Breakfast morning Day 1

Today let's decide to take a  step further towards  healthy eating by starting with  a nutritious breakfast, that will keep us fit and  filled for at least good 2 hours, and prevent cravings to have unhealthy foods!!   
With some research I arrived at this conclusion, that we shouldn't  be fooled any more by these gimmicks of advertising trying to sell us foods that add to our waistlines!!!!! Be smart and try to make the same dish at home , using sensible ingredients and doing some good for your self, your wallet and most of all for the good feel that all this is good food.
Breakfast, is an important meal. I enjoy making and having a nutritious  breakfast,  keeps us fuelled for the day's activities.
  I will be sharing some of these breakfast recipes . The idea here is to try to keep it simple and healthy.  Since everyone is so busy , there should be proper planning in buying ingredients before hand, so that we cook smart and quickly!!
Also, try using fresh ingredients as far as possible. 

Day 1
Exercise, stretch  or meditate for 20 minutes, daily or at least 3 to 4 times a week.
Meditation, helps us relax and de stress, and keeps one more focused. 
 sit upright, on a chair, in a quiet place  close your eyes and take a deep breadth, chant OM, 5 times for 2 or more rounds. 

Tip for the morning.
Warm a glass of water ,squeeze in 1/2 a lime juice,add a dash of black pepper,  drink this water, after brushing in the  morning time ,its  good for your system, acts as a cleanser.

Drink of today 
Smoothies, are quick and easy to prepare. You can choose the ingredients you want,  fresh or frozen fruits,also good idea to add protein powder or Whey protein and that way make it not only delicious but very healthy drink.
I have listed below some  recipes I have tried out, they came out good.

1. Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
Ingredients
1 banana cut into slices
1 tspn honey
1/2 cup crushed ice
1 cup low fat yoghurt
1/2 cup milk ( or you can use almond milk too)
1/4 cup  cooked oatmeal

Method:
1.In a blender, add chopped banana, honey, yoghurt and 1/2 cup skim milk. Add oatmeal and blend for about 2 to 3 minutes, till it's  smooth and creamy. Add a spoonful crushed ice into a glass, pour the prepared smoothie, enjoy immediately or take it along on the go.

                                                 

Banana Oatmeal smoothie

Ingredients

Banana Oatmeal smoothie

2. Mango and strawberry smoothie
Try another smoothie by combining fresh mango cubes, (Peel the outer skin of two ripe mangoes, and cut into cubes) ,  take 3 to 4 strawberries, sliced  and add  cup low fat yoghurt , 2 tspn sugar or 1 tbsp honey  and crushed ice. Blend for 3 to 4 minutes in the blender and pour cool smoothie into the glass. It is refreshing, with the tropical taste of mangoes and filling too. Great way to start the day, combine with with some nuts and you are good for a couple of hours:)
           

                                                                     

Ingredients 

Mango with strawberries smoothie

Do share your views in your valuable comments, and lets make a healthy start and let us know your breakfast ideas too!!

Shahi Paneer masala

Shahi Paneer is a rich combination of cooking with cashews, onions and tomatoes. The result is a crowd-pleaser, that both kids and adults love.

Follow these easy steps to serve up a decadent Paneer Makhani right from your own kitchen!

                                                                       

                                                     

Shahi Paneer 

           

Ingredients:

4 medium red tomatoes, pureed

500g Paneer (cottage cheese), cut into 1-inch cubes

8 to 10 whole cashews. Soak them in 1/4 cup water and then grind to a smooth paste

2 tsp freshly grated ginger

1/4 tsp green chillies, finely chopped

2 medium onions finely chopped

Salt to taste

1 tsp red chilli powder

2 tsp butter

2 tsp cooking oil

1 tsp honey

1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

Whole spices: 2–3 cloves, 1/4 tsp cumin seeds, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 3–4 green cardamom seeds

2 tsp garam masala powder

2 tsp freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnish

1 tsp Kasoori methi ( dried fenugreek, available in Indian stores)

Method:

1. Heat 2 tsp butter , add 2 tsp oil and add in the whole spices, saute onions till bit translucent and add cashew paste. Continue to saute another 5 to 6 minutes before adding in tomato puree.

Next, add in ginger garlic, green chilies, honey, salt, red chili powder. Stir to form a smooth tomato cashew gravy.

2. Add in garam masala and heavy cream. 

3. Allow gravy to simmer, check for salt. Add 1/2 cup water and cover with lid to cook. After few minutes, add in the sauteed paneer and cover to cook for another 5 to 6 minutes. Garnish with freshly cut coriander leaves, kasoori methi and or splash of cream.

To marinate the paneer:

Plain yogurt 

Salt to taste

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp red chili powder

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1/4 tsp chaat powder

1/4 tsp Olive oil

1/2 tsp garam masala (I use store bought, Everest is the brand)

2 thai chilies chopped finely

Method to marinate paneer (cottage cheese)

1. In a separate bowl, add cubed paneer pieces, 2 tsp thick plain yogurt, salt to taste, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp garam masala,

1/4 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp chaat powder, green thai chilies. Mix and keep for 15 to 20 minutes and then light saute in an open pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove and keep aside. Then go to step # 3 

Enjoy with thinly sliced onions, and tandoor garlic or plain naan. (Naan is available in Indian stores and even in Trader joe's, Safeway, etc)

                     

Marinate the Paneer in yogurt and spices

Blanch the tomatoes 

Saute onions along with spices

Prepare cashew paste 

                                                                              

Add tomato puree to onions and cashew gravy 

Continue to cook gravy 5 to 6 more minutes 

Gravy is ready add marinate paneer 

Add heavy cream

This brand paneer is good quality 

Strained gravy