Almond - Poppy Seeds Drink

Almond - Poppy Seeds Drink is one of the traditional drink from Udupi. 

It helps to cool your body and mind during the very hot seasons of April to May. This drink is energetic and filled with proteins and other minerals. It keeps you healthy and take care of you. 

Almond - Poppy Seeds Drink helps to cool your body. Both the ingredients are cooling agents. This is one of the healthy drink I have seen my aunt used to prepare.She used a table spoon of fresh coconut along with poppy seeds instead of almonds. Fresh coconut helps the poppy seeds to grind nicely since they used the grinding stone with hands. Fresh coconut milk is adds the value to the health. Consuming fresh coconut is good for increasing good hormones in our body. In those days almonds consider to be very rich people food and it was used in rare and special occasion by common man.

I have used poppy seeds, almonds, jaggery (liquid form of fresh jaggery) and a pod of cardamom.

Ready to Serve Almonds -Poppy Seeds Drink.

Lets see some benefits of adding almonds, poppy seeds and jaggery in our diet.
Almonds are good resource of mono unsaturated fats. They help to lower the bad cholesterol(LDL). Eating almonds regularly in our diet help to raise good cholesterol.(HDL). It protects against cancer and prevents diabetes. It helps to boost energy and helps to prevent birth defects.Strengthen the bones and teeth. It is a good remedy for anemia and takes good care of our hair.

Poppy seeds contain good amount of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron. They are rich in dietary fiber and essential fatty acids and they help to maintain overall health  Poppy seeds are used for mouth ulcer which is caused by heat, since they have the quality of cooling the body. Poppy seeds contain good amount of fiber and it is good for people who suffering from constipation. Poppy seeds are known for inducing the good sleep. It is well known fact that,  drinking Gasagase ( in Kannada language) payasa, puts the person to a good sleep. :) .They help to improve heart health and prevent bone damage. They help to boost energy and fight against the  skin infections. They also help to boost immune. They contain minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus and copper.

Jaggery helps for good digestion and prevents constipation. It helps to cleanse the liver. It also helps to increase the immunity in our body. It balances the hormones and helps you to stay in good mood.
Having a glass of Almond- Poppy seeds Drink helps you to be good energetic, keeps you fresh, helps to glow your skin in hot summer.

Things Needed:
Poppy seeds : 1 Table spoon full.
Almonds : One handful
Cardamom : 1 Pod
Jaggery : 2 to 3 Table spoons.

Method :
1. Clean and soak poppy seeds for 5 minutes.
2. Soak almonds in hot or normal water and remove the outer skin and keep it aside.
3. Grate jaggery and powder it. ( I used fresh jaggery (liquid form).
4. Remove the cardamom seeds from the pod.
5. Grind all the ingredients except jaggery with little water till it turn into paste.

6. Add jaggery and churn for 2 minutes and let it mix well.

7. Now pour out the mixture and add required water and make the drink into little thin.

8. Put it to the serving glass and serve. Add ice if you like just before serving . ( I did not).

Note :
Clean the poppy seeds since it might contain small particles of sand. Soak it nicely. so it turns into paste when it grinds. No need of roasting the poppy seeds. You can also add fresh coconut while grinding. It adds to the aroma of the drink. ( I did not).
Adding more or less jaggery is optional. No need of adding milk to it.
Time :  10 minutes
Serves : 2.

Bottle Gourd - Tomato Juice

Ready to Serve Bottle Gourd - Tomato Juice

Bottle Gourd - Tomato Juice helps to keep your body cool. Summer has started the sun rays are strong. You need to beat the heat. It is always better you drink lots of juice and water. You can prepare varieties of juices at home. Home made juice is always good for health. I have tried this bottle gourd - tomato juice and its taste delicious. Try it out and you will really love the taste. It is not only taste, one has to take care of the health also.
These tomatoes are from our garden (pots).
Lets see the benefits of using bottle gourd and tomatoes in our diet. 
Bottle gourd helps to reduce blood pressure and supports the urinary system of our body. It also helps to reduce the chances of urinary infection. It contain vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin A and C. Bottle gourd helps control the thirst in diabetic patients. They are rich in fiber and helps the digestive system and good for people who suffer from constipation. They also helps in reducing the liver inflammation.
Tomatoes are filled with nutrients and antioxidants. They contain Vitamin A and it helps to improve our eyesight and prevent night blindness. It helps to lower the risk of cancer. Tomatoes contain Vitamin C, A, K  potassium and iron. They are essential for maintaining normal blood health. Vitamin K controls bleeding and blood clotting. Tomatoes help in blood circulation. They are good for digestion and prevents constipation and diarrhoea. It also prevents jaundice and removes toxins from the body.
Bottle Gourd - Tomato Juice is easy to prepare and we can have them any time of the day.

Things Needed :

Bottle Gourd : 1 Small cup
Tomatoes : 4 to 5
Jaggery : 2  Table spoons
Salt : a pinch

Method :

1. Wash and remove the outer skin of bottle gourd and cut it in to small and keep it aside.
2. Wash and dee seed tomatoes and cut in to small and keep it aside.

3. Now grind tomatoes and bottle gourd with half glass of water nicely. Add salt and jaggery. Grind till the jaggery mixes well.

4. Remove the ground liquid from the mixi jar and put it in a bowl.

5. Add 2 more glasses of water sieve the juice and put it in a glass and serve.

Note :

You can add more jaggery if you like sweet taste. You can also add honey instead of jaggery. Adding salt is also optional. You can add ice cubes to make the juice chill. (optional). Do not throw the skin of bottle gourd. You can prepare chutney by using this. Remember to wash the whole bottle gourd nicely, before cutting it.
Serves : 2 to 3
Time : 10 minutes.

Red Rice -Whole Moong Kichidi

Red Rice - Whole Moong Kichidi is a main dish. When you are in a hurry or you are running out of time and as a healthy dish, you can prepare Red Rice -  Whole Moong Kichidi. You can have them for breakfast, lunch or for dinner. It is a complete meal with carbohydrates and proteins.

North Karntaka and Maharastra side they use whole moong instead of moong dal in the Kichidi. We, the south Indians use moong dal in pogal. This particular Kichidi contains whole moong, mong dal, Red rice (Organic) and other simple spices like green chilly, pepper, ginger and curry leaves.

Some benefits of using whole Moong in our diet are,
Whoe Moong is loaded with goodies. It is rich in Vitamin A, B, C and E. They are rich in many minerals including iron, calcium and potassium and full of protein. It helps to lower the high cholesterol level in the blood system. Regular intake of Green Moong reduces bad cholesterol and improve the flexibility of arteries and veins. It also regulates the blood pressure. Green Moong is full of complex carbohydrates and full of fiber and helps in digestion. It also stabilizes blood sugar and controls its sudden rise after meal. It helps to keep the energy at a balanced level. Green Moong can be highly beneficial for people having a high blood sugar level.

Here is a recipe of Red Rice and Whole Moong kichidi,  which is loaded with minerals, vitamins and a healthy dish. I am sure all age group people will definitely love this dish.

Things Needed :

Red Rice :  1 1/2  Cups
Whole Moong : 1/2  Cup
Moong Dal : 1/2 Cup
Green Chilly : 2
Pepper : 5 to ^ Pods
Ginger : 1 Tablespoon
Ghee : 3 Tablespoons
Coconut : 2 Tablespoons
Salt : To taste
Jeera : 1 Teaspoon
Ingh (Asafoetida) : a pinch
Lemon : 1 lemon juice
Water : Required
Coriander leaves : 2 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Wash and cook rice and whole moong and moong dal separately . (Pressure cook them for 7 to 8 minutes).

2. Wash and cut green chilly, grate coconut, ginger and keep it aside.Crush pepper pods.

3. Now keep a big pan on the fire. Put 1 Tablespoon of ghee 
4. Put Jeera and crushed pepper.

5. Add cut green chilly and fry until jeera turn slightly brown. Add curry leaves.
6. Add cooked rice, whole moong and moong dal. Mix it nicely. Add required water.

7. Add salt and ingh, ginger. Let it boil nicely for 2 to 3 minutes.

8. Put off the gas. Add lemon juice and mix it nicely. Add fresh grated coconut and remaining ghee.
9. Mix it well and shift the Kichidi to a serving bowl. Add coriander leaves.

    Shift it to the serving dish .

10. Serve  Hot Red Rice Whole Moong kichidi with roasted Papad, pickle and a piece of onion.

 Note :

You can use the Whole moong instead of using moongdal. Using coconut, more or less ghee and chilly are optional. You can add fried onions to the kichidi. It taste different. Use red rice or white rice  according to your choice. Using red rice is good for health since it contains fiber. Make use of less spice for the good health.
Time : 30 Minutes.
Serves : 5

Baadam ( Almond) Milk.

Badam/Almonds are always nuts and it helps to keep our skin healthy and take care of our health too.
Badam (Almond ) Milk is a refreshing drink and it helps you to be strong and energetic whole day.
I have used Almonds, cardamom, Saffron, Sugar and Milk.

Let us see the recipe Now:

Things Needed :

Almonds : 10 to 15 
Cadamom : 4 to 6 pods.
Milk: 1/2 Litre.
Kesar ( Saffron ) : 2 to 3 rakes.
Sugar : 2 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Soak Almonds in hot water for 10 minutes and remove its outer skin. Keep it aside.

2. Remove the skin of cardamom and add with almonds and grind it together with little water.

3. Keep milk for boiling. Cool the milk once it is boiled.
4. Soak 3 to 4 rakes of saffron in 2 tablespoons of hot milk. (Dissolve it after 2 minutes).
5. Now Put ground almonds in a bowl and boil for 2 minutes.
6. Add sugar to boiling almond mixture. Let it cool.

7. Now mix almond - saffron mixture with cooled milk and mix it well.

8. Serve cool " Badam Milk " in a hot summer day.

9. Keeping this Badam Milk in a refrigerator is optional. (Adding ice cube also optional).

Note: 

You can Dry grind cardamom and almonds (without removing the skin) and store it in a dry place and use it whenever you want. But you will not get the fresh aroma. (optional). Adding rock sugar (kallu sakkare) instead of sugar is a healthy habit. Use of sugar in hot summer helps you to get energy. You can use more milk but taste differ.
Time : 15 Minutes
Serves: 3 to 4 glasses.

Pudina - Raw Mango Drink

Pudina - Raw Mango Juice or Panaka is a healthy drink and help us to refresh . Ideal time to drink this juice just before the lunch. It is good appetiter too.

Things Needed:
Raw Mango pieces : 1/4 of small mango
Pudina or Mint Leaves  : Two Handful: ( Use only the leaves not the stem).
Honey : 2 Table spoon.
Salt : a pinch.
Water: 2 to 3 glasses.
Jeea: 1/4 Tea spoon.

Method:
Wash and remove leaves from Pudina bundle and keep it aside. Roast Jeera. Mix all the ingredients except honey nd grind with little water till paste. Add salt at the end and grind for 1 minutes. Remove from the jar. Add 2 glasses of water and sieve or strain this juice.  Put this in a bowl and add honey and serve this juice with  ice cubes.
Note : You can add black salt instead of normal salt. Do not add any sugar. Can add more honey to the juice.  Can use the remains of the ground mango and pudina ( if you have ) in any curry. ( Just add it while the curry boils). Can add cardamom powder or one pod of cardamom while grinding leaves and raw mango. Using ice cubes is an option.
Serves : 3 Glasses.
 

Sorekai or Bottle Gourd Juice.

Sorekai/Bottle Gourd Juice is very good for health and it helps to reduce the gastric and toxin in our body.
I have used bottle gourd, salt and lemon.

Things Needed :

Sorekai/Bottle gourd : 1 cup . (1/4 of medium sized Bottle Gourd cut in to pieces ).
Lemon : 1
Water : 2 glasses.
Pepper powder : A pinch
Salt : a pinch

Method :

1. Wash and cut Sorekai/bottle gourd and grind it nicely.
2. Remove from the mixi jar and mix it with water. Add salt.

4. Add pepper powder and lemon juice and mix it well.

5. Serve the ready Sorekai/Bottle Gourd Juice. (Add ice cube just before serving) (Optional).

Note :
Grind bottle gourd pieces with little water till paste to get good consistency. You can also grate some pieces and add it while serving. Adding Honey (2 tablespoons) adds to the taste. Adding more lemon is optional. Adding chat masala or jeera powder is optional.
Serves : 2 to 3
Time : 10 Minutes.

Beet Root Milk Shake...

Beet Root is good for increasing Hemoglobin in blood.  You can have this drink any time of the day.

Ingredients:
Beet Root :  1 ( Medium size)
Sugar : 2 Table spoons
Milk : 1/2 Litre
Cardamom : 2 to 3 Pods.
Almonds : 4 to 6
Water : 1 Cup.
Method :
Wash Beetroot  and remove the skin and cut it in to small pieces.  Pressure cook beetroot pieces for 8 to 10 minutes.   Leave it for cooling.  Boil Milk and leave it for cooling. Remove cardamom skin and keep the seeds  aside.  Soak Almonds in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes and remove the skin  and keep the Almond Pods aside.
Now Put boiled  Beet Root and cardamom seeds and Almond pods in a mixi jar. Add 1/2 cup of water and grind till paste.  Add 1 cup of milk  and sugar to it and grind again for 1 minutes. Remove the mixture and put it in a big bowl.  Add remaining milk  and  water (if needed)  and mix thoroughly and serve Beet Root Milk Shake in a glass.  ( You can also keep this milk shake in  Fridge for 1 hour and then serve cool  Beet Root Milk  Shake.
Note :  Can Add  More Beet Roots ...It gives a thick texture .   Can Add more milk too. Do not put Ice cubes  .....while serving ...since it changed the taste.    Can use Honey instead of  sugar.     Add honey while grinding Beet Roots.     Beet Root Milk shake looks pink like Rose milk......No need to add any other flavour since  it does not go well with Beet Root.  
Serves :  3 to 4   

Poppy seeds - Cool Drink (hasi Gasa-gase)

Poppy Seeds  Drink helps to cool your body and refresh you and helps you to be fresh whole day.
It is good for hot summer day. I have used poppy seeds, almonds and honey with fresh boiled milk.

Lets see some benefits of having Poppy Seeds in our diet. 
Poppy seeds/Gasagase/Khus khus is rich source of anti oxidant properties. They do have fatty acids and it is good for our body. Poppy seeds are rich in mono unsaturated fatty acids that help in lowering bad cholesterol and increases good cholesterol levels. They are rich in dietary fiber and good for people who suffer from constipation. They are rich in Vitamin B complex vitamins. Poppy seeds contain good amount of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese and zinc.
Lets see the recipe now. Sugar is not added and it is an easy drink that anyone can prepare.

Things needed :

Poppy Seeds : 2 to 3 Tablespoons
Almonds : 10
Honey : 1 Cup (8 to 10 Tablespoons)
Fresh Boiled Milk : 1 Litre

Method :

1. Clean and soak poppy seeds and soak almonds in warm water.
2. Remove the outer skin of almonds and grind it with soaked poppy seeds.
3. Now remove the almond and poppy seeds paste and put it in a big bowl.

4. Add water and mix it well. Put it in a big bowl.
5. Add boiled and cooled fresh milk.
6. Mix ground poppy seeds, almonds with milk.

7. Add honey to it and mix it well. (You can use 5 to 6 tablespoons of Honey to 1 litre Milk). Adding more honey is optional. The drink should be mild sweet.

8. Poppy Seeds -almonds Cool milk is ready to serve.

Note : 
Do not roast poppy seeds. It is said that roasting poppy seeds might lose its healthy properties.
Grinding with almonds helps the poppy seeds turn as paste. Do not boil the mixture for a long time. Just one boil will do. Fresh milk can be boiled and cooled earlier. Do not mix Hot milk to poppy seeds mixture. It might curdle and milk may turn spoiled. Let it be cooled milk and cooled poppy seeds mixture. Adding more/less honey is optional. Adding jaggery instead of honey is also optional.
Serves : 8 to 10
Time : 20 Minutes.

Raagi -Milk Shake

Raagi Milk Shake is  one of the healthy drink that helps you to be strong and energetic whole day. It provides energy, fiber and keeps you fit during the summer.
I have used Raagi/little millet huri hittu (Ragi roasted and powdered), honey, almonds and milk.
Let us see the recipe now :

Things Needed :

Raagi Huri Hittu Powder:  2 Tablespoons
Milk : 2 Glasses.
Fresh Rose essence  /Rose petals : 1 Teaspoon
Almonds : 4 to 6
Dates : 5 to 6
Honey : 2 Tablespoons

Method :

1. Take 2 glasses of boiled and cooled milk in a big bowl.

2. Put 2 to 3 tablespoons of water to Raagi Huri Hittu and mix it well. Remove the nut from dates.
3. Now put 1 cup of milk, rose petals, almonds and grind it nicely till almonds cut into small pieces.
4. Now add dates and grind it nicely. Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of honey and grind it nicely for 2 minutes.
5. Remove it from mixi jar and put it in a big bowl.

6. Mix it well and pour it to serving glasses.

7. Serve this Raagi - Milk Shake cool or with normal temperature.

Note : 

Adding ice cube to the ragi milk shake is optional. Adding fresh ragi powder instead of huri hittu optional. (Dry roast the fresh powder at least for 2 to 3 minutes before adding). Adding jaggery/sugar is optional. Raagi contain very good minerals and vitamins.Use of ragi in your diet helps to balance the sugar level in your food. Just mix it and drink this raagi milk shake util last sip. Ading any essence is optional. I have used home prepared gulkand /rose petals dipped in jaggery.
Time : 10 Minutes 
Serves : 2 to 3.