February 2024 Newsletter
FEATURED RECIPE: Pancharatna (5 Jewels) Lentil Soup
It sure has been a while since I wrote my last newsletter, but time flies by when you are having fun, engrossed in something you deeply enjoy. All this came true in 2023 as I immersed myself in constructing our commercial kitchen and fulfilling your orders. On the fun side, my husband and I spent some time hiking Camelback Mountain and the area around Pheonix. A nice break, enjoying the outdoors is always good for your health and wellness. Even more exciting was cooking with my son, which alas has become a bit of rarity these days. I specifically loved cooking the one pot pork belly and brown rice dish with the Ginger Spread that is simple and yet so tasty. Hope you saw it on our social media and do message us if you tried it.
Stay warm and glowing this winter season. Eat Healthy. Be Healthy.
Thank you, as always, for staying in touch with us!
Nalini
For Our Customers
Thank you so much for letting us know that you enjoyed trying out the recipe in our last newsletter. We do plan to continue with our rewards program so do remind your friends & loved ones to put your email in “Did a friend refer you?” under “Additional Information.” That will let us reward you with an exclusive one-time use discount code for 10% off your total online order (excluding shipping and taxes). Your exclusive one-time code will be valid for six months and you will receive it from info@nalskitchen.com.
Also, as a subscriber you can now get free shipping on your website purchase over $37.98. Just type in the code “FREESHIPNEWS”. This code is not to be combined with any other code.
Enjoy Shopping!!
Healthy Musings
The “super” ingredient this time is “Lentils” or “Dal” as it is called in India. One of the ingredients in this newsletter’s recipe is “Chana dal” aka “Split chickpeas lentils” or “Bengal gram.” High in protein and low in the glycemic index, it is ideal for weight watchers and diabetics. But did you know it is equally popular in India for beauty treatment! Powdered chana dal (or besan powder) is a wonderful skin softener when used in a face pack, body scrub or baby massage. I love creating a face pack with about 2 teaspoons of besan powder, pinch of turmeric powder mixed with almond oil. Put it on for a few minutes and wash it off. It makes the skin feel good and gives the face a nice glow.
Featured Recipe
This recipe of 5 lentils is high in protein and fiber while also being low in fat. It is good for diabetics and heart health. I have never been a big fan of dieting but rather believed in eating healthy to stay healthy. This recipe is pure wellness to savor.
While eating lentils it is important to incorporate ingredients that help with digestion and our all-natural Honey Ginger Dressing does this perfectly. As the ancient text Ayurveda says ginger, honey, spices and herbs are a boon to digestion!
If you happen to get bloating or gas while eating lentils, just soak them in water for an hour and discard that water prior to cooking. Adjust soak time to suit your needs. However, make sure not to soak for more than a few hours as lentils will lose their nutrients and flavor.
The 5 lentils in this recipe with their Indian and English names are: Chana dal (Split chickpeas lentils or Bengal gram), Toor dal (Pigeon peas), Moong dal (Split and Skinned Green Gram), Masoor dal (red lentil) and Urad dal (Split black gram with the skin). The recipe calls for more Chana dal as it is richer in fiber and more filling than Moong or Masoor.
If you want to learn more on the health benefits of the ingredients check out these sites…
a) Lentils: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/297638#
b) Lentils: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/lentils/#
This recipe can be made in copious quantities by simply doubling or tripling or quadrupling the ingredients.
Don’t forget to drop us a line, on our Facebook or email: info@nalskitchen.com, as to how you made and enjoyed this dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Ingredients
4 oz of chana dal
2 oz of toor dal
2 oz of moong dal
2 oz of masoor dal
2 oz of urad dal with the skin
5 cups of water
1 tsp of cooking oil
1 tsp or to taste coarse salt
3 green chilies (preferably Thai) or freshly ground black pepper as per taste
Nal’s Kitchen Honey Ginger Dressings
Freshly chopped spinach or kale can be added when serving (Optional)
Directions
Rinse the dals in fresh water before cooking.
Place all ingredients (except the dressing) in a 3-quart saucepan.
Start cooking on high heat. Lower to medium-high when water starts to bubble. Periodically stir.
Cook for 20-25 minutes. Then reduce to medium heat, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Continue to periodically stir to avoid sticking to bottom.
Check if chana dal is cooked. When the chana dal is nearly cooked (it loses its intense color).
Then use a masher and mash a little bit. Keep some of texture.
When done, shut off the stove and cover for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Drizzle Honey Ginger Dressing about 2 tbsp or as per taste for an 8 oz serving size of the soup and enjoy!
Things to note
If the dal is not cooked add more water. Add half cup of water at a time.
When cooking white froth can form. It is harmless but removing it can further help with digestion. Just spoon off the white froth and discard.