Posted on June 5, 2020 at 2:00 PM by Madhu Gadia
June 5, 2020 
Grilling – Indian Flavors
Happy Father's Day
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Studies have shown that a father plays a significant role in a child's development, although you don't need research to tell you that. I'm happy to see that fathers today are much more actively involved; they're often equal partners in their child's life. Maybe you can think of a fun or loving memory with your dad (or father figure) and share it with him on Father's Day – men appear to be tough, but they can be a big bowl of mush. You just might make their day or month.
I was one of those lucky people who grew with a very engaged dad. I grew up in an era when "father knows best" was a typical belief (I know, but it was the era). I never questioned it because he took good care of all of us, including mom. He knew what each of us (five kids) was up to; nothing escaped him. We loved him, trusted him, and were scared of him. All he had to do was look at us in a certain way, and we knew we screwed up; he disciplined with his eyes. It was his ever presence in our lives that we all remember. His one word, one compliment, one smile, would make my day, hands down. I miss you, dad.
June is Men's Health Month
Men's health issues significantly impact everyone around them. Men sometimes take better care of their cars than their health. Ask your dad, when was his last physical, and what did the doctor say? Dads tend to listen to kids better than their wife or even themself.
The goal of Men's Health Month is to increase awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Encourage men to pay attention to warning signs such as changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent backaches, recurrent chest pains, and extreme fatigue. Here are some healthful tips for men:
- Eat less, move more: Check your weight
- Eat your vegetables and fruits
- Know your cholesterol levels
- Check your blood pressure
- Get screened for colorectal and prostate cancer
Check out www.menshealthnetwork.org for resources and health facts.
Grilling – Indian Flavors
Since men and grilling go hand in hand, this week, I chose to feature recipes that can be grilled. Barbecue is not your typical Indian style of cooking. Yet, tandoori meats, tandoori breads, and roasted vegetables are great on the grill. It's all about the celebration, whether you grill for him or let him take the reins.
The best part of grilling is eating outdoors and hanging out together.
Check out the recipes below and share them with the men in your life.
Tandoori Chicken
Grilled vegetables (Bhuni Sabji)
Naan – Indian flatbread
Veggie Bean Burgers (You might also want to check out these vegan burgers on the grill. For best results, use a flat top griddle on the grill.)
Happy Healthy Cooking!
Sincerely,
Madhu Gadia
Tandoori Chicken – see recipe and video here.
Tandoori chicken, in the video is cooked in the oven. You can make it in the oven or on the grill.
(Gluten-Free, Low Fat)
Grilled vegetables (Bhuni Sabji) 
(Gluten-Free, Low Fat)
I usually make these vegetables at a backyard party. Just put some toothpicks out and let people pick at them.
- 2 cups zucchini, 1/4 inch slices
- 1 cup onions, 1/4 inch wedges
- 2 cups green and red peppers, 1/2 inch wedges
- 1 cup carrots, 1/4 inch slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
1. In a bowl, mix zucchini, onions, peppers, and carrots.
2. Add oil, vinegar, cumin powder, chili flakes, and black pepper. Toss well to coat the vegetables. Marinate for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the time you have (the longer you marinate, the stronger the flavor will be). Just before grilling stir in the salt.
3. Preheat the grill. Spread the grill with thick aluminum foil. Spread the vegetables in a single layer. Grill until the vegetables are light brown on both sides, about 5 minutes, turning frequently. Transfer to a serving platter. Serve hot.
Note: If desired, bake the vegetables in a 400ºF preheated oven. Follow steps 1 and 2 as above. Place the vegetables on a sheet pan in a single layer and bake for about 10 minutes until vegetables are just tender. Move the sheet pan to the top shelf, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables have a little black spots (charred look).
Makes: 6 Servings
Serving Size: 1/2 Cup
Nutrition Information per serving: Calories: 62; Total Fat: 4 g; Carbohydrate: 7g; Protein 1g; Fiber: 2g; Sodium: 218mg
(Reprinted fromThe Indian Vegan Kitchen, www.cuisineofindia.com)
Naan 
Naan is the most popular bread served in Indian restaurants. It is made in a tandoor (clay oven), but here is a way to make naan in your very own oven or the grill (see below). If you have access to a brick pizza oven with an open flame, cook the naan near the flame and directly on the pizza oven floor.
Or make the naan directly on the grill. I have to give credit to my daughter for making the naan on the grill. Her husband loves to grill, and she is testing all kinds of recipes on the grill. Perfect for summer days.
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
¾ cup plain yogurt
½ teaspoon active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
½ cup lukewarm water
flour for rolling
2 tablespoons ghee or butter (optional)
1. In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine flour, oil and salt, mix until the flour is crumbly. Mix in yogurt.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in lukewarm water.
3. Add yeast mixture to flour and mix. Knead until dough is smooth.
4. Coat dough lightly with oil. Cover, and let rise for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Preheat oven to broil on high.
6. Place dry flour for rolling in a shallow container.
7. Divide dough into 12 equal portions. Roll between the palms of your hands to make smooth balls. Roll in dry flour.
8. Roll out each ball to about 1/4- inch-thick oval shapes. Pierce each naan with fork in 4 to 5 places.
9. Place 3 to 4 naan on a lightly greased baking sheet. Broil near to the top of the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, until puffed and light brown. Turnover and broil for another 1 to 2 minutes until slightly brown.
10. If desired, lightly brush the naan with ghee or melted butter. Serve immediately or place in an air-tight container to serve later.
Makes 12 naans.
Serving Size: 1 Naan.
Nutrition Information per serving: Calories: 142; Carbohydrate: 25 g; Total Fat: 3 g; Protein 4 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sodium: 209 mg
(Recipe printed from New Indian Home Cooking - www.cuisineofindia.com)
Categories: Blog Articles, Recipes