Watermelon Agua Fresca

Ingredients

• 8 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided
• 1 cup water, divided
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 liter seltzer water, pre-chilled

Method

Puree half of the cubed watermelon, half the water and half the sugar in a blender. Pour through a coarse strainer into a large container. Repeat with the remaining watermelon, water and sugar. Stir in lime juice. Refrigerate until very cold - at least 4 hours.

Before serving, stir in seltzer and garnish with fresh lime slices if desired.

Pista Lassi

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh yogurt chilled
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 1/2 tsp. cardamom
• 23 Pistas (Pistachio)
• 2 drops pista essence
• 1 tsp. hot milk
• 1/2 cup crushed ice

Method

Make coarse powder of pista

Mix sugar in yogurt till well dissolved.

Just before serving combine all ingredients.

Whip well with a hand or electric beater.

The lassi is ready when it is light and frothy.

Carrot Milkshake

Ingredients

• 2 big carrots, steamed and pureed
• 1 1/4 lt milk
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 clove
• 3 tbsps condensed milk
• 4 tbsps sugar (adjust according to your choice)
• 1/2 tsp cardamom pwd
• few strands saffron (optional)
• 6 cashewnuts & 4 almonds (blanched)
  

Method

Steam the carrots, cool and puree. Keep aside.

Grind the cashewnuts and almonds to a smooth paste. Keep aside.

Add the clove and cinnamon stick to the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and boil the milk for at least 10 mts, stirring it. Add the sugar and stir till its completely dissolved.

Add the carrot paste to the milk mixture, combine well and let it cook for 3-4 mts.

Add the nuts paste, pala kova and elaichi pwd - combine well. Turn off heat after 2 mts and cool completely. (remove the clove and cinnamon stick from the mixture and discard it)

Blend the cooled mixture till you get a smooth consistency.

Garnish with toasted almonds slivers. Serve warm or chilled

Indian Cardamom Tea

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2/3rd cup milk (you can use skimmed milk)
• 2-3 pods green cardamom seeds
• 2 tsps sugar
• 2 heaped tsps loose tea leaves(non-scented)

Method

Bring water to boil in a stainless steel or non-stick pot.

Add cardamom and tea leaves and simmer for a minute.

Add milk, sugar and boil till desired colour is obtained.You will know when a lovely aroma is released.Dont boil too much as the tea will impart a bitter flavor.Cover and let it sit for a minute.

Strain into cups while piping hot.This serves 2 cups of fragrant cardamom tea.