Methi Pulao with raita

Methi is the most used herb in our house now. Coriander is my most favorite herb in all that I cook. Although Coriander is frequently used in our house, I still try to make something interesting from Methi leaves, I came across Methi Pulao in a cook book and I wanted to try.
This is a very simple recipe, you can try when there is little time to plan for a pulao. Or when there are unexpected guest.

You need
Basmati Rice - 1 Cup
Methi (fenugreek) leaves - 1 ½ cups
Ginger Garlic paste - 2 tsp
Onions, thinly sliced - 2
Tomatoes cubed - 3
fresh/frozen peas - ½ cup
Corriander powder - 2 tbsp
Cumin powder - 1 tbsp
Red chilli powder - 2tsp
Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek),crushed - 2 tsp
Salt to taste
Lemon juice - 2 tsp
Oil - ¼ Cup
Water - 1 ½ cups

Heat oil in a skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions and saute till transparent and soft. Add the ginger garlic paste and saute for a minute. Now add the washed methi leaves and saute for 3-4 minutes, till the methi leaves are fragrant. Once the methi leaves are done, add the tomatoes, and cook till soft. Add the coriander, cumin and chilli powders, fry for a minute. Have this in the cooker, and add water and close the lid. Increase heat to high and when the steam begins to rise, lower heat and open lid slowly. Add the washed Basmati rice. Stir in lemon juice, kasuri methi and salt to taste. Close with lid and turn heat to high. When the steam begins to rise, place weight on the lid and lower heat. Cook for 10 minutes and then turn off heat. Mix well before serving hot with a cucumber raitha.

This was prepared with the intention to be simple and for less time consuming. Otherwise, you can add carrot and beans in less quantities and adjust the spices accordingly. I prefer to eat the methi pulao with just the taste of methi leaves.

Cucumber Mojito - nonalcoholic version

   During summer, many people suffer from dehydration so they tend to consume a drink that replenishes the liquid and required body salts lost from perspiration. Drinking juices in summer has so many benefits; they boost energy, help to overcome fatigue and work wonder to prevent dehydration. Also, they are an excellent source of vitamins, enzymes and minerals. Additionally, they are low in calories and have immune boosting properties. Summer is a great season to enjoy ice-cold, berry-laden milk shakes, old-fashioned lemonade, smoothies and punches. For healthy summer fruit drinks, try to include wide range of fruits as you can, such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, red and black currants, etc as these are the excellent sources of restorative nutrients. These easy beverage recipes allow you to chill out and relish sweet 'n' flavorful summer fruits.

Juicy grapes, water melons, melting pears and mangoes are all packed with the goodness of summer. Throw the fake chemical concoctions in support of natural cocktails that emphasize wholesome ingredients like fruits, vegetables, coconut water and herbs. The king of the fruits, mango is the hot favorite of summer season. While selecting summer drinks, keep in mind that fresh fruit juices are a hundred times healthier, tastier, and cheaper than juice mixes and bottled aerated drinks. Some ready-made drinks contain dyes, artificial fruit-flavors, high fructose corn syrup, and gums to thicken the drink to a desirable consistency. Thus, it doesn't sound like an energizing way to enjoy a hot summer days. So enjoy this delicious and healthy Summer Fruit Drinks.

Cucumber Mojito

This natural drink includes cucumbers that contain a mineral named "silica" which may be advantageous for healthy skin, hair and nails.

You need:
lime, juiced - 1
seedless cucumber, partly peeled & sliced - 2 cups
cold water - 2 cups
fresh mint, loosely packed - 1/2 cup
raw honey - 1 tsp
Crushed ice

Method

First puree lime, cucumber, honey and water in a blender until it becomes smooth. Then, pour this puree on cluttered fresh mint and crushed ice. Make use of a wooden spoon to crush mint & ice together. Mint leaves can be cut with the rough ice edges and release their flavor. Or you can blend them together and then filter. I prefer to drink this way!


Have a fresh & cool summer day!