Veggie Rice with Lentils- Chuti Khichdi

Rice is a staple ingredient in my pantry. It can be cooked in so many different ways
This delicious one pot veggie rice with lentils also known in Gujarati cuisine as Chuti Khichdi is really flavoursome and is packed with lots of veggies and lentils to make it healthy and perfect to serve with raita, I make this often when I want comfort food or I am in a hurry where I only need to cook one dish that is a complete meal on its own.

What is Chuti Khichdi?

Khichdi is savoury rice porridge usually made with short-grain rice and moong dhal (lentils) and flavoured with spices. A mixture of vegetables is often added to it to make it a complete meal. It is fairly glutinous in texture due to the use of short-grain rice. Chuti Khichdi is slightly different, it is made with long-grain rice and the rice grains are separate more like a pilaf. In Gujarat, the rice is commonly mixed with Tuver Dhal (split pigeon peas) and cooked with diced vegetables and spices. Again this is one pot meal that is just delicious with a Cucumber Raita, some pickle and pappodams.

What Vegetables can you add to this Chuti Khichdi?

You can add any seasonal vegetables but they work better if they are all cut in the same size.

What is a one pot meal?

One pot meals are dishes that are a complete meal in them selves. They don't need any other accompaniments. These dishes are time saving and great when you want a healthy and nutritious dish in a hurry. The added bonus is that you don't have to do lots of washing up as the meal can be cooked in one pot. All cookware find have some lovely pots that would be ideal to cook the chuti khichdi in.

Some examples of one pot dishes are:

Achari Khichdi

Chinese style fried rice

Cheesy Pasta Bake

Aubergine Bake

Dietary Tips:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan (Can be vegan if you omit the Ghee)
• Gluten Free

Cooking Tips

To get perfectly cooked Rice use a ratio of 1-2 of rice and water. I always recommend using a shallow non stick pan with a lid to cook my rice dishes.






I used this Zyliss Cook Ultimate Pro Saute Pan which is made from hard anodized aluminium. This Swiss engineered pan has an alpine crystals non stick coating that is 8 times times tougher than any standard coating ensuring that nothing sticks. The pan heats up fast and ensures an even heat so that all food gets cooked evenly. the pan can be used on induction, gas, oven and is dishwasher safe too making it an excellent addition to any kitchen. You can purchase it from Zyliss.

Some tips when cooking the perfect khichdi:

• Soak the rice and dhal this is a very important step.
• Saute the onions before adding any thing else as they need to be soft.
• Saute the rice and dhal to get a nice even coat of oil on them.

• Once all the ingredients are added, add hot water to the rice and bring to a simmer.
• Once water is simmering, cover and cook the khichdi. Do not open the lid during this cooking process.
• Adding ghee during serving enhances the taste however to make the dish vegan you can omit it.

What type of lentils can you use?

I always favour Tuver dhal - pidgeon peas dhal, however you can use moong dhal, masoor dhal or even channa dhal in this recipe.

You can watch a step by step video of this recipe on my you tube channel:

Post In collaboration with @zylissofficial

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Giveaway closes 18th February 2022 12 am

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Prize:   1x Zyliss Cook Ultimate Pro Saute Pan

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Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with Banana and Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.Eating a good breakfast keeps you going till lunch time without getting mid morning hunger pangs. It helps you to concentrate and keeps your blood sugar levels constant. Most people skip breakfast and grab a chocolate bar or a coffee on the way. This is really unhealthy and does not do your body any good. My go to breakfast for my family is overnight oats. 

What are overnight oats?

Overnight oats are a no cook method of making oatmeal. They are prepared overnight and generally consumed cold. They are time saving, quick and super healthy and as they can be prepared the night before they make the perfect on the go breakfast. You can add any toppings of your choice, the combinations re endless.

I always make a basic plain batch of overnight oats and then let my family choose their own favorite toppings to add to them. Before I share the recipe, I will answer some questions that are often asked about overnight oats.

What type of oats can you use ?

You can use rolled oats or gluten free oats

What type of milk can you use?

Any type of milk, full cream, skimmed, semi skimmed or plant based milk such as almond milk, hazelnut milk, coconut milk or soya milk

What toppings can you add ?

You can add fruits, nuts, sauces, seeds, syrups or just eat them plain.

What can I serve overnight oats in?

The best way to serve overnight oats is a screw top mason jar, however you can serve them in any type of container, there is no hard and fast rule.

Can I eat overnight oats cold or hot.

Normally they are eaten cold but there is no reason why you cannot warm them for a few seconds in the microwave, however I recommend you don't add yoghurt in the oats if you are going to warm the oats up. 

Are overnight oats unhealthy.

Overnight oats are not unhealthy if you keep your topping light. Of course if you overload the oats with sugary topping then they will be high in calories.

How can I make overnight oats gluten free and vegan?

You can use gluten free oats and plant based milk and yoghurts to make vegan and gluten free overnight oats.

In this recipe, I am making peanut butter overnight oats with banana and vegan salted caramel sauce. I made the peanut butter in my froothie Optimum 9200 blender and the vegan salted caramel sauce was sent to me by the Bad Brownie 

The Vegan Salted Caramel sauce had a lovely texture and complimented the oats and banana combination really well.

The Vegan Salted Caramel sauce is really versatile, it can be added as a topping for oats, ice cream, porridge, fruits, brownies, cupcakes and cookies too.

You can batch makes these and keep in the fridge for a couple of days. I keep mine in individual serving mason jars so that my family can take one to work, school and college and can be eaten on the go. Just attach a spoon to the side of the jar and breakfast on the go is ready.

Yield: 2 Servings

Author: Nayna Kanabar

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats with Banana and Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce

Overnight Oats with banana, peanut butter and vegan salted caramel sauce, This is the perfect vegan, gluten free healthy breakfast, that is super tasty and delicious.

Prep time: 10 MinInactive time: 8 HourTotal time: 8 H & 10 M

Ingredients

• 125g Gluten free Oats
• 200g Almond Milk
• 50g Soya Yoghurt
• 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
• 1 Tsp Vanilla
• 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
• 1 Banana
• 2 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
• 2 Tbsps Vegan Sated Caramel Sauce
• 2 Walnuts
• 1 Tbsp Flaked Almonds
• Mint Leaves for Garnish

Instructions

1. In a Jar add the oats, almond milk, soya yoghurt, vanilla essence, maple syrup and chia seeds.
2. Mix everything together, cover with lid and keep in the refrigerator overnight
3. In the morning mix the oats mixture and dive into two serving jars.
4. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter on top pf the oats mixture.
5. Slice the banana and place a few slices on top of the peanut butter.
6. Drizzle with the vegan salted caramel sauce and top with flaked almonds and a walnut. Garnish with a mint leaf.

Notes:

You can add any type of plant based milk and yoghurt in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

677.64

Fat (grams)

29.45

Sat. Fat (grams)

4.72

Carbs (grams)

83.62

Fiber (grams)

14.32

Net carbs

69.31

Sugar (grams)

25.37

Protein (grams)

25.91

Sodium (milligrams)

170.20

Cholesterol (grams)

5.10

The nutritional information provided is an approximation calculated by an online calculator. Please consult a professional dietitian for nutritional advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @simplyf00d on instagram and hashtag it #cookwithsimplyf00d

There are many overnight oat options, you can make them chocolate flavoured by adding cocoa, coffee by adding coffee powder. Flavoured milks such as strawberry, butterscotch or toffee are great flavours to add too. Have you tried overnight oats? What is your favorite flavour, do share in the comments below.

**Collaborative Post

Orange, Mango with Bergamot Sorbet

The last few months I have been taking stock of our families eating habits and I have been trying to cut out unhealthy snacks and refined and fatty foods. I have been making daily meal plans and making sure that the meals I cook are healthy and balanced with the correct proportion of vegetables, proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

Eating healthy does not mean that you can't enjoy delicious food and enjoy snacks. It's all about having a balanced diet adding healthy ingredients to the recipes I cook and eating treats in moderation that give you pleasure.

Incorporating seeds, nuts, energy boosting snacks, plant power shots to nourish and cleanse your body is a good way to add your family's diet.

I recently discovered Erbology an online shop that specialises in energy boosting snacks, crackers that are made with organic plants and activated seeds to create unique flavours that are gut-friendly and energy boosting.  I also liked their plant power shots which are organic, gluten free with no added sugar or additives.

There are so many new interesting and healthy ingredients available on the Erbology website, a few I tried were Milk Thistle Powder, Organic Aloe Vera Juice and Organic Bergamot Juice.

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle is an herbal remedy derived from the milk thistle plant, also known as Silybum marianum.

What are the  health Benefits of Milk Thistle?

• It treats liver and gallbladder disorders
• Promote breast milk production
• Prevent and treat cancer 
• Protect the liver from snake bites, alcohol and other environmental poisons.

How can you add it to your diet?

You can include 7g or 1 tsp of Milk Thistle per day into your daily diet. You can add it to yoghurt, smoothies or porridge or any breakfast bowl. You can also add the milk thistle into cakes, muffins, tarts and even bread.

What is Aloe Vera?

Aloe Vera known as Aloe barbadensis miller is a succulent plant used in alternative medicine. 

What are the health Benefits of Aloe Vera?

• Beneficial for the digestive system 
• Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals
• Fights Digestive Disorders
• Flushes our Toxins from the Body
• Helps Treat Anemia
• Balances Hormonal Problems
• Boosts Immunity

How can you add it to your diet?

You can add the 50ml  daily allowance of Organic Aloe Vera juice  to smoothies, breakfast juice or flavoured water and enjoy it as a refreshing drink.

What is Bergamot?

Bergamot is a plant that produces a type of citrus fruit. Medicines are made from  extracting the oil from  the peel of the fruit, and extracting juice from the fruit.

What are the health benefits of Bergamot?

• Reduce inflammation, 
• Lowers cholesterol levels  
• Increase positive mood

How can you add it to your diet?

You can add 50ml of Organic Bergamot Pure Juice to your smoothie, any juice or flavoured water. You can also add it to ice pop mixture, sorbets and fruit slushies.

I have been using these ingredients by adding them to smoothies, smoothie bowls, adding them to salad dressings and making herbal tea. My favourite ingredient by far has been the Bergamot. It has the most refreshing citrus scent and the flavour it imparts to dishes is absolutely amazing. I made this wonderful palate cleanser Orange and Mango sorbet incorporating the Bergamot Juice. It was so lovely that I have made the same recipe time and time over again.

I am sharing the recipe below.The sorbet is delicious as a palate cleanser between courses or even as alight dessert after a heavy meal. The addition of the Bergamot definitely takes it to the next level in taste and flavour.

Yield: 6 Servings

Author: Nayna Kanabar

Print

Orange, Mango with Bergamot Sorbet

Refreshing and palate cleansing sorbet with delicious citrus flavours and no refined sugars or additives.

Prep time: 20 Mininactive time: 6 HourTotal time: 6 H & 20 M

Ingredients:

• Large Mango Ripe 1
• Oranges peeled and juiced 3
• Bergamot Juice 50 ml
• Maple Syrup 3 Tbsps
• Orange Rind 1 Tbsps

Instructions:

1. Remove the rind of 1 orange 
2. Juice the oranges
3. Peel and dice the mango
4. In a blender add the orange juice, mango and maple syrup and blend to a smooth puree.
5. Add the mixture into an air tight tupperware and stir in the Bergamot juice and orange rind and mix well.
6. Put the lid on the tupperware and place in freezer.
7. After 1 hour take the tupperware out of freezer and break the ice crystals with a fork.
8. Repeat the process two more times at 2 hourly intervals.
9. Before serving the sorbet, remove the tupperware from the freezer and place in the fridge for 5 minutes.
10. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop the sorbet into serving bowls. The texture should be grainy.Garnish with mint leaves.

Calories

156.50

Fat (grams)

0.27

Sat. Fat (grams)

0.06

Carbs (grams)

39.75

Fiber (grams)

1.77

Net carbs

37.99

Sugar (grams)

34.70

Protein (grams)

0.78

Sodium (milligrams)

29.00

Cholesterol (grams)

0.00

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @simplyf00d on instagram and hashtag it #cookwithsimplyf00d

Created using The Recipes Generator

 

Post in collaboration with Erbology

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Aubergine Tagliatelle with Hello Fresh Kit

The last six months during lock down, we have all spent more time in our homes than ever before. Families finally found they were discovering new ways to communicate, learn new skills and take up new hobbies to while the time during this lock down.
Without the option of dinning out, ordering takeaways, people started cooking more and discovering different cuisines around the world to create and satisfy their gastronomical cravings. It's surprisingly how many people have found a hidden passion for cooking that they never knew they had. With the help of supermarket home deliveries, shop and collect, online shopping and food delivery boxes, the task has become easier and more enjoyable. Even those people with limited culinary experience can rustle a tasty, delicious and healthy meal in a short time.

How is this Possible?

• People had more time to spend in the kitchen.
• Statistics show that during lock down, more people started watching cooking shows, referred to recipe books and took part in online cooking classes to brush up their culinary skills.
• Many people with a lack of cooking skills and meal planning found it hard to create home cooked food and this is when their problem was solved by ordering a pre-planned and packed recipe box/ meal kit with the correct ingredients and recipe card delivered straight to your door

Hello Fresh is one such company that delivers fresh ingredients straight to your door, with a choice of 4 different boxes; family box, classic box, rapid quick recipe box and vegetarian box. You can choose from their website recipes that are Classic English, Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Chinese cuisine and many more. Each box comes with the complete ingredients to create your chosen recipe with full instructions and recipe card. Do check out their most popular recipes there are so many options.

What are the advantages of ordering a recipe box?

• No need to go shopping.
• Take the stress out of meal planning
• Everything you need to create a healthy and delicious recipe delivered straight to your door.
• The meal kits offer a wide selection of recipe ideas for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
• Fool proof, easy to follow instructions making it simple to create a enjoyable and tasty meal in less than 30 minutes.

I tried the vegetarian box from Hello Fresh and chose the Aubergine Tagliatelle recipe. The recipe turned out delicious and took less 30 minutes to create from start to finish.

The ingredient prep was minimal and only took a few minutes. It just shows how easy it is to put this recipe together.

I am sharing my step by step pictorial of the cooking stages below to show how easy it is to create this delicious and tasty dish.

 

Vegetarian, Vegan, Cookery, Food, Continental Food, Fusion Cuisine, Healthy Cooking, Indian Cooking, Easy Recipes, Fusion Food, simply Food,  simplysensationalfood, Indian Recipes, Healthy Cooking, Easy Recipes, Learn to Cook, Quick Recipes, cook with me, Easy to cook recipes,

Pasta

Italian Cuisine

Yield: 2 Servings

Author: Nayna Kanabar

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Aubergine Tagliatelle

Delicious and tasty pasta dish with Mediterranean flavours of roasted aubergines, sundried tomatoes in a spicy tomato sauce.

Prep time: 10 MCook time: 20 MTotal time: 30 M

Ingredients:

• Dutch Aubergine 1
• Sundried Tomatoes 20g
• Tagliatelle 180g
• Parsley 1/2 Bunch
• Echalion Shallots 1
• Garlic 2 cloves
• Chopped Tomatoes 400g
• Olive Oil 3 Tbsps
• Salt 1 Tsp
• Black Pepper 1 Tsp
• Chilli Flakes 1/2 Tsp
• Hard vegetarian Cheese  grated 2 Tbsps

Instructions:

1. Peel and finely chop the Echalion shallot.
2. Finely chop the garlic.
3. Finely chop the sundried tomatoes.
4. Cut in the aubergine in half length ways and cut into thin 2mm thick half moons.
5. Layer the aubergine slices in a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil and a little salt. 
6. Grill the aubergines turning them half way through cooking until they soften and edges crisp up.
7. Remove the aubergines from grill and keep aside.
8. Put a pan of water to heat and add 1 tsp salt, bring the water to boil and add the tagliatelle. Cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and add 1 tbsp of olive oil and toss, keep aside.
9. In a pan add 1 tbsp olive oil , when the oil is hot, add the shallots and garlic and saute for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
10. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and the chopped tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, freshly ground black pepper and chilli flakes and cook the mixture for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes soften and you have a thick sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste.
11. Stir in the grilled aubergines and cook the sauce for a further 3-4 minutes.
12. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and mix thoroughly coating all the pasta with the sauce.
13. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and a grated hard vegetarian cheese

Calories 1950.64

Fat (grams) 202.35

Sat. Fat (grams) 28.17

Carbs (grams) 40.50

Fiber (grams) 12.34

Net carbs 28.17

Sugar (grams) 12.76

Protein (grams) 7.17

Sodium (milligrams) 10548.68

Cholesterol (grams) 4.46

https://www.simplysensationalfood.com/2020/08/aubergine-tagliatelle-with-hello-fresh.html

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @simplyf00d on instagram and hashtag it #cookwithsimplyf00d

Created using The Recipes Generator

The Hello Fresh boxes are a convenient way to meal plan and enjoy delicious tasty meals with out the stress of  going shopping. If you have not tried a Hello Fresh Box delivery, I would highly recommend it and you can read another Hello Fresh review here too  Why not book your box today and find out for yourself.
If you like Italian cuisine, you will definitely love this Italian Roasted Bell Pepper recipe.

 ** Collaborative Post

Banoffee Strawberry Cheesecake

Are you a starter or a dessert person?

We all love going out to dinner and you always get some people who opt for a starter and main course and some that love to have a main course and a dessert. I have to confess, I am the latter. I do love my desserts and look forward to them at the end of the meal. I hate it when friends say I don’t want dessert I share yours! No I don’t share if you want dessert you have your own that’s my moto!

My favourite desserts are cheese cakes, my two all-time favourite flavours are strawberry cheesecake and banoffee cheesecake. It’s hard to choose between the two actually. To curb my desire for them I came up with an idea to combine the two and make a Cheats Banoffee strawberry cheesecake that can literally be constructed in less than 10 minutes.

I always use the freshest ingredients when it comes to cooking and baking. The reason this is called a cheats dessert is because it does not require slaving over a hot stove. All you need is fresh cream, strawberries, bananas, digestive biscuits and butter and my favourite Fabbri Mini topping Wild Strawberry Syrup and Fabbri Mini topping Caramel Syrup.

I love the Fabbri range of fruits in syrups and fruits, they taste homemade and are so convenient to use in bakes and desserts. I always keep a selection of Mini topping Wild Strawberry Syrup, Mini topping Chocolate Syrup, Mini topping Caramel Syrup, Amarena Fruit and Syrup, Fragola Opaline, Gourmet Vanilla Syrup, Granatina Syrup and Gourmet Hazelnut Syrup . They are all really handy for mocktails and cocktails too as well as for cold coffees. The fruits and syrups are great for spooning over ice creams too. 

All these products are available from Ciao Gusto Italian Deli at Ocado. 

Together with these you can also pick up some authentic Italian ingredients such as pasta, cheeses, olive oils, herbs, wines and spirits too. All these are easy to add to your online Ocado shopping basket as there is a separate tab for all the Italian brands, allowing you to easily search your chosen product.

Yield: Serves two

Author: Nayna Kanabar

Banoffee Strawberry Cheesecake

The fusion of Banoffee and strawberry in this cheats
cheesecake is super delectacle and delicious.

prep time: 10 Mcook time: total time: 10 M

Ingredients:

• 8 digestive biscuits
• 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 strawberries
• 1 banana
• 50ml Fresh double cream whipped.
• Fabbri Mini topping Wild Strawberry Syrup
• Fabbri Mini topping Caramel Syrup.

Instructions:

1. Crush the biscuits coarsely and mix with the melted butter to form a sand like texture. Keep aside.
2. Slice the banana into thin slices and keep aside,
3. Hull 6 strawberries and slice them into thin slices.
4. Take two serving cups and spoon a tablespoonful of the biscuit mixture into each serving glass and flatten it down.
5. Line the sides of the glass with strawberry and banana slices alternating them.
6. Add some banana slices on top of the biscuit layer and squeeze some of the Fabbri Mini topping Caramel Syrup on top.
7. Spoon some more of the biscuit mixture on top of the bananas and add some strawberry slices .
8. Squeeze some Fabbri Mini topping Wild Strawberry Syrup on top f the strawberries.
9. Finish the cheesecake with a topping of the whipped cream.
10. Garnish with a whole strawberry and a squeeze of the Fabbri Mini topping Caramel Syrup on top.

Created using The Recipes Generator

Other cheese cakes you may like are Oreo cheesecake, Strawberry cheesecake and lemon cheesecake

**In  collaboration with Ciao Gusto