Watermelon Mint Cooler

 Watermelon Mint Cooler

Serves : 2

Main Ingredients : Watermelon/Mint

Time : 5 mins

Difficulty : Easy

As it is getting hotter day by day,this Watermelon Mint cooler helps in beating this humid temperature, as it makes a perfect cool drink to hang out with. About 90% of watermelon consists of water because of which it juices easily, and helps in keeping our body cool and healthy. Whereas Mint also has a cooling effect that is beneficial to our body. Its helps in hydrating our body in summers. When both of this are mixed together it forms a complete healthy and refreshing drink ...

 

Ingredients : 

• 2 cups chopped seeded watermelon
• 2 tbsp honey / sugar
• 1 cup crushed ice
• Mint 
 

 

 

 

Method : 

• Take a blender put the chopped watermelons into it.Add 2 tbsp honey to it, or sugar according to your choice.
• Now put the crushed ice to it and mix all the mentioned ingredients till it turns smooth.
• Take the serving glasses and transfer the drink into it. Your watermelon cooler is ready to serve... Garnish it with mint leaves.
• Serve it chill...

Vegetable Upma

Vegetable Upma

 

 

Serves : 2

Main Ingredients : Upma 

Time : 10 minutes

Difficulty : Easy 

 

 

 

 

Vegetable upma is one of the easiest, quickest and healthiest South Indian meal to have in your breakfast. It is full of nutrients and easily digestable . It is mostly served with coconut chutney or sambar.The receipe that I'm sharing is a simple and quick mixed vegetable upma. As optional you can even add some chopped fruits, dry nuts or sprouts for enhancing the flavour.

Instead of Rava (Sooji) upma can even be made with Vermicelli or wheat grain. 

 

Ingredients :

• 1 cup Semolina ( upma )
• 1 onion chopped
• 1/2 capsicum chopped
• 5-6 green chillies chopped
• 1 medium sized tomato chopped
• 1 bunch coriander leaves chopped
• 5-6 curry leaves
• 1 tbsp urad dal
• 1 tbsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 carrot chopped
• French beans chopped
• Green peas 
• Salt 
• Oil

 

Method :

• First take 2 tbsp of oil in a pan. Add curry leaves, mustard seeds and urad dal into it they are roasted well.
• Now take a pan and add rava to it and roast it again on low heat. On the other flame heat 2 cups of water and boil it. Meanwhile roast all the above mentioned vegetables with 2 tbsp of oil till they turn golden brown.
• Now once the rava is roasted well, keep adding water slowly to it and keep stiring properly, so that no lumbs are left, and it doesnot stick to the bottom.
• As the water gets evaporated add all the veggies and salt according to your taste.
• Cook for atleast 3 minutes, take a serving plate and transfer into it. Your vegetable upma is ready to be served... :) Serve it with Sambar or Chutney...

Note :

* Instead of frying the veggies, you can also boil them and keep it aside.

       

Vegetable Cutlets

 Vegetable Cutlets 

Serves : 4

Main Ingredients : Bread / Vegetables

Time : 30 minutes

Difficulty : Average

 

 

 

These cutlets are always an instant hit with my kids.Even it helps me in using the left over breads and veggies. Cutlets reminds me of my childhood train journeys, the only thing that we kids used to order were these vegetable cutlets with ketchup for our breakfast. I still do so ... :) These cutlets are also a fun and easy way to help children eat their vegetables. It can be made in different sizes and shapes.They are warm, crispy and delicious to serve.

Ingredients :

•  8 to 10 Bread slices

• 2 large Potatoes mashed

• 1/2 cup Carrots, Peas, Beans ( chopped )

• 1 Onion diced

• 2 Green Chillies diced 

• 1 Tomato chopped 

• 1/2 Cabbage chopped

• 1 tbsp red chilli powder

•  1/2 cup maida

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• chopped Ginger

• 2 tbsp Garam Masala powder

• 1/2 tbsp black pepper

• Salt

• 1 cup bread crumbs

• Cooking Oil

 

Method :

• First take a pan and heat a tbsp of oil in it.Add the chopped onions,potatoes,peas, cabbage,carrots in it and mix it well.

• Now sprinkle salt and pepper to it and keep mixing it well.Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes till they are well cooked and the water is evaporated.

• As soon as the vegetables are cooked remove it from the flame and keep it aside till it cools down.

• Now take a separate bowl and mash all the vegetables, and make small balls and flatten them in your palm and give desired shapes and sizes.Meanwhile take a clean pan heat oil to deep fry the cutlets.

• Now dip the desired shaped cutlets into the maida paste, then immediately coat it evenly with the bread crumbs and deep fry these cutlets till they turn crisp and brown.

• Your cutlets are ready... Serve it with Ketchup, Pudina chutney, etc in your meals. 

Note :

*       The vegetable mixture should be dry.

          Rub oil in your palm while making the shapes.

          Use different shapes to make it more fun.

           Instead of deep frying you can bake the cutlets at 4oo F for 30 

           minutes

 

Paneer Capsicum Sabji

Paneer Capsicum Sabji 

Serves : 4

Main Ingredients : Paneer / Capsicum

Time : 30 mins

Difficulty : Average

 

Cottage cheese or Paneer is my first choice whenever I have to look into a vegetarian menu. I prefer dry paneer veggie then having it in a gravy form and I love Paneer with mix vegetables. It can even be wrapped in thin layered rotis with ketchup which is yet another form of healthy snack.Last night I thought of cooking this simple side dish with Capsicum, and it did really tasted delicious. This sabzi is full of nutrients ( capsicum and paneer ). Different color capsicums ( red/yellow/green ) can also be used in it. This dish is super healthy and wonderfully delicious.

 

 

Ingredients :

• 1 cup Paneer pieces ( cubed )
• 1 cup Tomato ( cubed )
• 1 cup Capsicum ( cubed )
• 1 Onion Quartered
• 1/2 tbsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tbsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp garam masala powder
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
• Salt ( to taste )
• 1 tbsp Ghee
• Chopped coriander leaves

Method :

• First heat Ghee in a frying pan. Take the cubed Paneer pieces and fry till it turns light brown and put in cold water so that it turns soft, drain the paneer after 5 minutes and keep it aside.
• Now take another pan ,put ghee in it and add cumin seeds to it. Add the cubed capsicum and onions till they turn light brown.Fry them for few minutes. 
• Now add ginger garlic paste to it and mix it well for a minute. 
• Now add to it turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder and salt and mix them well and cook till the capsicum turn soft.Cook for 5 mins and again mix gently.
• Garnish it with fresh chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with your meals... :)

* Add any vegetable you like ...

Nimboo Pani

Nimboo Pani

Serves : 4

Main Ingredient : Lemon

Time : 10 mins

Difficulty : Easy

 

 

 

During this hot and humid Summer in Delhi, its very difficult to walk out of your house either in the morning, afternoon or evening. Everywhere we find vendors selling lemon soda to help the people beat the summers. This is the oldest drink, and everyone knows to make it, now a days we can try this with different twists... :) People from every class can afford to buy or make this, as its very affordable. Instead of serving soft drinks to my guests I prefer serving Lemon juice in Summers as it is cool, refreshing and energizing... You too can try this simple refreshing drink by using the below ingredients...

Ingredients :

• 4 Juicy Lemons
• 8 glasses of water ( icy chilled )
• 4 tbsp Honey
• Soda
• Mint leaves
• Crushed Ice 

Method :

• First take a big clean jug. Add icy chilled water in it. 
• Now cut the lemons into two halves, remove the seeds and squeeze the lime juice in it icy water.
• Chop few mint leaves and add it to the lime water.
• Now add few tablespoons of honey in it. Mix it well.
• Then finally add fresh Soda into it , and stir it well again. Now take long serving glasses and transfer the fresh lime soda water in it.
• Now strain and serve with crushed ice cubes and garnish it with Mint leaves... Your Lemon ( Nimbu ) pani is ready to serve. Serve it cool.

Apple Shake

Apple Shake

Serves : 2

Main Ingredients : Apple

Time : 20 mins

Difficulty : Easy

 

This shake is yet another tasty and simple to make. During my pregnancy time I was advised to take one apple a day. Having it daily wasn't easy for me as I was tired of the same taste everyday. So I started experimenting with it, and thought of making milkshake once or twice in a week, for giving different taste to my taste buds. Once I tried it with Cardamom seeds ( Elaichi ) it gave rich, sweet and delicious taste with its aromatic flavor and taste. My hubby loved it more then I did. Even today whenever I prepare apple shake, he reminds me not to forget the Cardamom flavor ... :)

So, once again lets try this delicious and nutritious drink ...

Ingredients :

• 2 Apple 
• 2 glass Milk                    
• 1 tbsp Sugar
•  2 Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
• Ice Cubes
• 5 Cardamom ( powdered )

Method :

• First peel the Apples and cut in small pieces and keep it aside.Apple Red/Green should be selected according to your taste.
• Now Take a blender and blend milk, apple and sugar in it till it becomes soft and smoothns up.
• Now separately grind the Cardamom ( Elaichi ) into fine powder .
• Mix this finely powdered Cardamom ( Elaichi ) and mix it in the shake. Cardamom helps in giving extra aroma and flavor to the shake.
• Now with it add 2 scoop of Vanilla ice cream to the shake, to give it an extra smooth taste and flavor. Vanilla Ice cream goes well with apple shake.
• Now take clean serving glasses and pour the apple shake in the glasses.
• Add some crushed ice for extra coolness, and top it with few apple pieces... :)

 

* Keep the Apples and Milk in the refrigerator for hours before making the milkshake.

Food Salad with Ice Cream

Food Salad with Ice Cream

 

 

Serves :4

Main Ingredients : Fruits & Ice Cream

Time : 30 mins

Difficulty : Very Easy

Fruit salad with Ice cream can be the most simplest dessert for anyone to make. I often make it especially for my kids.One evening after our dinner there wasn't enough ice cream to serve me and my family.There was a little amount of vanilla ice cream in the freezer and few fruits in my refrigerator. I thought of experimenting with both.And the result came positive from eveyone, and he asked for second helping.. :) and I had to share it from my bowl. Almost any fruit can be used to make this delicious Ice cream Salad.This salad helps in including a wide variety of fruits in your daily diet. Give this easy dessert a try for sure ... :)

Ingredients :

• 2 Strawberries 
• 1 Mango
• 1 Kiwi
• 1 Apple
• Grapes ( Green / Black )
• Papaya
• Cherries
• 1/2 Pineapple
• 50 ml Honey
• Vanilla/Butter Scotch/ Pista Ice cream
• Cashew nuts , Pistachios, Almonds ( chopped )

Chopping Of Fruits :

• Strawberry : Remove the top and cut into desired shape.
• Mango : Wash and remove the mango skin and then cut it in cubes.
• Kiwi : First peel the skin,and cut in small cubes.
• Apple : Cut the apples in small cubes. Keep the skin as per your need.
• Grapes : Only few grapes should be added, as it adds beautiful color to the ice cream salad.
• Papaya : Peel and chop it in small cubes.

Method : 

• First take a clean bowl and mix all the chopped fruits very well. 

• Now take 4 clean Ice cream bowls.
• In the first layer put 2 spoons on mixed fruit salad in each glass. 
• In the second layer add a scoop of Vanilla/Butter scotch/ Pista ice cream over it.
• Now in the third layer again add 2 spoons of fruit salad.
• In the last layer again add a scoop of Ice cream.
• On its top put few drops of honey, and chopped dry fruits.
• And finally garnish it with fruits or cherries.Your fruit ice cream is ready to serve.

• Keep it in the refrigerator for few hours.
• Serve it chill. You will you it for sure... :)

 Give it a try !!!

* You can use any fruit you like.

   You can use any flavored Ice cream, but I would prefer using Vanilla.

Andhra Chicken Curry

Andhra Chicken Curry 

 

 

Serve : 4

Time : 1 hour

Main Ingredient : Chicken

Difficulty : Average

 

 

Andhra Chicken is one food that I die for. Andhra food is known for its hot tangy and spicy tasty food. It is the leading state in growing Rice and Spices because of which Rice has become the staple food of people over there. Majority of people in Andhra are non-vegetarian. Everyone in my family loves Andhra cuisines especially the non vegetarian dishes because of the different spices that adds aroma to it. My mother makes delicious Andhra chicken, so this time even i thought of giving it a try. It was made really good, I could not beat my  mother but it tasted really well 'as said by my family members' :)

Andhra Chicken is made in many ways.This is my way of preparing, do give it a try and enjoy this spicy Andhra Chicken. I hope you will definately like it... :)

Ingredients :

• Onions (finely chopped) : 2 
• Bay Leaves : 3
• Chicken  : 1kg
• Garlic (flakes) : 2
• Coconut (grated) : 3 tbsp
• Garam Masala Powder : 2 ½ tsp
• Cinnamon Pieces : 2 ½ tsp
• Ginger Paste : 100 gm
• Cumin Seeds : 1/2 tsp
• A bunch of Coriander Leaves (chopped)
• Oil : 2 tbsp
• Turmeric Powder : 1 tsp
• Red Chili Powder : ½ tsp
• Salt  : 2 tsp
• Water : 1 ½ cup

Method :

• Clean  the skin of the chicken.
• Now  heat it in a saucepan at low heat.
• Add turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp of salt then stir it well and cover it tight, allow it to go soft with its own liquid.
• For a paste grind the ingredients like ginger, garlic, cumin seeds and coconut all together.
• Heat oil on low the flame.
• Add cinnamon, cloves , bay leaves and chopped onions to it. Stir fry till it turns golden brown.
• Mix the spice paste now and saute for three minutes till it becomes little brownish.
• Transfer the boiled chicken into it and sprinkle red chili over it. Pour water over it now and allow it to dry.
• Sprinkle the Garam Masala powder over it and stir it well.
• For garnish sprinkle coriander leaves over it.

 Your Chicken is ready to be served with rice or rotis ... :)

Cold Coffee

Cold Coffee 

 

 

Serves : 2

Main Ingredients : Coffee/Milk

Time : 6-7 minutes

Difficulty : Very Easy

Cold Coffee is an apt cold drink to counter this blistering summer heat, a healthy alternate to other artificial drinks.Its a hit in Summers.In this hot summer days, we love to have different types of drinks, which helps in keeping one cool, refreshing and healthy. In summers I mostly prefer cold coffee instead of tea, hot coffee or milk.Even kids have a crazy love for cold coffee. Here is a simple and easy drink which I frequently prepare and would like to share it with you all.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups cold milk

• 2 tbsp vanilla ice cream

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp coffee

• Ice cubes

•  Choc-co powder 

• Dark Chocolate

Method :

• First take a clean jar, add chilled milk, Vanilla Ice Cream, Sugar, Coffee powder and ice cubes and blend all the ingredients till it turns smooth.

• Now take serving glasses and transfer the chilled coffee into the serving glasses.

• After this top it with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream and sprinkle some choc-co powder over it.

• Now take a dark chocolate, and grate it with a help of a spoon, and top it over the vanilla ice cream.

• Your cold coffee is ready to refresh you. Serve it chill... and enjoy yourself...

 

* Keep the cold milk in the refrigerator for hours before preparing the coffee.

 

Mango Pineapple Banana Smoothie

Mango Pineapple Banana Smoothie

 

 

Serves : 2

Main Ingredient : Mango, Pineapple and Banana

Time : 5 mins

Difficulty : Very Easy

 

 

 

Ingredients :

• 2 cups Mango Pulp
• 1/2 cup Banana
• 2 cups Pineapple Peeled
• 1 ltr Milk
• Honey/Sugar
• 2 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
• Ice cubes

Method :

• Take a mixer.
• Add Mango pulp, chopped Bananas and Pineapple.

• Now add Milk, honey and Vanilla Ice cream in it.
• Blend it for 10-12 seconds till it grinds soft and smooth. 
• Now take a serving glass and transfer the smoothie in it. 
• Put the ice cubes in it stir it well.
• And now garnish it with pieces of Mango and Pineapple for a good presentation. Serve it chill.

Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberry Smoothie 

Strawberry shakes are best way to keep yourself healthy. Strawberry smoothies are delicious, healthy and very easy to make. Its even fantastic for kids those who don't like to consume milk too much. This is a great refreshment drink ! You can even replace the strawberry with your favorite fruit. It is even low in fat. popular berry fruits. They It is one of the popular sweet,juicy and delicious berry fruits. They are highly nutritious and filled with Vitamins ( A, C , E & K ), Minerals and Antioxidants. To make Strawberry smoothie try the following recipe : 

Serves : 2

Main Ingredient : Strawberry

Time : 10 mins

Difficulty : Easy

Ingredients :

• 4 cups Strawberries

• 6 scoops vanilla ice cream

• Honey 4-5 tbsp

• Milk 1/2 ltr

• Ice cubes

 Method :

• First take fresh strawberries and wash them with clean water and cut off its tops,and cut the strawberries into small desired pieces.
• Now take a mixer and put the chopped strawberries in it , add Vanilla ice cream, honey, milk and ice cubes and blend it for 10-15 seconds till it turns soft and smooth. 
• Your Strawberry milkshake is ready to serve.Now take two serving glasses and transfer the milkshake in it immediately.
• Now add two scoops of Vanilla Ice cream on its top.At the end add few more crushed ice cubes and it well, and finally garnish it with sliced strawberries. Your cool strawberry shake is ready to attack !!!

Litchi Shake

Litchi Shake

 

 Lychee also known as Litchi belongs to the soap-berry family. It originated in China and is now grown in many parts of the world.It is spotted in the Summer season. This fruit is a great source of B-complex and Vitamins. It contains high amount of Vitamin C. Litchi milkshake is typically made with blended milk and ice cream.This shake reminds me of my Dehradun days, where my uncle used to have Lychee gardens, and used to make fresh Lychee juice and shakes with different styles.So get the taste of litchi in quick time and relish the taste of a wonderful fruit. Shake it with ice cream and milk and get ready to taste the difference.

 

 

Serves : 2

Main Ingredient : Litchi

Time : 15-20 mins

Difficulty : Easy

Ingredients :

• 500gm litchis 
• 4 glass milk
• 8 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups Ice cubes
• 4 drops Vanilla essence.

 Method :  

 

• Before making the shake its very important to peel the fresh litchies, remove its seed and keep the lychee pulp seperate in a container.
• Now take a juicer and add the litchi pulp, milk, sugar and vanilla essence and give it a soft and smooth blend.
• Now add ice cubes and blend it again till it crushes well with the juice, and your refreshing Lychee shake is ready to be serve.Now take two serving glasses.
• Transfer the Lychee shake in the serving glasses with few more crushed ice.
• Serve it chill.

            

Chickoo Shake

Chickoo Shake 

 

 

Chickoo are rich in fiber and nutrients. It looks like potatoes in shape and color. It is mostly found in Asian countries specially India. Its a fruit with black seed in center. Making chickoo milkshake is lots of fun.During this hot season we often tend to have milkshakes in large quantity. This fruit has a different taste which adds an unique flavor to the milkshake.This milkshakes helps in keeping one cool,healthy and refreshing ..!!!

Serves : 2

Main Ingredients : Chickoo

Time : 25-30 mins

Difficulty : Easy

Ingredients :

• 8 fresh Chikoos
• 1 liter milk
• 10 tbsp sugar
• ice cubes
• 2 scoops of Vanilla ice cream

Method :

• Before making the milkshake peel the chickoo skins, remove its seeds and store it in a container for further use.
• Now take a jar put the milk,ice cubes and sugar in it and give it a nice stir so that the ice crushes well.
• Now add the chickoo pulp to it and grind it well again till it turns smooth and soft for 10-15 seconds.
• Now take the serving glasses and transfer the chikoo shake in it and top it with scoops of Vanilla ice cream.
• At the end garnish it with chikoo pieces and few more crushed ice cubes. Serve it chill in breakfast.

Angoor Sharbat

Angoor Sharbat ( Grape Juice )

 

 

Grapes are one of the most popular fruits all over the world. Consuming grapes helps in several health benefits. Its nutritious values are very high. It is rich in Vitamin ( A, B1, B2, B6 & C6 ), Antioxidant and Minerals. Grapes increase the moisture in the lungs and helps in decreasing Asthma. Grapes are consumed as making jelly, raw fruit, raisins, jams, wine, vinegar and edible oil. Grape juice is a cool drink to counter this blistering summer heat.

Serves : 2

Main Ingredients : Grapes

Time : 10-15 mins

Difficulty : Easy

Ingredients :

• 5 cups Black/Green grapes juice
• 1/4 tbsp Elaichi
• 2 Lavang
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 2 pieces of Dalchini
• 1 cup crushed ice 

Method :

• First make a spice bag of cardamom seeds and cloves and keep it aside.
• Now take a pan, add grape juice and honey in low heat and boil for few minutes.
• After few minutes remove the juice from the flame, and add the spice bag in it, cover the pan and keep it aside till it cools down.
• Now remove the spice bag from the juice and refrigerate it for chilling for few hours.
• Now take long serving glasses and transfer the juice in the serving glasses .
• At the end add few more crushed ice pieces in the juice before serving.
• Your Angoor sharbat is ready to serve. Serve it chill. 

*  Use red, black or green grapes upto your choice.

     You can alternate honey with sugar.