Punjabi Kichdi - Rice and Mung lentil preparation, Punjabi style

Mango - Papaya Smoothie

I love summer for its fruits. So many of my favorite fruits are summer fruits. There the king of fruits, mango, jack-fruit, berries.... Summers back in India are even fun. I miss those good old summer holidays during my childhood. Play until noon, take a nap, eat lots of mangoes and taatimunjelu (toddy palm), drink coconut water, get back to play. What a divine schedule....
And the best is, ending the day and summer heat with curd rice mixed with plenty of mango pulp. All these things make me wishing to go back to my childhood.

This is a refreshing smoothie made with ripe mango and papaya, with a hint of nutmeg.

What you need to make this smoothie:
1/2 medium sized of ripe papaya
one ripe mango
a small pinch of nutmeg powder
2-3 tbsp honey (local is best)
1/4 cup plain or mango yogurt
fistful of ice cubes
1/4 - 1/2 cup apple or cranberry juice

Prep Work:
Peel papaya, de-seed and cut into bite-sized pieces
Slice mango into three slices, starting from next to the pit on either side. Two would have ripe flesh and the third one will have the seed. Score the fleshy slices into squares with skin intact, run a spoon along the skin to take out the cubes. Peel the seeded slice, scrape any flesh that is attached to the seed.

Method:
Place all ingredients in a blender except for the juice, blend to a smooth paste by adding the juice little by little. This serves 2-3 persons. Enjoy!

This is my contribution for WBB - 11

Upma with Oats (Savoury Oats porridge)

This upma was introduced to me by my mom. When she was visiting me, I had a huge Oatmeal box in my pantry and was about to throw it away. By then, I was done with having boring oatmeal. When my mom first served me with oats upma, I was very skeptical. But, it didn't take too many bites before I got addicted to it. I like the texture and flavor of rolled oats over oatmeal. You may use oatmeal also. I've tested the recipe with both and it tastes great either way. If using rolled oats, cook 5 minutes more.






What you need to make Oats Upma:

2 cup rolled oats
3 - 4 cups water (depending on what kind of texture you like)
1/2 medium sized onion, diced
2 green chilies, sliced (optional)
1/4 inch ginger, chopped fine
1 cup mixed vegetables (diced carrots, green beans, fresh green peas, diced potatoes)
1 medium sized tomato, diced
sal to taste

2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 tablespoon halved cashews or peanuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon each, mustard seeds, cumin seeds)
5-6 curry leaves (optional, but great if you can get it)
a pinch turmeric powder

How to do:

1. In a saucepan, heat oil on medium-high.
2. Add cashews, mustard and cumin seeds.
3. When the mustard seeds stop spluttering, add turmeric, onion, green chilies, and ginger. Saute for a minute.
4. Add mixed vegetables, tomato, salt to taste. Saute for a minute, add water and cook until the vegetables are cooked but crisp to bite.
5. Add oats. Stir well. If using rolled oats, cover and cook for 5 minutes. If using oatmeal, cook for 3 min or until done to your preference.
6. Serve hot or cold.

This makes an excellent savoury breakfast, also a great tiffin item.