to bubble and puff.

Pour the batter mixture in the greased tin and place it in the steamer.

Cover the steamer with lid and and let it cook for 10mins

After 10 mins, check with a toothpick, it come out clean then shut the steamer off.

Remove the cake tin and leave to cool.

Cut the dhokla into squares and remove from the tin.

Tempering method

In a wok heat 2 tbs of oil on a medium flame.

Add in the Asafoetida, mustard seeds, white sesame seeds & curry leaves.

Once Let the mustard seeds have crackled & the curry leaves are fried.

Add in the dhoklas and give it a good mix.

Take of heat & garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Vegan Protein Alkaline Soup

My Alkaline soup is made up of nutritious high alkaline vegetables and lentils high in protein.

Benefits of Alkaline foods

• Promote healthy body weight .

• Improve kidney health

• Promote gut Health

• Eliminate toxins.

• Rejuvenate damaged cell tissue.

• Increase energy levels.

• Blood nourisher.

• Stimulate the brain and central nervous system.

Ingredients

1 red bell pepper
½ red onion
1 cup canned brown chickpeas
½ cup coriander
½ cup warm milk
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
2 cups hot water

Instructions

Start with roasting the bell pepper and onion.

Warm ½ cup the milk (milk of your choice), chop up the coriander finely.

Finally, place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into a bowl and enjoy!