In my earlier column, I had talked about a drink called ‘Kaada’ Many readers asked me if they could substitute either mint with basil or vice versa. Mint alone with do the trick as the person in the naturopathy center told me. Mint has amazing properties providing relief in indigestion, nausea, acne, and as a blood purifier. It is fortunate that we use mint a lot in Indian cooking. So stick to Mint as an essential ingredient at home.

This issue, I will share with you a refreshing salad and a nourishing soup which are both healthy and delicious.

Among th healthiest vegetables , broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, watercress, and mustard greens are said to be detoxifying because they provide support for the immune system, inflammatory system, hormonal system, detoxification system, and antioxidant system

Cabbage, Pomegranate and apple salad

Ingredients:

1 heads cabbage shredded or chopped finely

2 apples cored and chopped finely

2.5 cups shredded carrots

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 cup raisins/alternate with fresh black grapes

4-6 tbsp fresh lemon juice, to taste

kosher salt, pepper to taste

 In a food processor (or chop by hand) the cabbage,carrots and apples. Add into large bowl. Stir in the pomegranate seed, raisins, and cilantro. Add lemon juice and seasonings to taste.

Features of the Pomegranate – It is the most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits with Potent anti-cancer and immune supporting effects. Lowers cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis.

Vegetable Soup

1 cup lauki /squash diced

2 carrots, peeled and diced

1/2 cabbage, chopped

1/2 pound green beans chopped

1 large Toria or gourd, diced

1 cup tomatoes diced

2 green chillies diced

1 inch piece ginger sliced

4 lavang/ cloves

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Add all the ingredients in a pressure pan or cooker and bring to a steam for 2 whistles. Cover, reduce the heat to MEDIUM and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the beans are tender. Add 2 tsp ghee is a pan, season with 2 tsp cumin seeds, 1 pinch of hing and curry leaves. Serve and enjoy!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

In the next issue we look at how to use sprouts in flavorful ways

|