Benefits of eating figs and two fresh fig recipes

Figs are a fleshy fruit with multiple seeds and very delicate skin. It is a member of the Mulberry family. Figs are sweetish and pulpy to taste that is why it can be crushed to make juices and smoothies. Figs are also dried preserved and eaten like candy. This is because of its high sugar content.  In India, figs are called anjeer and are also considered as a superfood. 

Let us first learn more about this superfood and then learn two easy recipes to enjoy it better 

The benefit of Fresh Figs

1. A fig is a good source of dietary fiber that will make you feel satiated. So, besides being a great option for healthy eating options, it will make you lose weight too.

2. Also known for its beauty-enhancing properties skin, figs can make you glow like a glowworm. Mash two ripened figs and apply the mix on your face for 15 minutes. It also helps to reduce blemishes and acne.

3. Figs are high in alkaline content, so it can control acid levels in the body. Scientific studies show that figs lower triglyceride levels too. 

4. High in the potassium content, figs help regulate blood pressure and hypertension.

5. Dried figs have high levels of phenol antioxidants, which aid and fight against the damage caused by free radicals.  The calcium in figs makes bones stronger.

6. People suffering from iron deficiency must have figs daily. It is an excellent source of antioxidants that help build g red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.

I love chomping on figs; however, this time I made two interesting recipes with them. One was a low cal healthy dessert and the second was my post-workout energy smoothie. Note the ingredients and recipes below. 

Honey Fried Figs with Walnuts

 Ingredients

4 ripe figs
1 tsp butter
1 tbsp honey
handful of walnuts
dash of wine

Method


1. Slice the figs with the skin.


2. Add butter in the pan, let it melt and then switch off-gas. Add the walnuts and honey and wine and stir till walnuts get coated with honey.


3. In the same pan, place the sliced figs and place over a slow flame for 30 seconds, turn and cook again for 30 seconds. Over cooking them makes it mushy.

4. Now in a dish, place the figs, top it with walnuts and drizzle a little more honey over it. 

5. Cool it in the refrigerator before serving.

6. You can add some cream cheese over the fig as an option too.

Makes a delicious appetizer/dessert. 

Fig Almond Smoothie

Ingredients


2 figs
1 cup milk/ curd
1 tbsp honey
A sprinkle of cinnamon
3 almonds
1 scoop protein powder (optional)

Method

1. Grind the almond, figs and protein powder together. 

2. Add the milk and honey and blend all the ingredients together.

3. Chill and serve.

4. You can add dates instead of honey. Even combine a banana with figs, it tastes delicious.

Easy Avocado Smoothie / Salad Recipe

Hello friends,

Avocados have not really been a very likeable fruit even though it is now easily available in the Indian markets.You need to develop a taste for it or really make an interesting recipe to relish avocados. Just the other day when I visited my local Hill Road bazaar, my fruit vendor offered me one kg for just INR 400/. I totally jumped for the deal and got home a kilo of avocados.

The first night I just chopped one up and put some chaat masala on it to relish it further. The avocado is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s packed full of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. It makes an excellent add-on to any type meal, and it’s the perfect way to round out snacks so they’re extra satisfying. The easiest avocado snack that can be made is guacamole dip thats a super hit at the party scenes.

However I tried two dishes - one sweet and the other  savoury. A healthy smoothie and an avocado salad. Check out both the easy ten minute recipes below.

1. Avocado Smoothie

This recipe needs 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to prepare.

 Ingredients


1 ripe avocado
Handful of almonds
1 cup skimmed milk
1 ripe banana
3-4 Spinach leaves
Ice cubes

Method

1. Peel and roughly chop up the avocado and banana.
2. Wash the spinach leaves.
3. In a blender along with 4-5 ice cubes add milk and all the ingredients and give it a good mixing for 2-3 minutes.
4. You can powder the almonds before hand to make the texture even smoother.
5. Serve it chilled.

Option - Add a scoop of protien powder to make it an after workout booster.

2.  Avocado Salad

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado
1 onion
1 tomato
1 green chilly
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of half lime
Coriander leaves.

Method

1. Finely chop all the veggies and avocado.
2. In a mixing bowl mix the vegetables with salt, pepper and lime.
3. Cover with cling film and let it chill for half hour before serving.
4. Enjoy it guilt free with a chilled Gazpacho soup.

Option - To the salad you can add cucumber or boiled corn too. However I prefer lesser ingredients to enjoy flavours better.

Now indulge guilt free and stay healthy.

Smoothies - Two easy Low cal desserts with banana

Hello friends,

Aaj Sunday hai!!

Toh kuch meetha khane ka din hai!

The craving to indulge into something sweet has made me try out two desserts. They both are low cal, healthy and fruity.

Smoothies are very refreshing this weather. First I tried a Mango Banana Smoothie made with fresh mango, banana, honey and milk. You can use yogurt instead of milk. You can add more milk, but I like it like a thick shake and very fruity. The second dessert is a protein chia seed shot made with chia seeds, dates, milk, almond powder and banana.

Banana Mango Smoothie 

Ingredients

I cup Mango Puree
1 Banana
I cup milk/ plain yogurt
Sugar/honey optional

 Method

1. Take two mangoes, wash peel and remove the pulp. You can blend it in a mixer or do it with your hands.

2. Chop up the banana, now combine the milk, mango pulp and banana.

3. Put this all in a mixer and blend well. 4. Pour this in glass and top it with pumpkin seeds and some pistachio powder.

5. Keep it in the chiller for some time before serving.

6.You can use yogurt instead of milk.

7. If mangoes are not sweet sugar can be added but I avoid it. Enjoy the natural sweetness and goodness of the fruits.

Chia Banana Date Pudding

Ingredients

¼ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp cinnamon powder
1 cup whole milk
½ cup finely chopped dates
2 tbsp Almond powder
2 tbsp chia seeds

 

Method

1. Soak two big tbsp of chia seeds in half cup water. For best results leave this overnight.
2. Take milk and mix the almond powder in it.
3. Add chopped dates, cinnamon powder and dates.
4.Blend this in a mixer for 1 minute only.
4. Now stir in the chia seeds. Pour this in small dessert glasses.
5. Top it with sliced bananas and cinnamon powder. 


Enjoy this chilled and see how your stomach will say a big thank-you to you.