Cauliflower Aloo Gobi from an American Kitchen

This is a tasty way to serve cauliflower. I never thought I would be making an authentic Indian cuisine recipe.  Cauliflower Aloo Gabi is a flavorful vegan side dish that is both beautiful to look at and outrageously delicious. Indian spices are rich and pungent adding quality nutritive value to this great side dish! ( Did you know that spices are high in antioxidants and nutrients?)

This was a first for me. As much as I love Indian food, I've only eaten Aloo Gobi in an Indian restaurant. Did I mention that this recipe is also gluten and grain free, making it perfect for my gluten free diet. Yes, it is real food, just the way I like it.

This Recipe is Easy Easy Easy- 

Can you steam and sauté?

 That's all you have to do. The most difficult part of this recipe was purchasing the spices. I always have turmeric and cumin in the house, and last year I invested in garam masala, (which is a combination of cumin, cardamom, coriander, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg) and I keep it in the freezer since I use it so infrequently.

You could certainly make your own garam masala, but if you don't already have all of the above spices, I think it's less expensive to just buy the combination. The garam masala really gives this dish the authentic Indian cuisine taste! You can keep it in the freezer and it will last for a year or more!

It's All in the Spices

The recipe itself just requires chopping of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger  and of course the cauliflower. See my notes below for an easy way to cut the cauliflower. To cut down on the work,  I buy frozen cubes of garlic, ginger and cilantro at Trader Joe's, Whole foods, and even some supermarkets. I find them in the freezer section in small little packages.

I'm not sure what inspired me to try this recipe. I saw the it on Pinterest, and I was surprised how simple it looked to make. I had a large cauliflower on hand, some of the spices, and company coming for dinner. I wanted to make something a little different with the cauliflower and decided to give this exotic recipe a try.

I followed the how to photos on Cook With Manali and in 45 minutes the recipe was finished. I tasted it and it was really good!  My company loved it over a bed of fluffy Basmati rice, Yum!
Success! Indian cuisine made right in my kitchen! What a treat.
Being vegetarian, I rounded out the meal with black beans, a delicious okra recipe,  and a summer tomato salad.

Saute garlic, ginger, tomato, and onions in a skillet 

Add turmeric, cumin, graham masala 

Add steamed cauliflower and steamed potatoes ( do not overcook cauliflower) 

If you have an instant pot- yes- it can be made in the Instant Pot - one pot no mess!! love my Instant Pot. Follow the link for How to Make Aloo Gobi in the Instant Pot 


Judee Algazi @ Gluten Free A-Z Blog
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Adapted from: Cook With Manali
Serves: 4 side dishes

Ingredients: 
1 medium cauliflower, cut into chunk size flower-ettes
2 medium white potatoes, peeled and cubed small
2 Roma Type Tomatoes, diced
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped ( I used 2 frozen garlic cubes from Trader Joe's)
knob of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped ( I used 1 frozen ginger cube)
1/2 cup of vegetable broth or olive oil spray for sauteeing
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric ( careful- it stains)
1/4 teaspoon of garam masala ( go easy on this if you are not used to it)
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro or parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Steam the potatoes and cauliflower till almost soft- do not overcook cauliflower and set aside. ( start the potatoes first because they take longer than the cauliflower) 
2. In a large skillet, sautee the onions and garlic in olive oil until slightly soft. 
3. Add the tomatoes and ginger and continue to sautee until it becomes slightly saucy
4. Add the steamed cauliflower and potatoes, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala
5. Mix well, cover, and cook on a low heat ( stirring frequently) for about 10 minutes. 
6. Place in a large bowl, toss with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve.

My Notes: 

• If you are not accustomed to garam masala go easy- you can always add more
• How to cut a cauliflower-  I Simply take the cauliflower ( you can even leave it in the wrapper)  and bang it core down ( yes bang it) down on the counter. The core will separate from the flowerettes and then you can just separate them more easily. Then proceed to use it in any recipe. 
• Below is a Youtube I found on how to easily cut cauliflower if you don't want to use the Bang on Counter method. 
• Make This recipe in the Instant Pot- see my new recipe

How to use a knife to cut cauliflower easily

Shared on Weekend Cooking which  is open to anyone who has any kind of food-related post to share: Book If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button and link up anytime over the weekend. Y Please link to your specific post, not your blog's home page.

Quick Yellow Squash Recipes for summer entertaining

Got yellow summer squash? Try this easy recipe that can be made into a quick summer soup or a delicious summer salad!

Today I received 5 pounds of golden yellow summer squash from my CSA. In addition, I received 3 pounds of carrots, two different kinds of lettuces, chard, 2 pounds of string beans, a pint of raspberries, lots of cucumbers, 2 eggplants, scallions, etc.

When you belong to a CSA you need to be ready to prep, cook, and freeze on the day you bring everything home. Otherwise, you run the risk of the vegetables deteriorating! I love the simplicity of fresh vegetables right from the farm. They taste so good that they very little seasoning.

From the Farm

Add caption

I decided to cook the carrots and squash together in a large sauté with some onions.  I then divided the sauté in half and made two different recipes from that one sauté.

 Of course both recipes are gluten free and vegan.

Recipe 1: Yellow Squash Quinoa Salad ( eaten hot or cold as a quinoa salad)

Recipe 2: Quick Yellow Squash Soup ( eaten hot or cold with some coconut milk)

                             Yellow Squash and Carrot Soup topped with Red Quinoa

You can eat this soup hot or cold. If you eat it cold, add some coconut milk just before serving and leave out the quinoa! I prefer hot soup even in the summer, but on these 98 degree days we've having it's even too hot for me to eat hot soup!!

Yellow squash is in season ( on the East Coast where I live) and starting to show up at the roadside stands, farmer's markets, and of course CSA's. It's a low calorie seasonal vegetable that cooks up fast and adds variety to your meals. Both of the following recipes are quick, easy, and tasty. In addition, they are naturally gluten free, vegan, and provide significant nutrients and fiber.

Health benefits of eating yellow squash
It is recommended to eat a rainbow of colors from fruits and vegetables everyday.
Each color of the rainbow has it unique qualities and provides specific vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are important for a healthy immune system and healthy body.
What do the yellow colored vegetables like yellow squash and orange carrots provide?

• Beta Carotene which is Vitamin A - great for your eyes
• Antioxidants which builds a strong immune system
• Phytonutrients which are good for the skin 
• Provides fiber
• Low in calories and carbohydrates. 
• High in manganese which assists processing of fats, carbs, and glucose.

Ingredients for Summer Squash Medley
5- 6 cups of sliced summer yellow squash
5 organic carrots , sliced
1 medium onion , sliced in half moons
2 ribs of celery, diced
Olive oil for sautéing ( 2 teaspoons)
salt and cracked fresh pepper to taste

Directions: 
In a large skillet, sauté the onions and carrots in the olive oil until they begin to soften. Add the summer squash, cover, and cook for  about 15 minutes until the squash is cooked. Remove from the skillet and add to a large bowl. Allow to cool. Toss in the raw diced celery and cooked quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to taste for an interesting summer salad! Or you can use the same recipe to make into a quick summer soup with the recipe below.

My notes: 

• I use red quinoa because it tends to be less sticky
• I cook the quinoa in vegetable broth to give it more flavor. 
• The quinoa is very flavorful, so I do not add additional spices. 
• If you prefer more spice, add something like Trader Joe's " 21 Salute" or Mrs. Dash's salt free seasonings
• Add some nuts if you want this salad to be heartier

Ingredients for Quick Summer Squash Soup

4 cups of summer squash medley
4 cups of vegetable broth
optional: 1 cup of coconut or almond milk for cold soup
Optional: for hot soup, top each bowl with cooked red quinoa

Directions

Add the sauteed vegetables and the vegetable broth to a Vitamix or strong blender. Whiz until well blended. Pour into a saucepan bring to a boil and turn down to a simmer. Add the "milk"  if desired. Heat until hot and serve. Top with some cooked quinoa. Save for the next day and have it as a cold soup.
My notes:

• If you would like your soup thicker and heartier, add a half cup of cooked red quinoa to your blender with the squash medley and the broth. I did, and then I still topped it with a tablespoon of quinoa some chopped scallions.

I picked these gorgeous flowers at my CSA farm garden!!!

                                     This post will  be shared on  

My blog carnival list and Souper Sunday at Kahakai Kitchen

Cleaning with Essential Oils

Does Your Home Need to Detox? 

Did you ever notice that every home has "it's unique aroma" that greets you and your guests when they enter your front door. It's the odors from the food we cook, the pets we have, the bathrooms, our cleaning products etc.-  

If you are using store bought cleaning products ( and who isn't?)  to clean your house or get rid of odors, these products are probably the most toxic items in your home. These toxic cleaning products may be affecting you and your family members and you may not even know it. 

After getting a strong whiff of a strong bathroom cleaner I was using, I realized that it couldn't be good to be inhaling it. I started to look for better alternatives.

Does it Matter? Yes!

1. Cleaning Products are labeled"Caution, Warning, or Poison" because they contain harsh chemical and toxins that we don't want to be exposed to!
2. Toxins may be inhaled into our lungs, our children's lungs and our pet's lungs
3. Toxins may be absorbed into our bodies through our skin
4. Toxins may be stored in livers, kidneys, or other organs and interfere with the organ's function
5. Toxins may aggravate allergies, head aches, immune system, or hormones
6. Toxins get stored in the body and may interfere with fat storage and weight loss
7. Toxins are bad for the environment ( our soil and water) 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency

My sister in law works for the EPA ( US Environmental Protection Agency). She recently shared a handout that they had published that suggested that the public consider using more natural products to clean their homes because of the toxic and dangerous element in store bought cleaning supplies. They say in the article:

"Consider reducing your purchase of products that contain hazardous ingredients"EPA Website 

Top 10 Hazardous Household Chemicals- 

The Global Healing Center published a list of the 10 most toxic Household chemicals

which included bleach, air fresheners, furniture polish, antibacterial cleaners, oven cleaners, etc. click here to see full article on Top 10 Hazardous Household Chemicals and explanations at Global Healing Center.

What Do I use instead that is safe?

I've been using baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, castile soap, etc and find they make great DIY cleaning products and are a safe choice to keep my home chemical free, clean, germ free ,and smelling fresh, clean, and beautiful without the use of dangerous toxic chemicals ! 

7 Essential Oils That Disinfect and Clean

Lemon, Tea Tree oil, Peppermint, Cinnamon, thyme, Lime, Theives

Cleaning Formulas I make

Basic Ingredients Needed: 

Baking Soda ( store brand runs about 59 cents) 

Liquid Castile Soap ( I buy Dr. Bronners at Vitamin Shoppe for about $6 - very pure for cleaning and for personal use- it's much more expensive at Whole Foods, Rite Aid,  Amazon) \

White distilled Vinegar- any supermarket

Rubbing Alcohol -( cannot use vinegar or citrus on granite or natural stone)

Essential oils: I only buy Young Living 

Mold and mildew anti-fungal formula

1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar

1/2 cup water

1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap ( or natural dish soap)

5 drops lemon or orange essential oil ( cuts grease, antibacterial, and smells great)

5 drops of tea tree oil ( anti fungal) 

Directions: 

Mix all ingredients together in an 8 ounce glass spray bottle. 

TIPS: I Use it on the shower curtain, inside the shower, on outside umbrellas, 

Basic Cleaning Formula 

1/2 cup water

2 Tablespoons vinegar

6 drops Theives essential oil ( anti bacterial) 

optional: 2 drops lemon essential oil 

Mix together and add to a glass spray bottle. Use as needed for kitchen and 

bathroom. Theives and the lemon are anti- bacterial

** do not use ( vinegar or citrus)  on granite or natural stone

Soft Scrub formula Cleaner ( click here for more ) 

I absolutely love this formula. My white coffee mugs and dishes are strain free and sparkle!

I also use it on my bathroom sinks- works great

3/4 cup of baking soda

1/4 cup Castile Soap ( or natural dish soap) 

1 Tablespoon water

1 Tablespoon vinegar

8 drops lemon essential oil 

Mix the baking soda, castile soap, and water. Add the vinegar and stir until smooth. 

Add essential oil. ( * do not use vinegar on granite or any natural stone) 

Window Cleaning Formula 

1/4 cup white distilled vinegar

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol

1 Tablespoon cornstarch

1 Tablespoon water

7 drops of lemon essential oil

Stain Remover Cleaner + Tips 

1/4 cup of white distilled vinegar

1/4 cup rubbing alcohol 

10 drops of lemon essential oil 

Mix together in spray bottle. Use on washable clothing. Wet the garment, spray, allow to sit for 10 minutes, and wash. ** for bad stains apply lemon oil directly on stain, rub, and wash immediately.

Check to see that the stain is gone before putting in the dryer. If needed repeat - The dryer will set the stain if it is not fully removed.

Tips for Lemon Essential oil 

2. If you have "goo" on a bottle left from a price tag or label- lemon oil works great- apply directly, rub and it's gone!

Granite or natural stone Cleaner 

1 cup of Water

1/4 cup alcohol 

5 drops tea tree essential oil 

Mix together in a 8 ounce spray bottle. Shake before using and spray on the granite surface. 

Wipe off with a damp cloth. 

** do not use citrus, lemon, or orange essential oils or Theives on Granite. 

** do not use vinegar on granite or any natural stone

I found this recipe suggested on several sites-I am a little nervous putting this or  anything on my granite- however, I will note that my sweet smelling lovely store bought granite cleaner has a ton of harmful toxins and it doesn't smell toxic!
What do you use on your granite?

________________________________________

DIY Microwave Cleaning Spray

___________________________________________________________________________

My Notes: 

I purchased my Young Living Oils kit about 7 months ago and find so many helpful ways to use them. When I travel, I make sure to take Theives with me to help keep my immunity strong, I carry purification to keep cuts and scapes clean. I bring my RC for respiratory concerns, and Digeze for any digestive disturbances. Tea Tree oil for it's powerful antiseptic properties.

Thieves, Purification, Digeze, RC, and Tree Tree oil go with me on all of my trips- especially when I travel out of the country. Once you get used to relying on essential oils, you won't want to go back to using chemical products.

I buy small dark glass bottles with a glass dropper and make solutions that are ready to use like these: Eclectic Supply B37-6 Glass Bottles for Essential Oils with Glass Eye Dropper, 2 oz Capacity, Amber (Pack of 6)  to dilute my essential oils with olive, almond, or coconut oil. I get labels in the dollar store and put one on each jar.

Essential oils are potent and should be diluted with a vegetable oil like olive oil or almond oil before applying. 

Thieves: I dilute with carrier oil like organic olive oil and use to massage into the bottom of my feet which have lots of pores and it is a good way to deliver the essential oil to your body. I use this every night when I travel on public transportation, if I am in crowds, if anyone is sick around me.

Digeze: I use this direct from the bottle. I use it if I have gas, bloating, or stomach or digestive discomfort. I rub a few drops on my stomach. ( If you are very sensitive- dilute with olive oil) 

Tea Tree Oil: I use this at the start of a sore throat to gargle and spit it out. I mix it with water. 

                       I also use it as a hand sanitizer- 

                       4 ounces aloe gel 

                       1 Tablespoon witch hazel

                       12 drops tea tree oil 

                       4 drops lavender

RC- I use this if I have any kind of respiratory chest cold- I dilute it with olive oil or almond oil and rub it on my chest ( you could use coconut oil too.) 

** Disclaimer: The information in this post and throughout this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet or trying anything new.
_______________________________________________________________________________

Want to Purchase Young Living Essential Oils?
Click Here to purchase Young Living Essential Oils
: Judee Algazi- Young Living Distributor- # 3329912-
If you would like to order a starter kit of Young Living Oils, contact me at vegyid2@yahoo.com 
If you would like to receive a 24% discount on all of your Young Living products, you can purchase as starter kit. I will work with you to help you understand how to use your oils and answer any questions you may have. You would be part of my team . 

_

https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=3329912&enrollerid=3329912&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member

DIY Soft Scrub

In an effort to reduce my and my family's exposure to toxins and chemicals, I've researched to how to make some of my own cleaning products in minutes. 

Did you know that the simple cleaning products that we use daily like window and glass cleaner, soft scrubs, oven cleaners, bathroom cleaners all come with warnings and are probably the most toxic chemicals we have in our houses? 

What's amazing is most of these products are ridiculously fast and easy to make your own AND they are very effective. If you have allergies, are sensitive or want to avoid breathing in or absorbing toxins from commercial products, DIY is the way to go! 

One of my favorites is make your own soft scrub formula. It can be made in like 2 minutes from ingredients you probably have in the house or can get very easily.  

 It smells so good, is creamy and effective, and makes everything sparkle. The best part is that it's not harsh on the hands, is not dangerous to inhale, and can be stored for a few uses. 
** Vinegar or citrus products are not recommended for use on granite or any natural stone

I made a very small batch but it was enough for using it 5 or 6 times for my bathroom sinks, on my coffee mugs, and some chrome fixtures. Boy did they all sparkle and shine!!!

Lemon Essential Oil is antibacterial, cuts grease and oil, and smells fresh and clean!

** I think Dr. Bronner's Castile soup works the best. You can purchase online or the best price is at Vitamin Shoppe. ( in a pinch although it is not as natural , you can use dish soap)

I bought a Young Living starter kit about 7 months ago and have been researching and learning more and more ways to use the oils everyday. The more I learn about essential oils, the more I love them. If you are not familiar with essential oils and how they help make your home and your self chemical free, I would be glad to share what I know with you. Feel free to email me 
Email: vegyid2@yahoo.com and we can talk. 

If you would like to purchase a starter kit ( which includes 10 essential oils, a diffuser, plus other items), you would become part of my team and I would work with you to learn how to use the oils.  

My Young Living Distributor # is 3329912 if you want to sign up under me.. Email me- Judee Algazi

5 Ways I use Lemon Essential Oil: 

1. Lemon oil in honey. When we are under the weather, we take 1 drop of Young Living Essential Oil in 1 teaspoon of local raw honey. ( Young Living lemon oil is approved for ingestion) 
2. Diffuse in my diffuser- lemon essential oil imparts a beautiful aroma in the air feeling fresh and clean. It is antibacterial so the benefits are diffused in the air. 
3. Goo Be Gone- 1 drop of lemon essential oil on a the price sticker on a picture frame and it's gone in a split second. So easy to remove the sticky goo from any glass surface.
4. Added to cleaning products- lemon essential oil is the perfect oil to add to vinegar for cleaning. I is not only antibacterial, it smells amazingly fresh and clean. 
5. Flavoring- If a recipe calls for lemon and I'm out, I use a few drops of Young Living lemon Essential oil. It imparts a wonderful lemon flavor and adds additional benefits because Young Living lemon essential oil is made not only with the inner fruit, but also the peel which has additional nutritional benefits. Again, Young Living oils are approved for ingestion. ( I would not use other brands) 

Soft Scrub formula Cleaner

3/4 cup of baking soda

1/4 cup Castile Soap 

1 Tablespoon water

1 Tablespoon vinegar

8 drops lemon essential oil 

Mix the baking soda, castile soap, and water. Add the vinegar and stir until smooth. 

Add essential oil. ( * do not use vinegar on granite or any natural stone)