Tag: Beat the Heat

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Best Homemade Fresh Strawberry Popsicle Recipe

Temperatures are literally skyrocketing this year in India. In this unbearable heat, you just can’t ignore the craving for something cold and refreshing. What better way to kick that summer heat off than with Homemade Popsicle made with fresh fruits. They can be your perfect go-to-treat all summer long!

There is nothing better than lounging on a hot summer day with a popsicle in hand. Even though I love all those fancy pants popsicles but sometimes you just want to make something classic and fuss free. These strawberry popsicles are exactly that! They are pretty simple and straight forward: fresh strawberries, lemon juice, salt and sweetener of your choice.

It’s a perfect healthy treat for adults and kids. They are dairy free, gluten free and eggless. They are literally on repeat every summer at my house. 

Let’s dig in!

Recipe: makes 8 popsicles

Ingredients

  • Strawberries: 500 grams
  • Unprocessed Cane Sugar: 4 tbsps
  • Chia seeds: 2 tbsps (optional)
  • Salt: a pinch
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Strawberry Jam: 2 tbsps (optional, but highly recommended)

Instructions

  • Wash and quarter the strawberries.
  • In a large bowl, add all the ingredients mentioned above except chia seeds.
  • Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. When sugar comes in contact with strawberry, lemon juice and salt, it will melt and release its natural juice making strawberries juicer, sweeter and more intense.
  • Now add everything in the bowl to a blender and  blend everything to a smooth purée. 
  • After blending, add chia seeds and mix well. 
  • Pour in popsicle molds and freeze overnight or for 6-8 hours. Leave a little space on top of the popsicle molds because when freezing they will expand slightly. 
  • For unmolding, run tap water over the popsicle mold for few seconds. Unmold carefully.

Variation

If you’re not in the mood for strawberries but still want a sweet summertime treat, this recipe also works great with other fruits as well. You can go for summer fruits like watermelon, mango, pineapple, peaches or most other fruits make for a great popsicle filling.

Sweetener

If you don’t want to add sugar or unprocessed sugar, you can use other sweeteners like, maple syrup, honey, jaggery powder or syrup. I have tried this recipe with maple syrup and it was a huge hit too.
If you are not adding strawberry jam then you might have to increase the amount of sugar. However, you can try this easy to make Strawberry Apple Preserve if you don’t want to add any store bought jam.

Happy Summers! 🙂

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How to make Aam ka Panna? Here is a Step-by-Step Guide

Hello, food enthusiasts! 🍽️💕 As the mercury rises, it’s time to bring out the summer favorites, and today, we’re going to explore a traditional Indian summer drink that’s not just refreshing but also loaded with health benefits – Aam ka Panna. And who better to guide us through this journey than the queen of Indian vegetarian recipes, Nisha Madhulika. With her easy-to-follow recipe videos and engaging content, Nisha Madhulika has become a household name in India and beyond. Today, we’re diving into one of her popular videos titled “Aam ka Panna | कैरी का पना । Green Mango Panha । Kairi ka Aapshola”.

Aam ka Panna: A Summer Staple 🌞

Before we delve into the recipe, let’s talk about Aam ka Panna. This drink, made from raw mangoes, is a staple in many Indian households during the summer. It’s known for its heat-resistant properties and is a rich source of vitamins C and B, which help improve immunity and digestion. Moreover, it’s incredibly refreshing and can be a great way to beat the summer heat. The tangy flavor of raw mangoes, combined with the aromatic spices, makes Aam ka Panna a delightful summer cooler.

The Health Benefits of Aam ka Panna 🍏

Aam ka Panna is not just a tasty beverage; it’s also packed with numerous health benefits. The raw mango pulp is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and keeps your skin healthy. The addition of spices like black pepper and cumin aids digestion, while mint leaves add a refreshing flavor and have cooling properties. Moreover, Aam ka Panna is an excellent remedy for heat stroke and dehydration, making it a must-have during the scorching summer months.

Preparing Aam ka Panna: Step-by-Step Guide 🍹

Now, let’s dive into the recipe as shared by Nisha Madhulika:

  1. Preparation: Start by peeling the raw mangoes, removing the seed, and cutting off the pulp. Boil the pulp in water until it becomes tender. Add black peppercorns and roughly chopped ginger to the boiling pulp. Let it simmer for about 7-8 minutes.
  2. Grinding: Once the pulp cools down, place it in a mixer jar along with sugar and soaked fennel seeds. Grind everything finely and strain the mixture through a sieve. Discard the leftover thread and fiber of mango on the sieve.
  3. Mixing: Add water to the strained mixture. Take some fresh mint leaves and a cup of water in a mixer jar and churn them a little. Add this mint water mixture to the vessel, followed by black salt, cardamom powder, and roasted cumin powder. Mix everything really well.
  4. Serving: To serve the Aam ka Panna, pour it into a glass, add 2-3 ice cubes, garnish with a mint sprig, and enjoy this refreshing drink!

Enjoying Aam ka Panna: Tips and Suggestions 🌴

Aam ka Panna is best served chilled. You can prepare the concentrate in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Whenever you want to enjoy the drink, just dilute it with some water, add ice cubes, and your refreshing Aam ka Panna is ready! You can also adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon juice or garnish the drink with fresh mint leaves. If you want to experiment, you can also add a dash of chaat masala or black salt to give it a tangy twist.

This recipe is not just about making a drink; it’s about enjoying the process and treating yourself to a homemade, refreshing, and healthy summer beverage. So, why not give it a try?

If you enjoyed this recipe and want to explore more, do check out Nisha Madhulika’s YouTube channel for more culinary inspiration. And don’t forget to join our Secret Facebook group, which is full of Vibrant Engaging Food Lovers, where you can share your cooking experiments and results with a community of food enthusiasts.

Stay cool and refreshed this summer with Aam ka Panna! 🥭🍹💕

Credits: Recipe and insights are taken from Nisha Madhulika’s video “Aam ka Panna | कैरी का पना । Green Mango Panha । Kairi ka Aapshola”.

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Mango Lemonade: A Refreshing Tropical Twist to Beat the Heat!

When the sun is blazing and temperatures are soaring, there’s nothing quite like a tall glass of mango lemonade to cool you down and invigorate your senses. Combining the tropical sweetness of mangoes with the tangy zest of lemons, this thirst-quenching beverage is a delightful balance of flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise with each sip🥤🍋🥭. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the steps of creating the perfect mango lemonade, share tips for customizing the recipe to suit your taste, and explore the numerous health benefits this refreshing drink has to offer. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate summer refresher! 🌴🍹🌞

🥭🍋 The Perfect Pairing: Mangoes and lemons are a match made in flavor heaven. The juicy sweetness of ripe mangoes pairs beautifully with the zesty tartness of lemons, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. The combination of these two fruits not only creates a refreshing and balanced beverage but also provides a burst of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can support overall health and well-being.

🍹 Simple Mango Lemonade Recipe: Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating a delicious and refreshing glass of mango lemonade:

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
  • Juice of 4-5 lemons
  • 4 cups of water
  • Sweetener of your choice (optional)
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Place the diced mangoes in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. In a pitcher, combine the mango puree, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  3. Taste the mixture and, if desired, add a sweetener of your choice such as honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup. Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
  4. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mango lemonade over the ice.
  5. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint leaves for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal.
  6. Give the drink a gentle stir to mix all the flavors together.
  7. Serve the mango lemonade chilled and enjoy!

🌞 The Ultimate Summer Refresher: Mango lemonade is the quintessential beverage for beating the summer heat. Its vibrant and tropical flavors offer a much-needed respite on hot days, providing a burst of refreshment that cools you from the inside out. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or simply seeking a delicious way to stay hydrated, mango lemonade is the go-to drink that will keep you feeling cool, revitalized, and satisfied.

🌴 Health Benefits of Mango Lemonade: Apart from its delicious taste, mango lemonade offers a range of health benefits that make it even more enticing:

  • Vitamin C Boost: Both mangoes and lemons are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports immune function, collagen production, and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
  • Hydration: With its high water content and electrolyte-balancing properties, mango lemonade helps to hydrate the body and replenish essential minerals lost through perspiration.
  • Digestive Aid: Lemon juice aids in digestion by promoting the production of digestive juices, while the fiber in mangoes supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
  • Antioxidant Power: The combination of mangoes and lemons provides a potent dose of antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.

🍹🥭🍋 Mango lemonade is a versatile beverage that allows for endless customizations and variations. Here are a few ideas to elevate your mango lemonade experience:

  • Minty Fresh: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves to the pitcher for an invigorating twist and a burst of coolness.
  • Bubbly Delight: Top your glass of mango lemonade with sparkling water or soda water to add a fizzy effervescence.
  • Berry Blast: Enhance the flavor and visual appeal by adding a handful of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to the pitcher.
  • Herbal Infusion: Experiment with herbal infusions such as basil, thyme, or lavender to create unique flavor combinations.

🥤🍹🥭 Mango lemonade is the epitome of summer in a glass. Its vibrant color, tropical flavors, and refreshing qualities make it a go-to beverage for any occasion. So, grab those ripe mangoes, squeeze those lemons, and whip up a pitcher of mango lemonade to indulge in a taste sensation that captures the essence of the season!