The TBOF hand pounded peanut chutney consists of delicious flavours and equally amazing textures. This adds a wholesomeness to any meal, be it simple or elaborate. A nice fat jar of this chutney comes in very handy as it can be added to so many dishes to add an extra zing for visual and taste appeal. Let’s start by looking at some of our favourite comfort foods!
Ayurveda believes that the waxing period of the moon is a time when all of nature is at its heightened sensory state. The blades of grass, the nectar in the flowers is thought to be at optimum, enhanced by the vibrations of the waxing moon. The ghee that is made at the eve of the full moon is believed to imbibe all these tremendous nourishing properties thereby increasing the nutritive value of the full moon ghee.
Gondh is the name commonly used to refer to gum. With regard to food, the edible gum, also known by the same name has prominent mention in the Indian food heritage. What exactly is edible gum? It is probably one of the most underrated ingredients given its numerous health benefits.Gondh in other words is the resin or sap taken from a species of the Acacia tree.
The green peas are bursting with sweetness, the crunch in the carrots are more pronounced and the leafy greens are responding deliciously to the ghee and butter infused gravies. Winter foods are a blend of hearty, nourishing ingredients which strengthen the immune system, fortify the body for the months ahead and provide specific nutrients for winter wellness.
Nomadic beekeeping is seasonal in nature. These folks understand the climate, the crop cycles and the different kinds of vegetation in each area. Nomadic beekeeping leads to the production of monofloral honey and is different from flavoured honey or infused honey. This brings a feeling of awe because nomadic beekeeping is anything but simple. It is not an easy life to lead by any standards.
It is clearly mentioned in Ayurveda about 'cowpathy', How cows play an important role in our lives and how it balances the ecosystem on the earth. The main three products that we obtain from the cow viz., Milk, Cow urine (Gomutra), Cow Dung (Gomeya) and the by products out of it, are enormous, some of which are ghee, curd, makkhan, butter, buttermilk, gomutra ark (used for both agriculture purpose and in medicine), cow dung (used in agriculture and air purification). Products prepared from panchgavya are found to be beneficial for several human ailments and for the enhancement of the body’s immunity by providing resistance to fight the infections.
The sesame seed has been a part of the Indian diet since centuries. The first documented records on sesame dates back to 3000BC and shows that it was a crop which was grown for its oil. Sesamum indicum, the plant is said to have originated in India before becoming popular in other parts of the World. The sesame seed today is prominently featured on so many foods. The most common being freshly baked burger buns, sourdough bread and sesame encrusted Asian starters.
Making sweets at home during Diwali is not just to fill bottles and jars with choicest delicacies. The time leading up to the festival is also spent in bonding; shared laughter, local gossip, exchanging confidences and of course testing recipes. It is indeed a celebration of togetherness, a joyous collective mind-space......
Frying the mithai in ghee allows for the proper absorption of the gram flour, natural sugar and other ingredients added to the making of these sweets. Eating sugar free sweets or using another medium of fat like olive oil or a nut oil hampers the assimilation of the traditional sweets during digestion. The ancient combinations were part of old Vedic food science in which desi ghee played a vital role in wellness, especially during Diwali.
The Prime Minister reminisced about diet during his childhood and agreed with the importance of adding haldi to the daily diet. He even spoke about his own special recipe for a 'moringa paratha'. Drumstick leaves now sold in the form of moringa powder is indeed a superfood. The drumstick tree is like the supreme healer because it possesses incredible properties which can strengthen every part of the body.
In desi breeds of cows and buffaloes the colostrum is produced in excess of what the young calf needs. The excess if not collected just gets wasted and if not milked, leaves the animal feeling uncomfortable. Bovine colostrum is a part of not just the Indian traditional diet but an ancient one. When rearing cows was a part of the household chores and the animals were looked after like family, the excess first milk was seen as an offering and became a part of the family diet. The Indian cow was not harmed or put to any torture for this extraction process. It was just a natural circle of man & animal co-existence. Many farm today still practice this kind of beautiful bond. It must be seen to be understood.
