Pesto - besto

I was always intrigued by Pesto sauce. Always wanted to taste it atleast once. And today, I had the great opportunity of availing Italian basil leaves at my doorstep, sourced locally by Akshayakalpa. 

I made a delicious Pesto sandwich, which was modified for the Indian palate and it is oil - free and vegan too. 

You can also add this pesto to your pasta, as a filling for your dosa and chapati too. 

Here's the simple recipe... 

Ingredients 

Italian basil leaves - one handful 

Walnuts - 5 in number 

Sunflower or pumpkin seeds - 1 tbsp

Cashews whole - 4 in number 

Salt 

Pepper 

Chili flakes for seasoning 

Greek Yogurt - 2 tbsp

Steps

- Add the basil leaves, walnuts, cashews, salt, sunflower or pumpkin seeds in a mixer grinder and grind smoothly. 

- after grinding smooth, add the yogurt and mix well with a spatula. 

- add the pepper and chili flakes. 

- Voila! The easiest, yet tasty pesto is ready for sandwiches , dosa fillings and much more. 

(NOTE: this pesto cannot be used for pasta ) 

Mini கூழ்

Today, innovated a refreshing twist on a traditional favorite – I call it Mini கூழ். Perfect for the sweltering summer heat, this drink was not just cooling but also deeply comforting, almost mimicking the nostalgic taste of classic கூழ். It felt like a gentle hug in a glass – simple, soothing, and rejuvenating.

Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

Ragi kanji powder / மாவு (pre-made at home)

Water

Salt

Curd

Finely chopped onions

Method:

1. Prepare ragi kanji by cooking the powder in water.

2. Add salt to taste.

3. Let it cool completely after boiling.

4. Once cooled, mix in diluted curd.

5. Add finely chopped onions for crunch and flavour.

6. Check for consistency and add water to adjust it. 

7. Stir well and enjoy !

It’s simple, nourishing, and perfect for a light meal or a cooling snack. As many of us don't find the luxury of time to prepare the more ardous traditional கூழ், this recipe is definitely a mini version of it. Give it a try and let your body thank you this summet.

Cucumber bites

 Here is a healthy appetizer, which you can binge on guilt-free. This is very easy to make, few in calories and keeps you full for longer bouts.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 Cucumber, peeled and sliced
• Black olives, sliced
• Yogurt - plain
• Seasonings - salt, pepper, piri piri, cumin powder

PROCESS

• Arrange the cucumber slices on a platter.
• In a bowl, add the yogurt, and the all seasonings, according to your taste preference.
• Add a spoon of the seasoned yogurt , on each slice of the cucmber.
• Add a slice of black olive on top. 

Voila ! There you made a quick and healthy appetizer, which could be made in minutes. 

Sandwich Mania

 Here is an easy sandwich recipe for breakfast or lunch, which can keep you satiated and full fro long hours, with no sense of cravings in between. 

INGREDIENTS

• Wheat bread
• butter 

FOR FILLING

• 1 Boiled and smashed sweet potato { pressure cook will make things faster }
• 1 Cucumber, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1 Onion, diced into small cubes
• 1 handful of sweet corn, boiled 

FOR BINDING

• Plain yogurt 1 cup
• Fresh mint
• 1 inch ginger
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled 
• 2 green chili
• salt 
• pepper 
• Almonds, soaked and peeled
• Walnuts - 2 tbsp 
• Optional - flax seed powder, other seeds powder for extra nutrition and good fats

PROCESS 

1. Add all the "FILLING" ingredients in a bowl.
2. Combine all the "BINDING" ingredients in a mixie and blend smoothly. 
3. Add the grinded " BINDING" paste to the " FILLING" bowl and mix well.
4. Toast your bread with butter.
5. Add the prepared mixture in between two toasted bread.
6. Enjoy. 

This is an amazing sandwich, heavy on nutrients, light in calories, excellent choice for weekend brunch prep. Do give this a try.