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Sattu Paratha: Comfort food from Bihar

Sattu, once a culinary gem of Bihar, is now gaining recognition across India as a wholesome health food brimming with nourishing benefits. Personally, I’m drawn to its earthy taste, which infuses every dish with a rustic charm. Whether whipped into a refreshing drink or kneaded into hearty parathas, sattu has become a staple in my kitchen. From energizing breakfasts to satisfying dinners, its filling and nutritious qualities.

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat flour (atta)
Water, as needed
Ghee, for cooking


For the stuffing:

1 cup sattu (black gram flour)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1-2 green chillies, finely chopped (optional, adjust according to spice preference)
2 tablespoons coriander leaves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon kalonji (nigella seeds)
1 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
1 teaspoon pickle masala (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons mustard oil


Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour with water to make a soft dough. Knead the dough well until smooth. Cover and let it rest for half an hour.
Meanwhile, prepare the stuffing. In a separate bowl, add sattu, chopped onion, garlic, green chillies (if using), coriander leaves, kalonji, ajwain, pickle masala (if using), lemon juice, mustard oil, and salt to taste. Mix well to combine. Add a little water to make the filling moist but not too wet.
Divide the dough into equal-sized balls. Take one ball of dough and roll it out into a small circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Place a portion of the sattu stuffing in the center of the rolled-out dough circle. Gather the edges of the dough and pinch them together to seal the filling inside. Flatten the stuffed ball slightly.
Dust the stuffed ball with flour and roll it out gently into a larger circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter. Be careful not to let the filling come out.
Heat a flat pan (tawa) over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the rolled-out paratha on the pan.
Cook the paratha for a minute or two on one side until small bubbles start to form. Flip the paratha and cook on the other side.
Apply a little ghee on both sides of the paratha and cook until golden brown spots appear on both sides.
Remove the cooked paratha from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
Serve hot Sattu Parathas with yogurt, pickle, or any chutney of your choice. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious meal!

I am a big advocate of regional foods. Reason? They are free of any preservative, artificial colour, or harmful mixtures.

You can make your own sattu at home or you can buy from numerous brands available online as well as offline. In case you are looking for a homemade, preservative free and authentic experience, without getting into hassle of grinding your own, you can always explore Masala Monk’s Sattu Mix, which ships all over India.

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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!