Is Quinoa a grain or not?

Friday, August 28, 2009

Quinoa is actually not a grain although it is consumed much as one would consume grains like rice, wheat, or couscous.  It is a grain liek crop that originated in South America several thousand years ago.  Quinoa has a high protein content and is an excellent choice for vegetarians, especially to try something new.

Quinoa cooks much faster than rice. Stir fry some vegetables and season with mustard seeds, turmeric powder, urad dal, and chana dal.  Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste.

Feel my Pulse for Protein

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Pulses are legumes.  They are an excellent source of protein.  Lentils or dal (Indian word) belong to the pulse family of crops.  Pulses and grains, like rice and wheat, consumed together provide an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates.

Vegetarians in many cultures have long consumed a variety of lentils.  Especially in the Indian sub-continent, lentils and other pulses are very popular and are used to cook a variety of dishes.  Several studies have shown nutritional and health advantages of a diet incorporating pulses and grains.

While lentils are grown throughout the world, India is the largest consumer of lentils and also produces half the world's production.

Am I a Vegetarian

In the past, on several occasions, I have had to define the term vegetarian for others.  When I have asked to be accommodated as a vegetarian, I have been asked, sea food is fine right?  On one occasion, I was asked, fish is ok right?  It is amazing what different people think being vegetarian means.

I only have one definition.  A vegetarian is a person whose diet consists of only plant-based food and diary. The diet does not include any type of animal food including meat, sea food, poultry or even eggs.  There are vegetarians who do incorporate eggs in their diet and are called ovo-vegetarians.  Others are do strict that they do not consume any diary at all.  They are called vegans.

Hope this clarifies my position on who is a vegetarian.

Cheers,
- Venkat

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Tiffin?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

All of us are used to breakfast, lunch, dinner or as some say it "supper".  So what exactly is a tiffin?

Tiffin has its origins in India at the time of the British colonial rule.  These days it has taken on multiple meanings. It refers to a light snack in between the traditional lunch and dinner times.  It also refers to a meal, usually lunch, that is packed or boxed and carried to work or shipped to someone.  The container that holds the "tiffin" is called a "tiffin carrier".

If you are hungry in between meals, reach out for a tiffin.

Cheers!!