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Aate ka Halwa | Wheat flour Halwa (with gur/jaggery)

Aate ka Halwa or Wheat flour Halwa is a traditional Indian sweet dish which is very energy dense, rich and aromatic. The preparation is simple and quick with minimal ingredients which contributes to it’s likeability. It is enjoyed hot and melts in the mouth with every bite.

It is made frequently in almost all the Indian households, distributed in Gurudwara as ‘Kada Prasad’, distributed in other temples during festivals or special occasions.

Aate ka Halwa | Wheat flour Halwa (with gur/jaggery)

There are only 4 ingredients used in the preparation, all with equal proportions. Ghee is the key ingredient in the dish. You can replace it with any other unsalted butter or coconut oil but it will not give you the same results in terms of the flavor and aroma. The quantity of Ghee can also be reduced as per preference but in general don’t go down too much. Whole Wheat flour or aata is the next ingredient which needs to be roasted in the Ghee on a low to medium heat until it turns slightly darker, becomes frothy and releases roasted or nutty aroma. For sweetness, traditionally white refined sugar is used but I am replacing it with Gur or Jaggery powder as it is much less refined, is high in vitamins and minerals and is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, especially in India.

Enjoy the halwa fresh and hot as the warm ghee will melt it in your mouth but if you would like to savor it later, then you can refrigerate it and reheat in the microwave before serving 😉

Watch recipe here

Yield: 3 servings
Time: 10 min
Calories: 494.5kcal (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 494.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 47.83g | Protein: 2.27g | Fat: 34.87g | Sugar: 24.05g | Sodium: 81.11mg | Vitamins: A,B,C,D,E | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese

INGREDIENTS 

1/2 cup Ghee
1/2 cup Whole Wheat flour
1/2 cup Jaggery Powder
1/2 cup Water
Nuts, to decorate

DIRECTIONS

  1. Heat a pan and add ghee
  2. Once ghee melts, add flour and keep stirring on medium heat until it turns slightly darker color, frothy and release roasted aroma
  3. Add jaggery powder and water
  4. Keep stirring for 1 more minute until the ghee is released and the halwa does not stick to the bottom anymore
  5. Serve and decorate with some available nuts and seeds! 😊
Aate ka Halwa | Wheat flour Halwa (with gur/jaggery)
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Thandai [Vegan, Aromatic, Healthy drink]

THANDAI🍹😍is an immunity booster Indian cold drink. It is a great choice for upcoming spring season as all the ingredients that we use in Thandai have a very cooling effect on our bodies as we soak them in water before blending them together. Hence, it is cherished especially during March in India, as it marks the start of spring season and the rising temperature increases the demand for refreshing, flavorful and aromatic drinks ❤️

Vegan Thandai

When we buy readymade Thandai from the market, it is usually largely sugar syrup to increase its shelf life. So it is a smart choice to make it at home instead, for reaping all the health benefits as much as possible. All the ingredients that go in Thandai are packed with protein, healthy fats and much essential vitamins and minerals. And the star ingredient in my opinion is Saffron. It gives it such a beautiful color, flavor and aroma that it is almost irreplaceable 😋 It is one of the main drinks enjoyed during the festival of Holi!!

Yield: 2 servings
Time: 10 min
Calories: 131.67kcal (per serving)

Watch recipe here

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 131.67kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.44g | Protein: 2.9g | Fat: 5.15g | Sugar: 15.53g | Sodium: 7.87mg | Vitamins: A,B,C,D,E,K | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese

INGREDIENTS 

300ml Almond Milk
2tsp Almonds
1tsp Pumpkin Seeds
1tsp Poppy Seeds
1tsp Black Pepper
1/2tsp Fennel Seeds
5-6 Dates
A pinch Saffron
1tsp Cardamom

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a bowl, add all ingredients except milk
  2. Add water just enough to cover the ingredients
  3. Let them soak for overnight, or at least 2-3 hours
  4. Put the mixture in a blender and blend until smooth paste
  5. Add milk and blend again
  6. Refrigerate to chill before serving
  7. Transfer to glasses and enjoy! 
Vegan Thandai

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Granola [Healthy, Homemade, Easy]

Granola is a healthy and power packed mixture of oats, a variety of nuts, seeds and dried fruits and usually some form of mild sweetener. It is roasted to give it a pleasant aroma and crunch. Granola is most often eaten as a topping on an oatmeal or a porridge, served at breakfast. It is one of the best breakfast choices as it provides our bodies with all the boost of nutrition that it needs to kick start our mornings in the best way possible!

Granola

There are a lot of Granolas available in the supermarkets today. And as much as they claim to be “healthy”, “sugar-free” or “all natural”, the ingredients list says otherwise. Most of them are laden with a lot of bad quality oils/butter and excessive refined sugar. Additionally, artificial colors and flavors are added to them to make them even more desirable. All these things make something so healthy such as Granola a bad food choice. Hence, it is always a good practice to make Granola at home as it is not only 100% healthy but also extremely easy to make and inexpensive as compared to the ones in the market.

Yield: 10 servings
Time: 30 min
Calories: 221.49kcal (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 221.49kcal | Carbohydrates: 19.35g | Protein: 7.74g | Fat: 13.86g | Sugar: 0.6g | Sodium: 11.51mg | Vitamins: A,B,C,E,K | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese

INGREDIENTS 

2 cups Whole Oats
1 cup Almonds
1/2 cup Coconut Flakes
1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds
1/4 cup Flax Seeds
1/4 cup Chia Seeds
1/4 cup Goji Berries, dried
1 tsp Honey
1 tsp Coconut Oil

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a bowl, add Oats, Almonds, Coconut Flakes, Pumpkin Seeds, Flax Seeds
  2. In a separate bowl add honey and coconut oil
  3. Mix and add the liquid to the first bowl
  4. Mix properly so that all the nuts and seeds are equally coated with the liquid
  5. Bake in the oven for 20min at 180 degrees
  6. Cool completely
  7. Add Chia Seeds and Goji Berries
  8. Transfer to a jar and enjoy! 
Granola

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Vegan Cookies [Gluten Free, Highly Nutritious]

These Vegan Cookies are crunchy from the outside and fudgy from the inside. Made with nutritious and wholesome ingredients, they will satisfy your sweet cravings with added benefits. They are super chocolaty, perfect for a pre workout snack. We don’t use any artificial sugar or oil so you can enjoy them guilt-free! So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!

Vegan Cookies

We use our nutrition dense Vegan Nutella recipe to make these cookies. You can also substitute it for any nut butter or healthy chocolate spread available. Remember to adjust the sweetness in that case. In addition we use Almond Flour as the key ingredient which makes these cookies gluten free and adds much more to its protein, vitamins and minerals profile! Overall these cookies make for a perfect healthy dessert!

Watch recipe here

Yield: 4 cookies
Time: 15 min
Calories: 381.05kcal (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 381.05kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.52g | Protein: 9.9g | Fat: 24.81g | Sugar: 19.6g | Sodium: 3.35mg | Vitamins: A,B,E,K | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese

INGREDIENTS 

3/4 cup Vegan Nutella
1/4 cup Maple Syrup
2cup Almond Flour
pinch of Salt
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
4 Cashews, to decorate

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a bowl, mix the nutella and maple syrup
  2. Add salt, baking powder and mix
  3. Add almond flour and mix until it forms a dough
  4. Roll out Cookies of desired shape and size
  5. Bake in the oven for 10min at 180 degrees
  6. Cool completely
  7. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for up to a week! 
Vegan Cookies

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Vegan Nutella [quick, easy and wholesome]

This quick and easy Vegan Nutella recipe is made with minimal ingredients that are both nutritious and wholesome. It is super chocolaty and dense, perfect snack for your sweet cravings. It can also be used as a pre or post workout quick bite. We don’t use any artificial sugar or oil so you can enjoy it guilt-free! Also there is no need to cook/bake them!! So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!

Vegan Nutella

Hazelnuts are a great source of healthy fats. It is an all rounder when it comes to maintaining good levels of cholesterol and blood sugar. It reduces inflammation and regulates blood pressure. Cocoa powder with its rich antioxidant properties fight against many diseases. In addition Dates work as a healthy sweet alternative due to its fiber content. Not to mention that all these ingredients are a powerhouse of multiple vitamins and minerals.

Watch Recipe here

Yield: 10 servings
Time: 15 min
Calories: 132.04kcal (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 132.04kcal | Carbohydrates: 14.82g | Protein: 3.13g | Fat: 8.65g | Sugar: 4.7g | Sodium: 0.2mg | Vitamins: A,B,E,K | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup Hazelnuts
1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
1 cup Dates
pinch of Salt
splash of Plant Milk

DIRECTIONS

  1. Add the Hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse to break them down little bit
  2. Keep mixing until it start releasing oil
  3. Add a splash of Plant Milk to make the mixing easier
  4. Add salt, cocoa powder, dates and mix until smooth
  5. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for up to a week! 
Vegan Nutella

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Sesame Energy Balls/ Til k Ladoo [Vegan, Sugar Free, Oil Free]

This quick and easy 5-minute Sesame Energy Balls, also famously known as Til k Ladoo in India, is the perfect go-to snack for your pre or post workout meal as it is packed with healthy protein, carbs and fats. We don’t use any artificial sugar or oil. It is so easy to take on the go. And is only made of 4 ingredients. Also there is no need to cook/bake them!! So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in!

Vegan Sesame Energy Balls/ Til k Ladoo

Sesame Seeds are a great source of plant protein and full of fiber. It is an all rounder when it comes to maintaining good levels of cholesterol and blood sugar. Its antioxidant properties fight against many diseases and it contribute towards healthy bones. In addition Oats provide for great source of complex carbohydrates along with added fiber. Dates work as a healthy sweet alternative due to its fiber content and Peanut Butter provides additional protein and good fats. Not to mention that all these ingredients are packed with multiple vitamins and minerals.

Watch recipe here

Yield: 7 pieces
Time: 5 min
Calories: 177.36kcal (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 177.36kcal | Carbohydrates: 18.94g | Protein: 5.91g | Fat: 9.8g | Sugar: 4.7g | Sodium: 2.4mg | Vitamins: A,B,E,K | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese

INGREDIENTS 

100g Sesame Seeds
50g Oats
5-6 Dates, soaked
25g Peanut butter

DIRECTIONS

  1. Soak the dates in hot water for 30mins
  2. Add Sesame Seeds and Oats in a food processor and pulse to break them down little bit
  3. Add soaked Dates, Peanut Butter and mix
  4. Take out the mix in a bowl and form balls by pressing and rolling the mix between hands
  5. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for up to a week! 
Vegan Sesame Energy Balls/ Til k Ladoo

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Sweet Potato Brownies

Sweet Potato Brownies are the BEST nutrient rich dessert when you are craving something sweet, chocolaty and yet healthy. I have already made them multiple times already and no one could tell that they do not contain any refined flour, sugar or oil!! They are completely rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals and yet taste exactly like the regular chocolate brownies.

Sweet Potato Brownies

Sweet Potato is a root vegetable and a very good source of complex carbohydrates. It can be used in both savory as well as sweet recipes. Moreover, it is packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals. Due to the fiber present, it helps in promoting gut health and strengthen the immune system. In addition, various research and studies suggests that it has cancer fighting properties.

Watch the recipe – here!

Hence, combining it with other highly nutritious food such as oats for binding and hazelnut butter for fat, makes this recipe one of its kind. In terms of sweetness, not a lot is required as sweet potatoes, as their name suggests, are naturally sweet. I have used maple syrup as added sweetener in this recipe.

Yield: 8 Brownies
Time: 40 min
Calories: 120.125kcal (per serving)

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 120.125kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4.15g | Fat: 2.8g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 0.6g | Vitamins: A,B,C | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese

Ingredients

INGREDIENTS 

1 boiled Sweet Potato
1 cup Oats
1 cup Cocoa Powder
1 tbsp Maple Syrup
1 tbsp Hazelnut butter or any other nut/seed butter available
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Salt 
1 tsp Baking Powder
Melted Chocolate and Pecans, to garnish

Sweet Potato Brownies

DIRECTIONS

  1. Mash the boiled sweet potato with the help of a fork
  2. Add cocoa powder and mix thoroughly
  3. Add maple syrup, hazelnut butter, vanilla extract and mix
  4. Add oats and mix
  5. Add salt, baking powder and mix
  6. Transfer the mixture to a baking tray lined with baking paper
  7. Bake at 180 degrees for 30min
  8. Take out of the oven and let it cool down for 30min
  9. Cut into 8 pieces and enjoy the fudgy chocolaty brownie, guilt-free! 😋
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Chickpea Sandwich

Read below or watch it here!

Chickpeas belong to the legumes family and are a rich source of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. They are considered very healthy as they aid in digestion, weight management and and helps in reducing risks for various diseases.

Chickpea Sandwiches are a very healthy type of sandwich as it does not need any oil, are rich in fiber and protein and keeps you satiated for very long.

Yield: 2 Sandwiches
Time: 15 min
Calories: 336.4kcal (per sandwich)

Nutrition (per sandwich)

Calories: 336.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 59.75g | Protein: 14.1g | Fat: 6.5g | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 4.8g | Vitamins: A,B,C,E,K | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium

Chickpea Sandwich

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup Chickpeas, boiled
1 tbsp Bell Pepper
1 tbsp Onion
1/2 Lime
1 tbsp Hung Yogurt (alternatively, Greek Yogurt)
1 tsp Salt 
1 tsp Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Sriracha (any hot sauce)
1 tbsp Dill leaves

2 Sandwich Bread
Lettuce

DIRECTIONS

  1. Mash the chickpeas roughly in a bowl
  2. Mix all other ingredients except Bread and Lettuce – and the filling is ready
  3. Cut the bread into two
  4. Add the filling and some lettuce
  5. Enjoy the protein packed chickpea sandwich!!
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Baked Sweet Potato (with Hummus Dressing)

Read below or watch it here!

Sweet Potato is a root vegetable and a very good source of complex carbohydrates. It can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. It is also packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals. Due to the fiber, it helps in promoting gut health and strengthen the immune system. Various research and studies also suggests that it has cancer fighting properties.

Yield: 1 baked sweet potato
Time: 40 min
Calories: 230.62kcal

Nutrition

Calories: 230.62kcal | Carbohydrates: 48.16g | Protein: 6.19g | Fat: 2.18g | Sugar: 0.03g | Sodium: 2.44g | Vitamins: A,B,C,E,K | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium

Baked Sweet Potato

INGREDIENTS 

1 Sweet Potato
1 tbsp Hummus
1 Garlic, chopped
2 tbsp Water
1 tbsp Chickpeas, boiled
1 tsp Salt 
1 tsp Pepper
1/4 tsp Cumin Powder
Coriander leaves, to garnish

DIRECTIONS

  1. Wash and dry the sweet potato, make holes using a fork and put in the oven to bake at 200 degrees for around 40min
  2. Meanwhile make hummus using our recipe or use a store bought hummus.
  3. Add chopped garlic, salt, pepper and water in 1 tbsp of hummus to make a dressing
  4. When sweet potato is baked completely, cut it vertically
  5. Pour over chickpeas, salt, cumin, hummus dressing and garnish with coriander leaves
  6. Enjoy guilt-free! 😋
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Basil Chickpea Hummus (Easy and Healthy)

Read below or watch it here!

What is Hummus?

Hummus is a savory and delicious dip or spread made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic. It is commonly consumed in the Middle Eastern Cuisine. It is very creamy, flavorful and packed with healthy vegetarian protein. These days you can find canned versions at the supermarkets everywhere, but why buy it when we can easily make it at home 😉 That way it is healthier as well as economical!

Yield: 1 cup Hummus
Time: 10 min
Calories: 479kcal

Nutrition

Calories: 479kcal | Carbohydrates: 48.63g | Protein: 17.58g | Fat: 25.71g | Sugar: 0.03g | Sodium: 2.3g | Vitamins: A,B,C,E,K | Minerals: Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Copper, Selenium

INGREDIENTS 

1 cup boiled Chickpeas
15-20 Basil Leaves
1 Garlic
1 tbsp Tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Salt 
1 tsp Pepper
1/2 Lime Juice

DIRECTIONS

  1. Put all the ingredients in a food processor or blender
  2. Mix until creamy
  3. Top it up with more olive oil