Kheer - Indian Rice Pudding

Satisfying
Rice Pudding (Kheer)

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Water
• 1/2 Cup Basmati
  Rice
• 4 Cups Whole Milk
• 1 tsp. Chopped
  dates
• 2 tsp. Cashews
  or pistachios
• 3 small pieces
  green cardamom, crushed
• 1 tsp. Sugar (or
  to taste)

Directions:

Soak rice in water for 2 hours. Boil milk. Add rice and all other ingredients.
Boil slowly for 30 minutes or more until the mixture reaches a slightly
thick consistency,  It will thicken a little
more when you let it cool.

Ayurvedic traditions suggests that sweets should be eaten  during the main meal rather than the end  as it may lead to  congestion or sinus problems.  This meal is a very nutritious dish  great for vata dosha. 

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Indian Spicy Spinach-Saag Recipe

(Indian spiced spinach)

Saag, or palak, dishes are spiced spinach purees common in northern India. They often contain additional ingredients such as potatos, fresh cheese, chicken or chickpeas to make a more substantial dish. Saag makes a tasty and nourishing meal when paired with chapati or naan.

4 to 6 servings

• Oil or ghee -- 2 tablespoons
• Onion, chopped -- 1
• Garlic, minced -- 6 cloves
• Gingerroot, minced -- 1 tablespoon
• Coriander, ground -- 2 teaspoons
• Turmeric -- 1/2 teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper (optional) -- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon
• Spinach, chopped -- 1 pound
• Water -- 1 cup
• Salt -- 1 1/2 teaspoons
• Yogurt -- 1 cup
• Cream (optional) -- 1/4 cup

Method

1. Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot or saucepan over medium flame. Add the onions and sauté until translucent. Add the garlic, ginger and spices and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the spinach, water and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, allow to cool a bit. Then use a blender or food processor to puree in batches.
4. Return the puree to the pot. Add a little water if necessary and simmer another 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Stir in yogurt and return to brief simmer and immediately remove from heat. Stir in the optional cream, adjust seasoning and serve.In

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Brahmi for Stress Relieve

The Brahmi Herb

(Ayurvedic Herb)

LATIN NAME:

Bacopa monnieri

Brahmi herb is also known as Indian Pennywort.

Brahmi herb has gained world wide recognition as a memory booster, for promoting mind alertness and is widely used as an antioxidant and in improving the brain cell functions.

It is used as a herbal brain tonic to rejuvenate the body and as a nerve tonic to promote the memory. It helps to overcome the negative effects of stress and improves the memory. It induces a sense of calm and peace for those who suffer from stress and nervous anxiety while at the same time invigorates the mental processes.

The herb is used for cleansing the blood, has an extremely positive effect on blood circulation and the function of the liver, lungs and kidneys. It is also believed to stimulate hair, skin, and nail growth.

Many holistic health care

providers prefer brahmi to be used internally and externally. For its external use, brahmi stress reliever can be applied onto the head and forehead (as Brahmi Oil) as a head massage. This has soothing and peaceful effects onto the brain and hence is useful in treating various problems including sleeplessness and mental distress.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Women who are taking estrogen replacement therapy or who are on birth control pills should not use Brahmi.