Special South Indian Food Festival @ Southern Aromas - 8th To 20th Nov 2011

"Southern Aroma", the South Indian specialty restaurant in Chennai at The Residency Towers presents "The Southern Fare with Chef Damu". 


Well known Chef Damodaran, the man behind many innovative cuisines will be in action from 8th to 20th Nov'11 at Southern Aromas, dishing out the best cuisines from the 4 Southern States : Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu.


 All the dishes featured in the festival will have home made spices with minimum ingredients to give it the unique flavor and at the same time can be prepared easily. 


Chef Damu cooked 617 dishes continuously, winning the World Guinness Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Chef Damu will prepare the favorite dishes of the diners in front of them during the festival for dinner everyday & on Sundays for both Lunch & Dinner, as well as answer the queries.


 The menu will feature dishes like Mutton Cashew Sukha, Prawn Pepper Masala, South Indian Chili Fish, Mushroom Pepper Fry, Murungai Parupu Mango masala, Khnol Khol Chops, Siru Urulai Varuval or learn how to master the art of making the perfect rasam from the maestro himself. 


Chef Damu makes the most complicated of dishes in a simple and straight forward way in his own inimitable style which finally results in delicious mouth watering dishes.

How Le Cirque Adjusts to Indian Tastes

Source :Amrit Dhillon;WSJ:Nov 4,2011



Le Cirque opened a New Delhi outpost in August, but the famed New York restaurant made some modifications when it went overseas.


Not least of which was the menu, which downplays French cuisine (not a favorite in India) in favor of Italian.


“We offer Italian food but with French techniques in terms of presentation,” said Mickey Bhoite, the Indian-born, Italian-raised chef at the restaurant, which is located on the 10th floor of the Leela Palace Hotel. “Italian food is beautiful, but when you put it on a plate, it’s not gourmet, and it’s not creative, so our presentation is contemporary French.”


Delhi’s Le Cirque serves classics such as tuna tartare, lobster risotto and paupiette of black cod, as well as new dishes developed for its audience. Mr. Bhoite shared some of the other factors the restaurant keeps in mind:


Vegetarianism: The New York menu has meatless dishes such as spaghetti primavera and ravioli “Mama Egi,” but Mr. Bhoite knew this wouldn’t be enough. India’s large vegetarian population, some of whom travel overseas with cooks to ensure that their dietary needs are met, helped inspire menu items like the wild mushroom consomme. He uses Gucci morels from Kashmir, as well as seven other kinds of mushrooms, and did away with onions and garlic, which are also restricted from some Indian diets.


Even then, Mr. Bhoite was in for some surprises. “A large Jain family came in and ordered the pumpkin tortelli, but wanted it without onions. I use white onions in it, but I had to adapt by taking them out,” he said.


The Indian palate: With many Indian diners long accustomed to spicy food, fine-dining establishments have stories requests to add raw green chili to their risotto, or watching as patrons shake Tabasco on their gnocchi.


Mr. Bhoite has thusfar been pleasantly surprised. “Only a handful of customers have asked for some extra chili,” he said. Except for judicious traces of cumin and coriander — and even then, used in sparing Mediterranean or Middle Eastern style rather than classic Indian — Le Cirque’s menu steers clear of spices.


“Rustic” requests: The first time a patron asked for pasta with pink sauce, Mr. Bhoite looked at him blankly, not understanding the order. He declined to prepare it, instead serving a traditional tomato sauce with cream on the side.


“Do what you wish on the table but not in my kitchen,” he said.


Sharing dishes: Mr. Bhoite is most distressed when a table asks for a painstakingly plated dish to be divided into half a dozen servings — standard procedure at family-style establishments but not at a gourmet restaurant.


“By the time a morel risotto or a lamb noisette has been divided six ways, it’s so small they can barely taste it,” he said. “But they seem OK with that.”

கரிசலாங்கண்ணி கீரையின் மருத்துவகுணங்கள்

source :lankasriteechno, 24 ஒக்ரோபர் 2011, 01:20.27 பி.ப GMT  நம்முடைய ஆரோக்கிய வாழ்வுக்கு தினசரி கீரை வகைகளை உணவில் சேர்த்துக் கொள்ள வேண்டும். கீரைகள் நமது உடலுக்குத் தேவையான தாது உப்புக்களையும், உயிர்ச்சத்துக்களையும் தருகின்றன. கரிசலாங்கண்ணிக் கீரைக்கு கரிசாலை, கரப்பான், கையாந்தகரை என்ற வேறு பெயர்களும் உண்டு. இக்கீரையைப் பச்சையாகவோ அல்லது சமையல் செய்தோ சாப்பிட்டு வர வேண்டும். இதை தினந்தோறும் தவறாது உட்கொண்டு வந்தால் ஆயுள் நீடிக்கும். உடம்பைக் கட்டுக்கோப்பாக வைத்திருக்கும். முகத்தில் தெளிவும், வசீகரமும் ஏற்படும். கரிசாலையைக் காய வைத்துப் பொடியாக்கி, அதைக் கொண்டு பல் துலக்கி வந்தால் பற்களுக்கு வன்மையைக் கொடுக்கும். பித்த நீர், கப நீர் வெளியாகும். கரிசலாங்கண்ணிக் கீரையை நன்கு கழுவி, வாயில் போட்டு மென்று சாற்றை விழுங்கிவிட வேண்டும். வாயில் இருக்கும் சக்கையைக் கொண்டு பல் துலக்க வேண்டும். மேலும் கண்பார்வையைக் கூர்மையாக்கும். தேகத்திற்குப் பொற்சாயல் ஏற்படும். இக்கீரை குடலுறுப்பு நோய், காமாலை, குஷ்டம், வீக்கம் ஆகிய பல வியாதிகளைப் போக்கும். உடலுக்கு ஊட்டம் தரும். உடம்பின் உள்ளுறுப்புகள் அனைத் தும் நன்றாக இயங்க வேண்டுமா னால் கால்சியம் தேவை. கரிசலாங் கண்ணியைப் போல கால்சியமும் பாஸ்பரசும் இணைந்து அதிகமாக இருக்கக் கூடிய வேறு உணவுப் பொருள் இல்லையென்றே கூறலாம். இரத்த அழுத்தம், இருதய நோயுள்ளவர்களுக்கு கரிசலாங்கண்ணி ஒரு வரப்பிரசாதமாகும். புரதம் 4.4, கொழுப்பு 0.8, தாதுப் பொருள் 4.5, மாவுப் பொருள் 9.2, சக்தி 62 கிலோ கலோரி, கால்சியம் 306, பாஸ்பரஸ் 462, இரும்பு 8.9, வைட்டமின் இல்லை. கரிசலாங்கண்ணிக் கீரையில் இரு வகை உண்டு. 1. வெள்ளைப் பூ கரிசலாங்கண்ணி, 2. மஞ்சள் பூ கரிசலாங்கண்ணி. மஞ்சள் கரிசலாங்கண்ணிக் கீரை மஞ்சள் காமாலை நோய்க்கு அற்புதமான மருந்தாகும். வெள்ளைக் கரிசலாங்கண்ணிக் கீரையில் கொஞ்சம் சத்து அதிகம்.

20 Painkillers in Your Kitchen

20 GREAT ALTERNATIVES TO TAKING MEDICATION


Source ; James Abraham,kottayam :Nov 7,2011

Make muscle pain a memory with ginger The greatest danger in medication is when both Doctors and patients do not know when to stop.  The first option always, without exception is to always look for home remedies which will not led to any metabolic reactions. When Danish researchers asked achy people to jazz up their diets with ginger, it eased muscle and joint pain, swelling and stiffness for up to 63 percent of them within two months. Experts credit ginger’s potent compounds called gingerols, which prevent the production of pain-triggering hormones. The study-recommended dose: Add at least 1 teaspoon of dried ginger or 2 teaspoons of chopped ginger to meals daily.

Cure a toothache with cloves Got a toothache and can’t get to the dentist? Gently chewing on a clove can ease tooth pain and gum inflammation for two hours straight, say UCLA researchers. Experts point to a natural compound in cloves called eugenol, a powerful, natural anesthetic. Bonus: Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves on meals daily may also protect your ticker. Scientists say this simple action helps stabilize blood sugar, plus dampen production of artery-clogging cholesterol in as little as three weeks.

Heal heartburn with cider vinegar Sip 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with 8 ounces of water before every meal, and experts say you could shut down painful bouts of heartburn in as little as 24 hours. “Cider vinegar is rich in malic and tartaric acids, powerful digestive aids that speed the breakdown of fats and proteins so your stomach can empty quickly, before food washes up into the esophagus, triggering heartburn pain,” explains Joseph Brasco, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Center for Colon and Digestive Diseases in Huntsville, AL.

Erase earaches with garlic Painful ear infections drive millions of Americans to doctors’ offices every year. To cure one fast, just place two drops of warm garlic oil into your aching ear twice daily for five days. This simple treatment can clear up ear infections faster than prescription meds, say experts at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. Scientists say garlic’s active ingredients (germanium, selenium, and sulfur compounds) are naturally toxic to dozens of different pain-causing bacteria. To whip up your own garlic oil gently simmer three cloves of crushed garlic in a half a cup of extra virgin olive oil for two minutes, strain, then refrigerate for up to two weeks, suggests Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., co-author of the book, Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy. For an optimal experience, warm this mix slightly before using so the liquid will feel soothing in your ear canal.

Chase away joint and headache pain with cherries Latest studies show that at least one in four women is struggling with arthritis, gout or chronic headaches. If you’re one of them, a daily bowl of cherries could ease your ache, without the stomach upset so often triggered by today’s painkillers, say researchers at East Lansing ’s Michigan State University . Their research reveals that anthocyanins, the compounds that give cherries their brilliant red color, are anti-inflammatories 10 times stronger than ibuprofen and aspirin. “Anthocyanins help shut down the powerful enzymes that kick-start tissue inflammation, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many different kinds of pain,” explains Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D., professor of food science at Michigan State University . His advice: Enjoy 20 cherries (fresh, frozen or dried) daily, then continue until your pain disappears.

Fight tummy troubles with fish Indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases...if your belly always seems to be in an uproar, try munching 18 ounces of fish weekly to ease your misery. Repeated studies show that the fatty acids in fish, called EPA and DHA, can significantly reduce intestinal inflammation, cramping and belly pain and, in some cases, provide as much relief as corticosteroids and other prescription meds. “EPA and DHA are powerful, natural, side effect-free anti-inflammatories, that can dramatically improve the function of the entire gastrointestinal tract,” explains biological chemist Barry Sears, Ph.D., president of the Inflammation Research Foundation in Marblehead , MA . For best results, look for oily fish like salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, trout and herring.

Prevent PMS with yogurt Up to 80 percent of women will struggle with premenstrual syndrome and its uncomfortable symptoms, report Yale researchers. The reason: Their nervous systems are sensitive to the ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone that occur naturally every month. But snacking on 2 cups of yogurt a day can slash these symptoms by 48 percent, say researchers at New York ’s Columbia University . “Yogurt is rich in calcium, a mineral that naturally calms the nervous system, preventing painful symptoms even when hormones are in flux,” explains Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a professor of gynecology at Yale University .

Tame chronic pain with turmeric Studies show turmeric, a popular East Indian spice, is actually three times more effective at easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, plus it can help relieve chronic pain for 50 percent of people struggling with arthritis and even fibromyalgia, according to Cornell researchers. That’s because turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, naturally shuts down cyclooxygenase 2, an enzyme that churns out a stream of pain-producing hormones, explains nutrition researcher Julian Whitaker, M.D. and author of the book, Reversing Diabetes. The study-recommended dose: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of this spice daily onto any rice, poultry, meat or vegetable dish.

End endometrial pain with oats The ticket to soothing endometriosis pain could be a daily bowl of oatmeal. Endometriosis occurs when little bits of the uterine lining detach and grow outside of the uterus. Experts say these migrating cells can turn menstruation into a misery, causing so much inflammation that they trigger severe cramping during your period, plus a heavy ache that drags on all month long. Fortunately, scientists say opting for a diet rich in oats can help reduce endometrial pain for up to 60 percent of women within six months. That’s because oats don’t contain gluten, a trouble-making protein that triggers inflammation in many women, making endometriosis difficult to bear, explains Peter Green, M.D., professor of medicine at Colombia University .

Soothe foot pain with salt Experts say at least six million Americans develop painful ingrown toenails each year. But regularly soaking ingrown nails in warm salt water baths can cure these painful infections within four days, say scientists at California ’s Stanford University . The salt in the mix naturally nixes inflammation, plus it’s anti-bacterial, so it quickly destroys the germs that cause swelling and pain. Just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into each cup of water, heat to the warmest temperature that you can comfortably stand, and then soak the affected foot area for 20 minutes twice daily, until your infection subsides.

Prevent digestive upsets with pineapple Got gas? One cup of fresh pineapple daily can cut painful bloating within 72 hours, say researchers at California ’s Stanford University . That's because pineapple is natually packed with proteolytic enzymes, digestive aids that help speed the breakdown of pain-causing proteins in the stomach and small intestine, say USDA researchers.

Relax painful muscles with peppermint Suffering from tight, sore muscles? Stubborn knots can hang around for months if they aren’t properly treated, says naturopath Mark Stengler, N.D., author of the book, The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies. His advice: Three times each week, soak in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil. The warm water will relax your muscles, while the peppermint oil will naturally soothe your nerves -- a combo that can ease muscle cramping 25 percent more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half, says Stengler.

Give your back some TLC with grapes Got an achy back? Grapes could be the ticket to a speedy recovery. Recent studies at Ohio State University suggest eating a heaping cup of grapes daily can relax tight blood vessels, significantly improving blood flow to damaged back tissues (and often within three hours of enjoying the first bowl). That’s great news because your back’s vertebrae and shock-absorbing discs are completely dependent on nearby blood vessels to bring them healing nutrients and oxygen, so improving blood flow is essential for healing damaged back tissue, says Stengler.

Wash away pain injuries with water Whether it’s your feet, your knees or your shoulders that are throbbing, experts at New York ’s Manhattan College , say you could kick-start your recovery in one week just by drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Why? Experts say water dilutes, and then helps flush out, histamine, a pain-triggering compound produced by injured tissues. “Plus water is a key building block of the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones, your joints’ lubricating fluid, and the soft discs in your spine,” adds Susan M. Kleiner, Ph.D., author of the book, The Good Mood Diet. “And when these tissues are well-hydrated, they can move and glide over each other without causing pain.” One caveat: Be sure to measure your drinking glasses to find out how large they really are before you start sipping, she says. Today’s juice glasses often hold more than 12 ounces, which means five servings could be enough to meet your daily goal.

Heal sinus problems with horseradish Latest studies show sinusitis is the nation’s number one chronic health problem. And this condition doesn’t just spur congestion and facial pain, it also makes sufferers six times more likely to feel achy all-over. Horseradish to the rescue! According to German researchers, this eye-watering condiment naturally revs up blood flow to the sinus cavities, helping to open and drain clogged sinuses and heal sinus infections more quickly than decongestant sprays do. The study-recommended dose: One teaspoon twice daily (either on its own, or used as a sandwich or meat topping) until symptoms clear.

Beat bladder infections with blueberries Eating 1 cup of blueberries daily, whether you opt for them fresh, frozen or in juice form, can cut your risk of a urinary tract infection (UTIs) by 60 percent, according to researchers at New Jersey’s Rutgers University. That's because blueberries are loaded with tannins, plant compounds that wrap around problem-causing bacteria in the bladder, so they can’t get a toehold and create an infection, explains Amy Howell, Ph.D. a scientist at Rutgers University .

Heal mouth sores with honey Dab painful canker and cold sores with unpasteurized honey four times daily until these skin woes disappear, and they’ll heal 43 percent faster than if you use a prescription cream, say researchers at the Dubai Specialized Medical Center in the United Arab Emirates . Raw honey’s natural enzymes zap inflammation, destroy invading viruses and speed the healing of damaged tissues, say the study authors.

Fight breast pain with flax In one recent study, adding 3 tablespoons of ground flax to their daily diet eased breast soreness for one in three women within 12 weeks. Scientists credit flax’s phytoestrogens, natural plant compounds that prevent the estrogen spikes that can trigger breast pain. More good news: You don’t have to be a master baker to sneak this healthy seed into your diet. Just sprinkle ground flax on oatmeal, yogurt, applesauce or add it to smoothies and veggie dips.

Cure migraines with coffee Prone to migraines? Try muscling-up your painkiller with a coffee chaser. Whatever over-the-counter pain med you prefer, researchers at the National Headache Foundation say washing it down with a strong 12- ounce cup of coffee will boost the effectiveness of your medication by 40 percent or more. Experts say caffeine stimulates the stomach lining to absorb painkillers more quickly and more effectively.

Tame leg cramps with tomato juice At least one in five people regularly struggle with leg cramps. The culprit? Potassium deficiencies, which occur when this mineral is flushed out by diuretics, caffeinated beverages or heavy perspiration during exercise. But sip 10 ounces of potassium-rich tomato juice daily and you'll not only speed your recovery, you'll reduce your risk of painful cramp flare-ups in as little as 10 days, say UCLA researchers.

What's on your plate?

Source :The Hindu:BHAVANI SUNDARI. B:Nov 2,2011

Get the proportions right to stay fit and healthy.

Balanced diet is a phrase you would have often heard if you are interested in following a diet. So how do you achieve eating a balanced meal?

You have the food pyramids to guide you. Each country has its own food pyramid. India has its own Food Pyramid and there is a Traditional Healthy Asian Diet Pyramid too. The food pyramid guides you by telling you that the bottom of the pyramid is what you should consume more and what is at the tip of the pyramid is what you should consume least.

Pyramid simplifies

Food pyramids get a little confusing for most of us, and we are unable to understand how to implement the principles on a day to day basis and how much of each that we can eat. The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) for the same reason has come up with a plate model.

The plate model is a tool that's been used by nutritionists in the past and it is gaining popularity again, thanks to the USDA.

The plate model, as you can see in the attached picture, gives you a break up of what your plate should consist of and in turn when you consume food accordingly, you would have ended up having a balanced meal and ‘voila' a balanced diet. This plate can be adapted for the Indian diet as well.

Let me explain the attached graphic. The graphic suggests that half your plate has vegetables and fruits. The proportion of vegetables has got to be more than fruits. This will ensure that you get your fibre, vitamins, minerals and anti–oxidants in your diet. Vegetables could be cooked form or it could be raw salads. It is always best to consume your vegetables and fruits with the skin and seeds, wherever possible. For example, you could train yourself to eat a sapota or cucumber with the skin, after it has been thoroughly washed.

Vegetables and fruits are full of nutrients and will help promote good health. Choose vegetables and fruits of all colours, including red, orange, and dark green vegetables such as tomatoes, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables such asPalak and Shepu.

Cereals should be one quarter of your plate. Its preferred that you consume whole grains and cereals, like red rice or rotis made from whole wheat flour or mixed grain flours. When you consume whole grains, it adds to your fibre consumption and also some vitamins and minerals.

Measure them carefully

Proteins should be another quarter of your plate. If you are a non-vegetarian, quarter of your plate could be lean meat or chicken or eggs. It would be a good idea to include fish at least twice in a week. If you are a vegetarian, quarter of your plate could be dhal or sambar or whole grams like channa, rajma, green gram, etc.

The small bowl which says Dairy can be a cup of milk during breakfast (preferably low fat) or low fat curds or yoghurt.

Along with all this what you need to keep in mind is the oil used for cooking. It's a good idea to use blended oil for cooking, but not more than half a litre of oil per person per month. Blended oils are available in the markets now and help you accomplish the proportion of the fatty oils that you need in your diet. Consuming food rich in oil / fat is going to add to the calories, which in turn can increase your weight.

Do these

Savour your food. Eat slowly; enjoy the taste and textures, and pay attention to how you feel. Eating very quickly may cause you to eat too much.

If you are looking at losing weight, use a smaller plate at meals to help with portion control. That way you can finish your entire plate and feel satisfied, without overeating.

It is preferable to eat home cooked food compared to eating out. In case you are eating out; choose healthier options, such as rotis instead of naan or plain or slightly salted pop-corn instead of buttered or caramelised pop corn.

Do try out new foods and new cuisines. You never know, you may find a new healthy favourite dish.

If you have a sweet tooth, indulge is a fruit. You have exotic fruits such as kiwi, fresh figs and strawberries also available in the market these days. Fruits are any day better compared to pastries, muffins and Payasam (Kheer).

What you should definitely not forget is exercise. Any form of exercise, could be even walking or a favourite game, at least 30 minutes – five times a week or 60 minutes – three times a week, should not be compromised on.

Indian Breakfast

Idlis – 3 + mint chutney + 1 bowl of papaya + 1 cup of milk

Dosas – 2 + tomato Chutney + apple milk Shake

For Lunch and Dinner

Brown rice - 1 cup + drum stick sambar – 1 cup + ladies finger poriyal (Subzi) – 1 1/2 cups + one small orange + Curds – 1 cup

Chapathis – 2 + dal – 1 cup + palak paneer + 1 small apple

Ragi Roti – 2 + green leafy vegetables+ dal + a small banana + butter milk