World Health Day | Healthy Recipes | Quinoa Salad | Garbanzo Basmati Delights | Red Lentil Waffles

On World Health Day, amidst the hustle and bustle of our lives, it's vital to pause and contemplate how we nourish our bodies. This year, let's fully embrace the theme by reassessing our relationship with food, with a particular focus on nutrient-packed options such as lentils, quinoa, and a colorful array of vegetables and fruits.

Healthy eating doesn't have to be dull; it can be a thrilling journey filled with flavorful dishes that excite our taste buds while providing essential nourishment. By integrating healthy food ideas into our daily routine, we can foster a lifestyle that not only enhances our health but also brings joy. Imagine gatherings with loved ones where nutritious breakfast ideas, healthy lunches, or dinners become opportunities for connection, happiness, and shared nourishment. Let's commit to savoring each mouthful, reveling in the deliciousness of nutritious food, and fostering a culture of wellness that enriches both our bodies and our souls.

In our fast-paced world, we're often swayed by tempting food choices, but do we think about how they affect our well-being? Healthy living means making mindful choices that nurture our health and happiness. By embracing nutrient-rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins, we not only fuel our bodies but also enhance our lives.

Ingredients 

• Pride Of India - Natural Royal Red Bolivian Quinoa - 3 lbs
• Pride Of India - Indian Whole White Garbanzo Beans - 1.5 lbs
• Pride Of India - Extra Long Brown Basmati Rice - 1.5 Pound 
• Pride of India - Red Lentil Flour - 1 lbs 
• Pride Of India - Himalayan  Pink Salt - Coarse Grind - 2.2 lbs
• Pride Of India - Tikka Curry Mung Bean Papadum Lentil Crisp - 10 count 

Here are some easy and healthy recipes to inspire you to take care of your body while indulging in delicious flavors:

Red Lentil Waffles with Maple Drizzle

• Preheat your waffle maker following the manufacturer's guidelines.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup Pride of India’s red lentil flour, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsps. baking powder, ½ tsp Himalayan pink salt, and 2 tsp sugar.
• In another bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups plant-based milk of your choice, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/4 cup melted vegan butter or coconut oil. Add a dash of vanilla extract or ground cinnamon for additional flavor if desired.
• Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ones and stir until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are lumps.
• Lightly grease the preheated waffle maker with cooking spray or melted vegan butter.
• Pour the batter onto the center of the waffle maker, spreading it slightly.
• Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
• Serve the waffles warm with a drizzle of maple syrup and enjoy!
• Feel free to adjust with your favorite fruits or superseeds.

Indulge in these delicious Vegan Red Lentil Waffles – a healthy, easy breakfast option to start your day right!

Red Quinoa Salad with Fruits, Veggies & Feta Cheese

• Rinse 1 cup red quinoa thoroughly under cold water.
• In a saucepan, mix the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.
• In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa,1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, 1/2 blueberries, and 1/4 chopped fresh basil. Lightly mix the ingredients until evenly spread.
• Sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese over the salad and season with Pride of India’s Himalayan pink salt and  pepperto taste.

Enjoy this refreshing Red Quinoa Salad with Fruits, Veggies & Feta Cheese! Ideal for a light brunch or lunch meal, feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your taste preferences and availability.

Creamy Red Quinoa Porridge

• Rinse 1 cup Pride of India's red quinoa under cold water.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of water, 1 cup of almond milk, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt.
• Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture covered for 15-20 minutes until the quinoa is cooked and the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
• Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Serve the creamy red quinoa porridge hot, topped with fresh berries and nuts according to your preference.

Minty Basmati Rice and  Garbanzo Beans: Instant One-Pot Aromatic Meal

• Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Include 1 diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
• Stir in 1 tsp cumin powder and 1 tsp of paprika, allowing the spices to toast for a minute.
• Add 1 cup Pride of India’s brown basmati to the pot, stirring to coat the grains with the aromatic mixture.
• Pour in 2 cups of cooked Pride of India’s garbanzo beans and enough water to cover the rice and beans by about an inch.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
• Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Season with some Pride of India’s Himalayan pink salt and pepper.

Enjoy these aromatic and flavorful rice with beans among your healthy dinner ideas or lunch suggestions, and pair them with a side of creamy yogurt to balance the rich flavors and add a refreshing contrast to your meal.

Tangy Cucumber Salad with Crunchy Papad

• Begin by thinly slicing 2 medium cucumbers and placing them in a bowl. Pour 1/4 cup of lemon juice over the cucumbers, allowing them to soak in the tangy flavor.
• Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of chaat masala and a pinch of Pride of India Himalayan pink salt over the cucumbers, ensuring even distribution of the spices for a burst of flavor in every bite.
• In a separate pan, dry roast 2 Pride of India Tikka curry mung bean papadum lentil crisps until they become delightfully crispy, adding a crunchy texture to the salad.
• Once the cucumbers have absorbed the lemony goodness and spices, garnish them with a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves, adding a refreshing herbal aroma to the salad.
• Serve the tangy cucumber slices alongside the crispy Papads, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a delightful culinary experience.

Savor the perfect tanginess of the cucumbers perfectly complemented by the satisfying crunch of the Tikka Curry lentil crisps, anytime you have a craving.

In conclusion, let's prioritize nourishing our bodies on World Health Day by embracing nutrient-rich options and redefining our food relationship. Healthy eating isn't about deprivation, but rather enjoying nature's flavors while nurturing ourselves from within. Incorporating simple, flavorful meals like vibrant salads and comforting porridges can fuel our bodies and transform our lives.  Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these recipes offer maximum flavor with minimal prep, perfect for busy individuals seeking health without compromise. Let's embark on this wellness journey together, celebrating the joy of cooking and the enrichment it brings to our lives. Explore nutritious breakfast ideas, healthy dinner ideas, quick healthy meals, and lunch ideas to infuse your life with vitality and wellness.

Happy Cooking and Happy Eating!