Longer lasting tires? Soy Bean Oil used to make better tires that are not dependent on petroleum derivatives? Apparently, this is a possibility by maybe 2015. Tests are on going in Oklahoma and Texas. Good Year Tires is leading the way! Is there enough soy bean production to satisfy this demand?

Could other parts of the country or world for that matter grow soy beans? Would it truly be a game changer?

In a small bowl combine flour and spices.  In another small bowl beat eggs.  Dip tomato slices in the egg then coat with flour mixture.  Fry in oil until golden on each side.

Variations:

1. Omit paprika and flour and add curry powder and chick pea flour
2. Omit paprika and salt and add garlic salt
3. Omit paprika and add cumin and cayenne
4. Omit egg and use 1 tbs. of finely ground flaxseed blended with 3 tbs. water until frothy.
5. Omit egg and paprika and use tomato sauce, garlic salt and oregano

The dough:

Sift together flour and salt; add melted butter, yogurt and enough water to make a stiff dough.  Knead until smooth and elastic.  Roll our 1/4 inch on a floured board and cut into 4″ in diameter pieces.  Keep rolling and cutting until you have used all the dough.  Place 1 -2 tbs. of filling in the middle of each circle, fold in half and seal with a fork around the edges.

Heat 3 inches of vegetable or peanut oil in a skillet and fry samosas until golden.

Serve with a chutney or yogurt sauce.

Here are a few dipping suggestions:

Mock Tamarind Sauce

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat stirring until the sugar melts.

Cilantro Mint Pesto

Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until smooth.  Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container with a little olive oil on top to prevent it from turning black.  Great with pasta or rice too.

Tomato Ginger Chutney

Cook ginger and garlic with garam masala and cayenne in oil about 2 minutes.  Add all other ingredients and cook uncovered on med. heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.  Reduce heat and cook 5 minutes or until thickens.

My friends bother was talking about doing an anti-inflammatory diet and that sparked the idea of this blog post! I am hoping he will blog about his experience!

Did you know that certain foods can decrease inflammation? Cherries are often known to ease inflammation as well as the seasoning turmeric. According to the University of Arizona turmeric may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. Omega 3 is also known to greatly decrease inflammation. Omega 3 can be found in salmon, flax seeds and walnuts. Also the best vegetable juice to reduce inflammation is cucumber and celery.

Obviously, if there are foods that can reduce inflammation there are certainly foods that contribute to inflammation. Want to take a wild guess at what foods are “pro” inflammation? If you guessed sugar, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages you are right! Red meat is also a big contributor to inflammation as well as white flour, eggs, fried foods and vegetable oils like corn and soybean oil.

It is so easy to fall in to the “quick” meals and processed food life style, but we are what we eat. Everything we eat is going to affect our body in one what or another whether it is now or later in life. I encourage you to eat more fruits and vegetables and limit or eliminate all processed foods from your diet. Your body will thank you!