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A close-up of soft & sweet, Nendhra banana pieces cooked in jaggery syrup with cardamom and cloves, capturing the essence of Kerala’s traditional cuisine.”
Nendhra Pazham Pani – Traditional Kerala Banana in Jaggery Syrup

"Rediscovering Pazham Pani – A Sweet Tradition from our Family Repertoire"

Pazham Pani - a Sweet Kerala Tradition

    When I say Pazham Pani, most of you might think of the Travancore-style Pazham Pani, a dish where Poovan Pazham (a local banana variety) is served with a luscious jaggery syrup. In Northern Travancore Christian households, Pazham Pani is traditionally served at the end of a feast. This custom, known as Pani Vilambal, involves presenting the beloved Poovan Pazham in a syrupy blend made from jaggery or palm sugar – a truly sweet finish to any grand meal.

 

Did You Know? Pani Vilambal is a tradition that has been kept alive in the Christian communities of Kerala, offering a symbolic and flavourful ending to feasts.

 

A Family Recipe with Nostalgia: My First Encounter with Nendhra Pazham Pani

    This special recipe for Nendhra Pazham Pani holds a place close to my heart. It comes from my husband’s grandmother, Clemmi Thathi, who served it to me for the very first time during my visit to Cochin just after our wedding. Only three days into my married life, I was brought to my mother-in-law’s hometown to meet the extended family and, most importantly, Clemmi Thathi herself – a legendary cook whose Red Fish Curry (a fiery Kerala-style fish curry) is still the talk of the family.

A Feast to Remember and the Discovery of a Comforting Sweet Dish

    As a new bride, I was overwhelmed by the variety of dishes – seafood, duck, chicken, pork, all spiced to Kerala’s fiery standards! The grand feast was laden with dishes that "nirpathuve... nadapathuve... parappathuve" (stand, walk, and fly), as they say, and each bite was a plunge into the authentic flavours of Kerala cuisine. But, being unused to such intense spices, I found myself yearning for something mild.

    Then, the following morning, she served a breakfast spread with Vellayappam (appam) and Puttu alongside an array of curries – Vindaloo, Duck Roast, Chicken Curry, Stew, Kadala Curry, and finally, Nendhra Pazham Pani. With my stomach feeling delicate from the previous day’s spice assault, I was instantly drawn to the soothing sweetness of Nendhra Pazham Pani. Paired with soft appams, it was just what I needed, a comfort dish that has stayed with me ever since.

 

Pro Tip: Try serving Nendhra Pazham Pani with Vellayappam for an unforgettable sweet and savoury experience.

 

A Unique Take on Pazham Pani: Nendhra Pazham Pani with a Twist

    Today, I’m not sharing the conventional Travancore Pazham Pani, but rather, a unique version from our family’s repertoire – Nendhra Pazham Pani, as taught to me by Great Clemmi Thathi. Unlike the usual recipe, this one uses Nendhra Pazham, Kerala’s favourite banana, stewed in jaggery syrup with a hint of cloves and cardamom. The touch of spices enhances the natural sweetness of the banana, creating a flavour that’s not just delicious, but divine.

 

Must Try: This sweet and spiced Nendhra Pazham Pani pairs beautifully with vellayappam, offering a taste of Kerala’s culinary heritage.

 

A spoon drizzling jaggery syrup from Nendhra Pazham Pani over appam, showcasing Kerala’s unique sweet and spiced breakfast pairing with banana, cardamom, and cloves.
Appam with Nendhra Pazham Pani – Kerala’s Sweet & Spiced Breakfast Tradition!

A Sweet Tooth’s Delight: Nendhra Pazham Pani with Appam

    Whenever I manage to get my hands on Nendhra Pazham and have Appams on the menu, I can’t resist making this Pazham Pani to serve alongside. It’s one of my personal favourites! If you have a sweet tooth, this Kerala-style banana in jaggery syrup is sure to delight your taste buds. This Pazham Pani pairs beautifully not only with Appams but also with  Puttu and Idiyappam, making it a versatile and beloved accompaniment for a Kerala breakfast.

    And here’s another idea for sweet lovers: Try this combo with Sweetened Coconut Milk for an extra indulgent touch! Get the Sweetened Coconut Milk recipe here.

 

Try it Today! Serve this sweet Pazham Pani with appams and Sweetened Coconut Milk for a traditional Kerala breakfast experience. Your taste buds will thank you!


A Family Favourite Recipe for Festive Breakfasts

    Here’s a recipe straight from our family repertoire! This Nendhra Pazham Pani is a quick, easy-to-make dish that’s divinely delicious. It’s a special addition to our festive or special day breakfast spreads, where we serve it alongside Appams, Vattayappams, or Idiyappam. Traditionally, it complements classic Kerala breakfast dishes like Egg Roast, Beef Ularthiyathu, Stew, Chicken & Potato Curry or Duck Curry, and even Sweetened Coconut Milk.

 

Explore More! For more recipes from our Family Repertoire, click here.

 

Pazham Pani Recipe Overview

  • Cuisine: Kerala (India)
  • Recipe Type: Side Dish
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Serves: 4-6
  • Author: SM

Time Estimate

  • Preparation Time: 5–10 Minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20–30 Minutes

 

Want More Kerala Breakfast Ideas? Check out our Kerala Christian Style Breakfast Menu for a spread that’s both traditional and delicious! Click here.

 

How to Make Nendhra Pazham Pani – Step-by-step guide to cook Kerala's Nendhra Banana in Jaggery Syrup

A brass bowl filled with pieces of Nendhra banana in jaggery syrup, spiced with cardamom and cloves, set on a banana leaf – a classic Kerala dessert.
Kerala’s Sweet Treasure: Nendhra Pazham Pani – Banana in Aromatic Jaggery Syrup
 

Ingredients for Nendhra Pazham Pani

  • Nendhra Bananas - 2 large, ripe
  • Jaggery - 1 cup (adjust to taste)
  • Water - 1 cup
  • Cloves - 4–5 pieces
  • Cardamom - 2 pods, lightly crushed
  • Salt - a pinch (optional)

Tip: Adjust the sweetness of the syrup by adding more or less jaggery, depending on your preference!

 

Method: Making Banana in Jaggery Syrup

Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

  • In a saucepan, add 1 cup of jaggery to 1 cup of water.
  • Boil this mixture on high flame for a few minutes, then reduce to a simmer for 5–6 minutes.
  • Strain the jaggery syrup to remove any impurities, ensuring a smooth consistency.
  • Pour the syrup back into the pan and add crushed cardamom pods and cloves for aroma.

Pro Tip: This recipe calls for a thin syrup, so avoid over-reducing it. Keep in mind, that the syrup will thicken slightly as it cools.

Prepare the Bananas

  • While the syrup simmers, wash and peel 2 large Nendhra bananas.
  • Cut each banana into 4–5 pieces, around 1.5 to 2 inches long.

Cooking Tip: Cutting the bananas into even pieces ensures uniform cooking and allows them to absorb the flavours better.

Cook the Bananas in Syrup

  • Gently drop the banana pieces into the jaggery syrup.
  • Cook on a low flame until the bananas turn soft and absorb the syrup’s flavours.
  • Turn off the flame and let the bananas sit in the syrup for a few minutes to allow the flavours to infuse deeply.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve your Nendhra Pazham Pani warm with Appam, Puttu, or Idiyappam. This sweet dish is sure to add a traditional touch to your breakfast or festive spread!

Try This Pairing: Enjoy this recipe with Sweetened Coconut Milk – a classic Kerala-style sweet touch for Appams and Idiyappam!


How to Store Nendhra Pazham Pani

    If you find yourself with leftover Nendhra Pazham Pani (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), here’s how you can store it:

  • Refrigeration: Store the cooked bananas in jaggery syrup in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 days. Just give it a gentle reheat before serving, and it’ll taste just as delicious!
  • Freezing: If you wish to store it longer, you can freeze the Nendhra Pazham in the syrup. However, the texture of the bananas might change once frozen and thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh if possible.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I use other types of bananas for this recipe? Yes! While Nendhra bananas are ideal for their firmness and sweetness, you can use other varieties such as Poovan or even regular bananas. Keep in mind, the texture and sweetness may vary.
  • Can I make this recipe vegan? Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses jaggery (instead of refined sugar) and does not include dairy. It’s a perfect addition to a plant-based diet.
  • How can I adjust the sweetness? If you prefer a sweeter version, you can increase the amount of jaggery. Alternatively, for a less sweet option, reduce the jaggery quantity or add a pinch of salt to balance the flavours.
  • Can I add other spices to this recipe? Certainly! While cardamom and cloves are traditional, you can experiment with additional spices like cinnamon, dry ginger powder, or even a touch of cumin for a unique flavour profile.
  • Can I use sugar instead of jaggery? While jaggery adds a distinctive taste and colour to the syrup, you can substitute it with palm sugar or coconut sugar or even regular sugar if needed. However, it won't have the same earthy depth that jaggery provides.

A rustic brass bowl filled with pieces of stewed Nendra banana soaked in jaggery syrup, spiced with cloves, on a banana leaf - a perfect piring for Appams..
Appam & Nendhra Pazham Pani – The Ultimate Kerala Breakfast Combo!

Notes and Tips:

  • Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of jaggery based on your sweetness preference.
  • Sugar Alternatives: Palm sugar or even white sugar can be used as a substitute, though jaggery imparts a unique flavour.
  • Optional Spices: In addition to cardamom and cloves, you can add a pinch of cumin seeds or dry ginger powder for an extra kick.
  • Salt for Balance: A small pinch of salt can help balance the flavours, though it’s entirely optional.
  • Uniform Pieces: Cut the bananas into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces for quicker and even cooking.

A Taste of Tradition with Nendhra Pazham Pani

    Nendhra Pazham Pani is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a celebration of Kerala's rich culinary heritage. This traditional recipe, passed down through generations, offers a glimpse into the flavours that define festive and family gatherings in Kerala. Whether enjoyed with fluffy appams, warm puttu, or soft idiyappam, Nendhra Pazham Pani is bound to take your taste buds on a nostalgic journey. It’s the perfect comfort food, with the balance of sweetness and spice, making it an ideal addition to any breakfast or festive spread.

    So, what are you waiting for? Recreate this delicious tradition in your kitchen today! Whether you're looking to make a special breakfast or add a sweet ending to your meal, Nendhra Pazham Pani is sure to bring smiles to everyone at the table.

Explore More Delicious Kerala Recipes

    If you loved Nendhra Pazham Pani, don’t stop here! Kerala cuisine offers an endless variety of delicious dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Check out some of our other popular recipes, such as or Kerala Christmas Fruit Cakes, Homemade Wines for a complete Kerala meal experience.

 

Click here for more Mouthwatering Recipes from God's Own Country - Kerala and dive deeper into the vibrant world of traditional Kerala cooking!


Ready to Share Your Own Kerala Recipe Journey?

    Have you tried making Nendhra Pazham Pani or any other Kerala-inspired recipes? I'd love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts or tips, when you try out the recipe. Let’s connect over the love of food and tradition!





BANANA POORI
MANGALORE BUNS - BANANA POORI

    When we talk about a lot of South Indian Tiffin items, we see that most of its origin starts from Udupi.  Udupi Cuisine has a global recognition for its unique dishes, and the variety of popular vegetarian dishes has a wide fan following around the world. Right from simple Dosa, Idli, Khara Bhath, Vada to the most popular 'Masala Dose' all found its origin in Udupi.

    Madhavacharya, the sage who found the Dvaita Hindu philosophy, established the Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi, a town on Karnataka’s western coast. In this Udupi temple, Lord Krishna is worshipped as an infant. The devout believed that Krishna would wander away, so they found a way to entice him and make him stay by serving delicious naivedyams.  Not less than 14 different varieties of dishes are offered to the Lord every day. The tradition has led to feeding a thronging number of devotees on a daily basis in Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.  Rituals and cooking were clearly the twin skill sets of the Udupi Brahmins. And when the jobs at the temple dwindled, the Brahmins started working as cooks at private homes.  Gradually, Udupi Cuisine found its way through the country. 

   Today, let's see a unique dish from Udupi Cuisine - Mangalore Buns. They are unique to the Mangalore-Udupi region. Though it's called a "Bun", the name is quite misleading, and it is more or less a variation of Poori/Puri.  In simple terms, it is called 'Banana Poori'.  It can be called as a Bun for the reason that it is soft and fluffs up when deep-fried, and it is soft and spongy. We can call it as a Poori, as the recipe is more or less the same as the one for a traditional Puri/Poori.  Mangalore Buns alias Banana Poori is a Deep-fried dish, made with Wheat flour, Bananas and a bit of spices like Cumin.  It has a wonderful air pockets within when deep-fried, and it turns out to be soft, fluffy, spongy with a mild sweet note & Banana flavour.

BANANA POORI
MANGALORE BUNS - BANANA POORI


    When my daughter said, Mangalore Buns, I was wondering what kind of bun it was and when she shared the recipe, I was taken aback seeing a Poori with Bananas.  Initially, as sceptical as ever, I procrastinated the idea, until she ordered these Mangalore Buns at MTR, our regular visit whenever we are in KL.  My initial inhibitions vanished the moment I tasted it, and the very week I made the recipe at home.  Even for the first time, the recipe came out as perfectly as it is, and I was literally overwhelmed by the texture of the Buns and the satiating feeling I personally felt after eating Mangalore Buns.  Now I can say that Mangalore Buns are added into my personal favourite list.

    These Mangalore Buns can be eaten as a snack along with a hot cup of coffee or a Tea.  Or else, simply serve it as a breakfast or dinner along with a simple Coconut Chutney/ Vegetable Kuruma/Potato Sagu/Potato Masala.


For more TIFFIN ITEMS, Click here...

Cuisine - Udupi, Mangalore (Karnataka)
Course - Main Course
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 2
Yields - 6 - 7 Mangalore Buns
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 5–10 Minutes
Leavening Time - 3 - 4 Hours
Cooking Time - 20 - 30 Minutes

For more recipes on INDIAN BREADS, Click here...

 

HOW TO MAKE MANGALORE BUNS - BANANA POORI

BANANA POORI
MANGALORE BUNS - BANANA POORI


INGREDIENTS:

For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour - 1 Cup
Banana - 1 No (big-sized)
Sugar - 2–3 Teaspoons
Cumin Seeds - 1 Teaspoon
Curd/Yoghurt - 21/2 Tablespoons
Salt - To Taste
Baking Soda - 1/8 Teaspoon
Oil/Ghee - 2 Teaspoons
Water- as required


To Deep Fry:

Oil - to Deep Fry


BANANA POORI
MANGALORE BUNS - BANANA POORI

 

METHOD:

KNEADING THE DOUGH:

  • Mash or grind the Banana along with sugar into a fine paste.
  • Pour in the Curd/Yoghurt and Oil into it.
  • Mix well until well combined.
  • Sieve All-Purpose Flour with Baking Powder & Salt, once.
  • Add the flour mixture along with the banana mixture.
  • Knead the dough, adding a little water.  Add water only if required.
  • Knead it into a stiff dough. 
  • Cover the bowl and let it rest for 3–4 hours.

NOTES:

  • The moisture content from the Banana and sugar would be more than enough to knead the dough.  Add water only if required.
  • The amount of water totally depends on the type of All-purpose Flour used.  Adjust Accordingly.
  • If you need more water, do not add directly to the flour mix. Just sprinkle a bit at a time and knead it.
  • The longer you knead the dough, it tends to become soft and pliable. 
  • The dough should be stiff, but soft and without any cracks.
  • This is a mildly sweet dish. Sweetness from the bananas gives a tinge of sweetness to the Poori, adjust the amount of sugar to suit your sweet preference.
    BANANA POORI
    MANGALORE BUNS - BANANA POORI

RESTING THE DOUGH:

  • Wrap the well-kneaded dough with a wet kitchen towel/cling film/ plastic wrap, or cover the bowl tightly with a lid.
  • Leave the dough aside, for at least 3 - 4 Hours.
  • Covering the dough traps moisture, otherwise, it will dry out forming a crust.
  • And keep the dough covered all the time.
  • If time permits, rest the dough for an extra hour in cold weather conditions. 
  • Warm weather softens the dough quickly.

ROLLING THE DOUGH:   

METHOD:

  • Divide the dough into equal portions.
  • Roll out each portion into medium-sized, slightly thick circles.
  • Roll them with even thickness.
  • Dust the rolling board with dry flour while rolling the dough.
  • Do not use too much flour while you roll the dough.
BANANA POORI
MANGALORE BUNS - BANANA POORI

 

DEEP FRYING THE MANGALORE BUNS

  • Heat the oil in a deep pan on a high flame and allow the oil to smoke off.
  • Lower the flame to medium-high.
  • Gently drop the rolled Mangalore Bun, one at a time, into the hot oil.
  • Carefully and gently press the Mangalore Bun with the slotted spoon until it fluffs up.
  • Flip the Mangalore Bun and cook on the other side.
  • Fry the Mangalore Bun until it turns into golden brown.
  • Do not fry the Mangalore Bun on a high flame or allow it to burn.
  • Once fried, remove the Mangalore Bun from the oil with a slotted spoon
  • Allow it to drain on clean Paper towels.
  • Follow the suit for the rest of the Mangalore Buns.
  • Serve Mangalore Buns hot with Coconut Chutney/ Vegetable Kuruma/Potato Sagu/Potato Masala or any other side dish of your choice. 
  • Can serve it as a tea time snack. 

 

BANANA POORI
MANGALORE BUNS - BANANA POORI

 

NOTES:

  • Do not overheat the Oil while frying the Mangalore Buns.
  • Deep-fry the Mangalore Buns on a medium-high flame.
  • Serve Mangalore Buns hot or at room temperature.
  • This Mangalore Bun recipe retains softness and fluffiness even after a long time.
  • Mangalore Buns can be stored for a couple of days @ room temperature in an airtight container.




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.

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