Summer Coolers ~ Cucumber Mint Smoothie

The heat is showing no signs of respite and the humidity levels are at an all time high. Eagerly awaiting the onset of monsoon and if the weather forecast is to be trusted, its just 2-3 days away, making way for comforting, deep fried foods. 

On a hot day like today, there is nothing more refreshing than a chilled yogurt based drink. Prepared a smoothie using chilled homemade curd, fresh mint leaves and cucumber. Quick, easy and a healthy way to get calcium into your diet.

Blend 1/2 cup of peeled and diced cucumber, 2-3 fresh mint leaves, few ice cubes, 1 1/2 cups thick low fat yogurt, few tbsps of water (for a thinner consistency) and pinch of chaat masala powder or black salt. Pour into glasses and serve cold.

Mexican Vegetable Rice

 The recipe is by no means authentic. I liked the flavors of cumin, tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce mingle with the vegetables and rice. The recipe calls for cheese and cream which I avoided and served the cooked Mexican rice.  Makes for a hearty meal.

I am yet to re-create at home an authentic Mexican rice dish that I relished at a Mexican food festival. 

2 cups raw rice, washed

1 1/2 tbsps oil (I used olive oil)

1 1/2 cups chopped mixed vegetables

fistful of corn kernels (optional)

3-4 cloves garlic

1/2 tsp red chilli flakes

3/4 tsp cumin pwd

3 tbsps worchestershire sauce

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

2-3 tbsps tomato sauce

2 tbsps chopped coriander leaves

2 tbsps grated cheese (optional)

salt to taste

1 Heat olive oil in a cooking vessel, on medium heat and add garlic and onions and saute for 3 mts. Add the chopped vegetables and corn kernels and saute for 5 mts.
2 Add the red chilli flakes, cumin pwd, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar and salt to taste. Combine.
3 Add the washed rice and saute with the rest of the ingredients for 4 mts.
4 Add 3 1/2 cups water and fresh coriander leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce flame to low and place lid. Cook the rice till done and do not stir in between. At this point, you can serve the rice as it is or you can place the cooked rice in a casserole, sprinkle cheese and bake for 10-12 mts in the oven). I served the rice without cheese.

5 Serve hot with potato wedges (boil potato wedges with skin and shallow fry in a skillet till nicely browned, sprinkle mixed dried herbs). Makes a complete meal.t has been tried and tested would be highly appreciated.