Orange Lassi Recipe

Sweet and flavorful orange lassi is truly a refreshing drink. lassi is considered a probiotic-rich drink because it is made from yogurt, which contains beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. These bacteria, known as probiotics, help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, aiding digestion and boosting overall well-being. 

Orange Lassi Recipe Posted on Vidyascooking Youtube Channel Shorts.

Orange Lassi Ingredients:

2 Oranges 

1 Cup Yogurt

1/2 Cup Milk

3 to 4 Tbsp Sugar

Prep:

Peel the oranges and remove the membrane or the transparent skin on the orange segments, remove the seeds and reserve in a bowl.

Use chilled milk and yogurt for this recipe.

Method:

Reserve some orange segments for garnish, add the rest to a mixerjar along with sugar and grind to form a smooth paste.

Next add yogurt and milk grind until smooth lassi is formed. Pour the lassi in a tall serving tumbler, top with orange segments, garnish with cherries and serve chilled...Enjoy!

African Fufu Recipe

African fufu has become a trending dish on socialmedia. I had to give this recipe a try.

African Fufu Recipe Video Uploaded on Vidyascooking Youtube Shorts

African Fufu Ingredients:

500 Grams Fresh Tapioca

1/4 Tsp Salt

How and When to buy tapioca?

Best season to purchase tapioca is from october till January. Tapioca has a woody outer skin and a bark, while purchasing always make sure the bark is in reddish brown or pink in color. Tapioca must be hard and firm not soft. 

Never buy tapioca with dark spots it will be woody and is very old. I normally ask the vegetable vendor to chop the tapioca in half to inspect the inner core if it has green or dark spots. The woody peel or outer peel must be flaky and easy to inspect the inner bark. 

How to Store and Clean Tapioca?

When in season buy tapioca as fresh as possible. Best way to store tapioca is steam cooked and refrigerated or bagged and frozen till use. I normally purchase in bulk and store at least a kilo frozen.

Best method to clean tapioca is to wash it thrice and soak it in water for 30 minutes to an hour. The outer peel will be easy to peel and the bark will burst in few spots making it easy for us to peel. We need a knife and a tub of fresh water before we start peeling the tapioca.

Inspect the tapioca once its soaked in water, check if the outer bark is visible and score the bark. Try peeling the bark using your thumb while holding the root firm, it is easy to peel. If the tapioca is very fibrous the bark will be tough to peel just peel and discard the fiber portion entirely its not edible.

Once the tapioca is peeled wash twice in water and soak for 15 minutes in fresh tub of water to eliminate excess starch. By soaking tapioca it also softens and is easy to chop in desired cubes.

Add the chopped cubes to a mixerjar and grind to form a coarse paste, gradually add water and grind to form a smooth paste.

Transfer the smooth paste to a large nonstick pan along with 1 cup water on medium to low flame keep stirring. add salt as per taste.

Once lumps start to form stir well add 1 more cup water cover and cook the tapioca.

On high flame stir well and cook the tapioca till it starts to thicken, keep stirring until the tapioca starts to form a ball consistency. Remove from flame and serve hot with curry of choice...Enjoy!

Rose Lassi Recipe

Rose lassi is a soothing and filling drink for this hot summer. 

Rose Lassi Recipe Posted on Vidyascooking Youtube Channel 

Rose Lassi Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Rose Syrup 

1 Cup Yogurt

5 Almonds

5 Cashews

5 Pistachios 

Prep:

Place yogurt in the fridge till chilled.

Method:

In a mixerjar add rose syrup, yogurt, 3 almonds, 3 cashews, yogurt and grind till a smooth lassi is formed, pour the lassi in a tall tumbler, grate the almonds, pistachios, cashews garnish the lassi and serve ...Enjoy!

Pineapple Panipuri Recipe

I really enjoyed creating this version and one of a kind panipuri. If you enjoy seasonal fruits try to create this version of pani puri, it has perfect balance of sweet and spice. Treat your family and friends with this pineapple panipuri  recipe.

Pineapple Panipuri Recipe Video On Vidyascooking Youtube Shorts 

Pineapple Filling Ingredients: 1/2 Cup Pineapple Chopped into small pieces 2 Medium Potatoes 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Onion 5 Sprigs Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves 5 Sprigs Mint Leaves 1 Finely Chopped Chilly 1/2 Tsp Cumin Powder 1/4 Tsp Chaat Masala 1/4 Tsp Chilly Powder 1/4 Tsp Salt 1/2 Lime

Pineapple Filling Method:

Wash and place the potatoes in a pressure cooker. Add enough water for till potatoes are covered. Place the lid and whistle and cook on high flame for 4 whistles or until the potatoes are cooked.

Remove the potatoes from the cooker once cooked, peel it and crumble into a large bowl. Allow the potatoes to cool down before adding all the ingredients to it.

Peel and wash the onion, finely chop and add it to the potato.

Rinse the chilly and finely chop add it to the potato.

Wash and peel the pineapple using a sharp knife. Chop the pine apple into chunks then into tiny pieces, add it to the potato.

Separate the mint and coriander leaves rinse,  in water thrice. Finely chop and add it to the potato.

Squeeze in half a lime juice.

Add chilly powder, cumin powder, chaat masala and salt. Mix all the ingredients till the potatoes and grapes are well combined. 

Cover and place the bowl in the fridge to cool the mixture down a bit.

For this recipe I used panipuri papad. Heat a wok with oil for frying add the papad to hot oil and fry till crispy on both sides, drain from oil and reserve on a plate.

Pineapple Pani Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Pineapple Pieces

1/4 Tsp Grated Ginger

2 Tbsp Sugar

1 Green Chilly

1/4 Tsp Cumin Powder

1/4 Tsp Chaat Masala

1/4 Tsp Salt 

1 Cup Ice Cold Water 

Pineapple Pani Method:

Wash and peel the ginger and grate it and add it to a mixerjar.

Remove the stem from chilly and chop in half and add it to the mixerjar.

 Chop the pineapple pieces into tiny pieces and add it to the mixerjar,  next add sugar, chaat masala, cumin powder and salt and grind to form a smooth puree.

Add tiny amount of cold water and grind once more. Transfer the pineapple puree to a large bowl and mix 1 cup of chilled water gradually tasting along if the pani is in right consistency stir well cover and place the pani in the fridge till chilled.

Before serving pani can be poured in serving glasses.

Pineapple PaniPuri Ingredients:

Chilled Pineapple Pani

Chilled Potato and Pineapple Filling

Fried Pani Puri Shells

Spicy Boondi 

1 Tsp Finely Chopped Coriander Leaves

Let's Prepare Pineapple Panipuri:

Pour the pineapple pani in serving bowl or shot glasses. Garnish the pani with boondi and finely chopped coriander on the top.

Create cavity in the puri shells and fill it with 1 tsp of the potato and pineapple filling and place it on a serving platter.

Garnish the puri with tiny amount of boondi and serve the puri along with pineapple pani.

Fill the cavity with the pineapple pani and Enjoy!

Vasantha Neer Recipe / Tender Coconut Cooler

Vasantha Neer prepared using all natural Ingredients like tender coconut, honey, ginger  and mint, is a prefect summer cooler keeps our body hydrated and helps in healing heat boils.

Vasantha Neer Recipe Video Posted on Vidyascooking Youtube Shorts 

Ingredients:

2 Cups Tender Coconut Water

2 Tbsp Chopped Tender Coconut

2 Sprigs Chopped Mint Leaves

1/2 Inch Ginger Grated

1 Tbsp Lime Juice

2 Tbsp Honey

Prep:

Wash, peel and grate ginger.

Separate mint leaves from stem, rinse in water twice, drain and pat dry. Chop the mint leaves and reserve. 

Chop the tender coconut or coconut flesh into tiny pieces and reserve.

Wash and chop lime in half, remove the seeds and squeeze the lime juice in a small bowl and reserve.

Method:

In a bowl add tender coconut water, grated ginger, mint leaves, coconut pieces, lime juice and honey stir till well combined.

Take a tall serving tumbler fill it with ice cubes and pour the vasantha neer serve rightaway...Enjoy!

Tender coconut water offers numerous health benefits, including hydration, electrolyte replenishment, and support for digestive and kidney health. It's also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, potentially aiding in weight management and improving skin and heart health. 

Amla Rice / Nellikkai Sadam / Gooseberry Rice

This flavorful amla rice has always been a family favorite. Mom used to pack amla rice for my school and office lunch. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, offers a wide range of health benefits, including boosting immunity, supporting heart health, improving digestion, and promoting skin and hair health. It's a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. 

Amla Rice Recipe Posted on Vidyascooking Youtube Shorts 

Ingredients:

2 Cups Cooked Rice

2 Large Amlas Grated

3 Finely Chopped Green Chilies

3 Sprigs Curry Leaves

2 Dried Red Chilies

1/2 Tbsp Split Channa Dal

1/2 Tbsp Split Urad Dal

1/4 Tsp Mustard Seeds

1/4 Tsp Asafetida

1 Tbsp Groundnuts

1/4 Tsp Turmeric Powder

1/2 Tbsp Salt

Oil as required.

Prep:

Rinse 1 1/2 Cups rice till clear water. Then place the rice in a cooker with 3 cups water, cover and place a whistle. Cook the rice for 3 to 4 whistles on high flame. Once the rice is cooked, spread it on a plate to cool down before preparing the dish.

Wash and grate the amlas using a cheese grater.

Separate the curry leaves from the stem and rinse in water twice.

Remove the stems from the chilies, rinse in water and finely chop.

Method:

Heat a wok with  3 tbsp oil. Once the oil stars to smoke place on medium flame, add split chickpeas and black gram dal allow it to fry for few seconds.

Add the mustard seeds and allow it to splutter. Add groundnut and fry it for few more seconds.

Break the dried red chilies in half and add it to the wok fry all the ingredients for few seconds. Add the curry leaves and chopped green chilies and fry it a bit.

Add the grated amla, asafetida, turmeric powder and salt fry the amla till transparent or glossy.

Add the cooked rice and mix well if there are lumps in the rice break it with the spatula and stir well till well combined.

Allow the rice to heat up and absorb the masala. Plate the amla rice and serve...Enjoy!

Amla Lassi / Nellikkai Moru / Gooseberry Smoothie

Lassi is considered a probiotic-rich drink because it is made from yogurt, which contains beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. These bacteria, known as probiotics, help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, aiding digestion and boosting overall well-being. Incroporating amla, in lassi, offers a wide range of health benefits, including boosting immunity, supporting heart health, improving digestion, and promoting skin and hair health. It's a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Intake of 1 or 2 large amla everyday is a must. If you find amla bitter or sour then try this way a lassi format.

Amla Lassi Recipe on Vidyascooking Youtube Shorts 

Ingredients:

2 Large Amlas Grated

1/2 Inch Ginger Grated

3 Sprigs Coriander Leaves

2 Sprigs Curry Leaves

1 Green Chilly

1 Cup Yogurt

1/4 Tsp Asafetida

1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds

1 Tsp Salt

Prep:

Wash and grate the amla.

Peel, wash and grate the ginger.

Remove the stem from green chilly rinse in water slit and reserve.

Remove the roots and hard stems from coriander leaves. Rinse twice or thrice and reserve.

Separate the curry leaves from the stems, rinse well and reserve.

Method:

In a mixerjar add the grated amla, grated ginger, chilly, curry leaves, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, asafetida and salt, cover and grind to form a smooth masala.

Add yogurt and grind till smooth.

In a tall tumbler add half the amount of the ground yogurt amla mixture, next dilute with cold water and serve...Enjoy!

Sweet Amla Lassi / Nellikkai Sweet Lassi

Pair this sweet amla lassi with parathas or pulao and enjoy the flavors from luscious lassi. If you hate eating amla as it ican be bitter or too sour then try it this way.

Amla Sweet Lassi Recipe Uploaded on Vidyascooking Youtube Shorts Video

Amla Lassi Ingredients:

2 Grated Amla

8 Tbsp Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Fresh Yogurt

Method:

Wash the amlas then using a cheese grater grate it and add it to a mixer jar, along with sugar. 

Grind the amla and sugar first. Next add the yogurt and grind to form a smooth puree.

Refrigerate the lassi till it is chilled and serve in a serving glass...Enjoy!

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, offers a wide range of health benefits, including boosting immunity, supporting heart health, improving digestion, and promoting skin and hair health. It's a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. 

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

1. Boosting Immunity: Amla is exceptionally high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function. This can help the body fight off infections and illnesses. 

2. Supporting Heart Health: Amla may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow, all of which are beneficial for heart health. 

3. Improving Digestion: Amla contains dietary fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. It also stimulates digestive enzymes, aiding in the efficient breakdown of food. 

4. Promoting Skin Health: The high vitamin C content in amla stimulates collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Amla may also help reduce blemishes and even out skin tone. 

5. Enhancing Hair Health: Amla is often used in hair care products to strengthen hair, reduce hair loss, and improve scalp health. It can also help prevent premature greying and promote hair growth. 

6. Other Potential Benefits:

Blood Sugar Regulation:

Amla may help regulate blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. 

Liver Support:

Studies suggest amla may have hepatoprotective properties, potentially protecting the liver from damage. 

Brain Function:

Some research indicates that amla may help improve memory and reduce stress hormones. 

Weight Management:

Amla juice may aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and improving digestion. 

Amla Chutney / Nellikkai Thokku Recipe

Amla chutney or thokku is a versatile dish, which can be served with parathas, chapathis, curd rice or can be mixed with steam cooked rice. This amla thokku has a shelf-life upto 3 weeks with refrigeration.

Recipe Video in Youtube Shorts on Vidyascooking Youtube Channel

Ingredients:

6 Amlas Grated 

8 Green Chilies Coarse Ground

1 Tsp Urad Dal (Black Gram Dal)

1 Tsp Mustard Seeds

1/4 Tsp Turmeric Powder

1 Tsp Chilly Flakes Optional 

1/4 Tsp Asafoetida

1/4 Cup Oil 

Salt as per taste

Prep:

Wash the amla well and wipe it. Using a cheese grater, grate the amla and reserve.

Remove the stems from green chilies. Rinse in water twice. Pat the green chilies with a towel. Add the chillies to a mixerjar and grind to form a coarse paste and reserve.

Method:

Heat a wok on medium flame with oil.

Add the mustard seeds and split blackgram dal to the oil allow it to splutter. 

Next add grated amla, coarse ground chilly paste, turmeric powder, asafoetida, and salt stir well and fry.

Check for salt and spice content add it if needed. I normally add 1 tsp chilly flakes.

Stir and fry the amla on medium flame for 5 to 10 minutes or until the color of the amla changes to golden brown.

Remove the amla thokku from flame allow it to cool down and bottle it.

This thokku stores well upto 3 weeks in a airtight bottle.

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, offers a wide range of health benefits, including boosting immunity, supporting heart health, improving digestion, and promoting skin and hair health. It's a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. 

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

1. Boosting Immunity: Amla is exceptionally high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function. This can help the body fight off infections and illnesses. 

2. Supporting Heart Health: Amla may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow, all of which are beneficial for heart health. 

3. Improving Digestion: Amla contains dietary fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. It also stimulates digestive enzymes, aiding in the efficient breakdown of food. 

4. Promoting Skin Health: The high vitamin C content in amla stimulates collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Amla may also help reduce blemishes and even out skin tone. 

5. Enhancing Hair Health: Amla is often used in hair care products to strengthen hair, reduce hair loss, and improve scalp health. It can also help prevent premature greying and promote hair growth. 

6. Other Potential Benefits:

Blood Sugar Regulation:

Amla may help regulate blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. 

Liver Support:

Studies suggest amla may have hepatoprotective properties, potentially protecting the liver from damage. 

Brain Function:

Some research indicates that amla may help improve memory and reduce stress hormones. 

Weight Management:

Amla juice may aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and improving digestion.