Cocoa Coconut Cookie

Okay, So there has been an overdose of peanut based snacks since the last few days.
Hence decided to try the other favorite--coconut!
And what better than add a chocolatey twist!
Didn't take any snaps during preparation, though.  

Recipe:

Ingredients:
2 cups coconut--raw and shredded.
1 to 2 cups- sattu flour (roasted black gram)
1 cup dates--deseeded and chopped.
2 tsp cocoa powder.
1 vanilla pod would have been nice ;)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
A pinch of rock salt

Procedure:
1.  Blend the dates to make a doughy consistency.  Add in the coconut slowly during the process.

2.  Add in the cocoa powder, the salt and vanilla if available (unfortunately I had to use the essence :( )

3.  Remove the mix into a vessel.  Add the sattu flour as required, kneading to make a soft dough.

4. Preheat the OTG at 250 degree for half an hour.

5. Shape the dough with hand and press them lightly on to the sesame seeds, on both sides, before placing them on the tray.

6. Bake for 15 minutes or as required. Check for browning and if needed flip.

7.  Simple and healthy cookies are ready to be served!

This is a gluten free version.  You can use regular whole wheat flour if you feel like.
Stays without refrigeration for a couple of days.  In the fridge remains for around two weeks, if they last that long!

Lentils pancake/crepe or adai.

 A south indian breakfast or tiffin item, made wholesome and healthy.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup soy beans
1/2 cup chana or chana dal (Bengal gram)
1/2 cup whole moong (green gram)
1/2 cup whole chowli (black eye peas/cowpea)
1/2 cup brown rice.

For grinding:
1 large onion
1 bunch of curry leaves
2 red chillies--dried (can use green chillies if preferred )
A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
Rock salt or sea salt as per taste.

Procedure:
Soak all the legumes and rice together, overnight.

 


Grind them together with the onion, curry leaves, salt, chillies and asafoetida.

Heat up a thick iron tava/pan.  When hot enough, pour a tablespoon full and make into a dosa/crepe/pancake.

Cover with a lid.  The steam will make sure the dosa/adai doesnt stick.

Flip and roast the other side till slightly brown.
Serve with coconut chutney.

Recipe for the chutney shown here:
Ingredients:
1/2 a coconut shredded.
1/2 cup roasted chana (bengal gram without the skin)
1 red chilli
pinch of salt
1/2 inch of ginger

Grind them together with a bit of water.  (I skipped the water to make a drier version of the chutney as this was to be packed for school tiffin)

This is a high-protein, gluten-free and oil free vegan snack.  Can be had as breakfast as well.
Since all the ingredients used are organic and whole, the fiber content makes it more satiating and the nutrients get released in a sustainable fashion into the blood stream. 
Safe for diabetics, those with hormone imbalances, and cholesterol issues.

Moringa green smoothie

What went into the green smoothie today?
Moringa leaves (drumstick)
Mint leaves
Multivitamin(?) leaves
Two bananas
A pinch of cinnamon powder
Crushed ice.

 Benefits of drumstick or moringa leaves:

• *Moringa is known for its chelating effects making it perfect for heavy metal detox and estrogen dominance issues.
• *Balances and maintains a healthy hormonal profile
• *Balances blood sugar levels making it perfect for the treatment of insulin resistance and Type II Diabetes
• *Nourishes eyes, skin, and brain.
• *Improves the cell structure of the body.
• *Is highly anti-inflammatory and has been used for pain management due to reduction of inflammation in the body.
• *Boosts immune system.
• *Boosts metabolism.
• *Enhances kidney and liver profile
• *Balances moods (perfect superfood for those suffering from adrenal insufficiency.)
• *Reduces wrinkles and fine lines.
• *Boosts radiance of skin.
• *Promotes normal healthy cholesterol levels.
• *Helps build strong bones and aids in osteoporosis treatment.
• *Eases asthma and other bronchial issues.
• *Has an antioxidant effect on the entire body.
• *Full of beneficial enzymes and is prebiotic helping restore positive balance to gut flora.
• *Increases vitamin and mineral absorption by digestive tract.
• *Has been known to increase and improve quality of milk in breastfeeding mothers.
• *Boosts sperm count in men.
• *Has anti-parasite properties and has been used to kill parasites in humans for centuries.

  Benefits of Mint Leaves:

• Relieves indigestion
• Fights aches and pains
• Gives you glowing and acne free skin
• Helps fight oral infections
• Helps relieve cough and cold
• Prevents allergies and asthma
• Helps relieve menstrual cramps and pain
• Beats morning sickness in pregnant women
• Boosts immunity: Mint leaves are packed with nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, vitamin C, D, E and small amounts of vitamin B complex.
• Beats stress and depression
• Helps fight cancer

 Benefits of Vitamin leaves (Chakramuni soppu)
Now this is an interesting wild plant that the locals of South India especially Karnataka have been using in their chutneys, curries as well as herbal medicine.  Its botanical name is Sauropus androgynus. The english names: star gooseberry, or sweet leaf.
 The leaves of the plant are used to make infusion, believed to improve the flow of breast milk for breastfeeding mothers. It is a good source of vitamin K.

It also has high level of provita-min A carotenoids, especially in freshly picked leaves, as well as high levels of vitamins B and C, protein and minerals. The more the leaves mature, the higher the nutrient content of the leaves. *source wikipedia.

I have seen these leaves growing in my native as well as in my childhood home and have been consuming them as part of the meals mom used to dish out.  Never paid much attention to it.

Was reintroduced to them by my friend Trupti from Green Souls.
Green Souls is a group promoting and practicing community-based organic urban farming for social projects in Mumbai & Navi Mumbai.

 They nurture community farm projects at
St Jude Child Care Center, Tata Memorial Hospital (ACTREC), Kharghar;
Children’s Remand Home, Dongri
Our Lady’s Home for Boys, Dadar
Government Observation Home & Special Rehabilitation Center for Girls, Deonar

Not only do they nurture the greens, they also light up with lives of these little boys and girls, introducing them to sustainable organic farming, soul nourishment workshops, talks etc. Much needed for these beautiful people, given the circumstance they are in. 
They also conduct teaching workshops for people interested in growing their own food on their terraces, balcony or windowsills using kitchen compost and other easy available means.

They do need volunteers and other support in this noble work that they do.

CONTRIBUTE

You can be a Green Soul too. There are many ways you can get involved. Whether its at home, in your office or on one of their farms. Any contribution big or small is warmly welcome.
Volunteer - Contribute your time and enjoy the great outdoors by joining them on volunteer days at one of their city farms.
Funds - Contribute on a monthly basis, whatever you can afford and help them continue their work.
Contribute resources & materials.

CONNECT WITH THEM AT
Sabita Rajendran 9870113541
Julius Rego 9820074639
GreenSoulsMumbai@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/GreenSoulsMumbai

Happy sustainable living!