Quinoa, black beans and porcini mushrooms-stuffed green peppers

Lately I have had this itch of stuffing vegetables with some unique combinations of grains, herbs and cheese. Surprisingly, each one has tasted better than the other. I cooked this particular one about 2 weeks ago. It's very healthy of course, but I wasn't quite sure if this will be an acceptable taste or food for my husband.  At the beginning he didn't say a word when I served it as a side dish for one of the dinners. But, the dish vanished from his plate, and he said he actually loved it. It makes it easy when you get an honest feedback. I get an immediate response as well when something is not good.

So, I repeated this stuffed vegetable craving with a totally different combination of things. I am sure you'll like it too. It doesn't really take much time, plus looks appetizing on the table. Something different and pretty soulful. Here it is from vidyaswamyskitchen.

Portabella Mushrooms Stuffed with Kale, Broccoli and Cheese

Kale and Broccoli have become my recent favorites. I have been able to turn out incredible recipes with these two cruciferous wonders. Try my mushroom stuffed kale and broccoli with cheese recipe from vidyaswamyskitchen.com. If you have for any reason excluded kale and broccoli from your vegetables, start adding them in. They are on top of the list in their nutrition. High in Vitamins A, B6, B12, D, K, thiamin, folate and several minerals. If you do a deep down research, you will find there is a whole lot more than just the above vitamins I have listed here.

Italian Pepper in a lightly spiced lentil batter

Hot, fried, spicy all sound good for a winter afternoon snack.  Truth is, it is as good for a summer tea-time snack. This is a great recipe to follow; quick and easy as well.  Not to mention tasty.  Now, that is a good combination. Try it from vidyaswamyskitchen.com.

Tomato Green Pepper Rice, southern Indian style

This particular dish can be prepared various ways.

The taste on this particular one is very south Indian.  If you crave for something with a biryani aroma, the recipe would be quite different.

Try this and let me know if you like it.  I will post the northern Indian style as well in a few days. From vidyaswamyskitchen.com.

Black lentil curry that comes with a healthy dose of protein and fiber

This is a pretty easy recipe. The major portion of the time is taken by the overnight soaking the lentil part.

Pressure cooked and then sautéd with spices makes this a scrumptious meal by itself or along with Indian breads or rice. Try it out from vidyaswamyskitchen.com.

A lot about vitamin D; should we take it seriously especially if it is linked to aging?

Doctors recommend their patients to take vitamin D as a supplement when even just a few years ago, it was never an issue.  On the other hand, some nutritionists say that vitamins in general don't do a thing.

It's hard to say what the truth is, however if a particular vitamin is not known to cause any harm to our health, we might as well take it with the belief that it could help at least just a little.

This topic of vitamin D caught my attention particularly when at my usual doctor's checkup, she mentioned that lack of vitamin D is directly linked to aging. My reaction was what?  Why is this coming up only now? Her answer was it's not just for aging but for several other reasons including protection against cancer, better immunity, arthritis in women, asthma, maintaining better body weight and a few more that I forget. Enough said.

Who wants to age? Never is impossible but if at least slowing down the process is possible, then why not? My next stop was guess where? Costco. I now have a supply that will last me the rest of the year.

Cluster Beans Saambhar with simple spices in coconut milk

This is the same recipe I use to make Poricha kootu except I use a Tbsp. of shredded coconut to grind together with the rest of the paste; also minus the coconut milk.

The lentils used in this is Toor dhal versus the masoor dhal in the Kootu. Try this tasty Saambhar from Vidya's kitchen - http://www.vidyaswamyskitchen.com.

Tasty Gujarati Khadi from Vidya's kitchen

This is not an uncommon dish, however try it from Vidya's kitchen. A quick side-dish for any Indian bread or rice.

Gujarati Khadi from vidyaswamy's kitchen.

Mixed Greens, Feta Cheese, Pear & Walnut Salad

This recipe was passed on to me by a friend of mine.

Refreshing salad for a hot summer day.  Test it out. It's so easy to make; I just made it this evening.  Takes about 15 minutes and is a great addition to any dish from any cuisine.

Raw fruits and vegetables salad - More raw, more nutrition

This preparation was inspired by the ayurvedic restaurant I was treated to last month while visiting Madras (Chennai), India.

By now many of my readers would have discovered that raw foods mean pure nutrition, un-adulterated either by boiling or frying, or through any additives or spices. I have started to include more raw foods in my diet. It is of course, safe to use organic fruits and vegetables. If you cannot afford organic, you may want to check out the local farmers' markets and get more information on how they are grown. Perhaps you might get a better deal if you become their regular customer.

Here's a nutrient-rich salad, perfect as a once a week summer salad.