Instant poha and makhana sweet snack

Just realized that its been a month that I have updated the blog.. yea been busy with kids and few health issues of parents. Now hopefully my brain will start working and would be able to develop some quick, nice and healthy recipes :)

Today I tried making this easy instant snack for the kids which got certified as 'epic; by dear son .. I guess its the way of saying very nice by their generation.

Its quite easy to make it easy to eat too.I used organic red poha ( beaten rice) and puffed fox nut seeds, both are quite rich in minerals and nutrients. 

Ingredients

Thin organic red beaten rice ( poha) - 1 cup

Puffed foxnut seeds ( makhana) - 1 cup

Coconut (grated)- 1/3 cup

Sugar/ grated jaggery - as needed

Method
In a mixer throw in all the ingredients and churn for a while to bring it together. Sprinkle few drops of milk if necessary.

Serve!!

Yes, As I said its just as simple as this and I found it yummy too :P
Enjoy!
Thanks
Chaithanya

Ice apple rose coconut milk shake recipe

I know I am getting carried away with these ice apples and the dried rose petals .. Been thinking of trying something new, refreshing and healthy with these ingredients and came up with this. This is one of the best drinks to be had in a summer afternoon, chilled or at room temperature.

Alright, following is the recipe

Ingredients

Ice apples/ nongu - 2

Dried rose petals - 1/4 cup ( may use rose syrup instead)

Coconut milk - 1 cup

Sugar 2-3 tsp

Water - 1 cup

Method

Blend the ice apples and coconut milk well, add the dried roses and let it soak for sometime. Add the water and strain.

Garnish with chopped nungus and dried rose petals and serve chilled.

Just as simple as it is !:)

Tips

I made fresh coconut milk at home, you could use store bought one.

May replace sugar with jaggery syrup.

Thanks 

Chaithanya

Misthi dahi - Thick sweetened yogurt

Misthi dahi has been made and eaten in our country and tradition since ages before the invasion of the flavoured yogurts we get in the market these days. Its not difficult to make these flavoured yogurts, not only that, once you get an idea of making this you can make a lot of variations of these. I tried this and is very happy with the outcome and hence sharing the recipe. Its nice to be served chilled in this summer as well!!!

Ingredients

Milk - 1 litre

Sugar - 1/3 cup

Saffron threads - a few

Yogurt - 2 tbspns

Method

Bring the milk to boil and leave it in low flame for about 20 minutes until the milk has reduced to half of the original volume. Then prop a strainer over a small metal bowl or earthen ware container and strain the condensed milk to remove any lumps. Allow the milk to stand until the temperature drop slightly.

Now remove the layer of skin from the surface of the milk. Whisk the sweetener, saffron, and yogurt into the milk. Cover the container and put it in a quiet warm place. The misthi dahi should be firm in 4-6 hours after that refrigerate it.

Serve it chilled and enjoy!

Thanks

Chaithanya

Lassi with dried rose petals - Rose lassi

Summer, heat, craving for cool drinks is all synonyms. There are ingredients which are body coolants and dried rose petals are one of those. I have had few recipes with rose petals before and now this one to add on :)

All is fair as long it tastes good!!

This is made with no essence or colours, just used dried rose petals, fresh and clean rose petals must be as good.

Ingredients

Dried rose petals - 2-4 tbsp

Fresh chilled curd - 1 cup

Sugar - as required

Few ice cubes

Water - 1/4 - 1/2 cup

Method

Soak the petals in water so that it releases the essence. Squeeze out the petals completely. Now blend the rose water with curd and add the sugar. Serve cold.

I cudnt wait to shoot this picture to gulp it down, just being frank :) 
Enjoy!
Thanks 
Chaithanya

Whole wheat chocolate peanut cookies sweetened with palm jaggery

Have heard a lot that when kids grow up they demand munchies for umpteen reasons to follow behind it. And mothers find it hard to let them stick on to something healthier and sane. Salads in my mind in the coming days but as of now baked some cookies. Used palm jaggery instead of sugar and whole wheat instead of refined flour as usual. To add the protein content some powdered peanuts too!

Hope this will satiate their urge to munch on and curb their hunger and cravings too!

Recipe
Butter - 1/2 cup
Whole wheat flour- 1.5 cups
Peanut powder - 1 cup
Palm jaggery syrup - 1 cup
Baking powder - a pinch
Cocoa powder - 2-3 tspns
Choco chips - 1/2 - 1 cup ( optional)


Method
Throw in all the ingredients into a large deep bowl and mix well and gently with a fork or your fingers. Add few drops of milk to bring them together if you want.
Once the dough is formed, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven for about 10 minutes at 150 degrees Celsius
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and make small balls and place it on a greased baking tray.
Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes or until you see it all puffed up and bottom turns golden brown
Remove the cookies from the tray and lay on a wire rack to cool
Once cooled completely store in a clean jar and store.


Note : For the jaggery syrup, I melt 500 gms of palm jaggery with one cup of water, strain and store and use one cup of the syrup for this cookie.
Bake and enjoy
Thanks
Chaithanya :)