Ingredient Ideology | THE EXCITING EDAMAME By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

THE EXCITING EDAMAME

Edamame is a soybean that is young and green when picked. Because of this, edamame is soft and edible, not hard and dry like the mature soybeans used to make soy milk and tofu. The word edamame is Japanese for "Beans on a Branch." It is most often found in East Asian cuisine and sold both in the pod and hulled. Although the pod itself is not edible, it adds flavor, making edamame in the pod an ideal snack. The hulled version is great for adding to rice dishes and salads. Edamame is inexpensive, with the cost of hulled being slightly higher.

Edamame served in the pod is a popular appetizer at most Japanese food restaurants. It is a good choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone wanting to eat healthy, particularly since it is packed with low-fat soy protein. Edamame is sold both fresh and frozen, it can be served as an appetizer or snack and eaten straight from the pod, or the shelled soybeans can be incorporated into a recipe. When eating edamame still in the pod, the beans can be squeezed out of the pod directly into your mouth. The pods are usually salted, which adds to the flavor and experience of eating edamame. Edamame can be eaten hot or cold.

Edamame can be cooked in several ways, including boiling, steaming, microwaving, and pan-frying. To boil, add fresh, in-shell edamame to a pot of boiling, salted water and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the beans are tender. Boil frozen edamame for 1 to 2 minutes. Drain and rinse the pods with cold water, if desire, to steam edamame, place an inch of water in a pot and bring to a boil. Place the edamame in a steaming basket, steam tray, or colander above the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam for 5 to 10 minutes for fresh edamame and 3 to 8 minutes for frozen edamame, until tender. Rinse to cool down, if desired.

My exposure to edamame beans has been a pleasant one and I have tried using it in Indian recipes as well with a touch of spice and dash of herbs as well when it comes to continental fusion as well and my experiments turned out to be positive in various ways from including edamame in Chaats, desi salad forms, in a shorba, desi mix of paprika and rustic roasted peanut flavored edamame mashed potatoes, fusion baked dishes with Indo-Chinese style eggplant and edamame bake with achari tofu and cheese sauce, edamame birishta pulao served with Tadkewala anari raita with curry leaf dust was yum too!

Although edamame is the same soybean that makes tofu, it has more taste than the bland bean curd. It is faintly reminiscent of peas and is buttery with a hint of sweetness and nuttiness. The texture is firmer than a pea, however soft, but with a bite. Frozen edamame is more readily available than fresh. Although most often sold in the pod, frozen edamame is also offered hulled. Bags of frozen shelled and unshelled edamame can be found in grocery stores in the freezer section. Though edamame is yet to get popular with us in our daily recipes and menus to a great extent, we need to create awareness and share ideas on how to use these beneficial & nutri-rich ingredients to avail maximum benefits from its qualities.

Here are a few Health Benefits of Edamame:

1. Edamame helps lower cholesterol levels, and assists in maintaining bone density.

2. Edamame is heart healthy food and also aids in weight loss.

3. Edamame aids in improving the digestive system and also reduces risk of cardio vascular diseases.

4. Edamame is a great immunity boosting ingredient and assists in healthy liver functioning.

5. Edamame is a great source of folate, it also helps in production of red blood cells in our body and allows us to access energy in foods.

6. Edamame is not only a good source of plant-based protein but also has a good content of manganese as well which helps the brain and nerve functioning well and also plays a role in the metabolism in our body.

Here are a few easy to adapt to recipes using Edamame Beans:

Recipe-1] CHICKEN EDAMAME COMBO

Ingredients:

Edamame beans-1 cup boiled

Chicken legs- 2 no

For the marination of the chicken legs:

Oil-2 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Red chili sauce- 1 tsp

Soya sauce- 2 tsp

Tomato ketchup-2 tsp

Honey-1 tsp

Apply on the chicken legs and keep aside for 30 mins.

Additional ingredients:

Oil-2 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp cut into strips

Spring onions-3-4 sliced

Carrots- ½ cup cubes

White cabbage/purple cabbage- ¼ cup cut

Broccoli /cauliflower-1/2 cup florets blanched

French beans-1/2 cup blanched

Fresh basil leaves- 8-10 no

Soya sauce-2 tsp

Red chili -2 tsp

Water/stock-1/2 cup

Corn starch solution-2-3 tsp

Roasted crushed peanuts-2-3 tsp

Peanut butter-1-2 tsp

Lime juice-2 tsp add and serve.

Method:

1. Prepare the edamame beans and keep aside. Marinate the chicken legs and cook them in a pan or roast in the oven until well cooked. Pull out the cooked chicken flesh and keep aside for the recipe.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan/wok and saute the ginger, garlic, spring onions for a few seconds, add in the assorted veggies of your choice into the pan and add all seasonings, herbs, sauces, peanut butter etc and mix well.

3. Add in little water/stock as desired just to cover the mix in the pan and allow to cook on a low to medium flame for 6-8 mins, add in the pulled cooked chicken pieces, edamame beans, mix and add in the corn starch solution to thicken up the mixture.

4. Check for seasonings and texture of the dish and adjust accordingly, serve hot garnished with peanuts, fresh basil leaves and greens and add a splash of lime juice and serve.

Recipe-2] EASY EDAMAME TOSSED SALAD

Ingredients

Edamame beans-1 cup boiled/blanched to the bite

Olive oil-2 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp

Shallots/ madras onions- 10-12 peeled, cut 1x2

Green cucumber-1 no cut into small cubes

Red capsicum-1 no, cut into small cubes

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs-2-3 tsp parsley, basil, etc

For non-veg variations:

Boiled cubes of eggs- 1-2 eggs

Boiled cubes of boneless chicken

Sliced chicken sausages

Tuna fish- tinned/canned-2 3 tbsp.

For more veggies:

Use sliced blanched Babycorn

Saute assorted mushrooms

Zucchini green/yellow- ½ no cut into cubes

Water chestnuts-1/2 cup sliced

For the dressing:

Olive oil-2 -3 tsp

Honey-2-3 tsp

Lime juice-2-3 tsp

Pink salt/ rock salt/ sea salt to taste

Crushed black pepper to taste

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Roasted cumin powder-1/4 tsp

White sesame seeds-2 tsp toasted

Mustard paste-1 tsp

Assorted lettuce leaves-1 cup for the base of the salad.

Method:

1. prepare all the ingredients for the edamame easy-to-toss salad.

2. arrange the crispy assorted lettuce leaves in a salad bowl/plate.

3. in a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing and give it all a nice mix.

4. add assorted nuts like sliced almonds/walnuts/ pinenuts as well if desired and a few chopped dates too would do well.

5. Just before serving add the ingredients into the dressing including the veg/non-veg as per the list along with the cooked edamame beans and give the salad a nice toss.

6. Arrange the salad on a bed of lettuce and garnish with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, micro-greens, etc and serve immediately.

Recipe-3] EDAMAME CASHEW FRIED RICE

Ingredients:

Edamame beans-1 cup boiled/blanched to the bite

Boiled white/brown rice- 2 cups

Oil- 2 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger- 1 tsp shredded

Green chilies-2-3 slit

Red chilies-1-2 slit/shredded

Spring onions-2-3 sliced

Cashews-1/2 cup fried

Carrots-1/2 shredded

French beans-1/4 cup cut thinly

Red/green capsicum-1/4 cup shreds

Water chestnuts-2-3 sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Soya sauce-2 tsp

Red chili sauce-1-2 tsp

Green chili sauce-1-2 tsp

Honey-1 tsp/ pinch of sugar

White vinegar-1 tsp

Spring onion greens-2-3 tbsp. chopped

For more variations: non-veg

Use boiled shredded chicken, roast sliced meat, medium sized prawns, poached or grilled fish could be served along as well.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the fried rice recipe and keep ready.

2. Heat oil in a wok/ pan saute the ginger, garlic, onions, chilies for a few seconds, add in the assorted veggies, edamame beans and saute for a couple of minutes.

3.Add in the sauces and seasonings, vinegar, a pinch of sugar to taste and add your choice of non-veg ingredients as well as desired and mix well.

4. If using eggs, we can double fry and shred them/ or use scrambled eggs as well for more taste, color, flavour.

5. Now add in the cooked rice and fried cashews and stir it well with the other ingredients and cook for 2-3 mins.

6. Check for seasonings adjust as per taste and serve hot garnished with spring onion greens etc and serve hot with gravy or main course of your choice.

Recipe-4] EDAMAME TOFU MUSHROOM TRIO

Ingredients:

Edamame beans-1 cup boiled/blanched to the bite

Tofu-1 cup cut into large cubes, use firm or extra firm variety

Fresh button mushrooms-1 cup, sliced

Olive oil-2 tsp

Butter-1/2 tsp

Garlic cloves- 3-4 no sliced

Ginger-1 tsp shredded

Onion-1 small, chopped

Red/ yellow/green capsicum-1/2 cup shredded

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs and chili flakes to taste

Water/stock-1/2 cup

Corn starch-2-3 tsp to thicken

Soya sauce-2 tsp

Peanut butter-1-2 tsp

Schezuan sauce-1-2 tsp

Honey-1 tsp

Assorted herbs/greens to garnish.

For non-veg variations: use chicken liver marinate and cook it first, also we can use luncheon meat, sausages, salami etc in the similar recipe. We can also use lobster, prawns and shrimps too in a similar recipe with a twist to the usual.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the trio combination recipe.

2. Marinate the tofu cubes with a little oil, salt, pepper, mixed herbs, garam masala power or a little all spice powder, lime juice, honey and keep aside for 10 mins, grill it and keep aside.

3. To prepare the recipe further, heat oil and butter, saute the garlic, onions for a few seconds, add in the assorted veggies and give them a nice saute over a high flame for a couple of minutes.

4.Add in little water/stock, sauces, peanut butter seasonings to taste and add in cooked edamame beans as well, mix and simmer for 3-5 mins.

5. Add in the corn starch solution and slightly thicken it all up and check for taste, add the tofu towards the end and mix lightly and serve it hot garnished with assorted seeds/ nuts and garnish it.

Recipe-5] EDAMAME ALMOND CREAM SOUP

Ingredients

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Bay leaf-1 no

Peppercorns-2-3 no

Onion-1/2 chopped

Celery-1 stalk chopped

Edamame beans-1 cup

Almonds-1/4 cup soaked and peeled, paste.

Fresh cream-1 tbsp.

Water/veg stock- 2-3 cups

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh herbs- to taste like basil, parsley, mint

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Sweet potato-1 med sized, peeled and cubed

To serve with: toasted/fried garlic herbed croutons

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the edamame almond cream soup.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan saute the bay leaf, peppercorns, garlic, onions for a minute, add in the sweet potato, edamame beans, seasonings, herbs, chili flakes and saute for 2 mins.

3. Add in the stock/ water and bring to a boil, simmer for 12-15 mins until well cooked, cool, puree and strain the mixture.

4. Bring it back to a boil, adjust texture of the soup with little stock/water and check for seasonings, add in the almond paste and cream and blend it well, simmer for 3-5 mins.

5. Serve hot garnished with slivered almonds, dash of fresh cream, fresh herbs/ micro-greens etc and serve along with bread croutons.

Recipe-6] HERBED EDAMAME PEA DIP

Ingredients:

Edamame beans-1 cup boiled

Chickpeas-1/4 cup boiled

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Olive oil-2 tbsp.

Lime juice-1-2 tbsp.

Salt and pepper to taste

Mint leaves- 8-10

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Roasted crushed cumin- ¼ tsp

Dates-2-3 chopped

Chilled water-2 -3 tbsp.

Tahini paste/ white sesame seed paste-2-3 tsp

Peanuts-2-3 tbsp. roasted

Mayonnaise-2-3 tsp

To serve with: assorted toasted or crusty breads/ crackers/ vegetable sticks/ fried snacks/ french fries etc.

Method:

1. Assemble all the ingredients for the dip, pre-prep as needed.

2. Using a jar of a mixer grinder or food processor, combine together the edamame and the chickpeas together with all other ingredients and churn the mixture to a nice coarsely smooth textured dip.

3. Use chilled water/ olive oil to adjust the texture as needed. Taste the flavor for herbs use basil/ thyme as well as an option.

4. Use toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a better nutty flavor. The dates used in the recipe add a nice bite and also nutritive value.

5. Remove the prepared dip and add a little mayonnaise or whipped hung curd into the mixture for more taste and texture, place it in the fridge until being used. Before serving the dip, garnish it with some toasted sliced nuts, seeds like flax seeds, melon seeds etc for a crunch, serve chilled.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Ingredient Ideology | THE CURD CULTURE By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

THE CURD CULTURE



While the story of curd being known to us goes back in history, according to a popular legend, while traveling across a desert, some Turks kept milk in a goatskin bag and slung it across the back of a camel. The desert sun and the bacteria in the bag had enabled the preparation of curd, also known as yogurt. Curd and yogurt: the two terms have often been considered to be synonymous. Curd or dahi is a dairy product that is made by curdling milk with edible acidic substances like lemon juice, vinegar, and even curd itself. Curd is a great probiotic that contains good beneficial bacteria known to promote gut activity, soothe the inflamed digestive system, and heals an upset stomach.

Curd has somehow been a chosen ingredient by a number of international cuisines and its adaptability and versatile nature have helped it gain a lot of popularity when it comes to Indian marination, gravies, lassi or chaas, shrikhand, or even layered desserts where can use hung curd as well.

Milk is converted into curd or yogurt by the process of fermentation. Milk consists of globular proteins called casein. Here curd forms because of the chemical reaction between the lactic acid bacteria and casein. During fermentation, the bacteria use enzymes to produce energy (ATP) from lactose. Curd is made by bacterial fermentation of milk. In this process lactose in milk is converted into lactic acid by several probiotic microorganisms. The species involved in the fermentation depends on the temperature and humidity of the environment and may include Lactococcus lactis and a few more.

A favorite of many of us in a number of ways from having a bowl full of it or into a raita form, cooking it up in a kadhi concept preparing sweet dishes, etc.

Here are a few popular Health Benefits of Curd:

• Curd is rich in proteins and also essential minerals like calcium that help keep our bones strong.

• Curd possesses good bacteria called pro-biotics which are great to consume since it helps indigestion.

• Curd is a great immunity booster and also good to consume on a weight loss program.

• Curd is heart-healthy, good for our hair and skin too.

• Curd also helps in preventing allergies and infections.

• Curd is beneficial in lowering levels of plaque

• Curd helps to lower hypertension and also prevents cardiovascular diseases.

Do try out these simple and tasty recipes using CURD:

Recipe-1] RAINBOW SALAD WITH INDIANA DRESSING:

Ingredients:

• The base of the salad:

• Iceberg/ assorted lettuce leaves- 1 cup

• For the body of the salad:

• White cabbage-1/4 cup shredded

• Purple cabbage-1/4 cup shredded

• Tomatoes-1 no cut into cubes

• Onion 1 small sliced

• Broccoli- 1 cup florets, blanched

• Carrots-1 small cut into cubes and boil.

• Sprouts- ½ cup

• For the dressing:

• Curd- 1 cup beaten

• Crushed cumin power

• Lime juice-2 tsp

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Honey-1 tsp

• Flax seeds- 2 tsp

• Dates-2-3 chopped

• Almonds/cashews-2 tsp sliced

• Chaat masala-1/4 tsp

• Mint leaves- 8-10

• For the garnish of the salad:

• Paprika powder/ chaat masala/ mint/ parsley/ micro-greens, olives.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad recipe.

2. On a serving plate arrange the cleaned lettuce leaves as a base.

3. As a part of dressing combine all ingredients with the beaten curd and keep it ready.

4. Arrange all the ingredients of the body of the salad ready to use.

5.Just before serving combine the body and dressing together and give them a nice toss, adjust as needed, drizzle a little dressing on it for proper mixing.

6. Portion out the salad onto the bowl of lettuce leaves, garnish and serve immediately.

Chefs variation: in the case of non-veg we can use boiled chicken cubes, sliced chicken sausages, or even grilled chicken/ lamb/ mutton pieces can be used. Seafood like prawns can also be added. Also for veg, we can try adding fruits like plums, peaches as well to this salad.

Recipe-2] CHICKPEA- CUCUMBER & CURD DELIGHT

Ingredients

For the curd mixture:

• Curd-1 and a half cup beaten

• Roasted crushed cumin- ½ tsp

• Rock salt/ sea salt- ¼ tsp

• Fresh basil leaves- 4-5 no

For the relish mix:

• Cucumber-1 no cut into small cubes

• Chickpeas- boiled chana-1/2 cup

• Amla/ indian gooseberry- 2 no, boiled and cut into cubes

• Dates-2-3 chopped

• Mint leaves- 4-5 no

• Crushed black pepper-1/2 tsp

• Melon seeds/ chia seeds- 1 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the relish mixture.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the relish mix ingredients and keep aside for 10-12 mins.

3. Separately combine together beaten curd and all the other mix-in ingredients and stir well.

4. Combine the relish and curd mixture and check for taste and adjust, allow to chill for 20 mins and then serve alongside a main course/ meal with parathas, etc or can be served with nachos or crackers as well as a dip.

Recipe-3] ADRAKI DAHI WALA MURGH 

[CHICKEN IN GINGER – CURD BASED GRAVY]

Ingredients:

• Chicken- 750 gms curry cuts with bones.

• For veg- use paneer/ extra firm tofu.

• For the marination:

• Oil-2 tsp

• Ginger paste-1 tsp

• Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

• Salt to taste

• Crushed black pepper-1/2 tsp

• Lime juice- 2 tsp

• Curd- 1 cup beaten thick.

For the gravy:

• Oil-1 tsp

• Ghee-2 tsp

• Boiled onion paste- 1 cup

• Ginger-garlic paste-1 tsp mix

• Black cardamom- 2 no

• Bay leaf- 2 no

• Water/ chicken stock-1 cup

• Salt to taste

• Kasuri methi-1 tsp

• Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

• Cashew/ almond paste-2 tsp

• Fresh cream-2 tbsp.

• Rose water-2 tsp

• Ginger juliennes and blanched almonds for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the adraki dahi wala murgh.

2. Marinate the chicken pieces and keep aside for 30-45 mins in the fridge.

3. Prepare the gravy heat oil and ghee in a pan add in the whole spices and onion paste and cook until light brown, add little water as needed, add in the chilies and ginger-garlic paste and saute well.

4. Add in the salt, Kasuri methi, garam masala powder and add in the chicken pieces and bhunao for 2-3 mins on a medium flame, add in the cashew and curd mixture and little water, simmer, cover, and cook in dum for 20-25 mins.

5. Finally check for texture and taste, adjust accordingly as desired, add in the rose water and mix, serve hot garnished with ginger juliennes and blanched almonds.

Recipe-4] TEMPERED TRIVIA CURD RICE

Ingredients:

• Basmati/kolam white rice/brown rice - 1 cup boiled, cooled.

• Curd- 2 cups beaten thick

• Salt to taste

• Oil-1 tsp

• Ghee-1 tsp

• Hing-1 pinch

• Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

• Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

• Dried red chilies-1 no slit

• Green chili-1 no slit

• Chana dal-1 tsp

• Milk-1/4 cup

• Roasted crushed peanuts- 2 tbsp.

• Assorted seeds-2 tsp- flax, sunflower, pumpkin, melon seeds.

• Mint and coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. mix

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the tempered curd rice recipe.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the cooked white/brown rice and add the beaten curd and milk and mix it all well and keep refrigerated for 20 mins.

3. To prepare the tempering heat oil and ghee in a tadka pan and add in the ingredients one by one and allow them to splutter and crackle and after about 15 seconds add this tempering to the bowl of curd and rice mixture and give it a nice mix. I prefer to add a few nuts and seeds as well to the curd rice to add more value to it from roasted crushed peanuts to toasted nuts and seeds like flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.

Recipe- 5] DAHI PAKODE WALI KADHI

[FRITTERS STEEPED IN TEMPERED CURD BASED CURRY]

Ingredients:

For the pakode/ fritter mix:

• Besan-1 cup

• Salt to taste and soda bi carb one pinch

• Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

• Jeera powder-1/4 tsp

• Ajwain-1/2 tsp

• Sliced onions-1 med sized

• Coriander-1 tbsp. chopped

• Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

• Little water to make the mixture

• Oil-1 tsp

• Oil to deep fry the fritters

• For the kadhi mix/ curry:

• Curd- 1 and a half cup beaten.

• Besan-1 and a half tbsp.

• Salt to taste

• Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

• Red chili powder-1/4 tsp

• Water as required

• Kasuri methi-1 tsp

• Ginger- 1 tsp chopped

• Oil/ ghee- 2 tsp for the tempering

• Hing-1 pinch

• Curry leaves- 8-10 no

• Slit red and green chilies-1-2 

• Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves to garnish- 2 tbsp. chopped

Method:

1. Prepare the ingredients for both the segments of the kadhi pakoda recipe.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the pakoda and mix well to a dropping texture and drop small portions into medium hot oil in a kadai and deep fry them to a nice golden color and keep aside.

3. In a bowl combine together the curd, besan, two cups of water, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder and beat it all together, rest for 20 mins.

4. Heat oil/ghee and give the tempering with the ingredients and allow to splutter and crackle for a few seconds, add in the curd and besan mixture, kasuri methi and stir it well, simmer and cook for 12-15 mins.

5. Check for taste and adjust salt and texture as desired, add the fried pakode just before serving and garnish with coriander leaves and serve with steamed rice or jeera rice.

Recipe-6] BOWL OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS 

Ingredients

• Sweet corn-1/2 cup boiled

• Green peas-1/2 cup boiled

• Tomato- 1 cut into wedges

• Apple-1 no cut into cubes, sprinkle 2 tsp lime juice.

• Onion-1 no sliced

• Cucumber-1 no cubed

• Potato -1 boiled cubed

• Red/green/yellow capsicum-1/2 no cubed

For the dressing mix:

• Curd-1 cup beaten

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked Amla pulp-2 tsp

• Crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

• Mint leaves- 4-5 no

• Cream cheese- 1 tsp

• Cashew powder-2 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the healthy bowl of goodness.

2. In a mixing bowl combine all the colorful ingredients and arrange them for the salad, chill for 20 mins.

3. In another bowl combine together the mixture for the curd-based dressing and chill for 15 mins.

4. Just before serving drizzle the dressing over the serving salad bowls and garnish with nuts, seeds, micro-greens, and fresh herbs, etc as desired.

For non-veg options: use boiled cubed eggs, boiled or grilled chicken cubes, chicken sausages, ham, salami etc can also be used as an option.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the F

Ingredient Ideology | THE PULSE EFFECT By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

THE PULSE EFFECT 

Let’s pick up on some of the beneficial pulses…

Pulses are part of the legume family, any plants which grow in pods basically, but the term pulse refers to only the dried edible seeds within the pods. Pulses include all beans, peas, and lentils such as baked beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, etc. Pulses are very popular in developing countries but are increasingly becoming recognized as an excellent part of a healthy diet throughout the world. Pulses have a rich and colorful history of nourishing cultures all over the world!

Indian cuisine has widely adapted and incorporated pulses, lentils, etc as an active variety of ingredients when it comes to our home cooking styles, most of us are fond of rajma Chawal, chauli masala, vatana ka usal, and the list goes on for the favorites with the pulses! Looking at a broader perspective of pulses too we have seen that various countries have also included a few of them in their soups, salads, stir fry recipes, curries, stews, dips, and even for baked dishes.

Pulses are also an important part of the human diet due to their robust nutritional profile, pleasant flavor, comparatively reasonable costs, and cooking versatility they rate up pretty well on the gain scale. Foods based on pulses are prepared with a wide range of recipes and with a host of different methods of pre-preparation and cooking starting from sprouting, grinding, boiling, steaming, mashing, roasting, saute and stir-frying, and also milling to make it into flour forms.

One of the challenges we usually face at times with pulses is the length of time taken with a few of them with which we need to adjust with and manage the time accordingly. One of the other aspects attached to pulses is that it has also been widely used in the food processing industry and also canning versions where we also export pulses which are pre-cooked and preserved and are ready to use available at the store shelves across the globe.

Health Benefits of Pulses:

• Pulses are a rich source of proteins, high in fiber, and have a low glycemic index.

• Pulses help in weight loss and are also heart-healthy foods provided they are made and consumed correctly.

• Pulses are also energy-boosting foods and good to be added in various forms into our day-to-day diets.

• Pulses help in optimal brain functioning and also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

• Pulses aid in digestion and also boosts our metabolism.

• Pulses help to control diabetes and also lower blood pressure.

• Pulses are a helpful source of zinc as well for our body, and also helps lower cholesterol.

Here are a few Simple- Healthy and Nutri-Rich Recipes with Pulses to add into our Menus and Meals!

Recipe-1] MASALA BAKED BEANS WITH CHICKEN & POTATOES.

Ingredients:

• Oil-1 tsp

• Garlic-1 tsp chopped

• Onion-1/2 small chopped

• Green chilies-1/2 tsp chopped

• Baked beans in tomato sauce-1 tin

• Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

• Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

• Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp

• Chili flakes- ½ tsp

• Fresh basil/ parsley/coriander-2 tbsp.

• Water-1/2 cup

• Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

• Tomato ketchup-2 tsp

• Boiled chicken cubes-1 cup

• Boiled potato cubes-1/2 cup

• Green capsicum-1/2 chopped.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the masala-baked bean recipe.

2. Heat oil in a pan saute the garlic, onions, chilies for a few seconds, add in the baked beans and all seasonings, herbs, spices, sauce, and masala to taste and mix well.

3. Add in the chopped green capsicums, saute well and add a little water and boiled chicken cubes, potatoes and allow to simmer for 6-8 mins.

4. Once it all comes well together and well cooked, turn off the flame add fresh herbs for garnish, and serve with brown bread, multi-grain bread, etc. an ideal dish to have for a Sunday brunch or a mini-meal on the whole.

Recipe-2] BLACK EYED PEA SALAD WITH GARDEN VEGGIES

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

Assorted salad leaves/ lettuce leaves- 1 cup

For the body of the salad:

• Black-eyed peas- 1 cup boiled.

• Onion-1/2 no cubes

• Tomato-1 no cubes

• Green chili-1 tsp chopped

• Coriander leaves-2 tbsp. chopped

• Green capsicum-1/2 no cubed

• Cucumber-1/2 no cubes

• Sweet corn-1/2 cup boiled.

• For the dressing of the salad:

• Olive oil-2 tbsp.

• Lime juice-2 tsp

• Mustard paste-1/2 tsp

• Dates- 3- 4 chopped

• Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

• Mint leaves- 8-10 leaves

• Honey-2 tsp

• Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

• Sunflower seeds/ melon seeds-2 tsp

For the garnish of the salad:

• Fresh herbs as available- 2 tbsp.

• Micro-greens -2 -3 tbsp.

• Cherry tomatoes- 3-4, cut 1 x 2

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. Arrange the base of the salad on a serving plate/salad bowl.

3. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing and mix well.

4. Add in the body of the salad from the boiled peas to all other ingredients and give it a nice mix.

5. Arrange the salad in the serving bowl and garnish appropriately and serve immediately.

Recipe-3] CHICKPEA TIC- TAC – TOE

Ingredients:

• Oil-1 tsp

• Butter- 1 tsp

• Bayleaf-1 no

• Cloves- 3-4 no

• Garlic-1 tsp chopped

• Ginger-1 tsp shredded

• Green chilies- 1 tsp slit

• Onions- 1 cup puree

• Tomato-3/4th cup puree, fresh

• Boiled chickpeas/ kabuli chana- 1 and a half cup.

• Salt to taste

• Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

• Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

• Coriander powder-1 tsp

• Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

• Kasuri methi-1 tsp

• Cashew paste-2 tsp

• Water-1/2 cup

• Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped.

• Lime juice-1 tsp add and serve hot.

Method:

1. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the whole spices and flavor the pan. Add in the onion puree first and saute it well for 4-6 mins add a little water if needed to prevent sticking, add in the garlic, ginger and chilies as well.

2. Next we add in the tomato puree, salt to taste, all the powdered spices, Kasuri methi and bhuna the masala well for 2-3 mins.

3. Add in the boiled chickpeas and cook it with the masala for a couple of mins, stir well, add in the cashew paste, a little water and simmer the chickpeas for 10-12 mins.

4. Add fresh coriander leaves and garnish the recipe, add a splash of fresh lime juice and serve hot with rotis, naans, parathas.

Recipe-4] BEAN TO BENEFIT SALAD

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

Assorted lettuce leaves/ purple/white cabbage-1 cup

For the body of the salad:

• Boiled kidney beans/rajma-1/2 cup

• Boiled green lentils/moong-1/4 cup

• Red capsicum-1/2 no cut into med cubes.

• Celery-1 stalk cut into pieces

• Cucumber-1/2 no cut into cubes

• Tomato-1 no de-seeded and cut into cubes

• Apple/pear/lychees/chickoo/mango cubes- any 1 fruit

For the Dressing of the salad:

• Olive oil-2 tbsp.

• Lime juice-2 tsp

• Crushed black pepper-1/2 tsp

• Salt to taste

• Roasted crushed cumin-1/2 tsp

• Flax seeds-1 tsp roasted and crushed

• Mint/coriander/parsley- 2 tbsp.

• Orange juice- ¼ cup fresh squeeze with segments

• Boiled Amla pulp- 2-3 tsp.

• Raisins/almonds/cashews- 2 tsp chopped.

For the garnish of the salad:

• Micro-greens, olives, jalapenos, assorted herbs, etc.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. Arrange the base of the salad with assorted leaves as desired on the serving plate or salad bowl.

3.Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a mixing bowl and give it a nice stir.

4. Add in the body of the salad just before serving and toss the salad well.

5. Portion the salad onto the base of lettuce leaves and garnish it appropriately and serve.

Recipe-5] ONE POT BEAN MEAL 

Ingredients:

• Oil-1 tsp

• Butter-1 tsp

• Cinnamon stick-1-inch piece

• Black peppercorns- 4-5 no

• Garlic-1 tsp chopped

• Lemongrass- 4-5 pieces

• Fresh basil- 8-10 no

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Ginger-1 tsp shredded

• Spring onions- 3-4 sliced

• Boiled sweet corn-1/4 cup

• Boiled assorted pulses- 1 cup

• Tomato puree-1/4 cup

• Soy sauce- 2 tsp

• Tomato ketchup-2 tsp

• Schezuan sauce- 2 tsp

• Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

• Mixed herbs and chili flakes to taste

• Water-1/2 cup

• Cheese- 2-3 tbsp. grated to garnish.

• Cooked/boiled white/brown rice- 2 cups

• Assorted vegetables like sliced mushrooms, broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, green peas, baby corn, paneer etc can be added for the veg options.

• Boiled shredded chicken/ sliced chicken sausages/ tuna fish from the can/boiled cubed eggs/ cooked chicken liver/ sliced salami etc can also be added for non-veg options.

Method:

1. arrange all the ingredients for the one-meal bean pot.

2. heat oil and butter in a pan add in the cinnamon stick and peppercorns, add in the sliced onions, garlic, ginger, and chilies and cook for 1 minute.

3. add in the cooked assorted pulses, salt, pepper, and all the powdered spices, herbs, chili flakes, sauces and mix well.

4. Add a little water to ensure even cooking, also add in your choice of veg or non-veg ingredients for the recipe and cook on a medium flame for 8-10 mins, add in the cooked rice and cook for 3-4 mins.

5. Finally add in some fresh herbs and grated cheese to garnish the pot meal and serve hot with a portion of salad.

Recipe-6] PULSE IT UP TOSS BOWL

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

• Assorted greens/ salad leaves- 1 cup

For the body of the salad:

• Assorted boiled lentils/sprouts/ pulses of your choice- 1 cup cooked/boiled/steamed.

• Boiled potato-1 no cubed.

• Broccoli- 1 cup florets, blanched

• Red/yellow capsicums-1/2 no cubes

• Cherry tomatoes- 4-5 cut 1 x 2

• Celery- 1 stalk cut into pieces

• Cucumber-1/2 no cut into cubes

For the dressing of the salad:

• Lime juice-2 tbsp.

• Honey-1 tsp

• Chopped nuts- 2 tsp

• Assorted seeds- 2 tsp

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Mint leaves- 8-10 no

• Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

• Roasted crushed cumin-1/2 tsp

For the garnish of the salad:

Assorted fresh herbs/ seeds/ nuts/ micro-greens

For non-veg options- add boiled chicken/ poached fish/ saute or boiled prawns/ roast sliced meat etc.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. Place the crispy assorted salad greens on the serving plate or the salad bowl.

3. In a salad toss bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing and mix well.

4. Add in the body of the salad just before you wish to serve the salad and give it a nice toss, add any fresh fruit as well of your choice and mix.

5. Arrange the tossed salad onto your serving bowl or salad plate on a bed of greens and garnish as desired, serve.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Ingredient Ideology | THE ZESTY ZUCCHINI By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

THE ZESTY ZUCCHINI

Zucchini is also called courgettes or baby marrow in various culinary applications and is a popular squash variety known to us. Ordinary zucchini is any share of green or yellow though both are equally popular in our kitchens for their inviting color and texture. It is technically a fruit but treated as an exotic vegetable choice by most of us and its shape looks similar to a cucumber with a stump-like stem at the end.

Zucchini has firm dark green or yellow outer skin which also offers a good amount of crunch and mouthfeel hence it is advisable not to peel them and the inner part is much softer and juicy, slightly sweet with a very mild and delicate flavor. It is not only being used in salads, stir-fried dishes, soups, curries, and baked dishes but are also widely being used in bread, muffins, desserts, and cakes too!

Let us check on a few Health Benefits of Zucchini:

• Zucchini is a great option to include and adapt into our diets for a weight loss regime, being low in calories.

• Zucchini is heat healthy food and is recommended to be consumed once in a while blanched in salads, stir-fried versions.

• Zucchini is also good for the eyes and vision and has benefits to offer eye health as well.

• Zucchini is full of anti-oxidants which are beneficial to us in a number of ways.

• Zucchini is cholesterol-free, fat-free, and low in sodium content as well.

• Zucchini is packed with a number of vitamins, minerals which are truly an add-on to our healthy dietary needs.

• Zucchini is also a gluten-free ingredient and can be incorporated in a number of dishes and recipes.

• Zucchini is also regarded as high in fiber content and good for our nervous system as well.

              Here are a Few Culinary Uses of Zucchini:

• Zucchini is great to add into our day-to-day cooking be it Indian recipes, subzis, curries etc it is easy to add it in just to ensure we do not throw away the skin but use it intact for maximum benefits and eye appeal.

• My experience with zucchini has been very interesting from having it in a rainbow subzi jhalfrezi, stuffed Achari aloo zucchini cups with korma gravy, zucchini kadai masala, coconut and water chestnut curry with zucchini.

• Speaking of zucchini being used in soups and broths add it to your minestrone, into tomato dhaniya shorba, zucchini almond soup served chilled flavored with basil or fennel is great during all seasons.

• Zucchini in baked dishes sliced, quartered, cubed, stuffed, and filled topped with a nice cheesy sauce, olives, herbs, breadcrumbs flashed into a hot oven does it just right to go the continental way.

• For the vegan lovers and whole food/ plant, food-based foodie’s zucchini does a great job of being converted into noodles and pasta being dressed and tossed in a number of sauces with crunch and bite for a great delightful experience.

• Zucchini tava pulao, saute zucchini cubes tempered with coconut oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chilies, fennel seeds, and steeped into beaten minted curd served chilled as a raita concept with a meal is just so very refreshing change to a Lauki or kakdi ka raita.

• Zucchini fritters, cutlets, koftas, tikkis, stuffing’s for parathas, tortilla wraps, filling for taco shells, adding them to savory pancake batters, and roesti and hash brown potato mixes.

Here are a few interesting concepts and recipes with Zucchini:

Recipe-1] PAN TOSSED ZUCCHINI NOODLES

Ingredients:

Green zucchini- 150 gms, to be scraped/turned into noodles.

Yellow zucchini-150 gms, to be scraped/turned into noodles.

Olive oil- 1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp shredded

Green chilies-2-3 slit

Red chilies-2-3 slit

Carrots-1/4 cup shredded

Green-yellow-red capsicums-1/2 cup shredded

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

White vinegar-2 tsp

Soy sauce-1 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Sugar-1/4 tsp

Spring onions- 3 to 4 sliced

Spring onion greens-2 – 3 tbsp. chopped for garnish

Peanut butter-2 tsp dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water.

Method:

1. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the spring onions, ginger, garlic, red and green chilies and saute for a few seconds.

2. Add in the zucchini noodles and all other veggies as well and toss them in the hot wok/pan for a minute.

3. Now add in the seasonings and sauces, peanut butter, and give it all a nice mix.

4. Cook the mixture on a medium flame for 4-6 mins until all the veggies get a nice moisture release and still crunchy, add in the spring onion greens and serve hot.

Recipe-2] MINCE STUFFED ZUCCHINI BAKE

Ingredients

Green/yellow zucchini-400 gms/ 3-4 pieces

For the stuffing:

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Ginger-garlic paste-1 tsp

Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Chicken keema- 1 cup/ 250gms

Green peas-1/4 cup boiled.

Salt and pepper to taste

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder-1 tsp

Tomato ketchup-2 tsp

Red chili sauce-1 tsp

White sauce-1 cup

Grated cheese-3-4 tbsp.

Method:

1. Cut the zucchini lengthwise into two each and carefully scoop out the center pulp and add it to the keema filling while we cook it.

2. Apply a little salt on the zucchini boats and keep them aside.

3. Heat oil and butter in a pan saute the ginger, garlic, chilies and onions for a couple of minutes.

4. Add in the chicken keema and peas, the scooped out chopped zucchini pulp add in salt to taste and all powdered spices, herbsx and chili flakes and saute for 2-3 mins.

5.Add ½ cup water or stock and allow the keema to cook for 8-10 mins on slow flame.

6. Add in the tomato and red chili sauce and mix well, cook for another 6-8 mins and allow to cool slightly.

7. Stuff the boats with the keema mixture, top it with a little white sauce and cheese and place in a baking dish.

8. Pre-heat the oven at 170 degrees Celsius and bake the zucchini boats for 12-15 mins and serve hot with toast/garlic bread.

Recipe-3] ZUCCHINI ALMOND SOUP

Ingredients:

Green zucchini- 150 gms/2 med sized- cut into med cubes.

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Bayleaf-1 no

Peppercorns-3-4 no

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Potato-1 med sized peeled and cut

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Water/veg stock-3 -4 cups

Almond paste- 2 tsp

Fresh cream-2 tsp

Parsley- 2 tsp chopped

Method:

1. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the Bayleaf and peppercorns, garlic, onions and saute for a minute.

2. Add in the potatoes, zucchini cubes, salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes.

3. Saute the mixture for a few seconds, add in the water/stock bring to a boil and simmer for 12-15 mins.

4. Cool, puree and strain the mixture and bring it back into the saucepan now add in the almond paste, cream and bring to a simmer for 3-4 mins, check for seasonings and serve the soup hot garnish with saute cubes of green zucchini/mint/basil leaves/parsley/ sunflower/ flax seeds etc.

Recipe-4] MOMS STYLE ZUCCHINI CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Ingredients

Green zucchini- 150 gms

Boneless chicken cubes-1 cup/200gms

Oil-1 tsp 

Butter-1 tsp

Cinnamon stick-1-inch piece

Black peppercorns-4-5 no

Green cardamom-1-2 no

Garlic cloves-2-3 no

Ginger -1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 no sliced

White wine- 2-3 tbsp.

Water/chicken stock-2-3 cups

Maida-2 tsp

Herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Salt and black pepper to taste

Red chili sauce/schezuan sauce-2 tbsp.

Corn flour and water mixture-2-3 tbsp.to thicken the sauce.

Fresh herbs/parsley/basil/spring onion greens-2 tbsp. for garnish.

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan add in the cinnamon, peppercorns, cardamom followed by garlic, ginger, sliced onion and saute until light pink.

2. Add in the chicken pieces, salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes, maida and saute for up to 1 min.

3. Slide in the sliced zucchini pieces, white wine, chili or schezuan sauce and add little water/chicken stock mix everything well.

4. Simmer the chicken and zucchini for 10-12 mins or until just done add in the corn flour water solution to thicken the sauce a little.

5. Serve hot with steamed white rice or steamed buns/ bread rolls.

Recipe-5] STAR ANISE SPICED ZUCCHINI TOSS

Ingredients:

Green zucchini- 150 gms/1 med sized, sliced

Yellow zucchini-150 gms/1 med sized, sliced.

Oil-1 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Star anise- 2 no

Garlic-1 tsp sliced

Ginger-1 tsp juliennes

Red chili- 2 no shredded

Green chili- 2 no slit

Spring onion- 2-3 chopped

Baby potatoes- 8-10 no boiled and cut 1 x 2

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Soy sauce-2 tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Red chili sauce-2 tsp

Green chili sauce- 2 tsp

Water-1/2 cup

Roasted crushed peanuts-2 tbsp.

Corn flour water solution-2 tbsp. to thicken

Spring onion greens-2 tbsp. garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the wok tossed recipe.

2. Heat oil and butter in the pan add in the star anise followed by garlic, ginger, chilies, onions and cook for 1 min.

3. Add in the sliced or diced zucchini pieces and boiled potatoes and give them a nice toss in the hot pan.

4. Add in the salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes, sauces and little water or stock and mix well in the pan, cook for 6-8 mins on medium flame.

5.Finally add in the cornflour water solution and thicken the mixture and serve hot garnished with crushed peanuts and greens.

Recipe-6] ZUCCHINI CHICKPEA CURRY WITH RICE

Ingredients:

Green zucchini-150 gms, sliced

Yellow zucchini-150 gms, sliced

Boiled chickpeas-1/2 cup

Baby potatoes- 4-5 boiled cut 1 x 2

Oil-1 tsp 

Butter- 1 tsp

Lemongrass- 3-4 pieces

Basil- 8-10 no

Slit red/green chilies-2-3 no

Galangal/ginger-2 tsp sliced

Thai yellow/green/red curry paste-2 tsp

Water/stock-1 and half cup

Coconut milk thick-2 cups

Salt to taste

Sugar-1/4 tsp

Corn flour water solution-2 tbsp. 

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the curried zucchini recipe.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan add in the lemongrass, basil, galangal or ginger, chilies followed by the curry paste as desired.

3. Add in little water or stock, the zucchini, chickpeas and potatoes, salt and sugar and simmer the mixture for 4-5 mins.

4. Add in thick coconut milk and cook for another 3-4 mins, add in the cornflour solution to thicken a little if desired.

5.Serve the curry hot with steamed rice/ jasmine rice/herbed rice.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Video Lessons | Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel | How is Alcohol made? Part-2 By Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

Video Lessons | Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel | How is Alcohol made? Part-1By Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

Ingredient Ideology | Corona Culinary Covishield By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Recovery & Revival Concepts While Corona Recovery Process

Treat up yourself to the best but eat well & rest is also one of the citations these days which we need to look at and follow up while we are on the way dealing with Covid-19 and since we all are aware that we need a strong immunity level built up taking place during the recovery days a few tips from our culinary collection can also assist us to do it well. 

Most people these days are adapting themselves to various styles and methods and combo treatments from allopathy to Ayurveda, naturopathy, and more! We must however take all advice and reconfirm any readings with our nutritionists and they only take up one or more of them to help better suit our system and help it heal faster.

Firstly, we need to be strong come what may, since stress pulls down our immunity levels drastically which is not a good sign instead we need to be calm, patient, and slightly more alert once the tests are positive. Let us now look at a few helpful pointers listed below as suggested by a few experts and studies on the culinary Covishield.

Trivia on Culinary Aspects Associated with Covid Treatment:

1. Drink warm/lukewarm water at least 3 to 4 liters, throughout the phase and continue following it for days and weeks to go.

2. Alter your diet immediately as we have heard “You are what you eat!” Now it would be Eat light, feed wise & rest right to sit up upright to face the tide!” it is time to eat limited, but nutritious and low in oil & fats, sodium, and spices.

3. It is suggested to be on a protein-rich diet ideally while recovering, would be great to be on a vegetarian diet ideally which is also protein-rich. Also, follow the policy of cook fresh eat fresh! Do not store the cooked food for a long time and again re-heat & consume.

4. As a guide to keeping inflammation and bacterial growth at bay, we would suggest to keep wheat away from the diet for a few days and also keep away wheat-based products for a while, instead recommended consuming brown rice, pulses like rajma, black eye peas, and opt for gluten-free flours like oats flour, soy flour, etc for your chapattis, etc.

5. We also need to keep away sweets and sugar in all forms hence none of your favorite Gulab jamuns, malai sandwich or rossogulla, phirni etc for some time, it’s time to revamp your diet.

6. Mucus formation needs to be taken care of in the system during these times, therefore it is suggested to avoid milk and milk-based/dairy products as well as not to be included in the diet for a while.

7. On a positive note, one can try consuming roasted pounded Flaxseed powder, 1 -2 tsp per day, depends on how well you can have the intake and acceptance by your body, also try having organic honey a tsp or so in a day, it does have benefits to offer as well.

8. We have often heard of fresh turmeric being great when it comes to remedial measures and it has been handy in our kitchens for ages now, try fresh ground turmeric paste with little crushed black peppercorns and a few tulsi leaves and have it as a mix in the morning to start your day on an empty stomach, it has worked for many.

9. During this recovery and rebuilding of strong immunity levels in our body it is important to make healing energy available on our plates as well and what better than a small portion of boiled rice, with a dal which is made non-spicy, less oil and salt little drinkable works well. Furthermore, we are aware of the best nutrient-rich voted Indian favorite dal khichdi- have this made with yellow or green moong dal, mildly to low in spices and salt levels. For the dessert and sweet tooth, lovers go for a small portion of a ripened sweet papaya!

10. Taking positive culinary moves to waive off the positivity from the test reports would be to include tisanes or herbal teas, ginger- cinnamon tea, or a combination of black pepper and tulsi chai, have this few times a day in small portions with no sugar and no milk, try adding giloy though!

11. Drumsticks as we mentioned in our immunity-boosting list earlier is a true friend and support here, have a nice light soup made with drumsticks- I make this like a short but with no oil, just with curry leaves, pepper, ginger, choose between ajwain or jeera,  a touch of lime, turmeric, fresh coriander, mint with cut-up drumsticks in boiling water with a pinch of pink or Himalayan salt if available, cook the drumsticks in the soup pot, extract and strain out the flavors of the drumstick, nice and mild, sip on this one for a few days!

12. A few foods from the Pre-Biotic category are also helpful and come in handy here to boost up our immunity levels for instance gradually we can start using a little garlic, ginger, onion, ripened banana, fresh coconut, fermented foods, brinjal, and even raw tomatoes in our healthy cooking drive to also support good gut bacteria in our system which goes for a little toss due to antibiotics.

13. Experts also suggest including sattu in the special diet after the initial few days it is possible to do a desi protein shake kind of concept here and sattu goes well with roasted jeera powder as well, having a couple of spoons of this mixture should be good.

14. Sprouted and ground moong dal or mix dal dosa or cheela concept being made with very little oil on a non-stick tava with light seasonings and flavorings like ginger and onion should be good to start now, can also use little sprouted Kabuli chana once in a while in the above.

15. For those who wish to opt for eggs, may think of including 1-2 boiled eggs or a simple omelet to go once in a couple of days with some multi-grain bread or gluten-free slice bread.

16. Almonds soaked overnight and eaten in the morning would be a good start to the day, have 6-8 of them per day, along with this one can also think of having raisins, figs or Anjeer is available or any other dry fruit as well of your choice can be consumed.

17. We all need a little twist of taste on our palate during these times, try a sweet potato and sprouted cooked/boiled moong dal tikki, with a touch of ginger, green chili, salt, and coriander /mint, and have them like small tikkis shallow fry on a non-stick with very little oil for a change add a little crushed melon, sunflower seeds for a crunch in them.

Here are a few recipe suggestions which can be easily made and are healthy as well:

1] HEALTHY OATS IDLI

Ingredients:

• Oats -1 cup

• Rava/sooji-1/2 cup

• Curd-1/4 cup

• Water- 1 cup to be used and adjust the texture.

• Salt to taste

• Lemon juice- 2 tsp

• Cooking soda/ fruit salt- ½ tsp

• Carrot-2- 3 tbsp. grated

For the tempering:

• Oil/ghee- 1 tsp

• Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

• Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

• White urad dal- 1 tsp

• Chana dal-1/2 tsp

• Ginger-1 tsp grated

• Cashews- 2-3 no. chopped 

• Hing- 1 pinch

• Green chili-1 no chop

• Curry leaves-4-5 no.

• Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Method:

1. Firstly, dry roast the oats in a non-stick pan for a few mins, cool slightly and grind it to a powder using a dry grinder.

2. Now heat the oil/ghee and prepare the tempering as listed above, add in the rava and powdered oats and mix them well on a low flame add salt and keep aside to cool completely.

3. Add water and curd or use buttermilk to make a nice batter for the idlis, adjust the texture and cover, set aside for 10-15 mins, now add lemon juice, carrot, coriander, nuts to the batter and finally add fruit salt and mix well.

4. Place the idli maker on the flame meantime with water, grease the idli moulds and pour the batter in each mould and continue with the steaming process once it comes out clean with a toothpick, carefully remove the idlis and serve with coconut chutney.

2] SATTU KA HEALTH SHAKE

Ingredients

• Sattu ka atta- 2 tbsp.

• Almond powder/ cashew powder- 2 tsp

• Soy milk- 1 and a half cup

• Green elaichi powder- ¼ tsp

• Raisins-1 tsp chop

• Dates- 2-3 no. chop

• Turmeric powder-1/4tsp

• Saffron- 2-3 strands

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the shake.

2. In a pan add the soy milk, add in the chopped dates, saffron, turmeric, add the sattu, nut powder and cook well for 3-4 mins.

3. Add elaichi powder, raisins and bring a light boil and simmer for 2 mins.

4. Serve the health shake warm to slightly hot and enjoy this 2-3 times a week.

3] MIX DAL KA CHEELA

Ingredients:

• Toor dal- 3 tbsp.

• Yellow moong dal-3 tbsp.

• White urad dal- 2 tbsp.

• Brown rice/white rice- 3 tbsp.

• Oil- to cook

• Sooji- 2-3 tbsp.

• Green chili-2 tsp chop

• Ginger- 1 tsp chop

• Hing- ¼ tsp

• Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chop

• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Clean the dals and rice, wash them well and soak them all together in water around 4 cups for around 2-3 hours.

2. Drain the water grind with green chili, hing, ginger to a coarsely fine paste, add few tsp of water as needed.

3. Remove into a bowl, add in the sooji and mix well, cover and keep aside for 15-20 mins.

4. Using a non-stick tava, grease it lightly, using a round spoon/ladle pour the cheela batter onto the tava and spread it evenly.

5. Spray or drizzle very little oil on the sides to assist in cooking once it gets a light nutty brown color, remove and serve hot with chutney or little curd.

4] DRUMSTICK SOUP

Ingredients

• Drumsticks- 2-3 scrape them a little from the top with a sharp knife and cut into smaller pieces and washed.

• Oil-1 tsp

• Cumin seeds- ¼ tsp

• Mustard seeds-1/4 tsp

• Curry leaves- 4-5 no

• Green chili-1 no chop

• Salt to taste

• Ginger- 1 tsp chop

• Water- 4-5 cups

• Black pepper powder- ¼ tsp

• Lime juice- 1 tbsp.

• Coriander leaves- 1 tbsp.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the healthy soup.

2. Heat oil adds in the tempering ingredients add in the drumstick pieces and salt, pepper, water and bring to a boil, simmer for 15- 20 mins or 3- 4 whistles using a pressure cooker.

2. Cool down slightly and press down and extract the drumstick pulp into the soup, strain the entire mixture into a fresh saucepan and bring it back to a boil, now check for salt, add lime and coriander and serve hot.

5] NUTRI RICH MOONG DAL KHICHDI

Ingredients:

• Boiled brown rice/white rice- 1 cup cooked.

• Yellow moong dal- 1 cup boiled and mashed

• Oil/ghee- 1 tsp

• Hing-1/4 tsp

• Ginger- 1 tsp chop

• Slit green chili-1 no

• Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

• Salt to taste

• Curry leaves- 4-5 no

• Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

• Coriander powder-1/2 tsp

• Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp.

• Tomato- ½ cup chop.

• Lime juice-2 tsp.

• Roasted crushed peanuts- 1 tbsp.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the khichdi recipe.

 2. Heat oil/ghee add in the ginger, hing, chili and tomatoes.

3. Add in the spices, salt, boiled dal and rice and mix well.

4. Cook on a medium flame for 8-10 mins.

5. Adjust texture using hot water and get the khichdi to a slightly

Mashed texture, add lime juice and crushed peanuts.

6. Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander.

On a concluding note: Keeping it simple- light & easy is the key! do not be in a rush to go very heavy on the intake of foods high in carbs, fats etc. look at the balance in the nutrition chart for a couple of months from here, have adequate sleep and take good rest. Avoid too much of physical activity do not strain your mind, brain and body too much with work pressure/stress etc for few weeks, as we agreed upon Health is Wealth! Take regular medications as prescribed, do continue a few steam inhalations, and also saltwater gargles couple of times a day. Revitalise yourself and revive all those aims, goals and ambitions after a little break and me -time, which is most needed during these times. Stay Safe, Eat Healthy and Stay Fit!

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Video Lessons | Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel | Best selling Scotch 2020-21 By Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

In Room Dining : An Integral Part of Food & beverage Service! By Vivek Salhotra

In-Room Dining

Room Service: It implies serving food and beverage in guest rooms of hotels. Small orders are served in trays. Major meals are taken to the room on trolleys. The guest places his order with the room service order taker.

The waiter receives the order and transmits the same to the kitchen. In the meanwhile, he prepares his tray or trolley. He then goes to the cashier to have a cheque prepared to take along with the food order for the guests’ signature or payment. Usually, clearance of soiled dishes from the room is done after half an hour or an hour. However, the guest can telephone Room Service for the clearance as and when he has finished with the meal.

There are two types of Room Service:

      Centralized:     Here all the food orders are processed from the main kitchen and sent to the rooms by a common team of waiters.

    Decentralized:  Each floor or a set of floors may have separate pantries to service them. Orders are taken at a central point by order-takers who in turn convey the order to the respective pantry.

The guest may call for service by pressing a button that lights up a series of colored lights in the corridor or alternatively lights up a panel in the floor pantry divided into numbered sections denoting the rooms. The customers may telephone directly to the floor pantry or to the reception or the restaurant or dining room.

MOBILE: This type of operation is found in resorts. In resorts, there are mobile vans that go to the cottages and prepare the food in front of the guests or bring prepared food in it.

DUMB WAITER: Dumb waiter is a specialized elevator for room service. Mainly used in countries which are technically improved and have a shortage of manpower. They are of 3 types

-one in which there is a waiter standing in the elevator and prepares the food inside the elevator and goes to the room and serves.

-The second one is in which the elevator along with the prepared food opens into the floor pantry and the food is served from the floor pantry to the guests in their rooms

-The third one is found in really technically improved countries in which the elevator along with the prepared food opens into the guest room and the food is directly served to the guests

Features

1. 24 hrs room service in very good hotels

2. Room service is multi-cuisine in nature- Except items which need a lot of garnishing, are not served at rooms because by the time it reaches the room it won’t be in the proper condition. Even noodles and pasta are not served

3. All meals- The various meals one has in a day are served. E.g. Bed Tea, Afternoon Tea etc.

4. Dearly priced- It is priced more because it is served at the rooms and even lot of effort and equipment are required for the transportation of the food

5. Low turnover- The majority of the resident guests only take breakfast in their room which is much cheaper. They may have their lunch or dinner outside. Room service depends on the number of resident guests. And even there is no way of promoting room service in a hotel as in restaurants they do by advertising

6. Dispense Bar/ Mini Bar- A bar situated in the back area of a restaurant or in the pantry is known as Dispense Bar. The bar situated in the restaurant is known as American Bar or Cocktail Bar. A small refrigerator inside the room stocked with mineral water bottles, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages is known as a minibar.

7. Ordering through the phone- Order taker is one of the most important people in-room service. An order taker should be attentive and listen properly to the guest and should repeat the orders

The pantry from which the floor service staff operates may be linked to a mini stillroom and holds the equipment required for the preparation and service of any meal. This equipment should include:

•    Sink unit

•    Hotplate

•    Refrigerator

•    Loft to the central kitchen

•    Salamander

•    Open gas rings

•    Small still set or other coffee making machine

•    Cutting boards

•    Knives

•    Storage space shelves and cupboard for china

•    China

•    Silverplate, hollowware

•    Cutlery. Flatware

•    Glassware

•    Cruets, Worcester sauce, sugar, etc

•    Linen

•    Gueridon trolley

•    Chafing lamps and Suzette pans

•    Wine service equipment

In some hotels breakfast service is available, in this menu itself acts as an order which when completed is hung on the outside of the guest’s bedroom, the bottom portion of the card is detachable and sent to the billing office for charging the guest’s account. The remaining portion goes to the central kitchen. Trays are then made up and delivered to the room within the appropriate time range.

Doorknob card: A card that can be hung on the doorknob mainly for breakfast. During or at the morning most of the guests order for breakfast and there is fewer few of order takers so guests can order their breakfast through Breakfast Doorknob Card.

Breakfast Basic Set Up On The Tray

These are the step-by-step what you need to do on Breakfast Basic Set Up On The Tray preparation. Be very focus in every detail because these steps will make your routine operation very effective and efficient. Will anticipate guests’ complaints and guard your company's standard of performance in an excellent way. These standards could vary depends on your company situation and conditions but this guide of Breakfast Basic Set Up On The Tray is used in so many 5 stars hotels all around the globe and been tested for many years with so many compliments earns. Focus on the details is key before you deliver anything to the guest’s room and start your service role. Teamwork will make your service PERFECT!

•    Tray is ready with a neat and clean tray mat.

•    Set up the tray with the following things.

1. Flower vase on the tray

2. Salt &Pepper

3. Sugar bowl (white sugar, brown sugar, sweet low, and candela)

4. Preserves and butter before you pick up the food

5. B&b plate.

6. Cutlery folder ready with bread and butter knife Main course fork and knife and dessert spoon.

7. Coffee cup with underline and teaspoon

8. Milk creamer with the coffee or tea orders as per the guest requirements.

9. Juice glass.

•    All hot and cold food should be covered with the plate cover as soon as picked from the kitchen.

•    Service napkins to be used for placing hot food or for other services

Order Taking Useful Sentences

•    Just a moment, please

•    Bear with me one moment, please

•    May I put you on hold, please

•    Allow me to transfer you to the …….department

•    Thank you for your patience

•    My pleasure

•    Certainly

•    With pleasure

•    It’s my pleasure

•    Thank you for calling,

•    We will take care of it

•    It will be taken care of, Mr. ……

•    Our minibars contain soft drinks, beer, mineral water, …..

•    We offer top-branded/ Premier Grand Cru wines, such as……

•    We have a great selection of wines, which can be accompanied by your meal

•    We are pleased to know that you have enjoyed your breakfast

•    We boast exquisite dishes, such as…….

•    All our meals displayed on our menu list are succulent/ scrumptious/ tasty

•    We have a wide range of homemade & appetizing cakes, tarts, cookies, chocolates, etc.

•    Have a pleasant/ marvelous/ fantastic/ majestic day!

•    Enjoy your breakfast/ lunch/ dinner!

All those order-taking useful sentences are commonly used for order taking in the restaurant or other food and beverage outlet also including room service department in the hotel when an order comes by phone from the guest rooms. These order-taking useful sentences have been used for a long time ago with full manners to answer or questioning guests regarding any information the guest needs. Practice with these order taking useful sentences and learn for more conversation applied and make your performance grow up as well as your career in your industry. These order-taking useful sentences also will make great impact for your guest during in the Hospitality industry. Practice your order taking useful sentences every day to build your habit for your future improvement and as well develop your personality to become warm and polite full with manners.

Basic Steps in Entering a Guest Room

•    When approaching the door of the room you will enter make sure you know the guest’s name.

1.    HOW? Check a vacant room report, ask the Butler on the floor, call the operator or front office to check in the system.

2.    WHY? It is an international basic standard to use the guest’s name all the time.

•    Observe the signage on the door (DND/Service Room)

1.    HOW? Look at the panel beside the door where you swipe your master key to get in.

2.    WHY? We do not want to disturb a guest if they have placed the DND sign-on.

•    Check if the room is not double locked

1.    HOW? Swipe the key and see if the red light appears and there is no sound of the lock opening.

2.    WHY? If it is early in the morning or late at night the guest might not want to be disturbed and did not place the DND sign. It would be then better to ask the Butler to call the guests room to see if the guest doesn’t mind that someone comes in.

•    Ring the bell once and wait for 10 seconds. Announce the department and wait for another 5 seconds.

1.    HOW? Press the bell picture on the panel near the door. (Do not press to hard as the panels are delicate).

2.    WHY? We have to wait as the guest might be in the bathroom, on the balcony or getting changed. We also want the guest to know who is waiting at the door and for what reason.

•    If the guest opens the door say ‘Good Morning Mr/s. guests name I am your name from your department may I state your purpose in the room’. Proceed if the guest agrees or come back at the requested time

1.    WHY? We want to make sure that we use the guest’s name, and they know who you are, and what you are going to do in the room. Remember to be very clear when you speak as some of the guests do not speak English very well.

•    If there is no response from the room repeat the above-mentioned step.

1.    WHY? We have to give the guest adequate time and not rush them or they might be watching T.V and did not hear the first time or in the bathroom having a shower and not hear the bell

•    Open the door slowly, knock twice and announce your department again. Only open the door till you can see the first light switch

•    Check the bathroom and if the door is locked then knock again and announce your department.

•    Check the bedroom and the balcony to reconfirm that there is no guest on the room. When you reach the wardrobe area, announce your department once again.

•    If there is no one in the room proceed with task.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

•    Always use the guests name wherever possible.

•    Never fully open the door when entering without the guest having opened the door for you.

•    Always give the guest enough time to get to the door.

•    Check the bathroom and the balcony for guests sitting outside.

•    Never block or obstruct the doorway or corridor with whatever equipment you are going to use.

•    For Housekeeper’s always hang the ‘Make Up’ sign outside the door.

•    Help your colleagues out; if you see that there is clearance or guest laundry in the room inform the relevant department.

•    The main differences between laying a tray and a table for the service of breakfast are as follows:

•    A tray cloth replaces the table cloth

•    Underplates are usually left out because of lack of space and to reduce weight

There will be no ashtray or table number on the tray.

Brief About Writer:

Vivek Salhotra

Assistant Professor in Shree Hanumat Institute of Management and Technology. He started his career with Oberoi's Clarkes as a trainee which is the first property of Oberoi's since 1898, and his first job was with The Oberoi Cecil as a Front Office Assistant, in Shimla. He worked with Chili's Gurgaon, A Taxmax cuisine Restaurant, BRD College Roorkee Uttarakhand, Hotel Altius Chandigarh, and The fern residency Chandigarh, After a decade in the industry he moved to Academia in KC group Nawanshahr, Punjab as an Assistant Professor, the journey of Academia starts from here, worked with Chandigarh Group of colleges and now working with Shree Hanumat IMT.

Video Lessons | Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel | Wheat Beer Review By Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

Ingredient Ideology | 12 AFFIRMATIVE ANTI AGING FOODS Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

ARTICLE FOR HOSPEMAG: BY – DR. KAVIRAJ KHIALANI- CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF. 12 AFFIRMATIVE ANTI AGING FOODS

While aging is said to be a part of the life cycle and all of us slowly and gradually move towards that stage however it has also been related to the kind of food we eat and the lifestyle we live as well. In the broader sense aging has also been spoken about as when the single cells in a living organism have ceased to be dividing and being a natural process each one of us must undergo this phase at their own time and pace. 

As we all are aware of the three types of aging namely biological, psychological and social. There are also various signs of aging as well which are linked to our skin, pores, wrinkles, and fine lines, puffy eyes, etc. there are a few suggested remedies to delay these from occurring among us to an extent by taking proper care of our diets, nutrition, physical activity, etc.

Here are the top 12 Affirmative Anti- Aging Foods which we all should include in our system much before in order to reap their benefits!

1] AVOCADOS: These are power-packed with a whole lot of nutrients that add a lot of glow and shine into our skin and also add value to our meals from a king-size breakfast to a healthy avocado smoothie or simply a tossed salad! An avocado hummus, a salsa, and a sauce to go with your favorite grills is a great choice to add it in.

2. BERRIES: these are also in the category of superfoods where their essential and vital contribution is of great value into our foods from a morning bowl of cereals to a porridge, a couple of them into our shakes and a few of them with our desserts as well make a whole lot of difference looking at its positive support. Include berries to go with your whole meal pancakes, and also a part of your salad jar concepts and in dressings as well.

3. BROCCOLI: This is one of the vibrant and attractive veggies we have sister concern to cauliflower but yes much more giving in terms of quality and nutrition also. It is very popular with stir fry dishes, a nice broccoli almond soup can be enjoyed chilled and warm too, must have a couple of these in a week on our plates. Include this veggie in a blanched format, do not overcook it or discolor it while cooking.

4. COCONUTS: this one is a wonder fruit and it has so much to offer from the water to the flesh to the oil and more. Tender coconut flesh/malai is so very yum and the water is just the right one to add to our intake. Fresh coconut milk extract being used in our curries and gravies also means a lot when it comes to imparting goodness.

5. LEMONGRASS: most commonly used in making our cuppa chai used very often by most of us, the refreshing flavor and aroma are so very relaxing and de-stressing. Lemongrass is also used in our cooking for instance using it in our soups, curries, gravies, and dishes with rice and noodles as well. Must include it in our recipes and daily diets, flavor it in your drinking water as well with a little mint.

6] NUTS: essential oils, nutritionally balanced full of good qualities to offer us and help us look better and feel better. For instance, a lot of us consume almonds soaked in water overnight as one of the first things going into our body in the mornings, similarly, walnuts are considered great for brain health. Must include a variety of them from cashews, to raisins, pine nuts, pecan nuts, hazelnuts & pistachios. For example, peanut butter is a very enriched ingredient for using it in our recipes.

7] PINEAPPLE: one of the best tropical fruit we have on our side, full of essentials like vitamin C, good for the eyes, reduces inflammations, helps to fight skin damage as well. Besides pineapple is also good for blood circulation and is a great immunity booster ingredient. Include it in form of fresh-cut in salads, in our cooking, and baking/ grilling as well as it adapts itself very well.

8] POMEGRANATE: These red peals are filled with the richness of the correct proportion of nutrition including helping us control blood sugar levels, helps prevent anemia, good for our teeth, skin, and hair, helps prevent premature aging. It is good to consume as a fresh juice, add them to your fresh fruit salads, add them to your health shakes and smoothies as well.

9] SPINACH: It helps to alkalize our body, helps fight acne and wrinkles, high in iron content, contains a good number of vitamin b like B-6, B-1, Riboflavin, Folate, etc. spinach is also rich in omega- 3 and it is said that drink your greens, combine spinach into your power-packed shakers and blend them with nuts, seeds, berries and enjoy them. Cooking with spinach is also common as a part of our Indian cuisine and it can be easily incorporated into our meals.

10] SWEET POTATO: It is rich in Vitamin-D content, a generous amount of magnesium, it minimizes sugar absorption in our body, improves digestion. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamin b6 and a great source of ascorbic acid. Have sweet potatoes in all your regular potato recipes, substitute them, and effectively use them in a number of ways from your roasted or baked potato munchies to a nice sweet potato chaat, to interesting subzi and stuffing for your parathas too!

11] TOMATOES: They are a great source of essential nutrients and vitamins, good for the hair, skin, and eyes. They are considered anti-inflammatory, helps purify the blood, helps lower cholesterol, helps improve bone health, and reduces migraine issues as well. Tomato juice, adding them to our salad plate, into our subzis, curries, gravies, etc. tomatoes also help detoxify our body and is a great anti-oxidant as well.

12] WATERMELON: The best part being high in water content around 90 %. Helps cleanse our kidneys, strengthens the bones, it is known as one of the highest alkalizing fruit, it is heart-healthy, hydrates our skin. Watermelon helps maintain body temperature, relaxes muscles, low in calories, and good to detox our body by eating it and including it in our diets regularly. 

On A Concluding Note:

These are just a few of the many such positive foods we have around us which are truly gems and giving in nature the only thing to understand is how to accept and how to inculcate the thought of incorporating them into our lifestyle in order to make the most of them and affirm us with an energy which can help us keep aging a little away from taking over us.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel | Basic Restaurant Tools-Part 2 By Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

Ingredient Ideology | IMMUNITY BOOSTING FOODS: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Keeping in mind the current situation of the pandemic around us we all need to be extra careful, cautious, and composed in our approach towards facing the unprecedented times not to forget the most important fact being “Health is Wealth” It becomes unavoidable to ignore some of the simplest and easy to procure commodities around us in order to keep ourselves in high spirits and maintaining our body temperature during the scorching summer season as well.

Here are a few tried and tested tips and suggestions on what can be on our list of welcome on board ingredients utilizing their beneficial properties in boosting our and our family’s immunity system as well during these trying times. 

1] Drumsticks: this is one of the popular ingredients from our daily pick on vegetables which is said to be a good contributor towards boosting our immunity and also applies for its benefits like shielding protection against any viruses entering our system, an incredible source of minerals, calcium and iron helps to keep us fit, preparing drumstick soup/shorba/curry and subzi is a good way to include it in.

2]Coconut Water: the refreshing beverage as it is known for its intake should always be had fresh and good to have a few times in a week. The nutrients in the water have a ravishing positive effect on our system but if you wish to add a twist into it and a booster of Vitamin C, try adding a splash of fresh lime juice into the coconut water!

3]Garlic: it is called as a sense sensation ingredient, high on Vitamin C content, helps to cure colds, flus and other everyday illnesses. It naturally and painlessly detoxes the body by its inclusion in our diets. It is regarded as a great anti-oxidant as well and has a lot to offer us keeping us safe and sound having garlic around our kitchens and in our plates, soups, sauces, spreads, bread, and our subzis all can include it wholeheartedly.

4] Onion: known as one of the most staple humble vegetables in our kitchens for a long time now, most of us complain of watery eyes when we cut and slice onions, but not to forget the powers it possesses like being helpful in weight loss, it is rich in folate and calcium, potassium as well and our foods mostly revolve around onions from Chaats to gravies to biryanis and to having it sliced with salt and lime to the all-time favorite kachumber.  

5]Turmeric: it seems to be related to the ginger family and has a classic look back with our Indian kitchens. We probably know turmeric well being used in our curries, subzis, and not to forget the turmeric latte these days. It has a warm flavor and loads of medicinal properties. The primary active component turmeric is curcumin which also gives it a nice color and other values as well including potential biological properties.

6]Pumpkin Seeds: These are also regarded as superfoods, varieties of seeds can provide us with substantial quantities of healthy fats like magnesium and zinc which are vital for immune functions in our body, having a few teaspoons of pumpkin seeds in a week in our diets like salads/ health shakes, etc can add a lot of value.

7]Red Capsicums: this vibrant color of our capsicum has been rated highest in the quantity of vitamin c which it offers and is almost 3 times higher than the vitamin c found in an orange. Therefore, strongly recommended to include it into our salads, stir-fries, etc and in our meal schedules during the week to seek its benefits. I also recommend using it in a roast form into sauces, dips, and dressings for salads as well.

8] Ginger: a popular root a well-wisher and a versatile player in our kitchens, I often prefer being used in my chai for its truly robust pungent flavor, be it a common cold or a throat irritation ginger has always been at the helm of assistance. One of the most easily available ingredients must include it in our kadha concepts with lime juice, a little black pepper, and mint and have this reduced in water and a few small sips during the day are extremely beneficial.

9] Jeera Pani: one of the major benefits of having jeera pani is that it offers us a great intake of iron and dietary fiber. It also serves as an effective natural remedy to combat all our gut problems too. Cumin water is also effective in weight reduction and helps in regulating blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol and is good for our skin as well. 

10] Lemons: they are yet again one of the most popular must-haves in our kitchens at all times, a good dose of this with warm water, regular water all day through in small quantities keep us refreshed and hydrated. Its juice and peel/zest both being useful it is truly a flavor enhancer in our recipes as well. Starting the day with a cup of hot/lukewarm water with a little lemon juice and a touch of honey is truly one of the good options.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Ingredient Ideology | PASTA PASSION,By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Pasta is one ingredient close to many hearts and taste buds for various reasons well justified by most of us and seriously taken by a number of us too! Cooking and eating good food not only needs a bit of variation sometimes but also needs to create a bit of interest to try out something which is not the regular always and that’s the kind of thinking which makes us go a long way in creating new concepts and concoctions to please our palate!

Cooking with pasta is now pretty much an old story but the newness that comes to it with our ideology is what keeps it right there on the popularity charts for a long time which shall continue in the future also. From kids to teenagers and to all age groups pasta is a good break from routines making it is fun and so is enjoying it until the last bite!

My experience with pasta goes back to the times when we only had a couple of basic sauces the white and the tomato which were most common and from the very technique of understanding al dente stage- just cooked or can bite into the stage of cooking pasta to trying it out fusion variations it has been simply divine and full of wow factors attached to it from the guests I served some really unusual ones.

It is this wow factor that not only enhances the guest experience at a restaurant but also helps us in the word of mouth publicity on social media as well as getting the guest back for more and most importantly earning his loyalty with us.

Pasta has been known to us in a number of shapes, sizes, patterns, names and colors as well. They go back to a basic classification of small and long, shapes and plan or stuffed varieties. From the fresh homemade pasta to the machines its journey has been wonderful and chefs around the world have contributed immensely towards its development.

Here are 3 Simple, Easy Make and Enjoy Pasta Recipes with a little Twist of Taste for all you Foodies to enjoy:

Recipe-

1. MOMENTUM OF PEACE

[Fettucine pasta tossed in an herbed creamy sauce with fresh sliced mushrooms, star anise and pepper, cooked to perfection]

Ingredients:

• Fettucine pasta- 100 gms, boiled to al dente stage.

• Fresh sliced mushrooms- 150gms.

• For the sauce:

• Oil/olive oil-1 tbsp.

• Butter- 1tsp

• Star Anise- 1 no

• Garlic – 1 tsp chopped

• Onion- 1 small chopped

• Maida- 1 tbsp.

• Water/veg stock-2-3 cups.

• Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

• Mixed herbs & chili flakes to taste

• White wine- 30 ml optional

• Fresh cream- 60ml

• Grated parmesan cheese- 30gms/as per taste.

• Parsley- 1 tbsp. chopped
  
  

Method: 

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the pasta.

2. Boil the pasta to just cooked stage and keep aside, apply a little oil to prevent sticking or boil it just when the sauce is getting ready, and put it in immediately.

3. To prepare the mushroom cream sauce, heat oil and butter in a pan, add in the star anise – this is my additional choice of ingredient here since it goes well with the recipe, it may be avoided as well.

4. Add in the garlic, onions and saute for a few seconds, now add in the mushrooms and saute, add in the flour to thicken up the excess liquid, add in wine if desired.

5. Cook the mixture on a medium flame, add in little veg stock/water and mix, add in the fresh cream a little cheese blend it all well and finally add in the boiled pasta toss well, check for seasonings.

6. Finally serve the dish in a pasta plate, garnish with parsley, olives, cheese and microgreens and serve hot.

Chefs Variations: 

The same pasta can be made in a number of ways with a few alterations like adding an Indian style korma gravy with mushrooms, paneer, and capsicums.

Try the similar option with boneless cubes of chicken, reshmi malai tikka, add in sliced cooked chicken seekh kababs as well.

For the vegetarians who avoid mushrooms can use colorful bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, snow peas etc too with their pasta.

2. ORANGE MYSTIQUE

[fusilli pasta tossed in a mix of herbs and spicy flavors tomato base with a dash of cream and hint of cheese]

Ingredients:

• Fusilli pasta- 100 gms boiled

For the Sauce:

• Oil/olive oil- 1 tbsp.

• Butter- 1tsp

• Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

• Onions- 1 small chopped

• Tomato puree- 1 cup fresh

• Kashmiri red chili powder-1/2 tsp

• Paprika/chili flakes- 1 tsp

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Mixed herbs- 1 tsp or fresh herbs like basil, thyme, oregano.

• Refined flour- 1 tbsp.

• Veg stock/water- 2 cups

• Fresh cream- 2 tbsp.

• Grated cheese- 30gms.

• Herbs/olives to garnish- 10 gms.

Additional veggie add ons to the pasta- shredded capsicums, boiled corn, broccoli, asparagus, paneer cubes etc.

For non-veg variations: cooked chicken cubes, sliced tandoori chicken or cubes of chicken tikka, fish tikka, tandoori prawns, tandoori lamb chops sliced as well can be used.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the pasta.

2. Heat oil and butter in a pan, saute the garlic, onion sautes well until light pink, add in the tomato puree, seasonings, herbs, spices and cook well on medium flame, add little water or stock.

3. Once it starts leaving oil from the sides, add in the fresh cream and mix well, add in the boiled pasta, veggies or non-veg of your choice and cheese and toss well, cook for 2 mins.

4. Serve hot garnished with olives, cheese, fresh herbs and serve.

Chefs Variations:

Try the same recipe with a flavor of Kasuri methi-(dried fenugreek leaves) adding them into the tomato sauce, with a little garam masala powder as well, to slightly Indianise the flavors.

For a denser flavor of fusion, can add a little schezuan sauce to the tomato base sauce and continue with it add spring onion greens as well.

3.HARIYALI AUR PASTA

[a simple yet delectable spaghetti pasta tossed in a green sauce with flavors to entice the senses and a feeling of goodness all over]

Ingredients

• Spaghetti pasta- 100gms boiled.

For the green sauce:

• Fresh basil leaves- 2 cups, stems to be trimmed

• Garlic- 1 tbsp. chopped

• Chilled water- 2 tbsp.

• Olive oil- 4-5 tbsp.

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Parmesan cheese- ¼ cup

• Lime juice- 1 tbsp.

• Nuts- cashew Tukda/ almonds/pista/ pinenuts- ¼ cup

To add on into the pasta:

• Cherry tomatoes- 4- 5 no-cut 1x2

• Sliced olives- 4-5 green/black.

• Blanched snow peas- 10-12 nos.

Sliced roast chicken breast/ poached fish fillets/ sliced boiled eggs/ grilled paneer cubes or tofu/ cooked soy chunks/ butter garlic prawns/ malai paneer tikka etc can be combined with this.

Method:

1. Prepare all ingredients for the pasta.

2. Boil the spaghetti pasta and keep it aside.

3. In a blender jar combine ingredients for the green chutney and mix well.

4. Remove into a bowl, keep in the fridge until used.

5. If serving immediately toss the sauce with the boiled pasta, add your choice of additional ingredients to add color/flavor and texture.

6. Serve at room temperature or chilled ideally garnish with cherry tomatoes, olives, parmesan or cheese shavings.

Chefs Variations:

To prepare the same green sauce differently I also use blanched spinach leaves with some fresh basil, add roasted peanuts, a bit of ginger, garlic, and green chili as well to the chutney and blend it well.

For the pasta, we can toss it in the pan with some olive oil, burnt garlic, and chili flakes a little white wine, and then add it to the sauce.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai-based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Video Lessons | Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel | How to fold Table Napkins By Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh

Brief About the Vlogger:

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

video Lesson's | Essential Technical Skills for Food and Beverage Personnel By Dr. Hemant Kumar singh

Essential Technical Skills Part 2

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

Ingredient Ideology | Being Friendly with Broccoli By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

It is believed that this evergreen and refreshing to look at & nutritious vegetable finds his origin somewhere in the 1500s created by a kale predecessor and much later was cauliflower developed from one of the hundred varieties of Broccoli. While what most of us think is that broccoli came to us much later as compared to cauliflower the white and green duo has been welcomed very well in our kitchens and in our recipes with various cuisines.

Broccoli has been a native to Italy and was found there since the Roman times and since then it moved to various parts of Europe, UK, the Middle-east and Asia since the 1800s. Its uses and adaptations to various cuisines developed ever since and most chefs wanted to have a varied look to their recipes by inviting broccoli to take up suitable space and add its freshness and flavor into the dishes.

While cauliflower remains more popular with us in Indian cooking, it has been one of our all-time favorites in our Indian kitchens with numerous dishes being made from subzis to curries, from Gobi ka Keema to stuffing for parathas.

Broccoli however came in later and its applications have somehow been exposed to us as exotic vegetable being used to make soups, salads, stir-fries, with pasta, as a side dish on main course plates etc.

Here are some of the Health Benefits of Broccoli:

*Broccoli has been regarded as great for the heart health veggie since it has a good mix of all nutrients like fiber, vitamins and fatty acids which support heart health.

* Broccoli is rich in bioactive compounds and also rich in anti-oxidants which is regarded as a boon for human health.

* Broccoli is good for diabetic patients and helps to reduce blood sugar levels.

* Broccoli supports bowel irregularity and also helps in digestion and also in healthy gut bacteria.

*Broccoli also helps in anti-aging due to sulforaphane a compound as its component which is good for our system.

* Broccoli is rich in Vitamin C and Calcium and also is regarded as an immunity-boosting ingredient for our body.

*Broccoli is also good for our bones and joints, being rich in vitamin K it is loaded with goodness, it also prevents our skin from sun damage.

Here are some of the uses of Broccoli in our Kitchens & Bakery products.

• Corn & broccoli tarts, mini veg quiche filled with broccoli, cheese, and peppers.

• Broccoli in a variety of soups in combination with almonds, bell peppers, with cauliflower and spinach.

• It goes well with Asian-style stir fry recipes as well, broccoli-carrots & mushrooms in a light crunch stir fry preparation is a good welcome.

• Broccoli has also been used to make cutlets, tikkis, fillings for samosas, rolls and wraps, tacos, a broccoli basil pesto also goes well as a dip and sauce. Broccoli salsa to top with nachos and a cheese sauce.

• Baked dishes with white sauce, cheese and herb sauce, tomato and chili sauce, etc have also involved broccoli actively and its crunch and mouthfeel are just awesome laced with those sauces in the baked dishes.

• For some innovative additions try using broccoli into your Indian recipes as well, broccoli aloo ki subzi, saunfiya broccoli masala, simla mirch aur broccoli ka saalan, broccoli stuffed parathas, desi fried rice and Tava pulao with broccoli are some of the options.

• Broccoli is one good refresher a bowl of salad for the fitness lovers and it is a real filler ingredient easy to handle and bite to perfection as a part of being a body into our salads, marinate the blanched florets with some wine, vinegar, mustard, and honey dressing and then toss it in the salad to get some more juicy texture and mouthfeel. Add sesame, chia, flaxseeds, pumpkin, or sunflower seeds as well to salads.

• Adding it into canapes and or open sandwiches also looks nice with a variety of ingredients, spreads, dips, and toppings it can be served for evening tea as savory course, high tea menus, etc.

Some Recipes Using Broccoli:

1] Broccoli Beauty Soup

Ingredients:

• Broccoli- 150 gms.

• Olive oil/Oil-1 tbsp.

• Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

• Onion- ½ chopped

• Sweet potato- 100 gms, peeled and cut.

• Cumin seeds-1/2tsp

• Green chilies- 1 tsp chopped.

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oats- ¼ cup

• Water- 3-4 cups or use veg stock.

• Fresh cream- 2 tbsp.

• Roasted crushed peanuts- 2tbsp.

• Mixed herbs- ½ tsp or fresh herbs like basil/ thyme-5-6 nos.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the soup.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add in the garlic, onion and saute for a few seconds, add in the sweet potatoes, broccoli, seasonings, herbs, spices etc to taste and mix well.

3. Add in the oats, mix them well, add water or veg stock, bring to a boil and simmer for 12-15 mins.

4. Cool- puree- strain the soup well, I prefer to use the stems as well of the broccoli for their fiber along with the florets in my soup recipes.

5. Bring the soup back to a boil, add milk –dairy/non-dairy as desired as well, the cream is optional as well in case making for a low cal, I also prefer to use almond or cashew paste with oat/soy milk at times for a creamy texture.

6. Check for seasoning, adjust as per taste and serve the soup hot, garnish with roasted crushed peanuts or flax seeds/sunflower seeds for that crunch along with some fresh herbs/micro-greens, etc.

2] Broccoli Beet Bowl

Ingredients:

For the body of the salad:

Broccoli- 200gms. cut, cleaned, washed, blanched/boiled.

Boiled beet- 2 nos. peel and cut into cubes

Roasted fresh sweet corn- ½ cup

Dates- 3-4 chopped

For the base of the salad:

Assorted lettuce leaves- 1 cup

For the Dressing:

• Olive oil/salad oil- 2 tbsp.

• Honey- 1 tbsp.

• Ginger juice- 1 tsp

• Lime juice- 2tbsp.

• Mustard paste- 1 tsp

• Chia seeds- 1 tsp

• Salt and crushed pepper- to taste

• Chili flakes- ½ tsp

• Chat masala powder- 1/2tsp-optional

• Pomegranate seeds-1/2 cup

For the garnish: assorted sliced nuts/seeds.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing.

3. Add in the body of the salad toss well.

4. Arrange assorted fresh lettuce leaves in a serving bowl.

5. Portion out the salad, garnish as desired, and serve immediately. 

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai-based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel By Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

Ingredient Ideology | WARMING UP WITH WALNUTS A BUNDLE FULL OF BENEFITS TO EXPLORE AND IMBIBE By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Walnuts are one of those varieties of nuts which have been known to us for a very long time and come winter come walnuts used to be the call I heard as I grew up from the elders in the house to the kids all would get going working hard to crack those nuts against all possible options to check what’s in store within and relist the fruit from the bundle of joy and well-being.

Walnuts are known to be an edible seed of a drupe and not a true botanical nut, rounded, single-seeded stone fruits of the walnut tree used for its inner goodness upon ripening and nutritive consumption, we often refer to them as Persian or English varietals, not to forget they must be processed and stored properly since their poor storage often makes them susceptible to insect and fungal mold infestations, a mold-infested walnut batch is to be discarded completely.

From having it as it is in its naturally crunchy texture and dense woody mouthfeel to having it in desserts, coffee walnut brownie, date, walnut pancakes, walnut banana bread, in health bars, in chocolates, milkshakes, smoothies, a few main courses as well walnuts have found their space well enough in our kitchen and bakery since a while now.

Let us have a look at them:

Top 10 Health Benefits of Warming up with Walnuts:

1. Walnuts are considered good for hair, skin, bones and assist in graceful aging.

2. Walnuts are high in antioxidants, helps fight stress, are a nutritionally dense form of food.

3. Walnuts assist our body in healthy blood formation, lubricates our digestive system.

4. Walnuts are a rich source of Vitamin E and omega 3 fat from plants including walnuts which is called alpha-linolenic acid [ALA]

5. Walnuts are known to be good for memory and the brain and also improve metabolism.

6. Walnuts also contain Vitamin- B complex, they also strengthen the kidneys and lungs.

7 Walnuts prevent inflammation in the body and prevents constipation and helps digestion in our system.

8.Walnuts help in the treatment of type-2 diabetes and also helps in weight loss and management.

9. Walnuts are also called longevity food, get us good sleep, and also helps reproductive health in men.

10. Walnuts offer us a balance of all the essential nutrients needed on a daily basis for smooth functioning and also its consumption gives a feeling of satiety and fullness.

Top 10 Culinary Uses of Walnuts:

1. Adding walnuts to health shakes and bars, having them in between the meals during the day, having them in warm milk before sleeping at night, walnut cinnamon cookies & soy walnut biscuits are a good choice as well.

2. Walnuts have been used in making Akhroat ka halwa, sheera, and also used in making various Indian sweet look great as a part of the garnish.

3. Using walnuts in salads adding them for that crunch on top is a great option, it also can form the part of the body like in Waldorf salad, try adding it to a vinaigrette dressing it works well too, also a little drizzle of walnut oil on a salad can change its entire mouthfeel.

4. Date & walnut muffins, banana flaxseed and walnut bread, whole-grain pancakes with fruity walnut toppings, walnut, tropical fruit waffles are some of the ways of using it.

5. Walnuts in stir-fries, adding them to a filling for pies, crusts, pastries, and tarts also works well, it can easily blend itself well be it sweet or savory preparations.

6. Cheese, spinach and walnut tartlets, chicken and walnut pies, walnut and mushroom crepes, soy walnut meatballs, tofu, and walnut Asian style stir fry are some of the ways to use walnuts too.

7. Add them for that crunch to a sandwich spread as well with avocado, lime, mint, garlic, and olive oil to spread its wholesome nutrition on the bread layering it to be relished.

8. Steamed fish with walnuts dressed in sweet chili sauce wrapped in lettuce leaves, walnut oatmeal idlis, walnut and tahini chutney, walnut butter on crackers with grapes and cheese like a canape concept.

9. Baked berry and walnut bread pudding with custard sauce, walnut parfaits, date and walnut mousse, chickpea walnut falafels in pita pockets, coriander walnut, and chili pesto sauce tossed with boiled pasta of your choice and fresh basil, parmesan shavings.

10. Walnut, Celery, and Cream Cheese in pastry cases called Vol-Au-Vents, open sandwiches, dips, and chutney concepts with walnut and paprika blended with tahini paste and mayonnaise can be offered with grilled and BBQ foods as well.

Here are a few simple and easy to make recipes with Walnuts for all our readers:

Recipe-

1] HERBED WALNUT & PEA DIP

Ingredients:

• Walnuts- 10-12 nos.

• Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup

• Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

• Coriander leaves tbsp. chopped

• Mayonnaise- ¼ cup

• Salt and crushed black pepper- to taste

• Roasted crushed cumin – ½ tsp

• Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

• Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

• Olive oil/ oil- 1 tbsp.

• Lime juice- 1 tbsp.

• Chilled water- 2 tbsp.

To serve the dip with: assorted sticks of vegetables/ crackers/ pita bread/ cheese straws/ Lavash etc.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the dip and keep ready

2. Using a mixer grinder jar combine together all the ingredients and churn them well into a dip.

3. Remove and serve into a dip bowl, serve chilled.

2] HEALTHY FRUITY WALNUT SHAKE

Ingredients:

• Walnuts- 5 -6 nos.

• Soy milk/milk/oats milk/- 2 cups

• Vanilla essence or a pinch of green cardamom/cinnamon powder-1 pinch- [any 1]

• Banana- 1 no ripe

• Dates- 3 -4 no.

• Mint leaves- 4-5 no.

• Chia seeds/ sunflower seeds/pumpkin seeds- 1 tsp [any 1]

Can add any other nuts or dried fruits of your choice as well like apricots/ raisins/sultanas etc.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the healthy shake.

2. Using a blender churn together all the ingredients to a smooth texture.

3. Pour into serving glasses and garnish as desired and relish.

Recipe-

3] WALNUT VEGGIE SOUP

Ingredients:

• Walnuts- 6-8 nos.

• Olive oil/oil -1 tbsp.

• Bayleaf-1 no

• Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

• Ginger-1 tsp chopped

• Spring onion/onion- 2 small- chopped.

Assorted mix vegetables of your choice: carrots/beans/peas/potatoes/pumpkin/capsicums/sweet potato/beetroot etc can be used.

For non-veg options: add boiled chicken/ saute prawns/ sliced sausages etc once the soup is ready.

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Water/veg stock- 3-4 cups

• Tomatoes-2 med sized chopped

• Mixed herbs- ½ tsp or fresh herbs like basil/rosemary/thyme

• Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

• Milk top cream- 2 tbsp.- optional

• Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for this healthy and worthy soup.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add in the Bayleaf, onions, garlic, ginger & saute for a few seconds.

3. Add in the vegetables of your choice, tomatoes, salt, pepper, spices, herbs, chili flakes, tomatoes and mix well.

4. Add in the water/stock and simmer for 20-25 mins, cool, remove the Bayleaf, puree and strain the mixture.

5. Bring it back to a boil, check for seasonings, texture, etc and add in the cream, walnuts and mix well.

6. Serve hot.

_______________________________________________

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai-based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

To Gig Or Not To Gig Is Not The Question… How to go about being a Gigger and take advantage of the Gig Culture is the question

The Gig Culture and Economy have got a boost with the Government weighing in with aggregators like Swiggy, Ola, Uber, Zomato, Urban Company... On Sep 28, 2020, The Ministry of Law And Justice amended the Code of Social Security. They defined (not quoted verbatim) the Gig Worker as a person(s) who earns outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship.

The code elaborated that the Government intends to set up a portal to register Gig Workers and frame Social Security schemes related to their life and disability, health, maternity, old age protection, education... This was reiterated in the recent budget.

The Gig Economy is a free market system; companies hire independent freelancers and short- term workers (called Giggers or Gig workers) and pay per hour or per assignment. Gig workers in India have traditionally been restricted to the unorganized segment in a quasi-legal manner as it has been a grey area. For example, Gig workers are housemaids, car washers, society sweepers… Factories pay workers per piece of garment or unit produced.

Giggers benefit as they aren’t handcuffed to a company. Now, with the Govt’s promised social security, the safety net is being spread out. Giggers get the flexibility to move to lucrative opportunities across Industries, Verticals and Countries. Swiggy and Zomato riders usually register with both services, as do Ola and Uber drivers. I knew of a Thai Airway’s air hostess who was curating recipes/menus for a popular Asian cuisine restaurant brand. Waiters serve in restaurants part-time and also deliver for Zomato / Swiggy. A manager working in a company doubles up as a DJ on weekends. Companies save on fixed monthly payout for positions and the Gigger earns handsomely.

The fear that the Gig Culture, with its frequent changes in manning, leads to defective products or services is untrue. Technology supports the production and delivery of services. So, with just a few hours/days of training, Giggers reach peak efficiency. Besides Giggers regularly work for the same company. Also, since companies’ manning costs remain controlled, the price of the product/service is competitive and affordable. Customers win too.

The Gig Culture is behind the growth and success of Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, Urban Company etc which have been mushrooming for a little over a decade now. They pay their frontline employees per delivery/trip model. They (companies) reduced the fixed monthly salary cost and converted a healthy chunk of it to a variable component. Variable payout translates as ‘higher sales equals higher payout for manning and vice-versa’. This is great for business considering the current environment of VUCA - Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity & Ambiguity. Companies meet demand spikes by increasing Giggers and easily hold out when demand bottoms-out by reducing the workforce. The recent pandemic is a case in point.

When the pandemic struck and things came unstuck, traditional companies took a beating and along with it the so-called permanent employees. Salaries were slashed and home loans, other EMIs, kid’s education... were all threatened. Is the pandemic really to blame or did we set ourselves up for this? Note: Gig Economy companies and Giggers actually prospered.

In the traditional system, emoluments aren’t based strictly on our contribution to the organisation but on the market ‘price’ or the perceived market value. Plus, many of us know how to negotiate better salaries. Our bosses too need an ‘excuse’ to pay us higher so they can negotiate a better pay for themselves with their boss. This boss too, in turn, would go to his / her respective boss and do the same. Chain reaction.

Added downside: Govt (PSUs) offer stable employment, guaranteed increments and promotions plus facilities. We have unions and Governments ensuring we get timely increments and bonuses. Private companies pay more and offer better facilities than PSUs so they can attract better talent and offer superior products and services. Rather than motivating employees to work better, all these ‘bribes’ do is make people slip into a comfort zone. To (re)motivate people, companies and PSUs get creative. They offer incentives for coming on time, dressing well, completing the task and call it Performance Linked Incentive (PLI). PLIs motivate folk for some time and then organisations even lower the bar to ensure they hit the target and take the prize. Remember, if juniors don’t get an incentive due to lack of performance, the bosses can’t either or at least it becomes difficult to justify.

So, we sometimes have situations like more pay for less work. Yet, we still compare ourselves to others and expect more for even less output.

Another logic applied is that the company is doing well and can afford it. After all, are we not collectively making it happen? That may well be the fact, but it could also be that the company got lucky and was at the right place at the right time, or due to the vision of the leader. Don’t agree with me? Then explain why when a company tanks, no one assumes the blame? How many employees do you know who voluntarily forfeited salaries? They should have actually chipped in to bail out the company. But at such times the leader or the top management is blamed.

My take is that the traditional ways of employment (so-called permanent jobs) is like being in a zoo – meals on time, medical benefits, fixed working hours, and protected from the hazards of nature. The incentive-based companies are like circuses – do stunts that are against your nature and get your meal / treats and applause that you don’t really need.

But being a Gigger is like being a tiger in the jungle. Go out there and hunt for yourself daily. No mercy asked for and none given. No protection from the powers of nature or from other wild beasts. Sure, we may live shorter lives, but won’t we actually live? Why chose the zoo or the circus when we can walk on the wild side

Anyway, while we may debate the merits and demerits of the Gig Economy and Culture, one thing is for sure: It’s here to stay. The faster we adapt and innovate, the better! As we say at HTI, “Let’s Colaborate! After all, the Gig Economy is employ-meant your way!”

Colaborate App gives freelance professionals and companies a platform through which they can connect and work together on a mutually beneficial hourly basis. Sign up on Colaborate NOW! It’s new, so it would take time to generate interest. But it’s free for now, plus you get the first-mover advantage.

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In case of challenges / doubts / feedback, please connect with aaron@hti-india.com