The rains are here, and so are our cravings for those yummy bites! Monsoons bring in cheer, chilled breeze and that pleasant weather also aggravates our hunger pangs!

If you are wondering on how to dish out monsoon delights without compromising on the health, look into your kitchen!  And if you have a kitchen garden, that’s even better.

Pluck those aromatic Ajwain leaves and fry them into bajjis; or just grab a fistful of nuts and a little bit of cornflour and stir up a gluten free Bombay ice halwa!

Ajwain Leaves Bajjis/Pakodas

Ajwain is a best bet to keep cold, cough and other monsoon related ailments at a distance and this traditional dish made from fresh carom leaves will leave you asking for more.

Ingredients:

18-20 fresh carom leaves/ajwain ke patta

1 cup besan flour

2 tsps rice flour

1/2 tsp red chilli powder

pinch of asafoetida

2 tsps hot oil

Salt to taste

Oil for deep frying 

Method

1. Mix all the flours with chili powder, salt, hot oil and asafoetida. Add little water and mix it well to make a thick batter.

2. In a pan add oil sufficient for deep frying. Dip each leaf into the batter, coat well and fry in the hot oil. Slow down the flame and fry till they turn golden brown.

3. Once done, place them on to an absorbent paper. Serve crispy bajji with hot masala chai. 

Nutritional Facts

Ajwain leaves are an excellent source of fibre, essential nutrients and antioxidants. It is widely used to treat common cold, cough, and indigestion issues. 

Gluten Free Nutty Ice Halwa

This gluten-free, nutty halwa is very easy to make. It’s melt-in-the-mouth texture is unique and is an absolute delight for those with sweet tooth.

Ingredients

1/4 cup corn flour

¼ cup ghee

2 cups milk

1 cup sugar

1 tsp cardamom powder

A pinch of Yellow food colour

¼ cup almonds and pista, chopped finely

Few drops of rose essence

Method:

In large bottom pan add milk, corn flour, sugar, yellow colour, and 3 tbsps of ghee and mix well.

Keep stirring on a low flame until the mixture thickens.

Finally add 2 tbsps ghee, rose essence and blend well.

In a greased butter paper place the mixture, cover it with another greased butter paper. Roll it into a thin sheet, sprinkle it with cardamom powder and chopped nuts and roll it again for the nuts to stick.

Dry it for an hour. Cut halwa into desired shape.

Serve.

Nutritional Facts

Corn is a good source of antioxidants, vital vitamins and a gluten- free cereal that fits into a well plan healthy diet. Nuts are a good source of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.