Organic rice, wheat and other grains

Rishika Kapoor loves to try out new food products at home, off and on. But when somebody suggested organic food, she was skeptical. However, on the friend’s persistence, she decided to pick up organic brown rice and lentils from a south Delhi store.

“While washing the lentils, I realised they did not leave any colour in the water. The rice was filling, yet not heavy on the stomach. Sustained usage has led to great results, even if it was at slightly higher cost,” smiles Rishika.
Organic way of life is fast catching up. Be it in food items, cooking medium or even in clothing and accessories. Brown rice, pulses, tea, muesli, flour, spices and pasta are gaining a strong foothold. This Sunday, the city will host its first organic food mela at Jorbagh residential park, organised by People for Animals that will feature grains, lentils, vegetables, beverages as well as packaged food without preservatives like pickles, cookies and savouries.
Amla and apple cinnamon health bars, mint chutney chana, garlic roasted kaju, oatmeal cookies to tea, coffee and juices, everything can be a part of the organic brigade.
Then, what exactly are organic food items? “Organic food items do not have any synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilisers. From germination of the seed to the final processing and packaging of the food items, everything is natural. Many people think that organic foods constitute just grains, vegetables and fruits. However, there are organic meat and eggs available in the market. The animals are fed on pesticide free diet and are not given any hormones,” explains Kandla Nijhowne, a Masterchef participant, who is organising a workshop on cooking healthy, scrumptious dishes with organic products.
The organic food stores in the city are seeing brisk business. “The youth are warming up to the idea of organic food products. There has been 50 per cent growth in our sales as compared to last year. Organic brown rice snack, honey roasted nuts and muesli are some of the products, that have seen steep hike in demand,” says Seema Jajodia of Nourish Organic Foods, that manufactures ready-to-eat organic food. The store will be a part of the organic food mela along with about 20 other participants.
“The pesticide-free food products retain their original flavour, nutrition and taste, as opposed to their adulterated counterparts. Brown rice, chana, dal and spices are favourite draws,” adds Chandni T. Sikand of My Green Kart, another organic products store in the city.
Does organic food require different cooking ? “Most of the vegetables and fruits can be consumed raw. For other products, you should not overcook or boil too long. Taste and nutrition need to be retained,” adds Nijhowne.

Baked corn muffin
Ingredients
½ cup organic atta
1 ½ cup organic cornmeal(makki ka atta)
2 tsp organic baking soda
1 tsp organic salt
¼ cup organic butter
1 ½ cup organic milk
1 tsp organic vinegar
3 tsp organic honey
1 organic jalapeno (or green chilly),diced
1 cup organic corn kernels
Method
Prepare a muffin tray and line the moulds with paper cases.
Preheat the oven to 190 degrees celsius.Combine the milk and vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
Melt the butter and allow to cool. Sieve together the atta, salt, cornmeal and soda.
Stir the cooled butter and honey into the milk. Mix together the dry and liquid ingredients. Stir in corn and diced chillies.
Use a ladle and poon into prepared muffin cases. Bake for about 18-20 minutes.