In the first post of this series, I explained why I’m testing recipes. Today the recipes are healthy side dishes, plus healthy “easy to make” chocolate pudding.
Indian Style Potato and Spinach by Rebecca
Remember in the first post of this series , when I said EA was the first blogger I’ve ever contacted for help? Well, Rebecca was literally the second one. Rebecca is such a nice person, and very helpful. She instantly responded, with offering help in any way I needed it. And she always replies to my most sentimental tweets with support, and love.
Rebecca is a registered dietitian in US/Britain, she is a social media expert, and she is a speaker too. Her blog is full of authentic recipes, many of them are from/or inspired by Indian cuisine.
Rebecca is also a master gardener. Now her focus is on gardening, sustainability, the origin of our food, and how it is made, and cultivated. She encourages engaging kids with agriculture, gardening, and their surroundings.
It was hard to choose a recipe.This is a recent one. I loved it! It’s easy to make, healthy, and a such delicious comfort side dish.
What I would/did change:
- I don’t have mustard seeds, so I added cardamom pods instead.
- I may saute the potato, or do shallow frying/baking instead of just boiling.
- And because I left the potato a longer time, it didn’t hold its shape.
Would I make this again? Yes, definitely!
*******************************************************************
5 minute chocolate pudding by Kathi
I found this recipe through Pinterest . I’ve mentioned plenty of times, how much I love puddings, and how I always search for the easy healthy (not so healthy sometimes), and flavorful puddings of course. So this was just what I needed.
Kathi has a great collection of recipes 80% of them are Paleo, but she still has some room for treats. She always use fresh ingredients. I’m still new to her blog, but I’m sure I’ll follow it.
I’ve made this pudding twice. It’s easy ,delicious, and much better than the store bought one.
What I would/did change:
- The amount of sugar, I did add half the amount, and still tastes good. I think I can make it with less sugar next time, and that’s would make it more healthy.
- The first time, I’ve made it, I substitute half the amount of milk with cream, it was much firmer, and with richer taste.
The only thing, I was confused about, is the time. I needed more time to make sure the pudding is thick, and firm. I guess it depends on the stove/pan/vessel, the type of cornstarch, and the coco powder too.
Would I make it again? Yes definitely, I’ve already did!
************************************************************************
Stuffed Cheesy Spinach Naan by Binijal
I discovered this blog, through foodgawker ,which is a food gallery that I check all time for the great recipes they feature. So I browse it to check out the most beautiful, and professional photography skills. Binijal’s photography style dragged me to her blog.
She has mostly authentic Indian recipes, with many other international cuisines too. I don’t know much about her, since she doesn’t reveal much about her life in the blog, or any other social platforms. That’s her choice of course.
This recipe was very tempting, since I love naan so much. Therefore, a stuffed one was on my list. Unfortunately,This was not easy to make, even I did make stuffed dough before, like the meat dumplings, and spinach pastries.
I feel worried, that I did post a recipe that does not look great ,and that’s will hurt the blogger. I have no intention of that, this is purely my mistake, since she has so many mouthwatering recipes with great outcomes.
I’m not sure what went wrong, is it the amount of liquid in the dough? Was the thickness of dough not right? So that’s why the dough teared, and spinach got outside? I think the dough was a bit runny, so that’s why it didn’t hold the spinach filling very well.
But its tastes so good, I never thought of spinach with cheese together! Such a delicious combination!
What I would/did change:
- Make the dough thick, and firm.
- Make sure the filling is not wet.
Would I make it again? Yes definitely!