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RIPE MANGO CURRY
PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

    With the Season of Mangoes & Jackfruits, some recipes pop out frequently in an Indian Kitchen. This is one Curry which pops out in our kitchen during Mango season, a family recipe made with Ripe /slightly ripe Mangoes.  This is a Curry and when we say a Curry with Ripe Mango(mambazham), Mambazha Pulissery tops the list in Kerala Cuisine.  But this Pazhutha Manga Curry/Sweet Mango Curry is an equivalently tasty and under-rated curry, which has not found its way into most kitchens.  This recipe is from my MIL's repertoire.  A family recipe made when Mangoes are in season, and my Mil prefers to make this recipe with the Salem Mangoes - the long, not sour ones, slightly ripe but yet raw ones tastes great when converted into this Sweet Mango Curry.  

    At home, we call it Manga Curry or Pazhutha Manga Curry.  And we have it as a curry, a side dish to go along with Rice. The Mangoes are used with the skin, and we add the Seed with a bit of flesh into the Curry.  This Pazhutha Manga Curry is Sweet, slightly sour and spicy - a combination of tastes which makes this an excellent combo with Rice.  And if you are a Mango person and if you love slightly sweet & sour combos, then this curry is sure to appease your taste buds.  This Pazhutha Manga Curry has to be sweet, a bit sour; sometimes with a hint of hot spices. In fact, it is a fine balance between all these flavours.

RIPE MANGO CURRY
PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

 

    Mangoes always takes me back to memories of an anecdote my Mother shared with me when I was a kid -


     It was from a Malayalam Poem named MAMBAZHAM (Ripe Mango), written by Vylopilli Sreedhara Menon. The gist of the poem is - about the sad memories of a mother who had lost her child recently. A ripe mango falling from a Mango tree in her courtyard, regretfully and with a sense of loss reminds the Mother, that she had scolded her child from plucking the Mango flower blooms.  She had warned the enthusiastic child who came with a bunch of Mango blooms in his hands that plucking the blooms will spoil the yield.  Regretfully, the child said that he would never ever go near the tree again, even to pluck ripe mangoes.  And even before the Mangoes ripened, the child had passed away. The Poet through his golden letters reminds us that Children are incarnations of God, and their innocent words could come true.

I wanted to make it up to keep a note of this poem in one of my posts, and here it goes like this...

അങ്കണ തൈമാവില്‍ നിന്നാദ്യത്തെ പഴം വീഴ്‌കെ
അമ്മതൻ നേത്രത്തില്‍ നിന്നുതിര്‍ന്നൂ ചുടുകണ്ണീര്‍
നാലുമാസത്തിന്‍ മുന്‍പില്‍ ഏറെ നാള്‍ കൊതിച്ചിട്ടീ
ബാലമാകന്ദം പൂവിട്ടുണ്ണികള്‍ വിരിയവേഅമ്മതന്‍ മണിക്കുട്ടന്‍ പൂത്തിരികത്തിച്ചപോൽ
അമ്മലര്‍ച്ചെണ്ടൊന്നൊടിച്ചാഹ്ലാദിച്ചടുത്തെത്തീ
ചൊടിച്ചൂ മാതാവപ്പോൾ ഉണ്ണികള്‍ വിരിഞ്ഞ
പൂവിറുത്തു കളഞ്ഞല്ലോ കുസൃതിക്കുരുന്നേ നീ
മാങ്കനി വീഴുന്നേരം ഓടിച്ചെന്നെടുക്കേണ്ടോന്‍
പൂങ്കുല തല്ലുന്നതു തല്ലുകൊള്ളാഞ്ഞിട്ടല്ലേ 
പൈതലിൻ ഭാവം മാറി വദനാംബുജം വാടീ
കൈതവം കാണാക്കണ്ണ് കണ്ണുനീർത്തടാകമായ്
മാമ്പഴം പെറുക്കുവാന്‍ ഞാന്‍ വരുന്നില്ല എന്നവൻ
മാന്‍പെഴും മലർക്കുലയെറിഞ്ഞു വെറും മണ്ണിൽ
വാക്കുകൾ കൂട്ടിച്ചൊല്ലാൻ വയ്യാത്ത കിടാങ്ങളേ
ദീർഘദർശനം ചെയ്യും ദൈവജ്ഞരല്ലോ നിങ്ങൾ
തുംഗമാം മീനച്ചൂടാൽ തൈമാവിൻ
മരതകക്കിങ്ങിണി സൗഗന്ധിക സ്വർണ്ണമായ് തീരും മുന്‍പേ
മാങ്കനി വീഴാന്‍ കാത്തു നിൽക്കാതെ
മാതാവിന്റെ പൂങ്കുയിൽ കൂടും വിട്ട് പരലോകത്തെ പൂകി
വാനവർക്കാരോമലായ് പാരിനെക്കുറിച്ചുദാസീനനായ്
ക്രീഡാരസലീനനായ്‌ അവന്‍ വാഴ്‌കെ
അങ്കണ തൈമാവില്‍ നിന്നാദ്യത്തെ പഴം വീഴ്‌കെ
അമ്മതന്‍  നേത്രത്തില്‍ നിന്നുതിര്‍ന്നൂ ചുടുകണ്ണീര്‍ 
തന്മകന്നമുദേകാന്‍ താഴോട്ടു നിപതിച്ച പൊന്‍പഴം
മുറ്റത്താര്‍ക്കും വേണ്ടാതെ കിടക്കവേ
അയൽ‌പക്കത്തെ കൊച്ചുകുട്ടികള്‍
ഉല്‍സാഹത്തോടവർതൻ മാവിൻ‌ചോട്ടിൽ കളിവീടുണ്ടാക്കുന്നു 
പൂവാലനണ്ണാർക്കണ്ണാ മാമ്പഴം തരിക
എന്നു പൂവാളും കൊതിയോടെ വിളിച്ചുപാടീടുന്നു
ഉതിരും മധുരങ്ങളോടിച്ചെന്നെടുക്കുന്നൂ
മുതിരും കോലാഹലമങ്കലധ്വാനത്തോടും
വാസന്തമഹോത്സവമാണവർക്ക്
എന്നാൽ അവൾക്കാഹന്ത കണ്ണീരിനാല്‍ അന്ധമാം വര്‍ഷാകാലം
വാസന്തമഹോത്സവമാണവർക്ക്‌
എന്നാൽ അവൾക്കാഹന്ത കണ്ണീരിനാല്‍ അന്ധമാം വര്‍ഷാകാലംപുരതോനിസ്തബ്ധയായ് തെല്ലിട നിന്നിട്ട് തന്‍
ദുരിതഫലം പോലുള്ള ആ പഴമെടുത്തവള്‍
തന്നുണ്ണിക്കിടാവിന്റെ താരുടൽ മറചെയ്ത
മണ്ണിൽ താൻ നിക്ഷേപിച്ചു മന്ദമായ് ഏവം ചൊന്നാൾ
ഉണ്ണിക്കൈക്കെടുക്കുവാൻ ഉണ്ണിവായ്ക്കുണ്ണാൻ വേണ്ടി
വന്നതാണീ മാമ്പഴം വാസ്തവമറിയാതെ
നീരസം ഭാവിച്ച് നീ പോയിതെങ്കിലും
കുഞ്ഞേ നീയിതു നുകര്‍ന്നാലേ അമ്മക്കു സുഖമാവൂ
പിണങ്ങിപ്പോയീടിലും പിന്നെ ഞാൻ വിളിക്കുമ്പോൾ
കുണുങ്ങിക്കുണുങ്ങി നീ ഉണ്ണുവാൻ വരാറില്ലേ
വരിക കണ്ണാൽ കാണാ‍ൻ വയ്യാത്തൊരെന്‍ കണ്ണനേ
തരസാനുകർന്നാലും തായതൻ നൈവേദ്യം നീ
ഒരു തൈകുളിര്‍കാറ്റായ് അരികത്തണഞ്ഞ്
അപ്പോള്‍ അരുമക്കുഞ്ഞിൻ പ്രാണൻ അമ്മയെ ആശ്ലേഷിച്ചു

RIPE MANGO CURRY
PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY
 
Cuisine - Kerala Recipe Type - Curry
Spice Level  - Low - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 2-3
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 10 - 15 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10 - 15 Minutes

HOW TO MAKE PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY
RIPE MANGO CURRY
PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

INGREDIENTS:

For Pazhutha Manga Curry:

Slightly Ripe/Ripe Mango - 1 No.(big sized)
Jaggery - 1/2 Cup
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 Teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder - 11/2 Teaspoon
Coriander Powder - 1 Teaspoon
Salt - To Taste

For Tempering:

Mustard Seeds - 1 Teaspoon
Dry Red Chillies - 1 No.
Fenugreek Seeds - a Pinch
Asafoetida - a Pinch
Curry Leaves - a Sprig
Green Chillies - 2 Nos.
Coconut Oil - 2 Teaspoons

 

METHOD:

  • Melt Jaggery in 1/2 Cup of Water, strain any impurities and keep it aside.
  • Wash the slightly Ripe Mango, cut it into length wise, can use the seed too.
  • The skin is not removed from the Mango for this recipe.
  • Meanwhile, dry roast Red Chilli Powder & Coriander Powder on a very low until it turns fragrant.
  • Care should be taken not to burn the spices while dry roasting, which will totally spoil the taste of the Curry.
  • Add a dash of Salt, Turmeric Powder and dry roasted Spice Powders to the Mango Pieces, along with some water, green chillies slit into two and cook until Mangoes are cooked, but still the flesh should be firm.
  • Pour in the Jaggery Syrup to the above and cook on a low flame for about 5–7 minutes.
  • Adjust the consistency to suit your preference.
  • Meanwhile, Heat Oil in a pan, splutter Mustard Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Dry Red Chillies, Asafoetida and Curry Leaves.
  • Pour the tempering over the Pazhutha Manga Curry and give a quick stir.
  • Pazhutha Manga Curry can be served along with Rice.
  • Pazhutha Manga Curry can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
 
 
    RIPE MANGO CURRY
    PAZHUTHA MANGA CURRY - SWEET MANGO CURRY

NOTES:

  • Cut the Mangoes into the desired size.  
  • At home, the Mangoes are cut lengthwise with the skin.
  • Adjust the amount of Jaggery to balance the sourness of the Mangoes, when cooking with slightly ripe mangoes.
  • If you are using ripe mangoes, adjust the amount of Jaggery to suit your taste preference.
  • Pazhutha Manga Curry has a combination of tastes like Sweet, Sour & Spiciness.
  • I have used Ripe Mangoes in this recipe. Can use slightly sweet (not so ripe) Mangoes for the recipe.
  • My Mother in law prefers to cook this recipe with slightly ripe Salem Mangoes.
ROSE MISHTI DOI
ROSE MISHTI DOI
 

    Curd/Yogurt has an esteemed place in Indian cuisine. No Indian meal is complete without curd and is one of the basic essentials in an Indian Kitchen. Curd/Yogurt is such a versatile ingredient, there are innumerable recipes which incorporates Curd/Yogurt in Indian cuisine.  It is a day-to-day process in most of the Indian households to make Curd/Yogurt. Curd/Yogurt is used as such, mixed & eaten along with Rice or added into innumerable recipes, converted into tasty & rich dishes, curries, chutneys, desserts, snacks etc.

    Well, coming to the recipe - ROSE MISHTI DOI.  Mishti Doi, is a humble & healthy dessert loved by every Bengali. But it has a greater fan base even outside the region. This recipe is a simple twist given to the same, and that is the addition of Rose flavour in a Mishti Doi. When I initially perfected Mishti Doi, I was thinking that it is one easy and healthy dessert which could be made adding up different flavours or fruits.

ROSE MISHTI DOI
ROSE MISHTI DOI

    A few months back, my daughter, asked me for Rose Mishti Doi.  Then and there, giving no second thought, I made Rose Mishti Doi. But the irony was that the moment it got set and at the time which I had to leave it in the refrigerator for later use, there my refrigerator stopped working.  With a heavy pang, I was trying my best to fix it up, which all went vain.  Left the refrigerator switched off and there went my efforts securing and storing up the things in alternative ways.  And there we had to finish off Rose Mishti Doi then and there.  

    This humble Rose Mishti Doi was so creamy, mildly sweet with a wonderful texture, so cool and comforting to the senses & stomach, with an interlacing aroma of Rose in it.  I loved and enjoyed eating each spoon of Rose flavoured Mishti Doi and cherished it to the core. Here comes one of the most popular Bengali Dessert, Mishti Doi/Meeta Dahi/Sweetened Curd with a wonderful aroma of Rose.

ROSE MISHTI DOI
ROSE MISHTI DOI

 
    This easy-to-make and completely hassle-free dessert hold its uniqueness amidst the extensive range of Bengali Sweets & Desserts. Mishti Doi is a fermented sweet curd made by thickening/reducing the milk and is traditionally sweetened with Jaggery. It is allowed to ferment overnight. Some recipe of Mishti Doi is delicately seasoned with a Pinch of Cardamom. The technique or the way it is prepared completely makes Mishti Doi different from the plain curd/yogurt. The cultured Milk, Jaggery mixture along with the Rose Syrup is poured into a traditional clay or earthen pot to ferment & at the same time to keep it cool. The porous walls of an earthen pot absorb any extra moisture and help to thicken the Doi and simultaneously facilitates the right temperature for the growth of the culture/fermentation.

 
     A festive favourite, Mishti Doi is prepared extensively during auspicious occasions like Durga Puja and Bengali New Year.  Rose Mishti Doi could be a simple variation for the classic Bengali Dessert. A cool delight to beat the onslaught of summer, or just a digestion-aided mild Dessert to finish off your extensive meal. Yet another versions with fruit-infused Mishti Doi, like 'Aam Doi' (Mango curd) is also a popular variant of Mishit Doi. 

For more Recipes on INDIAN SWEETS, Click here...

Cuisine - Bengal, India
Recipe Type -Dessert
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 3 - 4
Author - SM  

Preparation Time - 5 Minutes
Cooking Time - 20 - 30 Minutes
Fermenting Time - 6 - 8 Hours



For more DESSERT RECIPES, Click here...



HOW TO MAKE ROSE MISHTI DOI

ROSE MISHTI DOI
ROSE MISHTI DOI

INGREDIENTS:

Milk - 3 Cups
Jaggery - 3 Tablespoons
Water - 1 Teaspoon 
Rose Syrup - 3 Tablespoons
Curd/Yogurt - 2 Teaspoons

For a detailed recipe on HOW TO MAKE CURD/YOGURT, Click here... 

ROSE MISHTI DOI
ROSE MISHTI DOI


METHOD:

  • Boil the Milk in a heavy-bottomed pan and continue to boil it on a low flame until it is reduced and thickened.
  • Powder the Jaggery and heat it in another heavy-bottomed saucepan for a while on medium-low flame until it melts and slightly caramelizes.
  • Once it caramelizes to light Amber Brown in colour, carefully pour in 1 Teaspoon of warm water & give a quick stir.
  • Care should be taken when caramelizing the Jaggery, as it can burn soon.
  • Now gently mix the Caramelized Jaggery along with the hot Milk. 
  • Leave it aside to cool down.
  • When the Milk & Jaggery mixture is slightly warm or at room temperature, add in the Rose Syrup & 1 Teaspoon of Curd/Yogurt and mix well.
  • Pour it into small Earthen Pots/Ceramic cups.
  • Cover and allow it to ferment in a warm place for about 6–8 hours or until completely set (as for Curd/Yogurt)
  • Once set, chill the Rose Mishti Doi in the refrigerator for about 3–4 hours, or until you serve it.
  • Serve Rose Mishti Doi chilled.
 
For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE ROSE SYRUP, Click here...

ROSE MISHTI DOI
ROSE MISHTI DOI

NOTES:

  • Reducing the milk will yield you with a creamy and thick Rose Mishti Doi.
  • While stirring in the Curd/Yogurt, make sure that the milk is not hot.
  • Let the Milk & Jaggery Mixture be slightly warm or at room temperature while adding Rose Syrup & Curd/Yogurt.
  • Care should be taken while Caramelizing the Jaggery.  Caramelize it to light Amber Brown in colour.
  • Allowing it to burn or brown will totally alter/spoil the taste of Mishti Doi.
  • Rose Mishti Doi is a mildly sweetened Dessert with rose flavour.
  • Adjust the amount of Rose Syrup to suit your preference. 
  • Rose Syrup has Sugar in it, so adjust the mount of Jaggery to suit your sweet tooth.
  • Can substitute Jaggery with White Sugar/Brown Sugar too.
  • Allow it to ferment in a warm place until it is completely set.
  • Adjust the time of fermentation as per the weather/climatic condition of the region you live in.
  • If you are living in a colder region, allow the Rose Mishti Doi to ferment in a closed oven with the oven light on or towel-covered for about 6 to 8 hours, or until set.


LYCHEE LEMONADE
LYCHEE LEMONADE

    Recently the heat is soaring, & the temperature is hitting as high as 36-38 °C.  Malaysia being a Tropical country lying just above the Equatorial line, the weather is always Rain and Shine.  But the recent weather is making us feel the necessity to keep ourselves hydrated.  So for the recent weather, there is nothing as apt as cool and refreshing drinks, which would quench our thirst, keep ourselves hydrated and also satiate our minds.

    This post is the somewhat a variation or a continuity of the previous post and that is the Lychee Juice with an addition of lemon juice - Lychee Lemonade.  This super simple refreshing lychee lemonade is a quick fix drink and all you need are some fresh/canned Lychees, Cold Water and fresh Lemon Juice.  If you have ready-made/homemade Lychee syrup, then the job gets much easier. 

LYCHEE LEMONADE
LYCHEE LEMONADE

    Well, if you cannot find fresh Lychees, then you can get hold of dried or canned lychees too. And also, there are a variety of Lychee Syrups and juices available in the market. For Fresh Lychee Juice, you’ll need about 15-20 fresh lychees for a cup of juice.  Remove the shells and seeds.  Then, you can blend the fruit with water, add a Sugar/honey or any sweetener of your choice. Lychee Juice serves best when chilled with a few pieces of Lychees.  Blending the Lychee fruit with water will create a tasty drink with pulp. If you prefer a smooth consistency, you can run the lychee juice through a strainer first.  If you can’t get your hands on fresh lychee, you can also use canned lychees to make homemade lychee juice.

    Whereas, if you are making Lychee Juice with homemade Lychee Syrup it is just one quick mix and there you go with a ready-made Lychee Juice within no time.  Add a dash of Lime/lemon juice or serve it with a hint of Mint for an extra note of flavour in this drink.  This Lychee Lemonade turns out to be a cooling and refreshing drink with a wonderful flavour of a Tropical fruit - Lychee.  

 

For more JUICES, DRINKS & SMOOTHIES, Click here...

Recipe Type - Drink
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 1-2
Author - SM  

Preparation Time - 10-15 Minutes

 

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE LYCHEE SYRUP, Click here...  

 

LYCHEE LEMONADE
LYCHEE LEMONADE

INGREDIENTS:


For Lychee Juice with Fresh Lychees:

 

Lychees - 15–20 fruits
Sugar/Honey - 1 Tablespoon (optional)
Water -1/ 2 - 1 Cup

Lemon/Lime Juice - 2–3 Teaspoons



For Lychee Juice with Lychee Syrup:


Water - 2 Cups (Chilled)
Lychee Syrup - 3–4 Tablespoons
Lemon/Lime Juice - 2–3 Teaspoons 
Ice Cubes - few


For garnishing (Optional Ingredients):


A Few Lychees
Mint Leaves - a few (Optional) 
Basil Seeds (soaked) - a few
 
LYCHEE LEMONADE
LYCHEE LEMONADE

 

METHOD:

 

For Lychee Juice with Fresh Lychees:

  • If using fresh Lychees, peel off the skin and cut the lychees and remove the seed. 
  • Then rinse the Lychees well and leave it in a colander for a few minutes.
  • Then cut them into small pieces.
  • Pour in the water, sugar & blend it until well combined.
  • Pour the Lychee Juice through a strainer. 
  • I use my juicer jar (which came along with my blender) for the purpose, which has a strainer within, which makes the process easier.
  • Collect the strained Lychee Juice in a bowl. 
  • Add Lemon Juice and give a quick stir.
  • If you are adding Honey, then add it at this stage.
  • Pour it into a tall glass and serve the Lychee Juice chilled or at room temperature.
  • Garnish Lychee Lemonade with a few fresh pieces of Lychees and a slice of Lemon.
  • Muddle a few Mint Leaves and pour chilled Lychee Lemonade over it for a mint flavoured Lychee Lemonade.
LYCHEE LEMONADE
LYCHEE LEMONADE

 

For Lychee Juice with Lychee Syrup:

  • Take a cup of cold water.
  • Fill a Boston Shaker with some Ice Cubes.
  • Pour in the Lychee Syrup, Lemon Juice & Cold Water into it.
  • Shake well until well combined.
  • Pour it into a tall glass and serve the Lychee Lemonade chilled or at room temperature.
  • Garnish Lychee Lemonade with a few fresh pieces of Lychees and slice of Lemon.
  • Muddle a few Mint Leaves and pour chilled Lychee Juice over it for a mint flavoured Lychee Lemonade.
LYCHEE LEMONADE
LYCHEE LEMONADE

 NOTES:

  • I have used about 15-20 fresh Lychees, and I got a medium-sized glass of Lychee Juice out of it.
  • I have added a cup of water while blending the Lychees.
  • Adding Sweeteners to the drink is purely optional.
  • Adjust the amount of Lemon Juice to suit your taste preference.
  • Adding Mint Leaves/Basil Leaves to the juice can give you an extra note of taste and flavour to Lychee Lemonade. But it is purely optional.
  • Can also add a small teaspoon of soaked Basil Seeds(Sabja) to the Lychee Lemonade.  Sabja Seeds helps in cooling down the body system as a whole.
LYCHEE LEMONADE
LYCHEE LEMONADE

HOW TO STORE FRESH HOME-MADE FRESH LYCHEE JUICE?

  • It is best enjoyed shortly after it is made. 
  • However, you can keep it in your refrigerator for 2–3 days in a glass bottle or jar.  Keep it covered.
  • Freshly extracted Lychee Juice (without added sweeteners) can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 days. 
  • Do not dilute it with water if you're storing it.
  • Do not add Lemon Juice to the Lychee Juice if you are planning to store it.
  • Add Lemon Juice just before serving for a refreshing feel, if stored for a longer time the drink may turn bitter.


LYCHEE JUICE
LYCHEE JUICE


    Lychee, a wonderful red globe of tropical fruit with a bumpy, rough exterior.  Once you open the skin, you will find an off-white, translucent fruit with a large brown seed.  Though the fruit is most commonly eaten fresh, when you land up with a few bunches of fresh lychees during the season, you might end up making a variety of drinks and dishes out of it.  

    And during one such season, I ended up making a bottle of Lychee Syrup.  And if you have a ready-made Syrup, then making Lychee Juice turns out to be an easy task.  Lychee Syrup turns out to be the best add-on while making a variety of cocktails and mocktails.  And you can easily add it up into any fresh juice if you like a note of lychee in it.  Well, I am going to give two methods here, one is juicing it up from Fresh Lychees and the other one is making a Lychee Juice from Homemade Lychee Syrup.  
 
LYCHEE JUICE
LYCHEE JUICE

    Well, if you cannot find fresh Lychees, then you can get hold of dried or canned lychees too. And also, there are a variety of Lychee Syrups and juices available in the market. For Fresh Lychee Juice, you’ll need about 15-20 fresh lychees for a cup of juice.  Remove the shells and seeds.  Then, you can blend the fruit with water, add a Sugar/honey or any sweetener of your choice. Lychee Juice serves best when chilled with a few pieces of Lychees.  Blending the Lychee fruit with water will create a tasty drink with pulp. If you prefer a smooth consistency, you can run the lychee juice through a strainer first.  If you can’t get your hands on fresh lychee, you can also use canned lychees to make homemade lychee juice.

    Whereas, if you are making Lychee Juice with homemade Lychee Syrup it is just one quick mix and there you go with a ready-made Lychee Juice within no time.  Add a dash of Lime/lemon or serve it with a hint of Mint for an extra note of flavour in this drink.  This Lychee Juice turns out to be a cooling and refreshing drink with a wonderful flavour of a Tropical fruit - Lychee.  

 

For more JUICES, DRINKS & SMOOTHIES, Click here...

Recipe Type - Drink
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 1-2
Author - SM  

Preparation Time - 10-15 Minutes

 

For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE LYCHEE SYRUP, Click here... 

 

HOW TO MAKE LYCHEE JUICE

LYCHEE JUICE
LYCHEE JUICE

 

INGREDIENTS:


For Lychee Juice with Fresh Lychees:

 

Lychees - 15–20 fruits
Sugar/Honey - 1 Tablespoon (optional)
Water -1/ 2 - 1 Cup

 


For Lychee Juice with Lychee Syrup:


Water - 2 Cups (Chilled)
Lychee Syrup - 3–4 Tablespoons
Ice Cubes - few


For garnishing (Optional Ingredients):


A Few Lychees
Mint Leaves - a few (Optional) 
Lemon/Lime Juice - 1–2 Teaspoons

LYCHEE JUICE
LYCHEE JUICE

METHOD:

 

For Lychee Juice with Fresh Lychees:

  • If using fresh Lychees, peel off the skin and cut the lychees and remove the seed. 
  • Then rinse the Lychees well and leave it in a colander for a few minutes.
  • Then cut them into small pieces.
  • Pour in the water, sugar & blend it until well combined.
  • Pour the Lychee Juice through a strainer. 
  • I use my juicer jar (which came along with my blender) for the purpose, which has a strainer within, which makes the process easier.
  • Collect the strained Lychee Juice in a bowl. 
  • If you are adding Honey, then add it at this stage.
  • Pour it into a tall glass and serve the Lychee Juice chilled or at room temperature.
  • Garnish Lychee Juice with a few fresh pieces of Lychees
  • Muddle a few Mint Leaves and pour chilled Lychee Juice over it for a mint flavoured Lychee Juice.

 

For Lychee Juice with Lychee Syrup:

  • Take a cup of cold water.
  • Fill a Boston Shaker with some Ice Cubes.
  • Pour in the Lychee Syrup & Cold Water into it.
  • Shake well until well combined.
  • Pour it into a tall glass and serve the Lychee Juice chilled or at room temperature.
  • Garnish Lychee Juice with a few fresh pieces of Lychees.
  • Muddle a few Mint Leaves and pour chilled Lychee Juice over it for a mint flavoured Lychee Juice.

 NOTES:

  • I have used about 15-20 fresh Lychees, and I got a medium-sized glass of Lychee Juice out of it.
  • I have added a cup of water while blending the Lychees.
  • Adding Sweeteners to the drink is purely optional.
  • Adding Mint Leaves/Basil Leaves to the juice can give you an extra note of taste and flavour to Lychee Juice. But it is purely optional.
 
LYCHEE JUICE
LYCHEE JUICE

HOW TO STORE FRESH HOME-MADE FRESH LYCHEE JUICE?

  • It is best enjoyed shortly after it is made. 
  • However, you can keep it in your refrigerator for 2–3 days in a glass bottle or jar.  Keep it covered.
  • Freshly extracted Lychee Juice (without added sweeteners) can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 days. 
  • Do not dilute it with water if you're storing it.

JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU

    If you are not a Malayalee or from Kerala, the whole idea behind Chakka Puttu -  Puttu with Chakka/Jackfruit would surely be underestimated or heard with an awe.  But for a Malayalee Jackfruit alias Chakka is a feel and dishes with Jackfruit is taken head's down in a Kerala household.  Even there is a note of complaint when it comes to Jackfruit season that a Kerala household gets overwhelmed with the fruit and cooks up anything and everything in the name of Jackfruit.  Right from a Stir-fry, Curry, Snack, Sweet etc., & etc.,

JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU

    Well, when you have a seasonal fruit in abundance, it is a norm of every Indian housewife to indulge in preserving it or using it to the maximum.  So, a staple Kerala Breakfast, with a twist of Jackfruit in it, is certain to pop up during the Season.  Chakka Puttu is one such dish which comes into limelight during the Jackfruit Season.

JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU

    Though a simple dish, it turns out to be a wholesome meal on its own.  Here, the humble Puttu is cooked with a few finely chopped Jackfruit pieces layered in between.  When steamed, the unique aroma of cooked Jackfruits and Puttu makes this humble dish a satiating indulgence.  Chakka Puttu brings out the very essence of Kerala and its love for Jackfruit.

    If you have some Puttu Flour and a few pods of jackfruits, then you are ready to go with this dish.  Quick & easy and a simple dish which could be eaten as such.  

JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU

 

For more recipes from GODS OWN COUNTRY - KERALA, click here...  

Cuisine : Kerala, India
Course : Main Course
Difficulty - Medium
Yields - 3-4 Small Sized Puttus
Author : SM
 

Preparation Time - 15-20 Minutes
Cooking Time - 20-30 Minutes


For a detailed Recipe on HOW TO MAKE PUTTU, Click here...

 

HOW TO MAKE CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU 

JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU

 INGREDIENTS:

For Chakka Flour:

Puttu Flour - 1 Cup
Jack Fruits - 8–10 Pods
Water - as Required
Salt  - To Taste
Grated Coconut  - 1/4–1/2 Cup
JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU

METHOD:

  • Remove the seeds from the Jackfruit Pods and cut the Jackfruit pods into small pieces & keep it aside.
  • Take Puttu Flour in a large bowl, add salt to taste and mix well.
  • Sprinkle water on the flour, a little at a time, and mix the flour with your hands.
  • Once mixed, the flour should look like bread crumbs.
  • Care should be taken, that there are no lumps in the flour mix.
  • Boil enough water (for about 2–3 cups) in the Puttu Pot/Pressure Cooker.
JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU
  • I have used the small Puttu Kutti which looks like a Coconut Shell to make this Puttu.
  • Fix the small disc with the hole inside the Puttu Kutti in such a way that it fits well at the bottom of the Puttu Kutti.
  • Place the empty Puttu Kutti over the Puttu Pot/Pressure Cooker and allow it to boil.
  • Once the Puttu Kutti is hot, remove it from the fire.
  • Add grated Coconut at the bottom layer of the Puttu Kutti, carefully add Puttu Flour (around 2–3 tablespoons of flour) over the grated coconut layer.
  • On top of it, add a few tablespoons of Jackfruit pieces.
  • Again add some Puttu flour on top of the Jackfruit pieces, top it up with grated Coconut over the Flour.
  • In Cheratta or Coconut shell/the look alike Puttu Kutti you can make it as individual pieces. 
JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU


  • If you are cooking in a Cheratta, cover the Coconut Shell with another smaller Cheratta/Coconut Shell/simply cover it with a tightly fixing lid/tie it out with a clean muslin cloth.
  • If you are using the traditional long Puttu Kutti, follow the suit until the whole Puttu Kutti is layered alternatively with Flour, Jackfruit and Coconut.
  • Cover the lid of the Puttu Kutti and place it over the Puttu Pot/Pressure Cooker.
  • Steam cook the Puttu for about 8–10 minutes until the steam releases from the vent at the top of the Puttu Kutti lid.
  • Switch off the flame and leave the Puttu Kutti aside for a few minutes.
  • Once slightly cooled down, open the lid and remove the Puttus from the Puttu Kutti with a long stick.
  • Push it from one side of the Puttu Kutti.
  • Serve Chakka Puttu hot, with a piece of Pappadam.
  • It can be served with Kadala/Chick Pea Curry or Green Bean Curry.

JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU

NOTES:

  • Perfectly ground and roasted flour and the right amount of Water play a major role in the texture of the Puttus.
  • Do not add more water to the flour or knead it into a dough.
  • Just sprinkle water, a little at a time, to mix the flour so that they look like bread crumbs.
  • Steam cook the Puttu until the steam releases from the vent at the top of the Puttu Kutti lid.
  • Can also add 1/2 Cup of Coconuts into the Flour and mix it well.
  • Adding more Coconuts adds flavour and taste to the dish, but it is totally optional.
  • Adjust the amount of Jackfruit pieces to suit your preference.
  • If you do not have a Puttu Vessel, can steam the flour along with grated coconut in an Idli Plate, or just spread them out on a platter and steam cook the Puttu flour for 8–10 minutes. 
JACKFRUIT PUTTU
CHAKKA PUTTU - JACKFRUIT PUTTU



CAULIFLOWER STIR-FRY
CAULIFLOWER STIR-FRY

    Recently, my daughter wanted a few quick fix recipes.  Happy to know that she is using my recipes from the blog while cooking, and also she's coming up with a lot of comments to perfect it though - perfect in the sense of recipes and also in terms of blogging. Well, in the process, we found that I had missed a few most frequented and family favourite dishes missing from the blog.  As such, it should have been conveniently forgotten to be added in due course of blogging.  So as a quick action coming up with a few of her favourites and for her reference.

    The idea also creeped into my mind that such quick fix, easy to make recipes could be used by people who are in their learning process.  Especially it could be useful for `Bachelors and Spinsters, Students and office goers staying away from home or for beginners. 

    This Cauliflower Stir Fry recipe is one style which I cook at home, and it is a family favourite.  A simple and quick fix recipe which goes well with both Roti and Rice.  What you need are a few Cauliflower florets cut into small pieces, simply toss them in oil, add salt and cook on a low flame until it wilts and turns soft.  Then add simple spices like Turmeric Powder and Red Chilli Powder, enough... these two spices does more justification to the dish and if at all you need some intricate flavour for this stir-fry, you can go ahead with your whims and fancies and add pepper powder or garam masala or fennel powder etc., & etc., The choice is yours.

    When I say Cauliflower Stir Fry you can see a wide range of recipes around the globe and yet another one which I frequent at home is the Chinese Version with other vegetables like Broccoli, Carrots, Mushroom, Sweet Peas etc., And yet another one with Scrambled Eggs. But this Cauliflower stir Fry is purely a version suitable for an Indian palate.  This is a simple and easy stir-fry made with less oil and minimum spices.  

    This Cauliflower Stir Fry recipe goes well with any type of rice dish, especially it is compatible with Curd Rice.   Whenever we make variety rice like Coconut Rice, Lemon Rice, Tomato Rice, Puliyodharai, Moong Dhal Khichdi or Arisi Paruppu Sadham.  This Spicy Cauliflower Stir Fry can be served as a side dish for Roti, Chapati, Parathas etc.,
     

For more RECIPES WITH CAULIFLOWER, Click here...

Course : Side dish
Spice Level : Moderate
Difficulty : Easy
Serves : 4
Author : SM

Preparation Time - 5 Minutes
Cooking Time - 10 - 15 Minutes

For more STIR-FRY RECIPES, Click here...

 

HOW TO COOK CAULIFLOWER STIR-FRY

CAULIFLOWER STIR-FRY
CAULIFLOWER STIR-FRY

INGREDIENTS:

For Cauliflower Stir-fry:

Cauliflower - 2 Cups
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder - 1–2 Teaspoons
Oil - 1 Tablespoons
Salt - To Taste.

METHOD:

  • Clean and cut the Cauliflower into florets
  • Wash the Cauliflower florets and soak the florets in warm water with a pinch of Turmeric & a dash of Salt in it for a few minutes.
  • Allow it to dry in a colander.
  • Cut the Cauliflower florets into small pieces or into desired size.  
  • Heat oil in a pan over a high flame.
  • Reduce the flame to a low level and allow it to cool down for a few minutes.
  • Add the Cauliflower florets into the oil, sprinkle some salt over it and give a toss.
  • Leave this on a medium-low flame until cauliflower florets wilts & turns soft, stirring occasionally.
  • When Cauliflower florets wilt and are 3/4 done, add Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder and toss them up well until all the pieces are coated well with the spices.
  • Allow it to fry on a low flame until Cauliflower florets turn slightly crispy.
  • Serve Cauliflower Stir-fry hot as a side dish with Rice, Sambar, Rasam or as a side dish for Variety Rice.

CAULIFLOWER STIR-FRY
CAULIFLOWER STIR-FRY

NOTES:

  • Small pieces of Cauliflower florets tends to get cooked soon and also aesthetically looks good .
  • I have used just the Turmeric Powder & Red Chilli Powder in this recipe. 
  • Can also add Curry Masala Powder/Mutton Masala/Garam Masala Powder.
  • Adjust the spices to suit your spice level.
  • I like to cook Cauliflowers until they wilt and turn soft. 

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Essence of Life - Food is all about daily cooking with a simple sense of taste and health. It is all about food. Not a day goes by without eating for most of us, so what we eat matters on the whole. Food in the mode of goodness increases the duration of life, purifies one's existence, and gives strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. Above all ingredients, the most vital one in my kitchen is love.

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