Rose Lassi

 

           A great way to beat the summer heat is to prepare this yummy salty Rose Lassi with some fresh rose petals and enjoy it. I have used rose water, saffron and cardamom powder to flavour the drink. Be sure to prepare in large quantities and keep them refrigerated. It can be had in between meals also. 

            So whip up this amazing chilled Lassi and serve them in individual glasses, garnished with mixed nuts, saffron and rose petals. Go ahead and give it a try by checking out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this soothing and refreshing drink.

 

            This Lassi is just perfect during summer to beat the scorching heat. I have not added any sugar as it is a salty version. You may add if you wish. I flavored it with cardamom powder, saffron and rose water. You may try with Gulkand, rose syrup or any other flavor of your choice. Serve it chilled or with some ice cubes for a refreshing experience.

               So a great combination of some fresh rose petals and yoghurt makes for this yummy lassi. Apart from the garnishes I have used, you can add any of your choice and you are ready to savor it. 

• 1 cup yoghurt
• 1/3 cup water
• pinch of salt
• 5-6 fresh rose petals
• 1/2 tsp. rose water
• pinch of cardamom powder
• pinch of saffron
• 1 tsp. chopped mixed nuts

           Blend together yoghurt, water, rose petals, pinch of salt, cardamom powder, saffron and rose water to a smooth puree. 

            Pour into individual glasses and refrigerate for a minimum of an hour. Serve chilled, garnished with mixed nuts, saffron and rose petals. 

                         Blend yoghurt, rose petals, pinch of salt, cardamom powder, saffron, 

                                  water and rose water to a smooth puree. 

                        Pour into individual glasses & refrigerate for a minimum of an hour. 

                            Serve chilled, garnished with mixed nuts, saffron and rose petals. 

Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)

          This perfect yoghurt drink is very refreshing and is a must during hot summer days. It is very light on the tummy and helps in keeping you hydrated. Just adding some flavourful spices, coriander leaves and a tempering of mustard seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves takes this humble buttermilk to the next level. So you can prepare this healthy drink well in advance and refrigerate it to be enjoyed, chilled, as and when required. 

• 1 cup yoghurt
• 2 cups water
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. roasted cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp. pepper powder
• 1 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tbsp. coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• pinch pf asafoetida
• 1 sprig curry leaves

          Whisk the yoghurt, water and all the dry spices. Add the chopped coriander leaves and green chilies and give it a stir. 

          Heat oil in a pan and temper with mustard seeds. After it stops spluttering add the asafoetida and curry leaves. 

          Saute for a few seconds and switch off the flame. Pour this tempering over the spiced yoghurt mix and stir. Refrigerate for some time and serve them chilled in individual glasses.

Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

          Strawberry contains a lot of minerals, nutrients, vitamins, dietary fibre and antioxidants. So this small pretty fruit has a lot of health benefits for our body. On the other hand, yogurt aids in digestion, treats an upset stomach and has a cooling effect on our body, especially during summers. 

           So the combination of both these superfoods in the form of a smoothie does wonders and is worth a try. It is both low in calorie and fat. This yummy, creamy and delicious drink can be dished out in a ziffy and can be enjoyed for a nutritious and healthy breakfast or anytime of the day. 

• 3-4 strawberries
• 1 cup yoghurt
• 2 tbsp. brown sugar or to taste
• pinch of cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. rose water
• sliced strawberry, mint leaf & chopped pistachios to garnish

          Blend together all the ingredients in a mixi jar and refrigerate for a couple of minutes. 

          Garnish with sliced strawberry, mint leaf and chopped pistachios. 

          Serve chilled in individual glasses.

Strawberry Lassi

          This is a delicious Strawberry Lassi with a twist. As I love creating something different to the same old traditional recipes, Here is my take - I added some crumbled store bought milk pedas to give a thick and creamy texture to the finished product. It turned out simply yummy with a slight hint and flavor coming from the cardamom powder and rose water.

• 1 & 1/2 cups yoghurt
• 1 cup strawberry puree (frozen or fresh)
• 2 pedas, crumbled
• sugar to taste
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 tsp. rose water
• 1/2 cup water (opt)
• 1/2 cup milk 
• fresh strawberries and mint leaves to garnish (opt)

          Blend together all the above mentioned ingredients (except fresh strawberries and mint) to a smooth puree. 

          Pour into glasses and serve, garnished with fresh strawberries and mint.

Aam Panna (Raw Mango Drink)

          
              
          A refreshing chilled drink is always welcome to beat the summer heat. So try this amazing drink made of raw mangoes, sugar and some basic seasonings. There is nothing like having a glass of this homemade drink, with or without ice cubes to keep yourself cool and hydrated during summer. It immediately cools you down and energizes you. 

           It quenches our thirst and prevents the loss of sodium and iron from our body due to excessive sweating in summers. This drink is also helpful in the treatment of any upset tummy. For a healthy option, try having it with brown sugar or jaggery.

• 1 raw mango
• black salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp. roasted cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground pepper 
• sugar to taste
• pinch of chaat masala
• 8-10 mint leaves

          Pressure cook the mango for 2-3 whistles. When cool, remove the pulp and keep aside. Mix together with 3 glasses of water and rest of the ingredients (except mint).

          Blend it in a mixer. Strain and serve chilled, garnished with mint leaves.