This is a known fact that brown rice is a healthy alternative to white rice, but we seldom find it as a part of our diets. Its intact bran and germ is filled with rich nutrients and antioxidants, aiding in heart functions and better digestion. It also balances cholesterol levels and improves the body’s overall immune system. But despite of these benefits brown rice remains as the most underrated food ingredients of all time. If you want to include brown rice in your regular meals, here are a few meaty and delicious recipe combinations you can experiment with. Chicken and brown rice Recipes involving the combination of brown rice and chicken are high in fibers and proteins. You should try a one pot or fried rice recipe using chicken thighs or chicken breasts. All you need is some veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, corn, green peas, etc. to incorporate in your brown rice and chicken. You can add chilly to spice it up or some honey to give it that subtle mellow essence. Combine some chicken broth for that extra meaty flavor and don’t forget the freshly chopped herbs to garnish. Beef and brown rice You can cook a simple beef and brown rice bowl with vegetables or prepare a fancy skillet recipe which can be experimented with fresh tangy flavors or spicy ones with generous amount of cheese.

You might be a hardcore meat lover but your meals will be incomplete without the element of fresh vegetable side dishes boasting of vibrant colors and nutrition. The heaviness and the powerful flavors of meat should always be balanced beautiful tanginess and crispiness of side dishes. The best part about any side dish is that it takes the minimum possible preparation time, but makes a maximum impact on the palate. Here are some meant to be meat-vegetable side dishes combinations you should absolutely cook the next time you are in the kitchen. Baked potato/ roasted carrots for chicken roast The perfect vegetarian companion of your chicken roast is either a baked potato dish or the classic roasted carrots. The baked potatoes can be cooked in olive oil, seasoned with fresh herbs and salt-pepper. The carrots on the other hand can be roasted with oil and with a dash of garlic, thyme, vinegar and salt and pepper. The potatoes add a smooth texture in the dish, whereas the glazed carrots are a crunchy boost you might be looking for. Crispy asparagus for salmon The one pan recipe of baked salmon infused with the buttery garlic and crispy asparagus is just what you need, if you’re in no mood to have heavy meat dishes.

The Italian recipe of spaghetti alla carbonara is not just famous for its delicious flavors but also for its disputed history. The only accepted part about this marvelous tasting dish is that it originated in Rome. So, what is the actual story behind this recipe? Instead of one straightforward account, the alla carbonara has multiple interesting theories. The first theory comes from the name itself, i.e. ‘carbonara’, which suggests that it was invented by charcoal workers in the Apennine Mountains near the city of Rome. As these men spent most of their time camping in the countryside, they bought all the essential ingredients of the recipe, that could be easily carried and stored, and then they cooked it on fire. Another story, which similarly transpired from the name, tells that it came from the kitchen of a restaurant named La Carbonara in 1912. The incorporation of black pepper in the dish, is also considered one of reasons why it is named as alla carbonara. One of widespread stories revolving around this recipe is that the American soldiers bought a ration of powdered eggs and bacon to Italy during World War 2 in 1944. The locals then put together these ingredients with pasta and cheese, which led to the birth of this classic dish.

Cooking is fun but when only you must slog in the kitchen to make festive feasts for friends and family, some frustration is justified. Spending hours in the kitchen makes you lose out on quality time with loved ones. Not anymore! This holiday season, make cooking a family affair and get your whole family to cook some fresh and easy festive delights. Involving kids in the kitchen is a great way to enjoy some family time and teach them important skills that last a lifetime. Check out these quick and easy holiday recipes that you could make with your entire family. Popeye breads Making breakfast with your little ones is a great idea during Christmas holidays. You could make healthy meals that can help them learn the benefits of healthy eating and nutrition. What’s best, they wouldn’t be picky about eating what they spent time making. Toast some spinach bread and help your kids understand the goodness of embracing spinach at breakfast time. After all their favorite hero Popeye knew what he was doing. Popeye breads are easy to make. Toast breads and blend a batter of cherry tomatoes, ham, eggs and spinach. Add the mixture between the toasted breads and let it grill.

Organizing a tailgate party but couldn’t arrange a grill? Never mind! Tasty tailgate recipes aren’t just about grilled chicken and sausages, but there can be a lot done without barbecues and grills too. Here are some selected no-grill tailgate recipes that are the match winners! Guacamole a must for game-day parties This avocado-based dish can be included as a dip or even in salads. A perfect tailgate dish when relished with fresh tortilla chips. An important part of American cuisine and now a must in the tailgate menu, guacamole is great as a dip, condiment or salad ingredient. It is easy to prepare and doesn’t require any fuss of grills and barbecues. Salsa a must-have for every tailgate party Salsas can be sweet, sour, or spicy. You can prepare some easy-to-make salsa to go with anything including chips, fried chicken or fish. Add in some fruits like mango or melon to add the fresh fruity flavors. You can also add in other fruits of your choice to give it a personalized touch. Mini sandwiches can’t be a miss Prepare sandwiches a day before and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Slice vegetables, minced chicken, bacon, creamy spreads, and shredded cheese for the added flavor.

Sweet, succulent and a globally loved delicacy, lobsters are enjoyed universally despite their high price. It is a lesser known fact though that lobsters in the 19th century used to be a poor man’s food! The turn of the century saw a shift in the public opinion and lobsters became a prized possession of the fishermen. Now lobsters are hunted, at times killed and sold at highly competitive prices. Lobsters are not only expensive but also intimidating. All lobster lovers who enjoy the white and firm meat often are unable to muster up the courage to cook lobsters at home! This is mostly due to its intricate and complex frame and often due to the repulsion of cooking a lobster that is alive. What is unknown to many is that lobsters can be cooked easily by boiling. That’s right, boiling is the most popular, easy and healthy method of cooking any and every food. However firm a vegetable or meat may be, boiling makes every food item tender and easily edible. Boiling lobsters too, is a great way of preparing any lobster recipe. The goodness of boiling is not merely restricted to making the meat tender. When it comes to lobsters, boiling makes lobsters easier to pick and clean.

Healthy fast food is probably an oxymoron, in the traditional sense. However, here are some healthy fast food recipes which you can whip up easily and eat without the guilt. Chicken nuggets Ingredients required : 6 ounces of almonds Salt to taste 1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked) ½ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp fresh black pepper 1 egg ¼ cup water/milk ½ cup flour 1½ pound chicken breast, bite-size pieces Cooking spray How to prepare Preheat your oven to 400 F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Fine grind the almonds and add it to a bowl along with salt, smoked paprika, black pepper and garlic powder. Mix well and season with extra salt and pepper or seasonings.  Use another bowl and combine eggs and water. Keep the flour in a third bowl. Take a piece of the chicken, coat it, and then dip the chicken in the egg, the almond mixture, and place it on the baking sheet. Bake them for 8-10 minutes all the while watching and flipping so that they don’t burn. French fries Ingredients required : 1 large potato (per person is usually what works) 1 tbsp. olive oil, plus extra if required Salt and pepper to taste How to prepare Preheat your oven to 390 F.

While there are several dishes that may work with red wine, there are only certain combinations, which are considered ideal with red wine. So get inventive and innovative with your flavors and try out these amazing dishes, which are perfect with a glass of red wine. Griddled aubergines, yogurt, and mint Ingredients required : 40oz eggplant 2 tbsps. yogurt A piece of lemon Salt and pepper to taste Coarsely chopped mint leaves How to prepare: Slice your aubergines into circles and season them well with salt and pepper. Take a griddle, heat it and place the aubergine circles and roast on both sides until charred, soft and cooked. Keep them aside. Place yogurt in a bowl, add a pinch of salt, pepper and lemon juice. Drizzle on the aubergines and mint leaves and don’t forget the perfect glass of red wine . Green Lentil Curry Ingredients required : ½ tsp grated ginger ½ tsp cumin seeds ½ tsp grated garlic ¼ tsp paprika ¼ tsp turmeric 2 thinly sliced onions 2 tbsp. tomato paste 2 oz. green lentils ½ tsp of spice mix of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves How to prepare In a small skillet, add oil and cumin seeds.

It is proven that having a healthy gut is important to stay healthy. It helps maintain your digestive system, immune system, and your mental health. Considering the critical role that your gut plays, here are some gut-friendly recipes that, apart from boosting your health, are very delicious. Turmeric-ginger carrot soup This recipe has all the essential vitamins and digestion-aiding enzymes. Ingredients required: 1 tsp sea salt 2 tbsp coconut oil 2 cloves minced garlic 1 inch peeled/grated ginger and turmeric root each 3 finely chopped green onions ¼ tsp cinnamon Ground pepper Chopped coriander for garnishing ¼ cup plain yogurt 4 cups water How to prepare: Put a saucepan on medium flame. Add coconut oil and green onions, ginger, garlic and pepper. Sauté until translucent. Then add carrots, salt, turmeric and cinnamon. Pour water and simmer for 20 minutes. Puree the soup mix in a blender and chill for few hours. Serve cold with coriander garnish and top with coconut milk/yogurt. Chocolate berry bars These bars are not only great for your gut health, but also satiate your taste buds. Ingredients required: 2 tbsp each maple syrup and coconut sugar ¼ tsp each baking soda, salt, and melted coconut oil 1 tsp coconut flour 1 cup almond meal For chocolate layer: