The 40-day lockdown currently in effect until May 3 all over India has posed many a challenge so far, what with working from home, having to cook all three meals and keeping children occupied. Kids are quite upset and disappointed, not only because all family summer vacation plans have been cancelled, but also since they can’t enjoy those ice cream bars at the beach or dig into a banana split sundae after a movie.
And if you’re wondering how to satisfy your kids and lift their spirits, we have just the solution for you. Since you can’t venture outdoors to the park or beach to enjoy the sunshine outside, bring summer right into your home, with these delectable homemade ice-cream recipes.
Mangoes and kulfis being synonymous with Indian summers, whip up a simple mango kulfi seasoned with aromatic condiments like elaichi and Kesar. Or indulge in a rich, creamy chocolate ice cream garnished with juicy strawberries. Also Check Out: Strawberries: Know How This Summer Fruit Keeps You Healthy- Infographic
Better still, make both ice creams at home this weekend and treat your kids and family to some flavourful frozen dessert in the blazing summer. Guaranteed, these tasty homemade ice-creams will leave them asking for more, besides providing a cool sensation in this sweltering heat.
Mango Kulfi
Ingredients:
2 cups of milk
3 cups mango puree, from 3 large Alphonso or any other juicy variant of mangoes
½ cup of sugar
½ tsp elaichi or cardamom powder
A pinch of kesar or saffron
10 – 12 pistachios, blanched
2 tbsp khoya
3 tbsp rice flour
A few almonds and cashews, sliced
Method:
Heat the saffron and milk in a pan on a medium flame for 10 – 12 minutes.
Add the sugar and keep stirring until it completely dissolves in milk.
Mix 3 tbsp rice flour in 3 tbsp milk, transfer it to the sweetened milk in the pan and stir thoroughly, to ensure there are no lumps.
Once the milk thickens, add the khoya and continue to stir.
After a thick paste form, switch off the stove and allow the mixture to cool.
Add the mango puree, cardamom powder and pistachios to the sweetened milk and mix well.
Pour the paste into conical moulds and place it in the freezer for 8 – 10 hours.
Serve the frozen mango kulfi garnished with almonds and cashews as dessert after lunch or dinner.
Nutrition:
Mangoes are a treasure trove of nutrients, being rich in vitamin C and folic acid/folate, thus boosting immunity and regulating red blood cell synthesis. Milk is inherently rich in proteins and calcium, for strong muscles and fortified bones. Possessing significant quantities of iron and potassium, cardamom or elaichi plays a key role in preventing anaemia and maintaining normal electrolyte balance and blood pressure. Also Read: Elaichi: Marvellous Health Benefits Of This Aromatic Spice
Choco Delight
Ingredients:
2 cups of milk
¾ cup cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups cream
1 tsp vanilla essence
A few strawberries and chocolate chunks
Method:
In a large bowl, mix the milk, cocoa powder and sugar to form a uniform blend.
Pour in the cream and vanilla essence into the sweetened cocoa-milk and whip and stir completely, to obtain a thick paste without any lumps.
Cool this paste in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then place it in the freezer for 8 – 10 hours, in an air-tight container, to preserve the flavour and texture of the ice-cream base.
Top off the delicious choco delight ice-cream with fresh strawberries and few chocolate pieces and enjoy the tasty dessert after meals.
Nutrition:
Milk abounds in calories, carbohydrates and healthy fats, for energy needs, as well as growth and development of body organs. Thickened cream is a storehouse of nutrients including vitamin a and B vitamins, for enhanced eyesight, metabolism and nervous system function. Strawberries are bestowed with anthocyanin and quercetin antioxidants, that help prevent cancer, besides enriching skin texture.
