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Joy from soy

PRADEEP KHOSLA

In the West, soy foods are being recognised as having a potential role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, most notable cancer and heart diseases.

There are also potential roles for soy foods, which include reducing the incidence of osteoporosis, kidney disease, menopausal symptoms, cholesterol reduction and increasing immunity.

The soya contains a lot of protein: twice as much as most pulses and also twice as much as meat.

Soy protein is highly digestible compared to the digestibility of beef, milk and fish protein.

Soy fibre aids in controlling constipation, assists in the management of blood cholesterol and glucose and helps regulate blood insulin levels.

In addition, soy fibre does not interfere with the body's optimal utilization of essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and iron. Say cheese

I am unable to find fresh mozzarella cheese in the city, and would like to make it at home. Does the recipe require rennet? Where can I find rennet? If not, is there a suitable substitute?

Indian mozzarella is available at all supermarkets in Hyderabad. Rennet is not readily available in the market but some yeast-manufacturing units do make rennet. The closest substitute to rennet is citric acid. But to make a good mozzarella, rennet should be used. It is difficult to get it right as the temperature and the quality of milk play a major role in preparing good mozzarella.

Chaat centre

What goes into the making of aloo toast served in chaat centres?

Preethi. N

There are a lot of variations in recipes for street food delicacies. But I shall share a personal favourite method of making aloo toast here .

Ingredients

Fresh sliced jumbo bread: 1

Potatoes 500: gms, chopped onions: 50 gms, chopped green chillies: 15 gms, chopped green coriander: 30 gms, chopped ginger: 30 gms, red chilly powder: 15 gms, cumin seeds: 10 gms, sunflower oil: 30 ml, butter: 50 gms, salt to taste

Method

Boil, cool, peel and mash the potatoes. For the potato stuffing, heat a pan, crackle cumin seeds, add chopped onions, ginger and green chillies. Add boiled and mashed potatoes, turmeric and red chilly powder, salt and coriander. Take two bread slices; coat all the sides with butter.

Make a sandwich with the potato stuffing and the two slices of bread. Use a bread toaster or griller to give it the desired effect. Toast it till the bread is crisp and golden grill marks can be seen. Cut it diagonally so that the stuffing can also be seen. Serve hot with tomato ketchup or saunth chutney.

Aromatic masalas

How does one prepare garam masala and sambar powder at home?

Anjali

Every Indian household has their own recipe for garam masala. Here is a guide, but remember that quantities can vary to suit the tastes of every household. Commercially prepared garam masala is not aromatic and does not retain the flavour for a long time.

Garam masala

Ingredients

Black peppercorn: 15 gms, cumin seeds: 30 gms, cinnamon: 3, cardamom seeds: 15 gms, black peppercorn: 5 gms, cloves: 15 gms, bay leaves: 3, mace: 2, coriander seeds: 30 gms, nutmeg: 1

Method: Heat a heavy bottom pan, dry roast all the spices and stir constantly. Grind all the spices using a small electric grinder and store in an airtight container.

Sambar powder

Ingredients

Mustard seeds: 15 gms, fenugreek seeds: 15 gms, dried red chillies: 12, peppercorn: 15 gms, coriander seeds: 15 gms, turmeric powder: 15 gms, asafoetida: 4 gms, sunflower oil: 45 ml, gram lentil split (chana dal): 45 gms, split black lentils (urad dal): 45 gms, split yellow lentils (toor dal): 45 gms.

Method: Heat a heavy bottomed pan and dry roast the spices. Keep it on low heat and stir constantly. The seeds will crackle and splutter, so beware. Add turmeric and asafoetida and remove from the flame. Heat oil and fry the lentils until they turn dark. Mix with roasted spices.

(Send in your queries to hydphoto@thehindu.co.in)

Executive Chef, Taj Krishna

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