MANGO SHAKE WITH BASIL SEEDS

Super yummy and kids favourite summer special drink is Mango shake, isn't it? What if we add some more healthy stuffs in this drink? 

So, here I have added Basil / Sabja seeds. The health benefits of basil seeds include the ability to improve digestive health, aid in weight loss, regulating blood sugar, cooling the body, relieving stress, reducing inflammation and preventing certain infections. They are particularly used as an addition to beverages and desserts. The simplest thing you can do is soak two teaspoons of Sabja seeds in water and drink it every day. They can also be added to sherbets, falooda, smoothies or shakes for added benefits.

Ingredients

1. Mango - 2 (of sweet taste)
2. Basil / Sabja seeds - 2 tsp
3. Milk - 1/2 cup
4. Sugar - if required (depends on the taste of the mango)
5. Ice cube - 4-5

Process

1. In a bowl add water and soak Sabja seeds for one hour.

2. In a blender, add chilled milk, mango pieces, ice cubes and sugar. Blend it to desired consistency. 

3. Add the soaked Sabja seeds and mix well. 

4. Pour this mango shake in serving glasses till you have enough space at the top for some more Sabja seeds and mango pieces. I have used few mint leaves for garnishing. Serve the chilled Mango shake immediately. 

Note - Chia seeds and Sabja seeds are not same. 

MUSKMELON MILK SHAKE

Muskmelon or kharbuja is a tropical, juice, sweet and succulent fruit whish is loaded with nutrients and has many health benefits. It aids in weight loss, good for eyesight, treats kidney stones, boosts immunity. Muskmelon milkshake makes one of the best summer drinks for the kids. Personally I do not like this fruit very much, so I keep trying and making some healthy drinks or milkshakes so that we all can get the health benefits of this summer fruits. 

Ingredients

1. Muskmelon - 1
2. Milk - 1 cup
3. Sugar or honey (if required only)
4. Ice cubes - 2-3
5. Ice cream (optional) for garnishing
6. Dry fruits - chopped - for topping

Process

1. Wash the muskmelon and peel properly. Cut into cubes. (In the picture you can see, I have not peeled the muskmelon, rather used the sell as the serving glass)

2. In a blender, add all the muskmelon pieces, then add milk (chilled). Add sugar or honey if required. Also add the ice cubes and blend them all together.

3. Pour in serving glasses, top with ice-creams (optional) and garnish with chopped dry fruits. 

MANGO CHIA POPSICLES

A perfect summer treat to the family. These Mango Chia Popsicles are such a delight to my family. They are healthy, vegan, naturally sweetened and perfect for kids and everyone. And really effortless, all you need to do is have patience. 

Ingredients

1. Chia seeds - 2 tsp cup
2. Mango - 1 (puree)
3. Almond milk - 1 cup
4. Maple syrup of honey - 1 tsp
5. Almonds or nuts of your choice - for garnishing

Process

1. In a bowl add milk and honey or maple syrup whichever you are using, Mix well with a spoon. Now add chia seeds to this mixture and mix till everything is well combined. Keep this mixture in the refrigerator overnight or minimum 5-6 hours. The simple way how you make your chia seed pudding.

2. When the chia pudding is ready, in the popsicle mould, pour mango puree first and then pour this chia pudding mixture and put it in the fridge again at least for 5-6 hours.

3. Before serving, sprinkle chopped nuts / almond over the popsicles and serve chilled. 

Doi er Ghol (Lassi with Gondhoraj Lemon)

Gondhoraj lemon is a hero amongst all lime and lemon family at any Bengali household. Its aroma and flavor gives it a distinctive class. Gondoraj lemon is much bigger in size than a regular lemon. True to its name it imparts a beautiful aroma not only when you slice it but also the thick green skin of it. And here is the heavenly blend of Gondhoraj and "Doi er Ghol". This is nothing fancy but an excellent traditional summer soother. Its originated from the lassi family. Curd set at home when diluted with chilled water, little bit of salt and sugar turns into a refreshing drink. This simple "Doi er Ghol" gets a transformation when you add a dash of Gondhoraj lemon into it. And the additional zest of Gondhoraj which imparts a strong citrus flavor into the drink is a fantastic way to get instant energy. This "Ghol" is very much preferred version during hot summer days. It is said to have a cooling effect. 

Ingredients

1. Curd / Yogurt - 1 cup (better if the curd is set at home)
2. Chilled water - 2 cup
3. Gondhoraj lemon juice - 2 tsp 
4. Black salt - a pinch of
5. Sugar - as per your taste
6. Ice cubes - few
7. Gondhoraj lemon zest - 1 tsp

Process

1. In a blender, churn the curd, sugar and black salt. Add some water and lime zest. Blend it until the Ghol is nice and frothy. 

2. Add Gondhoraj lemon juice and stir well. Pour into serving glasses and top with some more zest. Serve chilled.

GRAPES LIME MOJITO

Summer is here and during this time nothing like having a sparkling and refreshing chilled drink to quench your thirst and beat the heat. I love fruits and most of the fruit has many benefits also. I love making different types of cold smoothies for breakfast, some fresh fruit juices or lime mojitos in the day time and here is my today's experiment with green grapes. Green grapes virgin mojito is a sparkling and fresh summer drink that has loads of refreshing mint, lemon and ice cubes along with the goodness of tasty and juicy grapes. Making this is so effortless and needs just a few ingredients. 

Ingredients

1. Green grapes - 200 grams
2. Water - 1 cup
3. Soda - 1 cup
4. Lemon (sliced in round share)
5. Sugar / maple syrup - 1-2 tsp
6. Salt - a pinch of
7. Ice cubes
8. Mint leaves
9. Black pepper (optional)

Process

1. Firstly in a blender add the grapes along with half cup of water and blend until the grapes are juiced. Dilute it with a cup of water and add ice cubes.

2. Add sugar, salt and black pepper (if you are using) and mix well. 

3. After that squeeze some lemon juice and add lemon slices and mint leaves. Finally add more ice cubes of refrigerate for a couple of hours and serve it chilled.

Note - If you want to have this immediately, use chilled water instead of normal water.  

DRAGON FRUIT LIME MOJITO

Mojitos are always a great idea as they are super refreshing and easy to make. You can add any fruit you like for mojito as long as you have fresh mint, lime and soda. (Some people use rum also for making this). I have made this mojito with Dragon Fruit and lemon and its really so refreshing. Here is the easy recipe.

Ingredients

1. Dragon fruits - 1/2 cup (cut into cubes)
2. Lemon 1/2 cut into 4 wedges
3. Sugar - 2 tsp (You can use honey as well)
4. Mint leaves - 5-6 
5. Sliced lemon - for decoration
6. Ice cubes - 1 cup
7. Soda - as needed
8. Salt - a pinch
9. Pepper - a pinch

Process

1. Place mint leaves and lime wedges in a glass and add roughly cut dragon fruits (keep some pieces for garnishing)

2. Use muddle to crush the lime and mint leaves to release mint oil, lime juice. Do not strain the mixture. add sugar or honey, whichever you are using.

3. Fill the glass with ice, pour soda over the ice. Add salt and pepper and stir and taste to check if you need to add something else. Garnish with lime slices and cut pieces of dragon fruit and mint leaves.