Fruits & Vegetables

Drumstick, also known as Moringa oleifera, is a tree that is native to India but is also found in many other parts of the world. Its long, slender, green seed pods are commonly used as a vegetable in Indian, Southeast Asian, and African cuisines.

Drumstick is a highly nutritious vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is also a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

In traditional medicine, drumstick has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including anemia, arthritis, and digestive problems. It is also believed to have anti-cancer properties.

In Indian cuisine, drumstick is commonly used in curries, stews, and soups. The seed pods can also be pickled, and the leaves can be used in salads or as a garnish. The seeds are sometimes used as a seasoning or to make a nutritious oil. The taste of drumstick is slightly sweet and earthy, with a texture similar to green beans.

Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon or karela, is a vegetable that is widely used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian dishes. It is a member of the gourd family, which includes other vegetables like squash, pumpkin, and zucchini.

As its name suggests, bitter gourd has a distinct bitter taste that can be an acquired taste for some people. It has a long, oblong shape with a ridged exterior and a fleshy, green interior filled with seeds.

In Indian cuisine, bitter gourd is commonly used in curries, stir-fries, and soups. It can also be stuffed, pickled, or fried to make snacks or side dishes. Bitter gourd is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diabetes, digestive issues, and skin problems.

Bitter gourd is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in nutrients. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, and minerals like iron and potassium. It is also high in dietary fiber and antioxidants.

Overall, bitter gourd is a unique and flavorful vegetable that is widely used in Asian cuisine. Its distinct bitter taste may not be for everyone, but it is a valuable ingredient in many dishes and is also believed to have numerous health benefits.

Sheem beans, also known as hyacinth beans or lablab beans, are a popular vegetable in Bengali cuisine. They are long, flat beans that come in various colors, including green, purple, and white. Sheem beans are known for their slightly sweet taste and tender texture.

Recipe: 

Ingredients:

• Sheem beans (hyacinth beans) - approximately 1 pound
• Oil - 1-2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium-sized, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2-3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated or minced
• Green chili - 1-2, sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Water - as needed
• Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the sheem beans thoroughly and trim the ends. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if desired.

2. Heat oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

3. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced green chili to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

4. Now, add the sheem beans to the pan and mix well with the onion-garlic mixture.

5. Sprinkle turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt over the beans. Stir to coat the beans evenly with the spices.

6. Add a splash of water to the pan, cover it with a lid, and let the sheem beans cook on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to prevent sticking or drying out. Cook until the beans are tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

7. Once the beans are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the lid and continue cooking for a few more minutes to evaporate any excess moisture.

8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves (optional) and serve the sheem beans hot as a side dish with rice or roti.

Feel free to adjust the spices and seasonings according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your sheem beans!

Fresh curry leaves are a popular herb used in South Asian cuisine, particularly in Indian, Sri Lankan, and other regional dishes. They have a distinct aroma and flavor that adds depth and fragrance to various dishes. Here are some tips on handling and using fresh curry leaves:

1. Selection: Choose leaves that are vibrant green and have an aromatic fragrance. Avoid leaves that are wilted or discolored.

2. Storage: Store fresh curry leaves in the refrigerator. Place them in a plastic bag or an airtight container to help retain their freshness. They can last for about a week in the refrigerator.

3. Cleaning: Before using, rinse the curry leaves under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

4. Usage: Curry leaves are often used as a seasoning in the early stages of cooking. Heat a bit of oil in a pan, add the curry leaves, and let them splutter to release their flavors. This infused oil can then be used as a base for your curry or other dishes.

5. Flavor: Fresh curry leaves have a citrusy, slightly nutty flavor. They complement dishes like curries, soups, stews, and lentil preparations. They're also used in some chutneys and rice dishes.

6. Tea: Some people also make curry leaf tea by boiling fresh leaves in water. This is believed to have various health benefits, but it's essential to research and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your routine.

Remember that curry leaves are not the same as curry powder, which is a blend of various spices. Curry leaves come from the curry tree (Murraya koenigii) and are used for their unique aromatic properties.

Adding fresh curry leaves to your cooking can enhance the flavor and authenticity of many South Asian dishes. If you can't find fresh leaves, they are sometimes available dried, but keep in mind that the flavor may not be as intense as that of the fresh ones.

Verse curryblaadjes zijn een populaire kruidensoort in de Zuid-Aziatische keuken, met name in de Indiase, Sri Lankaanse en andere regionale gerechten. Ze hebben een kenmerkend aroma en smaak die diepte en geur toevoegen aan verschillende gerechten. Hier zijn enkele tips voor het hanteren en gebruiken van verse curryblaadjes:

Selectie: Kies blaadjes die levendig groen zijn en een aromatische geur hebben. Vermijd blaadjes die verwelkt of verkleurd zijn.

Opslag: Bewaar verse curryblaadjes in de koelkast. Doe ze in een plastic zak of een luchtdichte container om hun versheid te behouden. Ze kunnen ongeveer een week in de koelkast bewaard blijven.

Reiniging: Spoel de curryblaadjes voor gebruik af onder koud water om vuil of vuil te verwijderen. Dep ze droog met een stuk keukenpapier.

Gebruik: Curryblaadjes worden vaak gebruikt als smaakmaker in de vroege stadia van het koken. Verhit een beetje olie in een pan, voeg de curryblaadjes toe en laat ze knetteren om hun smaken vrij te geven. Deze geïnfuseerde olie kan vervolgens worden gebruikt als basis voor je curry of andere gerechten.

Smaak: Verse curryblaadjes hebben een citrussmaak met een licht nootachtig aroma. Ze passen goed bij gerechten zoals curry's, soepen, stoofschotels en linzenbereidingen. Ze worden ook gebruikt in sommige chutneys en rijstgerechten.

Thee: Sommige mensen maken ook thee van curryblaadjes door verse blaadjes in water te koken. Dit wordt verondersteld verschillende gezondheidsvoordelen te hebben, maar het is essentieel om te onderzoeken en een arts te raadplegen voordat je het in je routine opneemt.

Onthoud dat curryblaadjes niet hetzelfde zijn als kerriepoeder, dat een mengsel is van verschillende specerijen. Curryblaadjes komen van de curryboom (Murraya koenigii) en worden gebruikt vanwege hun unieke aromatische eigenschappen.

Het toevoegen van verse curryblaadjes aan je kookkunsten kan de smaak en authenticiteit van veel Zuid-Aziatische gerechten verbeteren. Als je geen verse blaadjes kunt vinden, zijn ze soms gedroogd beschikbaar, maar bedenk dat de smaak mogelijk niet zo intens is als die van de verse blaadjes.

Bottle gourd, also known as calabash or lauki, is a vegetable that is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is a member of the gourd family, which includes other vegetables like squash, pumpkin, and zucchini.

Bottle gourd has a unique shape, with a long, cylindrical body and a slightly curved neck. It is often green in color, but can also be white or yellow. The flesh of the bottle gourd is mild and slightly sweet and can be eaten cooked or raw.

In Indian cuisine, bottle gourd is used in a variety of dishes, including curries, stews, and soups. It is also commonly used to make a popular vegetarian side dish called lauki ki sabzi, which is made by sautéing diced bottle gourd with spices and onions.

Bottle gourd is a low-calorie vegetable that is rich in nutrients. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals like calcium and potassium. It is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and digestive issues.

Overall, bottle gourd is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is widely used in Indian cuisine. Its mild flavor and unique shape make it a popular choice for a variety of dishes, while its health benefits make it a valuable addition to any diet.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to tropical Africa but is also widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including India, Thailand, and Mexico. The fruit of the tamarind tree is a pod-like fruit that is often used in cooking, especially in Southeast Asian, Indian, and Mexican cuisines.

Tamarind has a unique sweet and sour flavor that is often compared to a combination of lemon and apricot. The pulp of the fruit is used in a variety of dishes, including chutneys, curries, and sauces. It is also used as a souring agent in soups and stews.

Tamarind is also used in traditional medicine for its many health benefits. It contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood sugar levels.

In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, tamarind is also used in the production of various food products, including candies, juices, and sauces. It is also used in industrial applications, such as in the production of adhesives and textiles.