Brown rice is an underdog amongst all the food elements, but it is one of the healthiest ingredients one could ever find. It is loaded with fibers, proteins, minerals, antioxidants which stabilize the sugar as well as the weight. It is also known to increase bone density as well as reduce cardiac diseases if consumed on a regular basis.
If you’re planning to go on a healthy diet or at least include something nutritious in your everyday meals, brown rice should be your first choice. Brown rice usually has a nutty flavor which might come across as unappetizing to many, but if combined with right kind of components it can be as delicious as a normal milled white rice. Here are some healthy brown rice options, which are wholesome as well as yummy.
Brown rice with butternut squash
You can experiment with this amazing sunshine colored ingredient in different ways. Either you dice the butternut squash into pieces or make a puree out of it. Either way it is going to be an unforgettable flavor. Boil it in a vegetable broth with additional ingredients like onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. You can season it with a curry powder or give it an edge by making it sweet-savory.
Mexican brown rice
We can all agree that the Mexican cuisine is mouth-watering and divine. And you can add magnetic flavors of this cuisine to your brown rice as well. All you need is some basic ingredients like fresh tomato paste, onions, garlic, olive oil, vegetable broth, jalapeno chili and if you would like, you can add certain veggies like corn and green peas. If you fancy spicy food, you can incorporate some extra chili powder in the mix. Don’t forget to add some cilantro and lime juice while garnishing.
Pineapple brown fried rice
Easy to prepare, healthy to have, the blend of pineapple and brown rice is refreshing for the palate. Apart from the basic oil, pepper-salt, onions, garlic, herbs and spices you can add extra elements like crunchy greens and colorful veggies like carrots and bell peppers. You can give it a South-East Asian twist by adding exotic flavors using sauces.
Black beans with brown rice
Beans and brown rice can almost be crowned as the healthiest food combination ever. You can either make a fresh salad adding the tanginess of tomatoes and the sweetness of corn kernels with lime juice. If you’re in a mood to have beans and brown rice in the main course, you can bring together the dish by using a broth and veggies.
Brown rice with tofu
Stir fry dices of tofu and florets of broccoli with olive, onion and garlic, with basic seasoning. Along with the basic seasoning you can add some tamari sauce to your mixture. Sauté the mix until tofu and broccoli get tender and then gradually incorporate the cooked brown rice having a fluffy consistency.
We are a coffee-drinking nation and every form of the beverage – decaf, regular, expresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato and ristretto is consumed everyday by millions of us. It’s the first thing we need in the morning and the last (for some) after dessert. Black, with cream, with sugar, no sugar, flavored, each of us has a preference with regard to strength. Nespresso’s taken heed of this and given us a gift in a pod with the Nespresso capsules. Available in the regular Arabica and Robusta capsules, they have some amazing seasonal flavors as well.
Nespresso capsules are hermetically sealed in a capsule that holds 5-7 gms of coffee – enough for one serving of coffee. They offer five ranges in Ristretto (25ml), Espresso (40 ml), Lungo (110 ml), Decaffeinated (40 ml and 110 ml) or Flavored (40 ml).
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Ristretto range are:
Ristretto Origin – Made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has toasted flavors with cocoa notes and woody undertones.
Ristretto Origin India – A blend of the finest Arabicas with a smidgen of Robusta from Southern India, this full-bodied coffee has hints of spices.
Ristretto Intenso – A strong blend of South and Central American Robustas and Arabicas, the Ristretto Intenso is a full-bodied coffee with a creamy texture and peppery notes.
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Espresso range are:
Espresso Origin Brazil: A pure Arabica coffee, it has a mild sweet flavor.
Espresso Leggero: A blend of South American Arabicas and Robusta, it has smooth notes of cocoa and cereal.
Espresso Forte: Exclusively made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has an intensely roasted balance of espresso and fruity notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Lungo range are:
Lungo Leggero: Lightly roasted East African, South and Central American Arabicas, with mild notes of jasmine is what makes up this delicious brew.
Lungo Forte: A complex mix of South and Central American Arabicas, this coffee has heavy roasted notes with a slight hint of fruit.
Lungo Origin Guatemala: A mix of Arabica and washed Gourmet Robusta coffee, Lungo Origin Guatemala is smooth and well balanced with dry and malty cereal notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules in the Decaffeinated range are:
Espresso Decaffeinato: Dark roasted South American Arabicas with a touch of Robusta enhances the cocoa flavors and roasted cereal undertones of this decaffeinated espresso.
Lungo Decaffeinato: This is a slightly more complex blend of separately roasted South American and East African Arabicas. It includes toasted cereal and sweet notes with subtle and floral hints of East African Arabicas.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Flavored range are:
Espresso Vanilla: This silky-flavored coffee is the result of a base of Espresso Forte, which is a complex and heavily-roasted blend of South and Central American Arabicas and a slightly caramelized aroma of vanilla. Espresso Caramel: On a base of Espresso Forte, this complex and intensely roasted blend made from South and Central American Arabicas has the sweetness of caramel.
Here are a few easy and healthy recipe ideas that are both quick to make and light to digest on hot summer days. With very few ingredients, the preparation of these recipes is a breeze. So go on, enjoy these easy, healthy recipes that are brimming with nutrition and taste heavenly too!
Greek Cucumber Rolls
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
This is popular among easy and healthy recipes. Slice cucumber into thin flat strips using a vegetable peeler and arrange them in slices of two on a clean tray. Smear the hummus on top of each slice, then toss some feta cheese, black olives and cut tomatoes on each of the cucumber strips. Squeeze a little lemon juice and sprinkle some finely chopped dill and cilantro. Finally, roll the strips, serve the Greek cucumber rolls and see them being gobbled up by the young and old alike!
Flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the directions on the label. In a thick bottomed pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic and shallots. After about a minute or so, add the other vegetables along with salt and toss them gently for a few minutes. The vegetables must cook and be crunchy at the same time. When they are done, add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and some freshly ground black pepper to it and mix well. Serve this flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables for lunch or dinner as a filling, yet light meal.
Sunshine juice
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Direction
Squeeze juice from the oranges and blend the strawberries in a juicer. Then in a pitcher, take the orange juice, strawberry juice, and chilled water together and mix well. Refresh yourself with this yummy sunshine juice with ice cubes on a hot day.