Pear and Apple Kheer

We all know its not only good but important to include some fruits in our daily diet. When Yasmeen announced the Healing Foods event, I thought its was a very neat idea. Of the various healing foods, I chose to cook with Apples and Pears. Before going to the recipe lets just glance on the benefits of eating them which I came across after a bit of googling.
First up, Pears, they contain a natural dietary fibers like pectin and lignin which are effective in preventing constipation and lowering cholesterol respectively. Pectin also helps to tone the intestine and reduce the risk of colon cancer. Pears are a very good source of an important mineral called boron, which helps keep the bones and your memory strong.

Apples contain sugars, amino acids, magnesium, iron, potassium, carbohydrates, vitamins C, B and B2, phosphates, tartaric acids, pectin, and mineral salts. They are prescribed for intestinal infections, constipation, mental and physical fatigue, hypertension, rheumatism, gout, anemia, bronchitis, urine retention, hepatic disorders, gastric and kidney malfunctions, hoarseness, coughing, and excess cholesterol in the blood.
Researchers have found that compounds in apples may protect against cancer, prevent asthma and sharpen memory. Apples strengthen the whole metabolism, balance the digestion, stimulate blood production as well as the metabolism of fats, and cleanse the system. They also have diuretic, febrifugal and relaxing properties, and stimulate the appetite.
After all they don't say "An apple a day keeps the doctor away ! " for nothing :)

Ingredients:

1 apple, red delicious,

1 pear,
3 cups milk,
1/2 C sugar,

1/2 tsp cardamom pdr,

1" cinnamon,
few strands of saffron,
3-4 dried dates, soaked in hot water for few mins.

Method:
Bring milk to a boil in a thick bottom pan and simmer till it thickens.

Peel and chop apples and pears. Heat a pan ( I use non stick), add the chopped fruit and cook on medium heat. Add sugar, cinnamon and stew till sugar melts, and most of the moisture evaporates. Add this mixture to the reduced milk and cook till the kheer thickens some more. At this stage if the apples or pears are a bit sour it may seem like the milk is curdling , but don worry that's OK .

Add green cardamom powder, chopped dates , saffron and cook for few more minutes .Let it cool slightly, remove the cinnamon stick and blend it in a blender. Serve chilled garnished with almonds and pistachios.

If you wanna skip the blending process , just grate the fruits , don't chop. You can also use either of the fruits.

Tastes great with puris or by itself.

Enjoy !

Apart from the fruit, the spices, milk , dates, saffron all have significant health benefits and hey, no butter (or ghee). So this to me is a perfect healthy dessert.

To know more about the healing nature of Pears and Apples click

here and here.

Tangy Tomato Rice

There are times when you want to have a hearty meal but don't have time to put it together. At such times having some prep done before hand always helps. Or taking the semi home made approach.

The secret ingredient which gives the " tang" to my tomato rice is V8 vegetable juice . Instead of grinding the tomatoes etc etc I just fry some onions in hot oil with some curry leaves, mustard seeds and peppercorns , pour some healthy V8 vegetable juice in it let it all come to a boil, season with salt , add a pinch of turmeric, add rice and let it cook , garnish with freshly chopped cilantro . Serve with papad or pickle or both :)

Using the juice saves a LOT of time and adds a whole lot of flavor. You can also use any tomato juice as long as its not sweet .

Just thought that's an interesting tip to share ....will be back with a healthy dessert cooked using a food which is healing in nature . Have a great day !