Seeds of power

They may be tiny, but they’re enormous powerhouses of nutrition. Known as Halim or Aliv, or garden cress in English, these miniscule seeds are packed with medicinal properties. Falling under the ‘Functional foods’ category, they not only promote overall health and well-being but also help in getting rid of a variety of health problems.

Garden cress is rich in Vitamins C, A and E, and are also full of iron, folate, calcium phosphorous, magnesium and protein. All essential amino acids are present in high amounts in these seeds. They help to treat problems like constipation, indigestion, cough and asthma, and also boost haemoglobin levels.

Aliv seeds are packed with medicinal properties. Falling under the ‘Functional foods’ category, they help in getting rid of a variety of health problems

Halim or Aliv, or garden cress in English is rich in Vitamins C, A and E, and are also full of iron, folate, calcium phosphorous, magnesium and protein. All essential amino acids are present in high amounts in these seeds

Aliv seeds are most commonly roasted and added to soups, stews and salads. They can be used in Indian cuisine too. Hyderabad-based food blogger Vinit Molugu (@Vinitskitchen) shares healthy recipes using these power-packed seeds:

Aliv Kheer
Ingredients
l 2 tbsp aliv seeds, soaked
l 1 tsp ghee
l 1 cup skim milk
l 1/2 cup dates paste
l 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
l Cashews and raisins.
Method
l In a kadai, add ghee and some cashew nuts and raisins. Sauté for a couple of minutes and keep aside.
l Pour some skim milk into the kadai and bring to a boil on low heat. Allow to boil for 2 minutes.
l Add soaked aliv seeds and dates paste. Give it a good mix.
l Bring to boil and allow to boil for 2 minutes. Turn off heat.
l Add roasted cashews and raisins.
l Healthy and nutritious Aliv Kheer is ready to be served.

Aliv Ladoo
Ingredients
l 1 cup aliv seeds
l 1 coconut grated
l 2-1/2 cups jaggery / gur
l 1 Tsp ghee
Method
l Soak aliv seeds for 1 hour in water
l Heat the ghee in a kadai
l Add the jaggery/ gur
l Once jaggery is melted, add the soaked aliv seeds
l Continue to cook mix for a few minutes on a low to medium heat
l Add the grated coconut
l Allow to cool
l Roll into ladoos
l Garnish each laddoo with cashew nut
l Healthy Aliv Ladoos are ready to be served.

Aliv Tofu Paratha
Ingredients
For the rotis
l 1 cup wholewheat flour (gehun ka atta)
l 1-1/2 tbsp aliv powder (aliv seeds powdered in a mixer grinder)
l Salt to taste
For the stuffing
l 150 grams tofu
l 1 tsp cumin seeds
l 1 tsp red chilli powder
l 1 tsp coriander powder
l 1 tsp garam masala
l 1 Tbsp kasuri methi
l Salt to taste
Method
To make the dough
Combine all the ingredients in a deep bowl and knead into a soft dough using enough water. Keep aside.
To make the stuffing
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Keep aside.
To make the parathas:
l  Divide the dough into equal portions
l  Roll out one portion into a disc. Put 1 tbsp of tofu stuffing on one half, and fold over to make a semi-circle
l Seal the edges with a little water if necessary, so that stuffing does not spill out
l Heat a non-stick tava and cook the paratha, basting with 1/4 tsp of ghee till it turns golden brown on both sides.
l Repeat with the rest of the dough.
l Serve immediately with an onion salad, raita and a slice of green chilli.