Sooji: An all-in-one ingredient for Indian Dishes
Many of us love to cook, spreading awareness about the roots of our recipes and food items, as well as encouraging people to understand where so many culinary delights have come from. Take this one fabulous ingredient for example – Sooji or Suji – which is actually a finer form of what is known as Rawa in most Western countries. Sooji commonly referred to as granulated flour or coarsely ground wheat and has since been an ingredient that’s integral to a number of different Indian rice-based delicacies ever since.
The word Sooji is used in North India to refer to semolina while Rava refers most often to the same ingredient in South Indian cuisine.
Semolina made from ground wheat is an ingredient used in many traditional dishes across both regions as well as being the main component of various foods, both savoury and sweet, like Upma (a porridge-like preparation) and Rava Ladoo (sesame flavoured sweets). For batters, you need to make sure that your sooji is finely ground. This will prevent it from sticking to the pan and allow it to cook properly. If it is used as a primary ingredient then make sure it is processed into finer grains. You can also buy Rava online if you don’t want to buy the traditional variety.
Rava is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine. In fact, it turns up in a variety of popular sweets and is easily available via Grocery home delivery services. Rawa laddoo is common in India and they’re also enjoyed during festivals like Diwali and throughout the year in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Another loveable Indian desert is called sooji ka halwa. Rawa (also translated as semolina) can be used to make popular South-Indian foods like the Idli or Dosa Recipe (both kinds) or the uttapam!
Sooji is considered to be a healthy food
Sooji is a great way to increase your protein intake and the fibre content in Sooji helps control your blood sugar levels. Regular consumption can reduce the risk of certain types of diabetes. Consuming Semolina on a regular basis provides long-lasting energy, increases strength and stamina, and boosts metabolism in the longer term (blood glucose drops gradually as you lose weight). Sooji also works towards maintaining good bone health. It improves heart health by lowering cholesterol (which reduces the risk of heart disease) while improving brain function (having healthy blood vessels & arteries is crucial for a good neurological function that keeps cognition, development & sensory perception better than usual).
Semolina is an important part of the many cuisines around the world. It’s used by Italians, for example, to make different types of pasta. In India, though, it’s a staple that’s often eaten alongside rice, dal, and ghee – which makes it an essential food group in the country. Why? Because while it might seem plain and simple on its own, semolina actually poses a lot of good nutritional values to those who eat it which includes plenty of dietary fibre, protein, and vitamins along with minerals and zero cholesterol, trans fats, and sodium; an ideal food choice for the weight watchers among us! So if you’re looking for something that’ll beat your mid-day hunger pangs without making you gain unhealthy weight then try out dishes like Upma made from Sooji Rava (or even Rava Vada or Rava Kesari!). However, gluten sensitivities and wheat allergies need to be taken into account.
Whole Spices: Essentials staples for Indian Cooking
Indian recipes are rich with spices, flavours, and aromas. India is perhaps the most popular when it comes to being a spice capital in the world! Probably because of our deeply rooted culinary traditions. Most Indian households include small containers full of the most essential spices for cooking or serving; these elements are so entrenched in our culture that we almost consider them magical! We have all heard our mothers, grandmothers, and even great grandmothers talk highly of their iconic recipes and how these spices were crucial to their success.
Indian whole spices are used to flavour food, especially curries and rice dishes. They are indeed great sources of antioxidants and health benefits, but did you know they can also be used as preventative measures? Below is a list of whole spices that can add an extra layer of health benefits simply by stirring them into your favourite recipes.
Cumin: Also known as jeera, this spice is used in almost all of India’s recipes. This spice is used in making garam masala, which is an aromatic Indian spice that goes great with curries and chats. Cumin has a number of health benefits as well, including being a natural blood purifier and anti-inflammatory. Seeds and powder can be found online, but for good quality you should check out an online selling portal such as BuddyBusket.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek is natural and packed with vitamins, but not just for cooking. You can make a fenugreek tea from the seeds – which are boiled in water, just like any other tea – and enjoy this refreshing herbal infusion. When buying Indian spices online in Canada, use fenugreek that is authentic.
Ajwain/Carom Seeds: Carom or Ajwain Seeds is one of the spices in the world that doubles up as medicine too! A common cold, gas, and constipation are even treated with this herb.
Indian Red Chilli: There is no dish that can be left out of the quintessential Indian spice, since red chilli powder adds so much heat and excitement to it! Loved by many, this versatile ingredient is known for giving any food the fire needed to make it stand out. Red Chilli peppers, which come in a variety of shades, are very popular among Europeans and Asians who use their hot flavours to trigger their taste buds all the more.
Rai: Rai seeds come in yellow, black, and brown varieties but each kind gives dishes a nutty taste which is sharpened by their intense fragrance. They add both flavour and colour to curries, as well as provide relief from coughs and colds, promoting hair growth and being highly rich in calcium, zinc, and dietary fibre.
Coriander: Coriander seeds that are dried and ground up are used primarily as a spice in different regions around the world. For example, sometimes it is referred to as cilantro – which is a type of herb with leaves similar to parsley commonly used in cooking. The flavour of coriander is very warm, almost peppery, and it’s very good for blood circulation and has cooling properties as well.
Knowing how these whole spices are used to make an assortment of Indian cuisines, why not try making your very own spice mystery box? You can buy Indian spices online Canada from Buddybasket and have the best authentic spices delivered to your home!
Celebrate the bond of Brotherhood with The Best of Indian Sweets on this Rakshabandhan
Rakhi is the most awaited festival that makes the bond of brothers and sisters stronger. Sister ties the Rakhi (holy thread) on her brother’s wrist and use to offer sweets to their brothers. Brother promises to protect her from all the hazards in life while the sisters pray for the happiness and good health of the brothers. This occasion is considered as a symbol of the strong bond between siblings; it brings them together irrespective of any differences.
Raksha Bandhan is celebrated with much pomp and show in many Indian families. During this occasion brothers gift their sisters. The festival of Rakshabandhan holds special significance for Indians because it reminds them of the relationship between family members and how important it is to protect each other in every way possible. Raksha Sutra or Rakhi holds equal importance for both brothers and sister because it rejuvenates their bond and reminds them that no matter what they are there for each other. Raksha Bandhan, an Indian festival with its own stories & history is always celebrated with great joy.
Here are some other things you must try out on this special occasion:
● Handmade Rakhis are also a great idea using different materials and designs that can impress your brother. If you’re good at crafting, then
create one for them and make their day memorable when they see it on Rakshabandhan.
● Get together with all of your siblings and organize a family party or get together where everyone can relish some Indian Sweets and delicacies such as Soan Papdi, Mango halwa, Bombay halwa, Besan Ladoo, Gulab jamun, Rasogulla, Soan Cakes, Chocolates & candies for the kids.
● It is not just the festival of sweets, but a precious time for family to indulge in some tempting snacks and Ghee sweets. How about some dry fruit kachori, dry fruit samosa, khakhras, Methi pakoda, Banana chips etc. from your very own Indian grocery store online Buddy Basket.
Rakhi symbolizes love among brothers and sisters from different corners of the world who cannot meet physically yet their hearts are connected.
However, if you’re not able to celebrate this auspicious day with your sibling due to any reason then you can make arrangements in advance and send them beautiful rakhi, favorite sweets and snacks to your siblings through Indian grocery store online – Buddy Basket.
Who are we? Buddybasket is an Online Indian Grocery Store, we bring the grocery shop to your doorstep and deliver Grocery all over GTA. Like our Facebook Page for updates about New Products, Amazing Discounts and Offers!
What are the health benefits of Lentils?
Green, brown, yellow, or pink, lentils come in various colours to satisfy your taste buds and boost your health. Lentils belong to the legume family and grow in small pods. They are not only easy to make but they are rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals that boost your immunity such as niacin, riboflavin, zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium, potassium, iron, thiamin, vitamin B-6, manganese, phosphorus, and folic acid. Half a cup of cooked lentils is sufficient to provide 140 calories. Let us discuss some of the benefits of Lentils:
1. Strong Muscles, and bones
Lentils are highly rich in protein and can give almost a similar amount of protein as derived from meat. Protein is required as the building block of muscles, bones and skin. Protein forms most of the part of the hair as well. Thus, eating lentils is a healthy habit for attaining stronger muscles, bones, and hair.
2. Healthy Heart
Lentils have enough amount of fibre, potassium, folic acid, vitamins and minerals. The fibre in the lentils lowers the bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that in turn reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
3. Growth of babies
The folate provided by lentils offers folate in a huge amount. Folate or folic acid is necessary for the expected mothers for the growth and development of the fetus. Folate is also necessary for avoiding the occurrence of neural tube defects in babies. Eating lentils also lowers the risk of developing gestational diabetes in pregnant women.
4. Decreased risk of Cancer
Lentils also offer selenium that is responsible for decreasing the risk of cancer cells. As such, selenium can help in preventing cancer of the prostate, lung, skin, esophagus, and bladder.
5. Boost Immunity and hemoglobin levels
The rich lentils also consist of iron and help in the production of hemoglobin that increases the development of red blood cells that fights infection. Apart from this, the various nutrients present in the lentils boost immunity.
6. Regulates blood pressure
The presence of potassium is extremely helpful in lowering and regulating blood pressure.
If you are want to buy lentils online then Buddy Basket is your authentic South Indian grocery store in Canada where you can get a variety of pulses ranging from Urad, Moong, chana, toor, masoor, and more. Buy pulses from the reliable grocery at affordable prices and cook your favorite dal with rice or chapati and satisfy your taste buds.
One more, important information about lentils/pulses is UNO announces to celebrate THE WORLD PULSES DAY on 10 February of every year since 2018. Purpose of World Pulses day is to express worth, value and benefits of pulses.
What you should eat in the morning to stay fit?
It is a clear fact that there is a myriad list of products available on the internet that claims to make you healthy, keep you fit as well as help in losing weight. There is an enormous amount of tips and tricks loaded everywhere on websites, and social media that claim to make you fit, boost immunity, and reduce weight. However, some of them restrict your intake of food or make you follow a strict diet regime. But do you know there are some healthier versions that are lip-smacking too?
Here are some of the foods that you can consume in the morning to stay slim and stay fit besides you can Order Indian Grocery online.
1) 24 Mantra Ragi Flakes and Barley Flakes
24 Mantra Ragi Flakes and 24 Mantra Barley Flakes are nutritious breakfast options, that are rich in Vitamins and Minerals along with being high in fiber. These morning breakfast treats need no preparations or time for cooking. All you need to do is pour warm milk in a bowl and add ragi flakes and barley flakes or both. Additionally, add in some fruits of your choice if you prefer, like bananas, cherries, strawberries, etc. with some sugar or jaggery.
2) 24 Mantra Organic Brown Rice
Organic brown rice is better than the other Basmati Rice because it is grown without synthetic GMOS and consists of enormously high levels of protein. They are equally suitable for diabetics and people who suffer from heart-related issues. They are one of the best sources of fiber and are gluten-free that makes them fit for those who have bloating issues. Being 100% organic, any pesticides or harmful toxic chemicals are used in their production. The 24 Mantra Organic Brown rice is easily available at the Indian Grocery store online.
3) Manna Go Grains
Manna Go Grains are made from a blend of cereal, pulses, and milk proteins that offers 24 micronutrients. Grains and cereals such as millets, ragi, jowar, bajra, wheat, maize, barley, and Bengal gram are used in preparing the delicious Manna Go Grains Multigrain Instant Drink Mix. This instant mix powder has the potential to deliver about 25% of the RDA requirement of protein for the children. At the same time, it has a combination of 11 minerals and 13 vitamins such as iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, etc. that are crucial for the overall growth and development of the children while delivering 379 kcal per 100 gm of serving. This flavored drink comes in chocolate flavor and is every child’s favorite morning drink. Simply mix it with warm milk and let your child enjoy every single sip of this delicious drink. This is one of the best drinks that does not lead to obesity or other health issues in children.
Beside above products you should also try below health products:
- Manna Health Mix Powder and Satoo
- Elite Red raw rice Unpolished
- Rettalikili Mappilai Samba Rice
With these above-mentioned breakfast options, you and your child can kick-start your day in a healthy manner, without gaining weight. Expect yourself to be healthy and fit with this delicious and nutritious food instead of the boring, oily, and junk food. Develop healthy habits with organic food. You can easily buy all these and more grocery items from your trusted brand Buddy Basket – the leading brand to fulfill your grocery requirement. Whether it is cereals, pulses, oils, spices, or more, you can get everything from your favorite Indian grocery store online.
