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Mint Chocolate Recipe | Pepper mint Chocolates Recipe

Mint Chocolate Recipe | Pepper mint Chocolates Recipe

Mint is a popular herb that can be used fresh or dried in many dishes and infusions. Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, gum, candy, and beauty products.
The mentha, or mint, family refers to a group of around 15 to 20 plant species, including peppermint and spearmint.
Mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food. Learning how to use fresh herbs and spices such as mint to add flavor when cooking can also help to cut down on sodium intake.


Mint is believed to have a number of health benefits.

Allergies: 

Mint plants contain an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid. This has been studied for its effectiveness in relieving seasonal allergy symptoms, revealing a promising natural treatment.

Indigestion and gas: 

Mint is a calming and soothing herb that has been used for thousands of years to aid with upset stomach or indigestion. 

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): 

The use of peppermint oil has been found to be an effective and safe treatment for those suffering from abdominal pain.

Source- Medical News Today

Mint Chocolate Recipe | Pepper mint Chocolates Recipe

Prep time 
20 mins
total time
20 mins
Author: Neha Sharma

Ingredients-

  • Dark Chocolate- 200gms (Check Recipe) 
  • Icing Sugar/Powdered Sugar- 1 cup
  • Oil- 1/2 tbsp
  • Milk- 1 tbsp
  • Pepper mint Extract or Mint Oil- 1/4 tbsp
  • Food Colour (Green) - 5 drops

Method-

  1. Using a sieve/Channi, sift the Sugar.
  2. Transfer Sugar in a bowl, add oil, milk and mix it until you get a nice runny paste.
  3. Now add pepper mint extract, food colour and mix well.
  4. Fill your chocolate moulds or ice tray in half with the above mixture and let it set it the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, Melt the dark chocolate completely on a double boiler.
  6. Once done, take out the ice tray from refrigerator and pour the melted chocolate on top of the Sugar and Pepper mint semi set mixture.
  7. Once done, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
  8. Pepper mint Chocolates are ready to be served, you can also store them in air tight container just wrap them up in a wrapping paper and Refrigerate.

Easy Fish Dum Biryani Recipe

Fish biryani recipe | How to make fish biryani | Fish dum biryani recipe

The sheer joy of eating fish is known only to the lovers of seafood. Those who can’t seem to go beyond the foul smell associated with it miss out on a great expanse of culinary wonders that are delectable and so satisfying. The silken texture of fish when coupled with indigenous spices and local cooking techniques, renders an exquisite experience to the palate. Fish consumption has alot of health benefits. Its rich nutritional profile that comes studded with essential micronutrients including omega 3, protein, B vitamins, selenium and vitamin D among others, makes it a much sought after item among fitness enthusiastic.

Source- NDTV Food

Fish is probably one of the easiest items to cook and goes well with most ingredients. Its versatility is astonishing. Its delicate texture makes experimentation easy and today I am going to share a delicious and easy Fish dum Biryani recipe with you. 

Fish biryani recipe | How to make fish biryani | Fish dum biryani recipe

prep time
15 mins
Cook time 
35 mins
total time
50 mins
Author: Neha Sharma
Fish biryani recipe | How to make fish biryani | Fish dum biryani recipe

Ingredients-

  • Boneless fish- 500 grams
  • Basmati rice- 500 grams
  • Onions- 4 (Cut in thin long slices, deep fried until golden brown)
  • Turmeric powder- 1/2 tbsp
  • Red chili powder- 1 tbsp
  • Lemon juice- 1/2 lemon
  • Ginger garlic paste- 6 tbsp
  • Green chilli paste- 3 tbsp
  • Mint leaves- 1/4 cup
  • Curd- 300 grams
  • Ghee- 2 tbsp
  • Jeera/Cumin- 2 1/2 tbsp
  • Fennel seeds/saunf- 1 tbsp
  • Star anise- 1
  • Cloves - 8
  • Cinnamon stick - 6 pieces (1 inch each)
  • Cardamom, Black & Green - 4 each
  • Bay leaf - 3
  • Oil- 6 tbsp
  • Salt- as required
Fish biryani recipe | How to make fish biryani | Fish dum biryani recipe

Method-

  1. Clean and cut fish fillets into pieces and keep aside.
  2. Wash and soak rice in warm water for 20 minutes, in a pan with boiling water(3-4 litres of water) add salt, 1 tbsp cumin, 4 clove, 3 bay leaves, 5 tbsp of Ginger Garlic Paste, 2 tbsp of green chilli paste, 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tbsp ghee, 2 green and 2 black Cardamoms. Allow the water to boil for 3 minutes.
  3. Add soaked rice to the boiling water. Let it cook on a high flame for 12 minutes or until rice is 90% cooked.
  4. Once done drain the water using strained and let the rice cool down.
  5. Dry roast 1 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds, 1 tbsp of fennel seeds, 4 Cardamom, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cloves, 1 star anise in a pan for 3 minutes.
  6. Once done, grind it into a fine powder. 
  7. Heat oil for deep frying in a pan or pot, cut 4 onions into thin long slices and add them to the oil. 
  8. Fry until they turn into golden brown color, strain out excess oil with a tissue paper to make them crispy.
  9. In a bowl, add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, 2 tbsp of biryani masala (which we created in step 5 & 6) and mix well.
  10. Add 5 tbsp of oil, 2 fried onions (reserve half for later use), remaining ginger garlic paste, remaining green chilli paste, lemon juice, whip the yogurt and add it to the mixture, mix everything really well.
  11. Add the fish pieces and mix gently. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
  12. To cook and layer the Biryani grease a pot with oil (do not use pressure cooker).
  13. Layer bottom of the pan with marinated fish and top it up with cooked rice (don't press the rice).
  14. Drizzle 2 tbsp of ghee, fried onions, mint leaves and coriander leaves. 
  15. Cover the pot with aluminium foil and close with lid.
  16. Keep a thick pan/tawa on the flame and place the cooking pot over it.
  17. Cook on high heat for first 15 minutes then turn the heat to low and cook for another 10 minutes.
  18. Transfer the biryani into serving bowl turning the pot upside down.

Protein Banana Spinach Smoothie without Protein Powder

Banana spinach smoothie recipe, banana smoothie, banana shake, banana protein shake

A smoothie serves as a snack to help get you through the day, or can be used to replenish energy and nutrient stores after a tough workout. In addition to their virtually limitless versatility, smoothies allow you to consume several servings of vegetables and fruits in one sitting. A smoothie made with banana and spinach provides your body with several essential nutrients, and offers a number of health benefits.


Vitamin K
One of the health benefits of consuming spinach and banana smoothies is increased vitamin K intake. Vitamin K plays an essential role in early wound healing -- it triggers the aggregation of blood cells, called platelets, into blood clots and stops bleeding at the site of injury.

Potassium
A smoothie made with spinach and banana also provides potassium. An essential mineral, potassium facilitates muscle function and nerve communication, and also helps control your blood pressure. Both bananas and spinach serve as sources of the mineral.

Vitamin A
Bananas and spinach both contain beta-carotene, a yellow pigment that serves as a source of vitamin A. After absorption, your body splits each beta-carotene molecule into two vitamin A molecules, which it uses to maintain your immune system and retinas, as well as to help guide the development of newly produced cells.


Banana spinach smoothie recipe, banana smoothie, banana shake, banana protein shake

Prep time 
10 mins
total time
10 mins
Author: Neha Sharma

Ingredients-

Method-

  1. In a blender, Combine all the ingredients and blend on high until mixture is smooth.
  2. Serve immediately. 

PROTEIN RICH CARROT SMOOTHIE

Fruits and vegetables, such as bananas and carrots, make delicious and nutritious additions to meals and snacks. They contain essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins and minerals, and help you meet your recommended intake of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Carrots are more nutrient-dense than bananas, but both are healthy options.

Macronutrients-The carrots contain fewer calories than bananas but provide equal amounts of protein and fiber, which helps you feel full for longer.Vitamins-Each serving of banana provides 0.37 milligram of vitamin B-6, or 18 percent of the daily value, and 8.7 grams of vitamin C, or 15 percent of the DV.Minerals-Bananas and carrots contain potassium. Potassium helps to counteract sodium and lower your blood pressure and is important for muscle, heart and digestive function.

Source- HealthyEating


Carrot smoothie, post workout shake without protein powder, protein shake

Prep time 
10 mins
total time
10 mins
Author: Neha Sharma

Ingredients-

  • Grated coconut or Coconut flakes- 2 tbsp
  • Walnuts/Akhrot- 2 tbsp
  • Carrot Grated- 1 large carrot
  • Orange- 1 (Peeled and de-seeded) 
  • Banana- 1/2 Big or 1 small
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt- 1/2 cup
  • Honey- 3 tbsp
  • Vanilla essence- 2 tbsp
  • Coconut water- 1/2 cup
  • Ice Cubes- 4

Method-

  1. In a blender, Combine all the ingredients and blend until completely smooth.
  2. Serve immediately. 

Homemade Nutella Recipe

Nutella is a hazelnut-chocolate spread similar to peanut butter but with a sweeter flavor. Though the spread contains saturated fat and sugar, it also supplies a good amount of key vitamins and minerals that you need for good health. The hazelnuts in Nutella might also boost the health of your heart, making it a fairly nutritious food to occasionally incorporate into your healthy eating plan.

Fiber and Heart BenefitsA 2-tablespoon serving of Nutella contains 1 gram of fiber. That's 4 percent of the 25 grams of fiber women need each day and 3 percent of the 38 grams that men should aim for. Fiber helps lower your cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level helps reduce your chances of developing heart problems, including a heart attack.Iron and CalciumA 2-tablespoon serving of nutella supplies 4 percent of your daily iron needs, as well as 4 percent of your calcium needs. Iron helps your body make red blood cells and it also helps protect the health of your immune system.(Source- HealthyEating) 

prep time
10 mins
total time
10 mins
Author: Neha Sharma

Ingredients-

  • Hazelnuts/Walnuts- 100 gms
  • Powdered Sugar- 3 tbsp
  • Cocoa Powder- 3 tbsp
  • Milk Powder- 3 tbsp
  • Olive oil/Vegetable oil- 4 tbsp

Method-

  1. Dry roast hazelnut/walnut for about 10 minutes or till they turn shiny and light brown in colour. 
  2. Once done let them cool completely.
  3. Once cooled grind the nuts into a fine paste. Scrap the sides with a spoon and grind it again. 
  4. Then add Powdered Sugar, cocoa powder, milk powder, 2 tbsp of oil and grind till it becomes a paste. 
  5. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil and grind again until done.
  6. Transfer it to an air tight container and store in refrigerator.

Chicken Biryani Recipe

Biryani in pressure cooker, Biryani Recipe, Chicken Recipes, Dumm Biryani,

prep time
10 mins
Cook time 
35 mins
total time
45 mins
Author: Neha Sharma

Ingredients (for Marination)-

  • Salt - To taste
  • Curd - 2 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder - 1/4 tbsp
  • Coriander powder - 1 tbsp
  • Garam Masala Powder- 1 tbsp
  • Black Pepper powder - 1/2 tbsp (Optional) 
  • Red Chilly Powder - 1 tbsp
  • Ginger garlic paste -1 tbsp

Ingredients for Biryani-

  • Basmati rice- 3 cups 
  • Chicken- 1/2 kg 
  • Onion-1 large (cut lengthwise) 
  • Tomato- 2 (finely chopped) 
  • Ginger garlic paste -1 tbsp 
  • Green chillies- 4 (finely Chopped) 
  • Coriander- 1/2 cup (Chopped) 
  • Ghee- 6 tbsp 
  • Curd-1/4 cup 
  • Coconut milk- 1 cup (Optional) 
  • Salt - to taste 
  • Red Chilly powder - 2 tbsp
  • Fennel Powder - 2 tbsp (Optional) 
  • Turmeric powder - 1/4 tbsp
  • Cumin- 1 tbsp
  • Bay leaf- 2 
  • Cinnamon- 4 
  • Cloves- 5 
  • Whole black pepper/Saboot kali mirch- 5
  • Cardamom (Black & Green)- 3 each
Biryani in pressure cooker, Biryani Recipe, Chicken Recipes, Dumm Biryani,

Method-

  1. In a bowl add Chicken pieces, marinate it by using ingredients mentioned under marination list, and let it rest for 1 hour in refrigerator.
  2. Rinse and soak the rice for about half an hour in warm water. After half an hour drain the water completely.
  3. In a pan heat some oil/ghee and roast the rice until they are aromatic or for about 15 minutes on Low heat (do not add water). 
  4. In a pressure cooker heat ghee. Once it is hot, add Cumin, bay leaf, whole black pepper, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon. Stir for a minute or until a nice aroma comes. 
  5. Then add onions and chopped green chillies. 
  6. Once onions turn slightly brown, add ginger garlic paste and chopped coriander. Stir for about 2 minutes. 
  7. Then add tomatoes and saute until the oil separates from masala. 
  8. Once done add marinated chicken, red chilly powder, turmeric powder, fennel powder, curd and salt. 
  9. Combine everything and saute for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to a gravy consistency. 
  10. Now add coconut milk (if using) along with 3 1/2 cup of water (use 4 1/2 cup water if not using coconut milk) to the gravy and bring it to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, add rice and taste the Masalas.
  11. Cover the pressure cooker and reduce the flame to lowest, allow it to cook for about 20-30 minutes. (do not increase the flame, otherwise the bottom will get burned.) 
  12. After 30 minutes, switch off the flame and allow the pressure to release on its own. 
  13. Serve chicken biryani with raita and boiled eggs. 

Notes:

* Process will remain same if in case you are using a rice cooker. 
Dont forget to try Mutton Biryani Recipe. 

Malai Peda | Diabetic Friendly Recipe

Kesar malai peda, Indian Dessert, Sugarfree Desserts, Diabetic Friendly Recipe

prep time
10 mins
Cook time 
35 mins
total time
45 mins
Author: Neha Sharma

Ingredients-

  • Low-fat milk- 2 1/2 cup
  • Full-fat milk- 2 cups 
  • Cornflour- 2 tsp
  • Saffron (kesar) strands- 1/4 tsp (Optional) 
  • Citric acid- 1/4 tsp
  • Cardamom/Elaichi powder- 1/4 tsp 
  • Sugar free- 2 tbsp
  • Chopped nuts- 3 tbsp (Optional) 
Kesar malai peda, Indian Dessert, Sugarfree Desserts, Diabetic Friendly Recipe

Method-

  1. In a bowl Combine cornflour in 1 tbsp of low fat milk, mix well.
  2. In another bowl take 2 tbsp of warm milk,  add saffron strands to it and mix well. 
  3. In another bowl combine citric acid with 1 tbsp of water, mix well and keep aside. 
  4. In a pan add low-fat milk and full-fat milk and boil for 8-10 minutes on high flame, while stirring. 
  5. After 10 minutes, reduce the flame to medium and cook till the milk reduces to half its quantity, while stirring in between and scrapping the sides of the pan this will take about 30 minutes.
  6. Add the saffron mixture prepared in step 2, mix well and cook for 5 minutes on medium flame while stirring occasionally.
  7. Now add cornflour and citric mixture prepared in step 1 & step 3, mix well.
  8. Cook till the mixture starts leaving the sides of the pan while stirring continuously it will take about 12 to 14 minutes. 
  9. Once done, switch off the flame, add sugarfree and Cardamom powder. Mix well.
  10. Transfer this mixture to a plate and let it cool down completely.
  11. Divide the mixture equally into 15 portions or more and shape it into flat round Pedas. 
  12. Sprinkle chopped nuts on each Peda and press gently. 
  13. Transfer the pedas to an air-tight container and store it in refrigerator.

Name

About Me

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Hello! My name is Neha Sharma. I am Passionate about cooking and travelling.It's inspirational, challenging, creative and a great stress buster.
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