Friday, January 22, 2010

Tricolor Pilaf with Avocado and Mango Raita

Today's focus is on Avocado. This is another wonder fruit with many health benefits.Its also said that, An Avocado a Day keeps the doctor away.


Some of the health benefits of Avocado :
  • Prevention of Breast cancer and Prostrate cancer.
  • Good for the health of your Eyes and heart.
  • Helps in lowering Cholesterol.
  • Prevention of Strokes.
  • Known to be a Vitamin E Powerhouse.
  • Excellent source of Glutathione which is an antioxidant which prevents aging,cancer and heart diseases.

For more detailed explanation of the health benefits please read here.


Avocado and Mango Raita

Ingredients :

  • 1 Avocado peeled and diced
  • 1 cup diced mango
  • 1 Jalapeno chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion chopped
  • handful of fresh Cilantro chopped
  • 1 cup plain yoghurt whisked
  • salt to taste

Here's a Basic Guide of How to cut and peel an Avocado.

Preparation : I Hope the following pictorial instructions are self explanatory. Just add all the ingredients in a bowl and adjust the seasoning (salt). Raita is ready to serve.

Tricolor Pilaf - Tiranga Pulao

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups Basmati Rice
  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 1 cup peas frozen
  • 1 cup corn frozen
  • handful of raisins
  • 1" piece of ginger finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 4-5 peppercorns
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • salt to taste
    2 tbsp Olive oil

Preparation :

  • Wash and Soak 2 cups of rice in 4 cups of water. You will not need to add anymore water to make the pilaf. Just use this rice with the water. Keep this aside for around 15-20 minutes .
  • Heat some oil in a pan . Add Cumin seeds. When they splutter, add peppercorns, and the freshly chopped ginger. Fry for about a minute.
  • Add the raisins, grated carrot,peas and corn. Fry for a minute.Add turmeric powder, salt, red chilli powder. Then add the rice with the water which we had kept aside earlier.
  • Let this cook uncovered on medium flame. Now when you see that most of the water has dried up (like 85-90%) set the stove to the lowest flame and cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes
  • Your Pilaf is ready to serve with the Avocado and Mango Raita.
* Its Tricolor/Tiranga because of the orange color of the carrot, green color of the peas and yellow of the corn.

Now its award Time :
I have been showered with this wonderful award from two of my blogpals. Kitchen Queen from Khatta Meetha Theekha. and Priya from Priyas Recipes . I appreciate their generosity and kindness. Do check out their blogs. Both of them have a wonderful collection of recipes. I do enjoy visiting them and If you have'nt done so yet..Now's a good time.


I know this post is getting so long already so instead of passing it on to each of you , my amazing and supportive readers, please feel free to accept this award and spread the happiness by displaying it at your space. Happy Blogging and Have a great weekend.