Ujwala's Delicacies

Indian inspired all natural kitchen.

Fish baked in Banana Leaf wrap

Banana leaf has a lot of culinary significance in South India. Cooks in every household, restaurants use banana leaves extensively in their kitchen. The leaves are not eaten by themselves but are used as natural disposable plates and food wrappers. In South India, traditionally food is served on banana leaf. It was common to use for serving food before plates were discovered, and when plates were not widely available. Food wrapped and cooked in banana leaves absorbs flavor and nutrients, making food lusciously aromatic and much healthier. A natural seasoning God gifted to us. Eco-friendly, all-natural, chemical free disposable serving plates and utensils. Precisely as someone said – A beautifully biodegradable table setting.

All about Dasara

Entire India is ready for Dasara aka Navratri. In Southern states, it is celebrated as Dasara, celebrating Rama’s victory over Ravana. It is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. As epic Ramayana describes the story of Rama. Rama was the prince of the Ayodhya kingdom banished into the forest by his step mother’s wish. While in the forest, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana. Sita was abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Rama, assisted by an army of monkeys and Lakshmana, attacked Lanka to rescue her. The fierce battle went on for days between the two armies. It was difficult for Rama to kill powerful, compelling mighty Ravana. So he prayed for nine days to nine different avatars of goddess Durga and grew strength to defeat Ravana.

Wishing you a very happy and prosperous Onam

Onam is celebrated in the state of Kerala, in southern India. Onam is a 10-day harvest festival, also welcoming of the great King Mahabali. It’s a festival of rich in tradition, culture, food, rituals, and heritage. Onam is celebrated in the beginning of the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam Calendar – state of Kerala, India. Though the important day of Onam (known as Thiru Onam) in 2017 is on September 4, the festival starts 10 days before Thiru Onam, on Atham (August 25).

In the state of Kerala, India, Onam is a high spirited festival. Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Kottayam cities burst with colors, pookalam, the flower arrangements, prayers, traditional dance, music, and procession.

Spicy Chinese yam stir fry

Chines yam, though native to China, it is widely cooked in Japan, Korea, Vietnam. Chinese yam can be eaten raw, baked, fried and in soups. In its raw form, it is bland. Chinese yam is used in Chinese herbal medicine, traditionally to treat disorders related to the stomach, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. You will not find Chinese yam often in western countries. Do not miss if you find them. I published a home-made spice powder recipe earlier which instantly makes any dish flavorful and tasty. I used that spice powder. If you don’t have it, you can replace with salt, chili powder, coriander powder and grated coconut.

Stir fry is a way to pan-fry vegetables in a small amount of fat. Though they are completely cooked, vegetables remain firm and healthy. Stir fried vegetables is a quick, healthy and colorful dish that can be added to lunch or dinner or even served à la carte.

Red Chori | Adzuki Beans chaat

Chaat can be best described as salty, sweet and tangy savory snack. Chaat can be delicious and healthy if deep-fried items are avoided. Adding small amounts of fried stuff is ok, but consuming all fried items mean bloating yourself with calories. Though there are tons of varieties of chaats, every dish has a unique, most cherishing taste. Chaats are a great way to socialize and entertain. The road side carts in India and other countries serving chaats are favorite time pass spots to many families, friends, lovers, flirts. Chaats are excellent to entertain your guests with a side of cocktail or lemonade.

Steamed rice balls in pumpkin, poppy seed gravy

Pumpkin season is right around the corner here in United States. Perfect time for Ganesh Chaturthi prasad. Why not take advantage this season? Pumpkins are actually very healthy! They are low in calories, fat and sodium, and rich in vitamin A, potassium and fiber! Pumpkins may not be available in every region. You can certainly substitute pumpkin with sweet potato. Follow same cooking instruction. But cooking time may vary. This dish can certainly made vegan. It takes very less milk. Replace milk with coconut milk.

Ganesh chaturthi is also festival of food. Lord Ganesh is said to be foodie. His favorites varieties of prasad are modak, kheer, puran poli, undrallu, kudumulu and list goes on. Foodies wait for mouth-watering food made of grated jaggery, coconuts and dry fruits.

Happy Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is Lord Krishna’s birthday, one of Hindu’s auspicious festivals. As of 2018, we are celebrating 5244th Birthday of Lord Krishna. He was born 3228 BCE which is 5,200 years ago in the city of Mathura. He was born on the 8,63,874th year of Dwaparyug. Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami (8th day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). Krishna Paksha falls in those 14 days of the full moon to the new moon in the month of Bhadrapada according to Hindu Lunar calendar.

Sprouted Black channa with roti

Sprouts are nutritional powerhouses. They contain high amounts of protein, vitamins, minerals. Sprouting seeds produce enzymes doubling nutrition. Sprouting also makes seeds easy to digest, which are otherwise not digestible. Make a variety of healthy recipes to boost your mornings. Sprouted black chickpeas are highly nutritious and rich in enzymes which promote good health. Black chickpeas can be eaten raw while sprouted, roasted, pressure cooked or ground into flour.
Legumes are a staple food in India. They hold an important place in every Indian’s daily diet. Legumes are meat to Indians as most of the Indian population is vegetarian. Indians derive most of their protein needs from legumes. Legumes have a prominent place in Indian culinary. There are a number of tongue-tickling recipes make of legumes. Here is a steamed and sautéed version of kala chana (black garbanzo beans), cooked with onion, spices, ginger chilies.

Wish all readers a very happy raksha bandan

Raksha Bandhan which is also called as Rakhi is celebrated by Hindu’s in India and Nepal. Rakhi is multi-coloured silk thread, sometimes decorated with stones, pearls, glitter, and beads. Raksha Bandhan is observed in the month of August which is the month of Shravana according to Hindu lunar calendar.

The festival celebrates the sacred relationship, love, affection, fraternity, and sentiments of brother and sister. On Raksha Bandhan, sister puts kumkum and ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist along with chanting prayers. Sister then feeds a sweet to her brother. Brother offers her a gift. It is concluded with Sister touching brothers feet for the blessing. This festival has evolved to honor the relationship between a sister and brother. On this auspicious day, brothers promise to their sisters to protect them from all harms and troubles and the sisters pray to God to protect their brother from all evil.

In India, there is no festival with out gathering and mouth-watering food. Food and gatherings are the celebrations of togetherness, happiness, bursting emotions. With this auspicious occasion, coming up, it’s time to spread some cheer! Spend time with family and friends, catch up, while making yummy food. It’s all for the family.

Raw papaya halwa

Halva is nothing but dessert or sweet. Traditional halva was flour based, soft and gelatinous. Eventually, sooji (semolina), vegetables as carrot, pumpkins, squash and nut variations are called halva as well. Semolina and vegetable, fruit based halva’s are Indian’s favorite festival, special occasion desserts. A variety of raw/ripe veggies/fruits combinations as papaya, banana, jackfruit, and mango are used in Indian cuisine. Explore Indian cuisine for unique ways to cook vegetables. Benefit from papaya’s mild sweetness and versatility.

Let’s admit – we all have sweet tooth. If you are concerned about your ravenous sweet tooth and looking for ways to satisfy with healthy low-carb, low sugar diet? Then you are at right place. As an all-natural food blogger, I can help you. Satisfying your sweet tooth with halva made of raw fruits is a great way to keep yourself on clean, healthy low-carb, low-sugar and low-calorie diet. Flour, white sugar in baking goods is #1 culprit of high carbohydrates and calories. Your body will appreciate you keeping yourself away from flour, chemically filled white sugar.