Rijayla Swadisht Cuisine

THE TRADITION OF FEEDING COWS

In Hindu tradition, feeding a cow, known as Gau Daan, after a person's death is a ritualistic offering meant to provide homage to the departed soul, help them attain moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death), and grant the family prosperity and good fortune. The cow is considered a sacred "mother" (Gau-mata), representing purity, nourishment, and the presence of divine blessings, making the act of donating or feeding it a powerful way to repay karmic debts and ensure peace for both the deceased and the living.

SIGNIFICANCE OF FEEDING COWS

• Homage to the Departed:

Feeding a cow is a way to pay tribute to the deceased, similar to other rituals like Pind Daan, to honor their memory and help them on their spiritual journey.

• Attaining Moksha:

This act is believed to help the soul achieve moksha, or liberation from the endless cycle of reincarnation, by purifying past actions and debts.

• Repaying Karmic Debts:

Gau Daan is thought to help repay karmic debts from past lives, leading to a more peaceful existence for the deceased's soul and a better future for the family. The act of feeding cows is not just about planetary remedies; it is also a form of seva (selfless service) that builds good karma. This charitable deed is said to cleanse negative energies, reduce past-life karmic debts, and attract blessings from the divine

• Blessings for the Family:

The cow is considered a sacred creature and a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Feeding it can bring blessings, protection from negative energies, and good fortune to the donor's family.

• Symbol of Divinity:

In Hinduism, cows are revered as holy animals, often associated with the presence of deities, representing nourishment, purity, and life-giving sustenance. Feeding cows is seen as a way to gain spiritual merit and blessings. Many believe that feeding cows can bring peace and prosperity to one's home and life.
Cows, representing the sanctity of life, are a reminder of the spiritual journey the soul undertakes and the importance of conducting end-of-life ceremonies with honor and mindfulness.The act is also believed to foster compassion, provide emotional healing, and connect one with divine energies, particularly with Lord Krishna, who is revered for his love of cows.The act of feeding cows is said to bring increased mental peace, clarity, and a sense of purpose.

• Emotional Healing & Calm:

In addition to spiritual benefits, feeding cows has been associated with promoting health and well-being. It can lower stress levels and promote emotional healing, with their energy field being considered soothing. It is believed that the positive vibrations from a cow’s presence can improve mental clarity and emotional balance. Spending time with cows, feeding them, or even simply being in their vicinity is said to radiate calming energies, fostering inner peace.

In the rich tapestry of Indian culture, feeding cows holds immense spiritual and astrological significance. Revered as sacred animals, cows symbolize prosperity, compassion, and divine energy in Hinduism. This simple act of charity is deeply intertwined with astrology, believed to bring profound benefits to one's life, karma, and planetary alignment.

Astrology teaches us that planets influence various aspects of our lives, from health and relationships to career and spirituality. Feeding cows is regarded as a remedy for pacifying malefic planetary influences and strengthening the positive effects of benefic planets.
Here's how this practice connects with specific planets:
• Saturn (Shani): Offering food to cows, especially on Saturdays, is said to alleviate Saturn's malefic effects. It can bring relief from delays, hardships, and financial instability.
• Moon (Chandra): Feeding white cows with rice or jaggery is believed to strengthen the Moon's energy, promoting emotional stability, mental peace, and nurturing qualities.
• Jupiter (Guru): Cows symbolize Guru (teacher), and feeding them is thought to enhance wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual growth, while also improving financial prosperity.
• Rahu and Ketu: Known as shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu can create turbulence in life. Feeding cows, particularly green fodder, can mitigate their adverse effects, helping restore balance and harmony.

While the practice of feeding cows is deeply rooted in Indian culture, the universal values of kindness and compassion it embodies resonate globally. Feeding animals, especially cows, fosters a sense of connection with nature and reminds us of our responsibility as caretakers of the earth and its creatures.

Conclusion

The act of feeding cows is more than a ritual; it is a bridge between the material and spiritual realms, a reminder of the interdependence of all life. Whether one believes in astrology or not, this timeless tradition encourages compassion, selflessness, and a deeper connection to the universe. For those seeking balance and blessings, the sacred act of feeding cows remains a powerful and meaningful practice.

FOOD AND MOOD

Food and mood are intertwined,as diet influences our mental health and well-being. A healthy diet, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, can improve mood and protect against depression, while a poor diet high in processed foods and sugar can negatively impact mental health.

Eating regular meals and choosing foods that release energy slowly can help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings and irritability. As food and mood affect one another, you can make good diet choices and avoid emotional or impulse eating if you understand how they interact. It is a delicate relationship, and it can spin out of control if you’re not careful.

Maybe it’s no coincidence that when we spell food and mood, there is only one different letter in the two.

Even if you usually follow a healthy diet, it is normal to desire high-calorie, unhealthy treats when stressed or depressed. Your body prepares to get charged up for fight-or-flight mode when times get tough. But it can mistake the stress of fighting one problem for another. At such times, it is very tempting to want to gorge on a burger or a plate piled high with biryani or a cold coffee with icecream to boot. It will definitely seem like a booster for a lousy day. That is why such foods are called “comfort foods.”

A sneaky meal every now and then is fine, but if you use food to overcome your lows very often, you are going to lose the battle in the long run. Research has shown that foods containing unhealthy fats and added sugar only increase the likelihood of depression and anxiety. Which means it will only lead to a craving for more sugary treats to overcome the next bad mood. This creates a cycle which will be a disaster. If the consumption of fats and sugary stuff goes on for too long, your body will adapt to it, and think it’s normal. Then, when you try to start eating right, it will confuse your system, increasing anxiety and depression and trapping you in a downward spiral of bad eating to try to maintain happiness.It is important to break the cycle.

Just as unhealthy comfort food can depress you, healthy food can lift you up. It will make you feel calmer, happier and more energetic and maybe make you feel more positive the next day. When you are happier, you are more likely to crave more healthy foods and it will be easier to stay healthy when you stay happy. And so the upward cycle begins ...

Your brain is always working. It takes care of your thoughts and movements, your breathing and heartbeat, your senses — it works hard 24/7, even while you're asleep. This means your brain requires a constant supply of fuel. The quality of that"fuel" makes all the difference and it comes from the food that you eat.

To put it in simple words, what you eat directly affects the function of your brain and, ultimately, your mood.Your brain functions best when it gets high quality fuel. Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from stress.Unfortunately, your brain can be damaged if you consume low quality fuel such as what you get from processed or refined foods and food high in sugar content as the brain has little ability to get rid of them. In addition to worsening your body's regulation of insulin, they also promote inflammation and oxidative stress.

In summary, food and mood are intricately intertwined.Making healthy food choices can support mental well-being, while emotional distress can influence food choices. Understanding this connection and making conscious choices can contribute to a more positive and healthy relationship with food and mood.

ALOO AND OATS PARATHA

Breakfast is an important meal of the day. A healthy and nourishing breakfast can help you kick-start the day with optimal energy. Hot parathas with a dollop of butter on top are an irresistible treat, especially during the winter season.
Aloo paratha with oats is a healthy and filling breakfast or lunch option. It combines the nutritional benefits of potatoes and oats, making it a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. The oats also contribute to a higher fiber and protein content.

INGREDIENTS

1 bowl wheat flour

2 boiled potatoes

Half bowl of oats

1 chopped onion

1 chopped green chilli

A few chopped coriander leaves

1 inch grated ginger

1 tsp. chaat masala

Salt to taste

A little Cooking Oil

RECIPE

1. Take wheat flour in a bowl and knead into a dough by adding water slowly.

2. Boil the potatoes and mash them thoroughly.

3. Add oats, chopped green chilli, chopped onion, grated ginger and chopped coriander leaves and mix well.

4. Make a ball of this mixture.

5.Take a portion of dough, flatten with the palms of your hand and place a ball of stuffing in the center. Bring the edges to the centre and close it.

6. Lightly roll into the shape of a chapati.

7. Heat a tawa and place the rolled, stuffed paratha on thd hot tawa.

8. Roast on one side.Then flip over and roast on the other side.

9. Spread some cooking oil or ghee on both sides. Roast some more till golden brown and serve hot.

HEALTHY FOODS/ UNHEALTHY FOODS

Healthy foods are rich in nutrients and provide essential vitamins and minerals,while unhealthy foods are often high in calories, sugar, and fats, with little to no nutritional value. Healthy foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, whereas unhealthy foods include processed snacks, sugary drinks, and fast food
Healthy foods provide sustained energy and help with weight management. It supports overall health and well-being.
Unhealthy foods can lead to weight gain, obesity, and other health problems. They can contribute to the development of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Packaged snacks, sugary and fizzy drinks, and fast foods are available everywhere. It is easy to fall into the trap of eating these foods as they are easily obtainable and we find it convenient.But processed food often lacks the nutrients your body needs to thrive. But real, whole foods,fuel energy, support immune functions and promote long-term wellness.

Eating healthy doesn’t mean being perfect—it means being aware and making the best choices you can. Prioritize fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and clean proteins whenever possible. Your body is built to heal and perform—give it the tools it needs to do the job well.

STUFFED ALOO KULCHA

Punjab is known for some scrumptious North Indian Dishes like Chole, Palak Paneer, Sarson Ka Saag, etc,. Amritsari Kulcha is one of them.There are many varieties of Kulcha like Onion Kulcha, Paneer Kulcha, Cheese Kulcha, Masala Kulcha etc.The dough of the Kulcha for any of these will remain the same. You only need to change the stuffing. This recipe is for stuffed Aloo Kulcha. 😋

INGREDIENTS

For dough:

1 cup maida

1 Cup Wheat flour

½ tsp baking powder

1 tbsp sugar

1tsp salt

½ cup curd

water for kneading

2 tbsp ghee

For stuffing:

3 medium sized potatoes, boiled & grated
1 onion, finely chopped

1 inch piece of grated ginger

1 green chilli, finely chopped

1 tsp chaat masala

Salt to taste

A few coriander leaves finely chopped

For rolling:

Kalonji
Sesame seeds
Coriander leaves, finely chopped

RECIPE

Dough for kulcha:

1. In a large bowl, mix the maida, wheat flour, baking powder,sugar and salt.

2. Add the curd and ghee and knead the dough , adding water as required. Knead the dough till it is soft and smooth.

3. Cover the dough with a wet cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Stuffing for kulcha:

1. In a large bowl, grate the potatoes so that they are easy to stuff.

2. Add chopped onion, chopped green chilli , grated ginger , chopped coriander leaves, salt and chaat masala and mix well. Keep aside.

Roasting the kulcha
1. Make balls from the dough and press into a cup shape.

2. Fill with potato stuffing and seal.

3. Now roll gently keeping it uniform thickness.

4. Heat a tawa.Spread some water on top of the rolled kulcha and put on tawa with the wet side on the tawa. This helps the kulcha to stick on the tawa.

5. Wet your palm and touch it on the kalonji, sesame seeds and chopped coriander leaves .Then pat it on the kulcha on the tawa. Let it roast for a while.

6. After a minute, flip the tawa upside down and cook the kulcha directly on flame till the kulcha turns golden brown and puffs up.

7. Gently scrape the kulcha from bottom and remove.

8. Brush it with some ghee or butter.

9. Serve hot with your favourite curry like chana masala or even plain raita.

HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FOOD

1. Honey lasts forever: It never spoils, even
after 3,000 years. In fact, honey was found in King Tut’s tomb that was still good to eat.

2. Watermelons are 92% water, perfect for
hydration.

3. Pineapples need up to 3 years to grow.

4. Garlic fights bacteria: Its compounds are
natural antibiotics.

5. Broccoli contains more protein per calorie than steak.

6. Apples are more effective in waking one up in the morning than coffee.

7. Smelling lemon helps to reduce nausea.

8. Just 2 bananas will provide you with enough energy for an intense workout.

9. Carrots are sweeter in winter:
Carrots convert starches to sugars during winter to prevent freezing, making them sweeter.

10. Oreos are vegan. It seems "milk's favourite cookie" can actually be dipped in oat, soy or almond milk for a delicious vegan snack. These iconic sandwich cookies don't actually contain any milk products or eggs so are vegan-friendly.