HOW TO MAKE Raspberry Smoothie / Raspberry Lassi

Raspberry Smoothie / Raspberry Lassi

Thirst quenching smoothies are always healthier, a great energizing drink especially after doing  rigorous workouts. At home, we are smoothie lovers and we love to transform any fruits into lassi/smoothie form for a refreshing dessert. Fresh sweet and tangy raspberries are seen everywhere in the markets during this summer.  To enjoy these mini berries, I made a super cool raspberry lassi / smoothie along with our tomato basil pasta salad. Try this out and enjoy your summer with healthy desserts. 

Somehow, I prefer to give these healthy smoothies to kids at any time rather than offering them unhealthy desserts like sugar candy, gelato, sugar coated creamy pastry, desserts made with high fat whipped cream.

Ingredients

Fresh ripe raspberries - 2 Cups

Greek Yogurt or regular yogurt - 2 cups

Ice Cubes - 4 or 5

Honey - 2 tbsp

Sugar - 4 tsp ( optional , you can omit if you enjoy the slight tangyness of raspberries )

Water - 1 glass

Method

Put all the ingredients into the mixer grinder and grind them using the whipper for few rounds.When the smoothie is done to your satisfaction, transfer them into serving glasses. Decorate the drink with one or two fresh raspberries on its top and serve.

HOW TO MAKE Basic Pesto / Simple Pesto / Italian Pesto

Basic Pesto / Simple Pesto / Italian Pesto



Italian Lunch : Pennie coated with pesto, garden salad using home grown

cherry tomatoes dressed with raspberry vinaigrette



Ever Since I tasted the Pennie Pasta coated with the green delicious pesto, I have become addicted to that greenish oil and herb sauce. I never fail to taste this pesto at least once a month. Not only me, my family loves this pesto and urge me to make this more often in my kitchen. As its abundant during summer, we could enjoy our home made pesto this time using our home grown fresh basil leaves.

Though Basil leaves are prominently featured in Italian cuisine, its originally a native of India. Health benefits of basil is mainly due to the essential oils present in basil, and its widely used in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, stress related issues due to its antiviral, antioxidant properties. There are many varieties of basil found in the world and their culinary use varies with different regions.





Ingredients




Fresh Basil Leaves - 2 Cups packed
Garlic Pods - 3
Olive Oil - 1/2 cup
Parmesan Cheese - 1/2 cup
Broken Walnuts - 1/2 cup
( Pine nuts can be substituted if available ).
Black Peppercorns - 1/2 tbsp
( Add more pepper powder if you want to ).
Salt - To Taste.


Method

Wash the basil leaves and keep ready. Dry roast the walnuts and black peppercorns first. Then grind them in a mixer grinder coarsely along with other ingredients. Add salt and black pepper powder according to your taste at the end. Keep the sauce in an air tight container. Add portions of this pesto to the cooked pasta and thoroughly mix this with the pasta and enjoy with a side of  a garden salad and fresh sparkling apple cider. A perfect Italian meal on any special day in your life.