Kitchen Tantra

Cous Cous Pilaf:

Cinnamon & Cloves: Cinnamon was recently studied by German scientists for its effects on people with type 2 diabetes. Amazingly, they found that diabetics could decrease their blood sugar by up to 10% just by taking a cinnamon extract daily.

Another study found that cinnamon may help to lower cholesterol as well. Adding powdered form of cinnamon to honey and taking them in the morning flushes away cholesterol from the arteries!!

Since cinnamon can be toxic when taken in very large quantities...experts recommend that you use a cinnamon extract rather than actual cinnamon.

Clove oil is used by many cultures as a natural painkiller and anti-inflammatory. It is used in many modern toothache remedies to dull the pain and swelling. It actually numbs the area...so acts as an effective pain killer! Although I am againt the rule of putting a clove at corner of your mouth for tooth pain! Some times it leads to carriers and cavities! Clove is also mouth refreshner!

I always liked these strong spices in my food! My Mommy and brother used to scold me back there...whenever I use these spices in cooking!!! Now afterall I know...its not that bad!!

Ingredients:

Cous cous 1 cup
Bay leaves 3
Cinnamon sticks 2
Cloves 3
Cardamom pods 3 crushed
Onion powder 2 spoons
Garlic powder 1 spoon
Ginger powder 1 spoon
Dry mint leaves 1/4 spoon
Olive oil 4-5 spoons.

Method:

In a wide, deep vessel....heat oil.

Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and bay leaves to it. Fry for 1 whole minute.

Then add onion, ginger, garlic and mint to it. Add enough salt and 2 cups of water. Cover with a lid and bring this to boil.

When the water reaches boiling point...stir-in cous cous. Cover and cook for 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and transfer them to platter. Flip with fork.

Serve warm.