Deepa's Secrets: Slow Carb/New Indian Cuisine

Join me on a delicious and healthy journey with Deepa Thomas, author of Deepa’s Secrets.  As Deepa says, “It’s not rocket science that we are what we eat.”  As many of you know, I am a five year breast cancer survivor and have been trying to embrace a healthier lifestyle. However, the constant challenge is trying to find the balance of delicious and nutritious.  Deepa’s kitchen chat has literally changed my life.  Her recipes empower and nourish and will expand your global palate and help satiate the spirit and the stomach.

Throughout her journey, Deepa has discovered the healing power of food and actually helped her Type 2 diabetic husband get off insulin.  (Please note whenever you are making changes in your diet to consult your doctor).  She explains that good health begins with a healthy gut. Her recipes are full of “gut healthy” ingredients like beans, cabbage, blueberries yogurt and many spices. I personally made her recipe for Avocado, Tomato and Plum salad.  Please find recipe below my photo of Deepa’s dish:

 

Recipe Avocado, Tomato, and Plum Sauce featured on page 116 of Deepa’s Secrets (Skyhorse Publishing.) Used with permission.

Serves 4

Dressing:

1/2 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste (Margaret’s note: I personally blended a clove of garlic and a piece of fresh ginger)

1/2 yellow onion, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon wild honey

1 jalapeno, minced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted and ground

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

2 avocados sliced

1 large tomato, sliced

1 large tomato, sliced

1 plum, sliced

Crowning flavor:

2 tablespoons cilantro, stemmed and finely chopped

4 mint leaves, roughly torn

1 teaspoon chaat masala

1 cup Go Nuts! or toasted crumbled walnuts

1.) Whisk dressing ingredients together in a glass bowl.  Check seasoning and set aside.

2) On a platter, mx tomato, avocado, and plum slices gently.  Drizzle the dressing on top.

Here are a few of  Deepa’s secrets for the home chef:

1. Use unrefined grapeseed and coconut oils.  Grapeseed oil is delicious in salad dressings
2. Leftovers plus broth equals soup.  Ta dah!
3. Cardamom is the Queen of Spices.  According to Deepa, it improves digestive, kidney and respiratory functions.

As a bonus, here are three healthy life tips from Deepa:

1. Give up the Guilt.  The guilt we carry can be heavier than the extra weight.
2. Eat foods closest to the Earth, mostly greens with legumes.
3. Eat five small meals each day and stay active.  Make a frequent connection with mind, body and spirit.

As we know dear foodie friend, charity begins in the kitchen.  All of Deepa’s royalties from her cookbook Deepa’s Secrets will benefit FoodCorps, a non-profit organization that connects kids to healthy food in school so they can lead healthier lives and reach their full potential.

As Deepa says, “Your day is full of choices.  Your body is full of healing power.  What if you give it a fighting chance? Fortune may favor you.”

What are your tips for living a healthy life?

Savor the day!

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