A healthy refreshing drink made of dates and yogurt is just perfect during summer. I have not added any sugar, so you may if you wish. I flavored it with cardamom powder and rose water. You may try with gulkand or any flavor of your choice. Garnish with chopped nuts and tutti frutti. Serve it chilled or with some ice cubes to beat the scorching heat.
- 12-15 dates, deseeded & soaked for an hour
- 1 & 1/2 cups yogurt
- 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
- 1 tsp. rose water
- 1 tsp. chopped pistachios
- 1 tsp. tutti frutti
- few ice cubes
Blend the dates, yoghurt, cardamom powder and rose water into a smooth puree. Refrigerate for an hour.
Pour in individual glasses along with 2-3 ice cubes. Serve, garnished with chopped pistachios and tutti frutti as a refreshing summer drink.
Cucumber along with yoghurt is extremely beneficial especially during summer. It contains antioxidants, nutrients, keeps us hydrated, prevents us from heat and flushes out toxins from our body. As cucumber also contains a fair amount of water and fibre, it is low in calories, helps in weight loss and lowers blood sugar too.
So how about a summer cooler with some mint leaves thrown in, for a refreshing drink? Add a pinch of pepper powder, salt and roasted cumin powder to it and you have a yummy healthy drink to be enjoyed as and when desired.
- 1 cup yogurt (serves 2)
- 1 cucumber, roughly chopped
- 8-10 mint leaves
- salt to taste
- pinch of roasted cumin powder
- pinch of pepper powder
- pinch of sugar
- few drops of lime juice (opt)
Blend all the above ingredients to a smooth puree and refrigerate for a couple of minutes. Pour into individual glasses / small earthen pots and enjoy chilled for a refreshing drink.
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.
A great way to beat the summer heat is to prepare this delicious Mango Lassi and enjoy it. I have used rose water and cardamom powder to flavour the drink. Be sure to prepare in large quantities and keep them refrigerated. Sugar can be adjusted according to the sweetness of the mango. Serve them chilled in individual glasses, garnished with mixed nuts, saffron and mint leaves.
- 2 medium mango, chopped
- 1 cup yoghurt
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp. sugar or to taste
- 1 tsp. rose water
- 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
- few mixed nuts to garnish
- few strands of saffron to garnish
- mint leaves to garnish
Blend together mango, yoghurt, milk, sugar, cardamom powder 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 mint leaves.
Blend mango, yoghurt, milk, sugar, cardamom powder & rose water.
