Aval Nanachathu (Kerala Delicacy) / Flattened Rice (Poha) Delicacy

 

Aval   ( Poha ) Nanachathu or sweetened flattened rice is a tea time snack which is popular in Kerala. 

We use Brown  beaten rice flakes variety which is rich in bran to make this snack. 

In a Mixing bowl take one cup of Aval (poha ), 3/4 cup grated coconut, 1/4 cup concentrated jaggery syrup (or you can add dry grated jaggery 2 or 3 tablespoon depending on your taste preference for sweet ), 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder. Blend all the ingredients well with your hands until the mixture is damp. Aval Nanachathu is ready to be served with a hot cup of Tea. 

Garnish it with nuts or sliced bananas .you can sprinkle ghee or little warm milk too (optional) 

Aval nanachathu is not only a snack which can be prepared quickly during tea time but also we offer it as one of the neivedyas to Lord during special occasions.  

 

Raisins Water (Dry Grapes water)

                            Our grandmothers always advised us to give dry grapes juice for baby. 

Take a few raisins (black organic raisins preferred)  and wash it thoroughly . Nutritionists say while soaking the raisins, the vitamins and minerals present on the outer skin of the raisins get dissolved in the water and thus the amount of nutrients that will be absorbed aby the body increases. This is especially beneficial for the people suffering from high BP.

Soak the raisins overnight pouring adequate water for it to be immersed. Next morning squeeze the bulged raisins and sieve to extract the juice. You can consume this water as the first food  in the morning in the empty stomach. This prevents constipation which is common among babies. 

Raisin water has antioxidants in it which helps to boost the health of immune system. They are rich in iron , potassium and calcium. Health benefits are plenty when we use this. It Treats anemia. Helps in brain development and better eye sight, strengthens the bones, Better digestion and boosts immunity.

Homemade Moisturizer

 

Aloevera Gel    200 Gram

Almond Oil       1Tbsp

Rose Water         1Tbsp

Vitamin E           2 Capsules

Saffron               A pinch 

Sandalwood Oil 10 drops

Mix all well and keep it in a container , You can use this refreshing and cool moisturizer daily. 

Recipe Courtesy : Lathika chechi

Gulab Jamun

 

This is a recipe using milk powder. Easy to prepare during our festivals like Diwali, Navratri etc. 

Ingredients for Sugar Syrup:

Sugar 1 Cup

Water  1 1/2

Cardomom Pods  3

 saffron strands  A pinch

Ingredients for making the dough :

Milk Powder   1/4 Cup

Maida or all purpose flour 1/4 Cup

Baking soda A Pinch

Ghee 1 Tbsp

Milk 3 TBsp  (or as required to make a perfect dough without any cracks while making the balls)

Sun Flower Oil for deep frying

Prepare the sugar syrup first using the required ingredients as mentioned above. Heat it over medium flame. Let it boil and the syrup should be little bit sticky. The whole process will take Approximate ten minuets. Once the syrup is ready turn off the stove and keep it aside.

In a Bowl take milk powder maida and baking soda. Mix it well and add ghee. Now mix this well using your hand. Gradually add milk too. Gently mix it. Dough should be soft and milk is less dough will be dry and cracks will appear on the jamun while shaping it. So carefully sprinkle milk and mix very gently. (With the practice you will get to know the perfect texture by  merely touching it)

Grease your palms with ghee and divide mixture into marble shaped portions. you will get ten jamuns approximately. Take each portion and shape it into small crack free balls. It will increase its size to almost double after deep frying and soaking in the sugar syrup. So small size is suggested. 

Heat the oil in a kadai. Set the flame medium or low and deep fry the jamuns. stir gently until you get a  golden brown color  on  all the sides. Drain it on a kitchen tissue. Now put all the jamuns in the sugar syrup. Soak it  and let it absorb the syrup for at least two hours before serving the jamuns. 

You can either Serve this sweet with vanilla ice cream or you can serve it as a sweet after a meal.

Bombay Halwa

Bombay Halwa is a traditional Indian sweet which can be easily prepared during our festivals like diwali, navratri etc. Since we prepare homemade sweets especially on the occasion of Diwali Do try this easy yet delicious recipe.

Water  1 Cup

Sugar 1 cup 

Lemon Juice 2 Tsp

Corn Flour 1/2 Cup

Water 1/ 2cup

Cardomom powder 1Tsp

Ghee Tsp 

Saffron 2-3 pinches (grind it) for the color

Cashewnuts , Pistachios (Broken in to small pieces)  and melon seeds 

Grease a pan with ghee and keep it aside. Take cashews and break in to small pieces and keep it aside.

In a bowl, combine the corn flour with water. Mix it well and make sure there are no lumps in it. keep it aside.

Heat a pan and add water and sugar. Bring it to boil. Add lemon juice while its boiling (This will prevent crystallization ) . Let it thick and now add corn flour mix we have already prepared and kept it. Mix well. Medium low flame preferred at this stage. keep stirring it with a wooden spatula. Now start adding the ghee at regular intervals starting with a teaspoon first. ( you can add orange synthetic color if you want a dark color. I have used saffron which is grounded on the mortar hence the color is light yellow.) Add chopped cashew nut and melon seeds. mix well. Add cardamom powder too. Keep adding the ghee and the last batch is over and the halwa is glossy and jelly like consistency when we put it on a plate , please switch off the stove. Pour the halwa in to the greased pan. smooth the top with a spoon. garnish it with chopped dry fruits of your choice.  let it rest for at least one hour. Once its set Invert on to a wooden board and cut the halwa into desired shapes and enjoy your homemade sweet.