Poha Namkeen-Diwali Snacks

Poha Namkeen:

This is yet another special Diwali recipe that can be enjoyed with a hot cuppa tea or coffee on a cold evening. I have not fried the poha/chivda here. If you wish, you can fry the poha.I have made the sweet and tangy version here by adding powdered sugar and citric acid powder but it is completely optional.

Ingredients:

Thin Poha-1.5 cups

Groundnuts-4 teaspoons

Cashewnuts-2 teaspoons

Almonds-1 teaspoon

Curry leaves-10 or12 leaves

Red chilli-2(optional)

Cumin seeds/jeera-1 teaspoon

Sesame seeds/til-2 teaspoons

Asafoetida/Hing-1/4 teaspoons

Oi/Ghee-to fry the nuts and curry leaves(3tablespoonsapprox.)

Salt-To taste

Sugar powder-2 teaspoons(optional)

Citric acid powder-1/4 teaspoon

Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon

Dried coconut-cut into thin strips-7-8

Method:

-Take a heavy bottomed iron pan and heat it on medium flame.

-Add the poha and dry roast it on low-medium flame for 4-5 minutes and take it out of the pan.

-Now, add oil/ghee to the same pan and fry the nuts, sesame seeds, red chillies and curry leaves in batches and keep them aside.

-Add another teaspoon of oil/ghee and add the hing, jeera and turmeric powder and mix the fried nuts,curry leaves and stir gently.

-Now, add the poha and salt,powdered sugar, citric acid and dried coconut and give it a good mix.

-Allow this mixture to cool and store it in a clean air tight jar.

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Wheat Shakarpara -a traditional diwali snacks

Wheat Shakarpare:

This diwali try making this traditional snacks. It's quick and easy to make. I have made the shakarpara with wheat, you can substitute wheat and corn flour in 50:50 proportion.

ingredients:

-whole wheat flour-1.5 cups

-water/milk-1 cup

-sugar-3 tablespoons

-oil for frying and to make the dough

-Knife to cut the shakarpara

Method:

-Heat the water or milk in a pan and add sugar.

-Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture cool.

-Take a big bowl and add the wheat flour.

-Add 2 teaspoons of oil and mix it with the flour.

-Now ,pour the sugar and water mixture little by little with the help of a spoon to make a semi -soft dough.

-Allow this dough to rest for 15-20 minutes by covering the vessel with a lid.

-Knead the dough again and cut it into 2 equal portions.

-With the help of a board and rolling pin roll the portion of the dough to make a chapatti.

-The  chapatti rolled should be little thick.

-Take a knife and cut the chapatti into strips and vertically and horizontally into small squares.

-Heat oil in a larger pan. Ensure that your gas is on low flame.

-Take a few squares and fry them in batches till they turn golden brown.

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Crunchy Peanuts:a quick evening snack

                                                             

Peanuts are an excellent source of plant based protein and also contain fibre. A handful of roasted peanuts as a mid morning snack can give you all the energy required to attend important meetings and other work. 

Today's recipe is a delicious snack which you can enjoy with your evening cup of tea or coffee. It is also a perfect snack of a rainy day.

Ingredients :

Roasted peanuts -1 small cup(you can remove the peel if you want) 

finely chopped onions-1 tablespoon. 

Lime juice - 2 teaspoons 

finely chopped green chillies -1/4 teaspoons 

Kala Namak or black salt - as per taste 

finely chopped green coriander leaves - 2 teaspoons 

Method:

-take a large bowl and add the peanuts.

-now add the rest of the ingredients  and give it a good mix with the help of a spoon. 

Your crunchy and spicy peanuts is ready.  Enjoy this quick snack with a cup of hot tea.

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DIY Exfoliating Face Mask

 The recent pandemic has been very stressful for all of us and while we are all staying at home, the regular visits to the beauty saloons is something all the ladies are missing.
I am sharing an effective at home exfoliating face pack that has the goodness of coffee and honey. Coffee acts as an excellent natural exfoliator,removing the dead cells of the skin.Honey is a great moisturizer that gives your skin that soft and supple look.
I recommend you use organic honey for best results.
 This pack should be applied on the face and neck twice a week.

Ingredients :
Coffee powder- 1 teaspoon
organic honey- 1.5 teaspoon
Fresh lime juice - 3-4 drops

Method: 
-Take a clean glass bowl and add the coffee powder and honey and  mix is well till a smooth paste is formed.
-now, add few drops of lime juice and mix well again.

How to apply :
-wash your face with normal water and pat dry with a cotton towel.
-apply this pack with the help of a brush or with clean hand.
-apply it evenly on face and neck.
-keep this pack atleast for 20 minutes.
-wash your face with lukewarm water.
-pat dry and see the natural glow on your face.

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Relax

 When everything is uncertain, don't lose hope and remember that this too shall pass.
The path maybe full of challenges and obstacles but one who never loses hope will see the dawn of a new day.

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Value Yourself

         

Every woman should know that she is worthy of being loved and respected. As parents we must not forget to teach our little kids the importance of self-love and self-care .

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Quick and Easy Chicken Nuggets

                                                  

This is a very quick chicken recipe which you can make at home instead of buying the frozen nuggets that are loaded with preservatives.

This makes an easy lock down recipe too as the weekend outings have stopped and we are all at home.

So stay safe and stay healthy everyone and do try this delicious recipe.

Ingredients :

chicken breast -2 big pieces, cut it into small pieces

Ginger, garlic and onion paste - 1 tablespoon (1 small onion, 6 cloves of garlic  and 1 inch ginger peeled)

Black pepper powder  - 1.5 teaspoon

Soya sauce - 1 teaspoon

Salt - as per taste

White bread - 4 slices,  edges cut

Egg -3 nos, beaten well

Breadcrumbs -1 small bowl, for coating

Oil- for frying

Method:

-in a mixer jar add the bread pieces and grind it into fine powder.

-now,in the same jar add the cut breast pieces along with the ginger, garlic and onion paste and grind everything to make a fine paste.

-Take this mixture out and mix it well with your hands. Pat the mixture dough on a plate and flatten it.

-with the help of a knife, cut it into small squares.

-heat oil in a pan and take one square and dip it into the beaten egg mixture using a spoon.

Take it out and coat it with breadcrumbs using another spoon.

-now, dip it in hot oil and fry till golden brown.

-Repeat with the rest of the squares.

- note that the gas should be on low to medium flame only. This is to make the nuggets crispy and we'll cooked.

-serve hot with tomato ketchup.