Tag: summer

Mango drinks for summer

Everyone need more than air-conditioning or a dip in the pool to battle the hot summer weather of May, June and July. So cool off and chill out with cool summer drinks. Summer is the best suited time to have cocktails. Summer is the perfect time for friends to gather and share a few drinks. So brake out the tropicals, the frappes, the coolers and chill out. Cool drink refreshes your mind, soul, heart and body so never forget to take cold drinks during summer.

AAM PANNA–

It is the traditional North western Indian summer cooler drink. Aam Panna reduces the occurrence of heat strokes. It is not only a good refreshment but also a great rejuvenating drink as it restores the Sodium which was lost due to dehydration. It is rich in antioxidant which helps to remove the toxins from the body and purify blood. Here is a simple recipe for how to make aam panna.

Ingredients-

3 medium size green raw mangoes
1 cup Sugar
1 tablespoon roasted cumin powder
Black salt to taste
Salt to taste
2 cup water
1 tablespoon Mint leaves
Ice crushed

Recipe– Place the mangoes along with water in a sauce-pan and boil them. Simmer for 10 minutes. Then remove from gas. Alternately you can pressure cook the mangoes with water till they become soft. When they get cool, peel the mangoes and get the pulp with the help of a spoon. Grind mango pulp with water to a smooth paste. Take the pulpy mixture in a pan, add sugar and let it cook on gas till the sugar get dissolved completely. Stir continuously. Remove from gas and add roasted black salt, cumin powder and salt. Let this mixture cool down in proper time. To make the drink, take a glass and pour 1 -2 tablespoons of the mango mixture and pour it in chilled water. Now add finely crushed ice. Garnish with mint leaves and serve immediately.

MANGO MILKSHAKE-

Mango has a plenty of benefits that are good for our health and can fight against diseases such as cancer. It helps in digestion as it is rich in fiber. It is a rich source of vitamin A, hence it also boosts the immune system and lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. Mango shake contains good amount of proteins and irons, therefore it is very beneficial for anemic patients. Vitamin D and calcium present in mango milkshake helps in strengthening the bones. The recipe for making mango shake is as follows-

Ingredients–

1 cup milk,Ice cubes, 3 small ripe mangoes, 1/4-1/2 tablespoon cardamom powder (start less and increase as per taste), 2 tablespoon sugar.

Recipe- Peel the mangoes and then add their pulp to a blender. Add the milk and cardamom powder to it. Start with the minimum, since some may find the flavor of cardamom too overpowering. Blend it well along with ice cubes until they get mixed. Taste and add sugar if needed and give it another whirl if added. Pour into glasses with ice-cream on the top and enjoy.

MANGO MARGARITA –

Ingredients-

Mangoes peeled and cut into small pieces, Ice cubes as required, salt as required, lemon juice 3 tablespoons, and 1 cup mango squash.

Recipe- Put the pieces of mangoes in a blender and blend for a minute. Add mango squash, two table spoons lemon juice, ice cubes and blend it again for three minutes.Apply the remaining lemon juice at the rims of the glasses and dip the rims in the plates containing salt and then remove. Pour the margarita in the glasses and serve.

MANGO LIME COOLER–

Ingredients-

1 tablespoon honey, ½ cup low fat milk, 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into chunks, 1 tablespoon lime juice, Ice cubes, ½ cup plain fat free yogurt.

Recipe- Put all the ingredients except the ice cubes in the blender, then cover and blend the mixture on high speed around 15 seconds. Add crushed ice and then continue blending for 15 seconds. Now kick back and enjoy the perfect summer drink.

MANGO MOJITO-

A mango mojito features muddled mint leaves mixed with mango rum.

Ingredients-

1 lime wedge, 4 mint leaves, fresh mango (pureed), 90ml soda, ice cubes, 22ml light rum.

Recipe- Muddle the mint leaves and lime juice until they are fragrant by pressing a muddler into the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Then pour the rum and the mango puree into the shaker. Fill the shaker 2/3 full of ice cubes. Shake the drink until the ingredients are well mixed and chilled. Place ice cubes in a fashioned glass. Strain the drink from the cocktail shaker over the ice cubes. Top the drink with club soda and garnish it with a slice of mango.

MANGO COLADA-

Ingredients-

1 cup ripe mango cubes, 1/3 cup light rum, 1/3 cup cream of coconut, 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, ice cubes.

Recipe- Place all the ingredient shown above in a blender and then blend until it becomes smooth and thick. Add ice cubes. Pour into tall glass and enjoy your drink.

July 1, 2014
Get hydrated with fruity Fruits this Summer!

Fruits are lovable part of the diet all over. These are naturally sweetened, flavored palatable to famish over whenever you want and the bonus is the vitamins and minerals we get and other innumerable benefits. They are overloaded with vitamins and other nutrients and antioxidants and keep you fit, healthy, and hydrated and also the pleasurable feeling you get after the consumption. The refreshing experience of the fruits is irreplaceable. The wrenching heat of summer demands hydration of body or otherwise it gets too stressed up and tiring. In summer, your body water levels drop so quickly that you wouldn’t even realize when you are already dehydrated due to sweating. Obviously, water is the best bet for hydration, but you also need to make up for the electrolytes you loose in sweat due to sun or heat. For that, you need fruits to keep you fully refreshed and hydrated. According to the old rule of thumb, one is supposed to drink eight glasses of water per day, which sometimes can’t be fulfilled due to any varied reasons. Though, its really important to drink plenty of water in the summertime, but one can also quench his thirst by having the hugely hydrating foods, which have atleast 90% water content. Hydrating foods provide us with plenty of fluids and nutrients to fuel the hotness of summer. Let’s go through these summer special fruits high in water and nutrients and how they benefit us in so many ways;

Watermelon: It is but obvious that juicy watermelon is full of water. It has almost 90% water content, low in calories and high in fiber, which helps in losing weight and prevents constipation and obviously keeps you hydrated. Afterall, it is the number 1 water containing fruit. They are also rich in Vitamin C, which provides protection against immune system deficiencies and also have Vitamin A which is important for good skin and good eyesight. The red skin of a watermelon is also a significant source of phytochemicals, called lycopene, a nutrient which is cancer fighting anti-oxidant. This fruit is really refreshing is a great incentive to drink more water overall.

Lychee: It is very sweet flavored, all time favorite fruit of old and young. It is a great source of Vitamin C, which helps to prevent cold, gum bleeding, heal wounds, build collagen for skin and bones, protects the heart and prevents infections and also helps the body to fight against cancer. They are very rich in polyphenols, which help to protect against heart problems, cancer and infections and lychees also help to improve bowel movement and digestion. Lychees are also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps to control blood pressure, contract muscles and maintain fluid balance.

Pineapple: Pineapple has anti-inflammatory properties and growth of cancer cells and is a good source of energy. It is a great digestive fruit as contains enzyme bromelain, which softens the food in the stomach and is rich in fiber and relieves constipation. It is also rich in manganese that is necessary to build strong bones and connective tissues. It has high Vitamin C content which strengthens the immune system and improves hair, skin and nails.

Mango: The king of all fruits, Mango is very tasty, juicy, versatile fruit and is loved by everyone. The enzymes in mango help to improve digestion, and the Vitamin A in mango is like a power supply for your eyes and skin, improves acne, clears complexion, helps to prevent eyesight related issues and gives a glow to your skin, with anti ageing benefits. The vitamin B6 content helps to improve brain function and memory and Vitamin C helps to boost immunity. It also keeps the body cool and refreshed.

Honeydew Melon or Cantaloupe: This moist, luscious melon provides a big nutritional payoff for very few calories. It is a refreshing fruit filled with water give you cool feeling on a summer day. It is high in Vitamin A and C which helps to neutralize toxins and also helps in the synthesis of collagen, which is used to support blood vessels, ligaments and skin. It also improves skin texture and complexion. The potassium in the cantaloupe helps to lower high blood pressure. If you have a sweet tooth, it will definitely satisfy.

Peaches: The peaches, being naturally sweet, high in fiber and low in calories helps in weight loss. Also being a good source of Vitamin B provides energy. Peaches also provide magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, iron and calcium, and they work to support red blood cells, bone and nervous system health. Peaches are rich in Vitamin A, a great antioxidant, which helps in protecting the body against cancer, skin, eyes from damage. The fiber in peaches helps to lower cholesterol and they are a super source of potassium for normal BP, heart disease and muscle function.

Amla: Something that is extremely rich in Vitamin C is, amla. It is a powerful antioxidant and helps to prevent gum problems and prevents common cold and cough by boosting immunity. It has many benefits ranging from improving vision and cataracts and improves skin texture and act as anti ageing, also strengthens nails and prevent hair fall. It helps in the absorption of iron thereby preventing anemia and increases your digestive power and helps in weight loss as well. It also acts as a detoxifying agent for the liver and kidneys, prevents cancer, mouth ulcers and also enhances mood. Amla is really worth having.
Now, you can enjoy so many fruits this summer as per your choice and taste and keep your body healthy and hydrated, to keep your water levels high and feel refreshed at any time of the day in this hot summer.
Love fruits. Happy Summertime.

June 24, 2014
Plan your Summer Cooking

Summer is here and so is the sickening heat. So, you need to start planning your summer cooking. I promise this will prove to be a boon later. You need a smart menu to get your way through. Jot down family meals which are simple, less time consuming, healthy and definitely not fussy.

Remember to drink loads of water throughout the day. This will help you get rehydrated and keep headaches at bay. The fitter you are the better. Since in summer it is quite hot most of the time, when you are shopping, shop at one go so you won’t have to keep going back. Always make a list before shopping. Be guided by your head, not your stomach. Learn to keep a well-stocked store cupboard and replace things as you use them. Store food in fridge and freezer – this way, you can make several meals in case of an emergency.

My Summer Collection –

Cheesy Scrambled Egg Croissants (Quick and simple yet incredibly mouth – watering)

[Good source of Calcium; Suitable for vegetarians; Not suitable for freezing]

Time: 7 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 8 large eggs, 100g grated cheddar, a splash of milk, chives, 4 large croissants, salt, pepper

Method: in a bowl whisk the eggs, cheddar, milk and some seasoning. Pour into a saucepan and heat gently, stirring continuously, until softly scrambled. Stir in a small bunch snipped chives, then split open 4 croissants and put the scrambled eggs inside.

Spicy Crab Courgette Flowers (Courgette flowers are generally in season in summer. This is a must-have dish)

[Gluten free; Not suitable for freezing]

Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 5 (makes 10 flowers)

Ingredients: 100g fresh white crab meat, 1 red chilli (finely chopped), 1 tsp white wine vinegar, 1 tsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, 10 baby courgettes with flowers, 1 tbsp olive oil

Method: Mix together the crabmeat, chilli, white wine vinegar, parsley and some seasoning. Carefully fill the courgette flowers with this mixture. Twist the top of each flower to make sure that no filling comes out when cooking. Don’t overfill them. Once you have stuffed all the flowers, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat and add the courgettes. Cook on all sides for about 6-7 minutes. Serve immediately.

Bang Bang Chicken with Sichuan Salad (A hit among friends and family)

[Good source of Folate; Not suitable for freezing]

Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

For the salad – 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, 1 large cucumber (peeled, deseeded and cut into matchsticks), 1 bunch spring onion (shredded), 1 tbsp sesame oil, juice ½ lime, handful chopped coriander

For the chicken – 1 kg pack chicken drumsticks or thighs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Chinese five-spice

For the sauce – 140 kg chunky peanut butter, 100ml low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 2 red chillies (deseeded and finely chopped)

Method: Toast the peppercorns in a small frying pan until they begin to darken. Remove and cool, then crush with a large pinch of salt using a pestle and mortar. Mix in a bowl with the cucumber. Set Aside. Put the chicken in a bowl and rub in the oil and five- spice, leaving to marinate for an hour or use straight away. Cook on the barbeque, turning regularly, for about 35 to 40 minutes until the juices run clear. Whisk together all the ingredients for the sauce until smooth, adding water if needed. Drain the cucumber and mix through the carrots, spring onions, sesame oil, lime juice and coriander. Serve everything on a big platter.

Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts (easy to make and very healthy. You can use other nuts as well.)

[Suitable for vegetarians; Low fat; Gluten free; Not suitable for freezing]

Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 6

Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 rounded tbsp pine nuts, 2 rounded tbsp raisins, 500g baby spinach leaves, 2 tsp balsamic vinegar

Method: heat the oil in a large pan, add the pine nuts and fry until golden. Add the raisins and fry briefly, then add the spinach leaves and turn in the pan over a fairly high heat until the leaves are just wilted. Sprinkle in the balsamic and seasoning, warm through and serve straight away.

Tomato Tart (A Mediterranean-inspired elegant summer tomato tart. Dig in!)

[Suitable for vegetarians; not suitable for freezing]

Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients: 3 whole garlic bulbs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 375g block all-butter puff pastry, 1 ½ tbsp honey Dijon mustard, 325g cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 egg (beaten), 150g pack soft goat’s cheese, handful basil leaves

Method: Heat oven to 180C . Slice the tops off the garlic bulbs and sit on a sheet of foil. Drizzle over 1 tbsp of the oil, season and wrap into a parcel. Roast for 50 minutes or until soft, then leave to cool (this can be done the day before). Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into quarters. Roll out each piece and cut into 14cm- diameter circle. Use a saucer as a guide if you don’t have a cutter. Pop the circles on a baking tray and score a 1 cm border around the edge of each, being careful not to cut all the way through. Avoiding the border, prick the pastry all over with a fork and then chill. Increase oven to 200C. When the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the flesh from the bulbs into a bowl. Add the mustard, remaining oil and some seasoning, and use a fork to mash to a paste. Spread this over the pastry, leaving the border clear, then top with the tomato halves, skin inside down, and season well. Brush the edges of the pastry with egg, crumble over the goat’s cheese and bake for 25 – 30 minutes until the pastry is golden and crisp, and the tomatoes are starting to shrivel. Remove from the tray and allow to cool to room temperature. Scatter over the basil before serving.

Recipe and Image Courtesy – bbcgoodfood.com

May 29, 2014