Date Tamarind Chutney

The main ingredients in this chutney are Dates and Tamarind. However, I have added some coriander and mint leaves to this too for preparing a new version of this chutney and it tasted good.Various versions of this chutney can be found on internet, prepared in different ways. However, the way I prepared tastes good too. I have not soaked and boiled dates and tamarind as many other recipe writers have done, but done in a different way. I liked the resulting chutney and you may try and give your suggestions too.This chutney can be served with any Indian chaat snacks like pani puri, dahi puri, choley chaat, ragda pattice and samosas.

Without tempering

With tempering

INGREDIENTS :

(1) Washed and chopped, fresh Coriander leaves (Cilantro leaves or Dhania patta) - 2 cups

(2) Washed and chopped, fresh Mint leaves (Pudina patta) - 1 cups

(3) 1/4 cup seedless Tamarind (Imli)

(4) 1/2 cup seedless Dates (10 dates pieces deseeded). Chop it and keep aside.

(5) 1/2 cup Jaggery (Gud) (Approx. 100 gms). Grate it and keep aside.

(6) 1/2 tea spoon of Mustard seeds (Rai)

(7) 2 tea spoons of Coriander seeds (Sabut Dhania)

(8) 2 tea spoons of Cumin seeds (Jeera)

(9) 1/4 tea spoon of Fenugreek seeds (Methi dana)

(10) 2 whole green chillies

(11) Salt

For tempering :

(1) 2 tablespoon of cooking oil

(2) 1/2 tea spoon of Mustard seeds (Rai)

(3) 2 whole red chillies (Not shown in images)

(4) 10 - 15 Curry leaves

Ingredients for the preparation of Dates Tamarind chutney

Coriander leaves, Mint leaves, Tamarind, Dates, Jaggery, Mustard seeds, Corainder seeds, Fenugreek seeds and Cumin seeds

Salt and whole green chillies

Curry leaves

METHOD :

(1) Put all the above ingredients in a mixer / blending jar. Add very little water (Half cup / 50 ml) and grind to form a smooth paste.

(2) Transfer the chutney onto a serving bowl.

(3) Take 2 table spoons of cooking oil in a tempering ladle or pan. Add half tea spoon of Mustard seeds and when they begin to crackle, add 2 chopped red chillies. Saute for 30-40 seconds

and turn off the flame. Immediately pour the tempering over the prepared chutney and mix well.

Later store it in an air tight container and keep it in a refrigerator and this can be used for 3-5 days.

Note : I liked the chutney both ways … with or without tempering. I have shown images of both. A bowl of chutney without tempering and a bowl of chutney with tempering is shown.

Coriander Mint Chutney

It is an easy chutney recipe that can be prepared with easily available ingredients. The main ingredients are Coriander leaves and Mint leaves, hence the name Coriander Mint Chutney. This chutney is also available in the big supermarkets in bottled form. However, I prefer to prepare it at home as it can be quickly done with the help of easily available ingredients and is without any preservatives.

INGREDIENTS :

(1) Washed and chopped, fresh Coriander leaves (Cilantro leaves or Dhania patta) - 2 cups
(2) Washed and chopped, fresh Mint leaves (Pudina patta) - 2 cups
(3) Cumin (Jeera) seeds - 2 tea spoons
(4) Coriander seeds - 2 tea spoons
(5) Garlic cloves - 10
(6) 1 inch sized seedless, cleaned Tamarind
(7) 1 inch sized Ginger (Adrak)
(8) 2 whole green chillies
(9) Salt

Mint leaves, Coriander leaves, Cumin / Jeera seeds, Coriander seeds, Garlic cloves, Deseeded and cleaned tamarind piece, Ginger piece, whole green chillies and salt

METHOD :

(1) Put all the above ingredients in a mixer / blending jar. Add very little water (Half cup / 50 ml) and grind to form a smooth paste.

(2) Transfer the chutney onto a serving bowl.

(3) Later store it in an air tight container and keep it in a refrigerator and this can be used for 3-5 days.
(4) You can serve this Coriander Mint chutney with pakoras, samosas, chaat, chole, potato chips or can be used as spread on sandwiches and burgers.

You can have the consistency of the chutney as per your choice. Add the amount of water as per thickness of chutney required.

Strawberry Banana Milkshake (With ice cream)

Strawberry Banana milkshake is my favourite when it comes to milkshakes and I often prepare this. It is thick, creamy and delicious and easy to prepare.

INGREDIENTS :

(1) 5 pieces of Strawberries

(2) 3 Bananas

(3) Sugar / Powdered sugar 

(4) Strawberry ice cream

(5) Milk - 1 glass

Serves : 1 person

METHOD :

(1) Wash 4 pieces of strawberries and cut their stems. Then cut them into halves.

(2) Peel two bananas and chop each into 4 to 5 pieces.

(3) Put the chopped strawberries and bananas into a blending jar. Also put 1 glass of cold milk, sugar / powdered sugar (amount depending on the sweetness required) and ice cubes. Cover the blender with its lid and then blend well until smooth for 2 minutes.

The Strawberry Banana Milkshake is ready.

(4) Pour them into a serving glass and add two scoops of Strawberry ice cream over the top.

(5) Garnish with a piece of strawberry and a slice of banana as shown. Slit the strawberry and a banana slice over small section with a knife and fix them on the rim of the glass. Garnish with slices of banana as shown.

The Strawberry Banana milkshake provides a range of nutritional benefits.

Bananas supply fiber, which protects bowel health and helps regulate digestion. The amount of potassium in bananas also make them a good fruit to eat to decrease your risk of kidney stones. Strawberries promote good eyesight and decrease symptoms of arthritis, thanks to the high volume of antioxidants. This fruit also contains folate -- this makes strawberry banana smoothies a must for pregnant women, as folate helps ward off birth defects of the spine.