Mango Sherbet / Mango Nannari Sherbet

Every year I used to wait for the batch of Organically grown Mangoes ripened in natural way which makes it naturally sweet. They offer bountiful benefits hence its crowned as King of Fruits. It is rich in Vitamin A and good amounts of Vitamin C, E, K and B6. Hence it promotes Eye Health and clears the Skin. Mango fruit has carotenoids, ascorbic acid, terpenoids, and polyphenols which are responsible for the anti cancer properties. It also maintains the Alkalinity level of the body. It improves digestion due to the fibre content and boost up immune system. It also prevents heat strokes. It is also known to reduce cholesterol levels. 

Used home grown, well ripened mangoes to make this delicious Mango Nannari Sherbet (Mango Sarsaparilla Sherbet) with goodness of Almond Gum which has natural cooling effects. 

Have a Cool Week Ahead :) 

Kala Khatta Syrup / Jamun Syrup

Yet another special and healthy Indian Summer Cooler for this week using our Indian Black Plum / Jamun ( Jambul, Jambolan, Jambas, Malabar plum, Rajaman, Neredu, Kala Jamun, Naaval, Jamali, Java Plum are other names). It is very popular drink in Mumbai and it offers excellent health benefits. This is available during the Summer Seasons and June July being the peak. It is rich in glucose and fructose and a great source of minerals and phyto nutrients. It has good amounts of Potassium and thus helps in maintaining the heart health. It is proven to control the blood sugar levels and thus cures the complications related to Diabetics. It keeps teeth and gums healthy owing to its Vitamin C content. This is one flavourful juice be it a Sherbet, Fruit Soda or Ice Gola. It has good amounts of Vitamin A and thus good for Eye health. Jamun has natural cooling properties and aids in digestion, keeps skin fresh. Jamun fruit is also known to cure infections due to its anti bacterial properties. This recipe is a must to do during this season. 

Have a Happy Week Ahead :) 

Variyali Sherbet / Fennel Sherbet

Days are getting hotter and we are literally being roasted by the rays of sun. We have lot of native Indian Coolers that are made with the common ingredients that are available in kitchen to cool our system naturally. Most of the recipes are almost forgotten and rarely made these days due to modernization and because of the domination of the Fizzy carbonated drinks. The main aim of my cooler series is to dig out those treasured recipes of us and share their enormous benefits. This is one such traditional cooler native of Gujarat made of Fennel Seeds and Dried Black Raisins - Variyali Sherbet 

Fennel Seeds - English
Perunjeerakam / Sombu - Tamizh 
Saunf - Hindi 

• Fennel is a symbol of strength and longevity. It was also believed by ancient Greeks to increase one’s courage.
• It is rich in anti oxidants which is proven to be effective against degenerative diseases like Macular Degeneration of the eyes (Age Related Degeneration of Macular Tissues of Eyes)
• It has good amount of dietary fibre and thus aids in better digestion and Fiber present in fennel seeds decreases re absorption of cholesterol, thereby preventing any heart-related diseases.
• It has been proven to be effective against Cancer and neurological diseases.
• Fennel Juice is a highly nutritional beverage. It is rich in vitamin A, B, C, E, and beta-carotene. It is loaded with minerals like magnesium, iron, cobalt, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, silicon, and zinc. It also has high levels of antioxidants, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The high levels of antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body, preventing cell damage.
• Copper which helps in production of Red Blood Cells.
• The presence of zinc helps in proper growth and development. 
• It eases Menstrual cramps and also effective against Pre Menstrual and Post MenoPause problems 
• It increases milk production in lactating mothers. 
• It has lot of antiseptic properties and is proven to be effective against Tetanus and treating post surgical infections.
• Iron and Histamine presence acts as a natural remedy for anemia.
• It reduces acidity and boosts immunity. Very effective in treating Respiratory Disorders like Bronchitis. 
• Fennel has certain antispasmodic qualities which also help it relax smooth muscles and reduce the discomfort associated with Renal Colic.

Black Raisins is also loaded with enormous health benefits and to list a few., 

• Dry grapes contain insoluble fiber that reduces constipation, helps to stop loose stools and reduces diarrhea.
• Dried Black grapes have glycemic index values that range from around 43 to 53 and so they are listed as low GI foods.
• The consumption of grapes also reduces and regulates cholesterol levels.
• Dry grapes are a rich source of iron that helps to treat anaemia. It also has Vitamin-B complex which is required for new blood formation. This also has good copper content that is essential for red blood cells formation.
• Higher the flavonoid content, the darker and juicier the quality of the grapes. Correspondingly, black grapes are believed to be the healthiest.(hence used Black Grapes in this recipe)
• Grape skins, grape seeds and grape flesh, all have high concentrations of this phytonutrient. Resveratrol –  is one of several grape phytonutrients that is believed to affect longevity, because of its effect in slowing oxidization of cells and molecules, a property that also offers protection against degenerative conditions like cancer. 
• Quercitin is another phytonutrient present in grapes that is proven to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Research shows that this property could lower the risks of developing a blood clot.

Here you go for the naturally cooling and refreshing Variyali Sherbet recipe. 

Have a Cool Week Ahead :) 

Shikanji / Shikanjvi - A Spiced Indian Summer Cooler

Its an extremely hot week for sure and Tamil Nadu started experiencing heat waves. We obviously feel dehydrated and drained with this extreme weather. Even though we have lot of Summer Cooler recipes available, this one recipe is very effective and beneficial. Its a makeover of lemonade with some spices like roasted cumin powder and the addition of Black Salt gives this an unique taste. As per Ayurveda, Black Salt is the highly beneficial variety of salt and it has the powder to cool the body. It is also proven to cure intestinal disorders and a best known laxative. Shikanji / Shikanjvi is the spiced lemonade that is popular in North India and Pakistan. I have enhanced it with Palm Jaggery instead Sugar and added Mint Leaves for that zing effect. This is a best electrolyte as well and re hydrates the body.

Have a Healthy, Cool Week Ahead :) Lets wish for some Summer Showers :) 

Home Made Herbal Cough Syrup

Down with severe cold and fever for the past few days, due to severe throat infection. Might be the issue with water that I took outside, badly affected and I passed on my infection to my family too. Mostly we avoid going for antibiotics and try our level best with home made Kashayams(Herbal Concoction which I had posted here earlier) and with Salt Water gargling, frequent intake of warm water for these kind of infections. Mom has a special recipe of Kashayam especially for some Allergic Fever and Infections which I will share soon here. This time I ended up in worst cough and I was struggling like anything. Thought of trying a cough syrup recipe to ease the irritation during night (I had two sleepless nights due to this worst cough).
I have posted here Herbal Cough Drops / Herbal Candies already. Believe me, this worked really well and I was able to sleep peacefully and other thing I noticed is it started bringing the phlegm out and gives a good relief from congestion.It is not recommended for kids below 2 years. Otherwise it can be taken by above 2 Years Kids and Adults. Half Tablespoon in morning after food and before bed Half Tablespoon helped me.

It can be stored for 5 days in a cool place. Do not refrigerate. Use only dry spoon to take syrup. Store it in a clean, sterilized, glass bottle.

The Recipe

Have a Healthy Week and Happy Vishu in Advance :) 

இனிய தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் 

Nutritive Porridge Mix for Kids

A heirloom recipe that is evolved according to the taste and preference of the generations which I learnt from my mom. We as a kids enjoyed and grew up with this and its now by our kids. Mom does it meticulously in batches for our usage here and for my Nephew and Niece abroad.Even though it involves some preparatory works of washing and shade drying the ingredients, roasting them in low flame one by one (to increase the storage capability), its worth doing and stocking as it is a blend of healthy ingredients and a very balanced food for growing kids. My niece takes this alone and go to school and this is filling too. A family recipe of a Kids special Porridge mix with benefits of Ragi and Samba Wheat. Thanks to mom for this nutritive recipe.

Have a Healthy Week Ahead :) 

Gujarati Special Cooler - Komal

And the harsh, unrelenting Summer Season is here and we do yearn for some cool at the same time natural drinks to hydrate our body and quench thirst. We have lot of native drinks that are made during the season made out of familiar ingredients which are healthy. One such drink which is a signature recipe of Gujarat is Komal. Its a blend of Spiced Curds with healthy and naturally cooling coconut milk. The curd that is spiced with green chillies and the tempering adds up to the flavour and taste. It has a very cooling effect and naturally refreshing. Discard the green chillies while drinking and enjoy this summer delicacy.

For the benefits of coconut milk check out another coconut milk delight here 

Have a Cool Week Ahead :) 

Tropical Delight - Ice Apple Hibiscus Cooler / Nungu Chembaruthi Sherbet

And the summer is here, which brings in the delicious and naturally cooling Ice Apples for us to relish. I have already shared various Ice Apple Recipes last summer and adding few more to the list this year too. Got some fresh and tender Ice Apples directly harvested from trees on demand on the way back home after a short trip to Auroville this week. We got one full bunch of the fruits carefully scooped out without breaking the delicate skin, as the juice inside the Ice apples are the excellent hydrating agent and has lot of medicinal properties. The juice when applied on prickly heat,rashes or sun burns will reduce irritation and burning sensation, cures them fast. The peels can be used for this purpose as it will have some juice and flesh. Just by rubbing the inner portion of the peels on the affected areas will give soothing effect.

Sharing another interesting blend of Ice Apple with Hibiscus which is a delightful cooler to enjoy this summer to harness the benefits of both.

Hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C and Flavanoids. It displays Anti Bacterial and anti Cancerous Properties. It is known to reduce Blood Pressure Level and Cholesterol levels in body. It is also proven to calm down the hot flashes that women faces during hormonal period of menopause. It is not recommended for Pregnant and Lactating women or those who are taking fertility treatments.It boosts up immunity and maintain body temperature.

Check out for an array of Ice Apple Recipes and its Benefits Here.

Happy and Healthy Week to all :) 

Sweet and Spicy Mango Pachadi

Yet another Pachadi to celebrate this Ugadi, with season fresh Raw Mangoes and Neem Flowers, sweetened with Jaggery. This is even made on Tamil New Year Day at our home (very similar to Ugadi Pachadi to mark the mix of all flavours). I have made this pachadi in OPOS way this time to make it even more easier. If you have bottled tadka ready you can add along with fresh neem flowers on opening else you can add freshly made tadka.

Happy Ugadi :) 

Ugadi Pachadi / 6 Taste Pachadi

Ugadi Subakankshalu!!! May this festival usher in prosperity and lot of new beginnings. Ugadi is the Telugu New Year which is celebrated by Hindus in Andhra. Yugadi/Ugadi in sanskrit means the beginning of new age. On this day, a very special and traditional dish is made called Ugadi Pachadi/6 Taste Pachadi  with Raw Mango, Coconut, Tamarind, Jaggery, Chillies and Neem Flowers. This marks that all these flavors will be balanced in our life and is a very easy to make dish.

Jaggery- Sweet- Which represents the happiness of life
Tamarind - Sour- That signifies the sour moments of life which makes our life worth living
Salt- Which represents the fear
Neem Flowers - Bitter- That means sadness
Mango - Tangy- Which represents disgust
Chillies - Spice- That signifies anger

Happy Ugadi dear all :) 

Lemon Mint Cooler

The Summer hasn't kicked off officially but we started feeling the aggression of Sun Rays already. Wont it be a cool idea to start making our own native coolers with natural home grown ingredients to beat the heat? Yes, starting this year's cooler series with this greeny green and refreshing Lemon Mint Cooler made with Home Grown Mint and Lemon.

Have enhanced this regular Lemon Mint Cooler with Himalayan Pink Salt which will recharge our system with essential minerals and this is an excellent re-hydrating drink.

The Benefits 

The Recipe

Have a Refreshing Week :) 

Turkey Berry Rice Mix / Sundakkai Vathal Kalathu Podi

Turkey Berry (Sundakkai in Tamil) is used both fresh and dried forms as it has many medicinal properties. It is rich in Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron and Fiber.It has bitter taste and is used in Sambar, Kootu as fresh berries. It is also sun dried by soaking it in curd and salt and stored for using later. The dried ones can be fried in oil and had as is with Curd Rice or it is made into Sundakkai Vathal Kuzhambu which is a tastiest version.

It is used in Ayurveda to cure Liver and Kidney disorders. It kills the intestinal worms and is used in controlling Blood Sugar Level. It is also to strengthen the bones due to the Calcium content.

Here am sharing an interesting Rice Mix using Turkey Berries and Peanuts.

Happy cooking :)