Golgappe Ka Paani

Golgappe Ka Paani

It is hot in Jaipur. It is hot everywhere in India right now but Rajasthan being a desert is unbearably hot. Living on the top floor of the house makes matters worse. Sometimes it is so hot in the afternoon and evenings that you do not feel like eating at all let alone cooking.

On days like these having chaat at home is the best option as there is not much slaving over stove required. All the chutney whether it is green mint chutney or saunth gives cool effect to the body. And then there is lots of curd involved. Golgappe is the most favourite chaat item in our house. You can get golgappe from the local golgappe waala or the grocery stores. Just make chutneys,paani and potato mixture at home. My mother buys a packet of uncooked golgappe which she fries at home.

I took the photos in the hot month of May but have not been able to post it on blog. But there is still a lot of summer left. So if you do not make this at home I would really advice you to do so.

It is much hygienic and you can control spices according to your taste ( And stomach;-) ) Just indulge with a little caution.:-)

Golgappe wale keep the water in earthern ware (matka) like this to keep it cool throughout the day.

We get golgappe from market and make Golgappe ka paani and potato mixture at home. The process is quite similar to making Panna. There are just some differences in spices added.

How to make Golgappe ka paaniPreparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:50 Golgappe Store bought

For the potato mixture:
6 medium sized potatoes
½ tsp red chilli powder
½ tsp roasted cumin powder( Bhuna jeera)
salt to taste

For paani:
2 raw green mangoes
1 tsp kaala namak
1 tsp roasted cumin powder( Bhuna jeera)
½ tsp red chilli powder
½ tsp pudina powder( Mint powder made by grinding dry mint leaves)
3 tbsp sugar
Salt to taste
2 tbsp Boondi

Serve with tamarind chutney ( Saunth)

How to make Golgappe ka paani

 It is best to prepare all the things in advance and let them cool in fridge for 2-3 hours especially golgappe ka paani. It tastes best when chilled.

Wash the potatoes and put them to boil. Let them cool after boiling. Remove the skin and cut them in small pieces. Add the spices and put them in fridge to cool.

Wash and peel the raw mangoes. Cut slices of mangoes and boil in water till they are soft. Or you can cook them in pressure cooker for 5 minutes (1 whistle on high and 2 on slow flame). Strain the pulp when it is cold enough to handle. Add sugar, salt, red chilli powder, black salt, bhuna jeera and pudina powder to the water.
My family likes it a little sweet and spicy that is why I have added sugar. You can skip it also.

Leave it in fridge for some time. It will taste different after getting cold. Then you can taste and adjust the spices as per your taste. Add boondi before serving. You can add ice to the water.

Make a hole in the centre of golgappa.

Add a teaspoonful of potato mixture.

You can add tamarind chutney also to make it more flavorful.

Add the spicy tangy tasty golgappe ka paani

No effort required in taking it to your mouth 

Enjoy !!! Summers are not that bad. Right 

Suji dhokla

Something about the festivals and holidays gives us a big excuse to overindulge in sweets and fried foods. So in this holiday, even if you plan on having sweets to your hearts content, start your day with something healthy. For the health conscious, Suji Dhokla or Semolina dhokla is an easy choice. It is a traditional Indian – Gujrati dish. Suji dhokla is a super quick and tasty variation of the traditional dhokla which uses Chickpea Flour (Besan).  As they are very healthy, they have become a staple breakfast dish of all calorie conscious Indians. These dhoklas made with suji (semolina) are very tasty and light and can be served in breakfast, as an evening snack or as lunch box snack for kids. These are easy to make and can serve a large crowd as they can be prepared beforehand. Enjoy it and stay healthy.

 

Suji (Semolina) dhokla

Preparation time: 5 minutes
cooking time: 15 minutes
serves 4

for the batter:2 cups semolina( suji)
1 cup sour curd
1 tsp oil
½ tsp haldi( turmeric powder)
¼ tsp red chili powder
salt to taste
1 tbsp or 1 sachet eno fruit salt
for the tempering:1/2tsp mustard seeds (rai)
2 green chillies
4-5 leaves curry leaves
2 tsp oil
2 tbsp sugar
½ cup water
for the garnish:chopped corriander

How to make suji dhokla:

Mix together all the ingredients for the batter, except fruit salt (Eno), using enough water to make a thick batter. Let it stand for 10 minutes. When the steamer is hot, add in fruit salt, sprinkle a little water over fruit salt and mix thoroughly. The mixture will rise immediately. Pour the batter in greased thali or dhokla stand and steam for about 12 -15 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes. Cut dhokla in half and arrange in a dish.

For the tempering, heat oil in a small pan and add mustard seeds. When mustard seeds start to crackle, add curry leaves and green chillies. Now add sugar and water and let it boil for 2 minutes. Pour this over the steamed Dhoklas. Garnish with corriander leaves and serve hot with tomato ketchup or green chutney.

Tips: You can add chopped or grated vegetables (carrot, cabbage and peas) to the batter to make the Suji dhokla more nutritious.
Steamer should be hot when you add fruit salt to the batter.

Lesue ka Achaar

Lesua, lesuda, gonda or gunda  these little balls have many names though when I got married I had never heard any of these names and I had no idea about their existence on earth. Axat was working in Australia when we got married and then we soon shifted to singapore. So I did not get the chance of sampling Rajasthani dishes after marriage.

One day we were discussing the food that we miss the most and Axat was really sad that he had not been able to taste lesue ka achaar for quite some time. And I was like Lesue What is that?

Axat-The little green round balls which are used in pickles.

I still keep on staring. Suddenly
me- Oh I get it. You mean karonde or may be teet.

Now I could see that look in Axat’s eyes( where has this girl been living. She does not know what is lesua)
Axat- Everybody knows what is lesua. Where have you been living?

me – There is nothing like Lesua. you are just mixing things up.

And so it went on. In the end Axat decided that whenever we go back to jaipur I will be introduced to these precious gems. And I was.

When I tried to make this pickle for the first time I boiled lesua a little longer than necessary and the achaar did not survive for long. This time I have made these under guidance of my mother-in-law with her exact measurement to avoid another mishap.

Lesue ka achaar is healthy also. There I go again. As all its names implies it has a gum like substance which is good for joints. All the spices used help in digestion.

How to make Lesue Ka Achaar

Preparation time: around 30 minutes
cooking time: 10 minutes + 3-4 minutes
you have to keep achaar in sun for 1-2 hours for 2-3 days.

Ingredients:

1 kg lesue
500 gms raw mango pulp ( After removing the skin and seed from 750 gms raw mango)

4 tsp Red chilli powder
2 tsp turmeric powder
150 gms salt
 1/4  tsp asafoetida (heeng)

to be ground into a coarse mixture:

150 gms fennel seeds
1 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds(daana methi)
1/2 tsp nigella seeds( kalonji)

mustard oil ( sarson ka tel)approximately 3 cups

To make Lesue Ka Achaar

Remove the lesua from the bunch. The  cap should remain intact otherwise Lesua will soak a lot of oil. Wash carefully 2-3 times. meanwhile put a large pan of water to boil.

Add lesue to hot water. Turn the flame to medium and let the lesua cook for around 10 minutes uncovered. The color of lesua should change to olive green. Switch off the flame. Some of the lesue might have cracks. Drain immediately and let them dry on a neat cotton cloth for some time.

Remove the skin and cut raw mango into very small pieces as shown below.

Heat oil in a pan. Drop a fennel seed to check if the oil is warm enough or not. If the fennel seed starts to float oil is warm enough. Add asafoetida and coarsely ground mixture. Switch off the flame.

Add the raw mango and mix thoroughly.

Now add salt, turmeric and red chilli powder to the raw mango.

In the end add lesue. Mix carefully and thoroughly. let the pickle cool before filling in a sterlised glass jar with tight lid. You should always store pickles in glass jars.

you might have to adjust the level of oil in pickle. After filling the jar the oil should reach above the surface. If it is not so heat some oil to the fennel seed test, let it cool completely and add to the pickle. I also had to add oil after keeping it in sun though there seems a lot of oil in the photo. Lesue should be fully covered in oil.

Don’t worry about the oil as you do not have to eat that. just keep taking achaar from the sides and whatever oil is left in the end after achaar is finished can be used to make achaari aloo or parantha.

Enjoy with puri, parantha and rice. The pickle keeps good for more than a year. Never use a wet spoon to take the pickle out of the jar.

Benefits of Drinking Hot Water with Lemon

Weight Loss Benefits of Drinking Hot Water with Lemon

It is quite a common belief that drinking hot water with lemon every morning will help you lose weight. A lot of people believe in this and practice it, as well. Do you want to know how true this belief is? Keep reading¦

The main ingredient here would be the hot water. Recent studies have shown that drinking hot water every morning can raise your levels of metabolism significantly. Water, in general, comes with significant benefits for our health benefits. During the night, your body gets deprived of much-needed water, and because the majority of your body has to process water as media, the machinery of your body tends to slow down during the night. Whenever you consume water first thing in the morning, it can aid in powering up your body’s machinery again, so that your rate of metabolism kicks up with it. Honey and lemon added to the mix won’t hurt because they add minerals and vitamins, not to mention flavor.

Therefore, assuming that your activity, diet and exercise levels remain the same and you begin to drink water every morning, your level of metabolism will increase. With this increase in your level of metabolism, your body can burn many more calories at the same level of activity. With the same amount of calories coming in and more calories being sent out, your rate of metabolism will rise while you lose weight within a short span of time. However, if your body becomes too used to it, your weight loss may end.

Therefore, drinking hot water with lemon would be ideal for you. However, keep in mind that diet and exercise is also important in losing those additional kilos. Try to work out, run or even practice Bikram yoga. Concentrate on losing more fat instead of losing more weight in the long run.

Benefits Of Rose Water

Benefits Of Rose water

Rose water is prepared from petals of rose flower that continues to be the most beautiful flower in the world. In the 8th and 9th centuries rose water was considered to be a significant commercial item between Byzantine and Empire China. Rose water contains essential rose oil and distilled water, but the process of manufacturing it very intricate and time-consuming. Rose water retains the qualities of rose flower and is well known for its healing and cosmetic properties. The many benefits of rose water to us are:

1.Beneficial for the skin.
Rose water is very beneficial for the skin and is used in various kinds of creams and face masks. It helps in the purification and cleansing of normal skin. Sue of rose water on oily skin balances the oil contents and tones the skin. Sensitive skin is cooled and soothed by the application of rose water. It helps in healing wounds and sunburns caused on all skin types. It can also be applied as an aftershave to soothe burning and irritated skin.

2.Beneficial for the hair.
The qualities of rose water are very well known among hair dressers. It makes up the major ingredient of various hair-care products. Regular application of rose water takes good care of scalp and hair. It helps to reduce inflammations, increases blood supply in the scalp and promotes hair growth.

3.Relaxation form stress and fatigue.
Addition of rose water to bathing water relieves fatigue, produces a relaxing effect, and improves mood in conditions of stress and depression.

4.Healing properties.
Rose water also has healing properties and is suitable for rinsing in conditions of sore throat. A cotton ball soaked in rose water can also be used for treating inflamed glands.

5.Benefits to the eyes.
Rose water can be used as eye drops for soothing effect in tired and fatigued eyes. People sitting in front of computers should make regular use of rose water as eye drops.

6.Benefits to the teeth.
Rose water is very beneficial for teeth. Dentists use it for treating teeth problems like paradontosis. A cotton swab soaked in rose water can be used for treating and relieving inflamed gums. Warm rose water can also be taken in your mouth for treating gums. Regular use of rose water helps in relieving and curing paining gums, strengthening of loose teeth and removes bad odor from the mouth.

7.Relieves headache.
Applying a cold compress of rose water for approximately 45 minutes helps in relieving headache.

Rose water is easily available at any store near your house and is affordable by all. Instead of spending large amounts of money on purchasing beauty products, buy a bottle of rise water and see the radiance it brings to your skin.

Benefits Of Suma Root

Benefits of Suma Root

Suma root was haistorically used as a tonic, astringent and aphrodisiac. It is native to South America and has been used for medicinal and diet ary purposes. Many believe that the root helps to restore and stabilize the body’s systems. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before you use the herb for medicinal purposes, particularly if you are on medication.

1. Boosts energy levels
Researchers suggest that suma root has both aphrodisiac and astringent properties. In fact, South American inhabitants would add suma root to their daily nutrition. It is also purported that suma offered increased energy and physical endurance when taken over an extended period. However, you should put in mind that excessive use is harmful to your health.

2. Treats sexual impotence
Suma root, also known as ginseng has similar effects as those of Brazilian ginseng. Suma root has a number of health benefits and was utilized by Indians to improve sexual potency, boost energy levels and regulate certain systems in the body. This is because it contains an active compound known as beta-ecdysterone.

3. Anti-cancer effects
Besides improving one’s energy levels, suma root may also boost function of the immune system, protecting you against diseases. Additionally, research shows that it has both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Nonetheless, more studies are required on this area to determine whether these theories are factual.

4. Stress relief
Like ginseng, suma root does provide you with additional energy and can help to alleviate stress. Although research is ongoing to determine other health benefits of sumac root, studies have yielded significant results so far.

5. Reduces diabetes risk
Used by natives of South America for over two centuries, suma root offers a number of health benefits and can help to treat a number of diseases and ailments, including diabetes, cancer, andskin disease.
Just like other herbal medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor prior to use to avert potential health complications.

Benefits of Sex

Benefits of Sex

Everybody finds sex enjoyable. While others perceive sex as entertaining and fun, do you know that sexual intercourse has a variety of health benefits? Sex can improve one’s psychological and physical state. Let’s discuss the common benefits of sexual intercourse.

1. Improves skin health

Sexual intercourse stimulates the mind and body which makes skin smooth and beautiful. It releases hormones and toxins that help improve skin smoothness.

2. Relieves stress

Sex also helps to relieve stress. Recent studies indicate that individuals who are active sexually can handle stress commendably.

3. Sleep well

Sex activities can make you alert the entire day and sleepy at night. People who have sex regularly do not experience difficulties in sleeping.

4. Enhances cardiovascular health

Sexual intercourse is a great exercise as it significantly helps lower your calorie levels. Recent studies show that a 20 minute sexual intercourse is equal to 1Km run. On the other hand, sex also regulates proper blood flow in the body making it heart friendly.

5. Reduces constant headaches

Sex is a natural pain reliever. When making love, oxytocin increases when you get aroused. This is how orgasm comes about. A steady rise in oxytocin actually helps in relieving pain and stress as well.

6. Reduce risk of cancer

Sexual intercourse can help reduce prostate cancer and also boost immunity from illnesses. Cancer cells will not be able to spread faster therefore reduce the risk of having prostate cancer.

7. Boost self esteem

Sex contributes to a healthy union between man and wife. It boosts self-confidence and self-esteem. For couples, it is advisable to have sexual intercourse often in order to have a healthy and pleasurable lifestyle. Making love stimulates the mind and body so as to ensure you spice up your sex life.

On the other hand, sex also has its demerits as well. Unprotected sex has been known to cause health related problems such as gonorrhea, syphilis and AIDS.

Way to get rid of unwanted hair on the chest and back

Mustache and body hair at a time when men were really like. But men like women do not want hair on your body. But it does not. Cool man to show himself in the affair and get your chest and back hair shaving.

Even women do not like men with hair on the chest. A study from University of Slovakia Tranav it has been proven. The researchers asked the women in research spicate them seem attractive male chest or chest hair on men who are not. The study team found that only 20 percent of women prefer men with bristly chest, while 80 percent of women are attracted to men Romrhit chest.

Excessive hair on the chest and back, after a point of time that appears to be quite dirty.The chest and back to manage the growth of hair and have some tips to clean them.

Trimmer

You control the length of the hair has to be trimmed. These come with various adjustments for different lengths. It is also a good way for those who have sensitive skin.

Shaving

Shaving is the most common way, but you have to take special care. A little negligence can cut your skin. It may also cause irritation. Also, get hard again, like thorns that grow hair. May also have black skin and shaving the hair growth in just 2 days

Waxing

Back hair is the easiest way to clean it. Are completely clean and wax the hair grows back too many times to find them. Getting Waxing removes hair from the root. Even back hair by waxing done consistently seem to be slowly disappearing.

Hair Removing Cream

Hair Removing excess body hair removal cream is a painless way. 10-15 minutes of applying this cream hairy part is dissolved in the hair protein structure. And thus removes hair from the root.  

Laser

To help grow hair by laser method is used to eliminate cells. In this method, the laser beam is focused onto the hair root hairs are destroyed. It gives permanent results.

6 Foods to get you in the Mood

Chocolate

The delicious chocolates contain antioxidants, serotonin and theobromine, which act as stimulants to improve your mood. It is believed that phenylethylamine, the chemical present in chocolate, triggers some good feelings. Moreover eating chocolates causes a feeling of relaxation.

Red Wine

Drinking red wine opens up the arteries and keeps the blood flowing, thus increasing your libido. A little red wine before bed can get you in the mood even after a tiring day. However too much of any alcoholic drink can have adverse effects on your mood.

Asparagus

Asparagus contains both folate and Vitamin B6, which leads to better histamine production. Histamine is required for both males and females to get in the mood.

Avocado

Avocados contain vitamin B6, which increases male hormone production. It’s also rich in potassium, which helps in regulating the female thyroid gland. Avocados help metabolize proteins leading to more stamina and energy.

Chili peppers

Chili peppers contain capsaicin; the chemical induces the release of endorphins in the brain, which creates a feeling of excitement and energy. This makes chili peppers a wonderful way to spice up your taste buds as well as your mood.

Oysters

Oysters are rich in zinc, which is required for the production of testosterone in the body. Zinc is said to boost the sperm count as well. Oysters can surely be your super food to get in the mood.