Orange Lemonade, Summer Cooler With Roasted Oranges

Summers are in full mood, a crisp, pleasant morning is what awaits us as we get out of the bed & I feel so stimulated to stay active and thus finish up a lot of chores by noon. Then I depart for long walk by the river and finally end up spending some time at the local park. Sitting in the park is such a stress buster; it is like some magic wand erasing all the worries and tensions. Everything around me seems pleasant- the chirping birds, the light waves, the falling flowers and even the noise of kids playing in the play area.

Then I come back home, let my hair down, glide in the pajamas and read sitting down at my favorite corner. If you remember the post about Unplanned Chocolate Cake, you will understand how much I enjoy reading. Usually, I read romantic-dramatic novels but lately I have fallen for legal thriller and let me tell you John Grisham is one wonderful writer-Great for beginners! If you are a reader and keen on trying something new-pick up his books from HERE :-)

So one of those days when I feel light and free I tend to sip up a drink. No, not the alcoholic types like Vodka Mojito or Bloody Mary but something undemanding and easy one. I thought to prepare Mint Cucumber Cooler but I was out of mint Thus I picked up clementine oranges and infused it with lemonade flavours--well some has said it right-necessity is the mother of invention!

Orange Lemonade is one step above the plain lemonade and is indeed one of the must have coolers in the summers. Is easy because you don’t need many ingredients and; tasty because- the oranges are roasted. Roasting oranges is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness. The flavour profile of the oranges intensifies and you are left with something so simple yet so elegant, you won’t believe your taste buds. Next, all is straightforward- some lemon juice, black salt and homemade chaat massala- mix mix mix! Oh yes! - It’s cold, thirst quenching, all natural, fresh and nutritious.

Ingredients:

3 clementine oranges

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon black salt

1 teaspoon chaat massala

1 cup ice cubes

1 cup water

2 tablespoons honey/sugar

1 lemon wedge, 2 lemon roundels and 1/4 teaspoon salt for garnishing (optional)

Method:

Peel the oranges and separate the wedges. In a pan roast the wedges till it becomes mushy (about 1 minute). Let it cool.

Take a hand blender and blend with 1/2 cup of ice cubes, black salt, sugar, lemon juice, chaat massala and water.

Sieve the mixture through the sieve.

Next, ready the glasses. Take some salt in a plate. Rub a lemon wedge lightly around the rim of a glass to wet it and then turn it upside down and dip the rim in the salt. Slightly shake it, so all the excess falls off.

Fill the glasses with remaining 1/2 cup ice cubes and garnish with lemon roundels.

Notes:

Use any type of oranges. Not necessary to use clementine.

If you don’t have hand blender, grind in the mixer. Mixing is important use any gadget you want.

Chaat massala brings great zing to the drink but if you can’t find it then increase lemon juice and black salt.

Garnishing is completely optional.

Add or reduce the quantity of salt, lemon juice and honey as per your taste.

Tuesday's Tip- How to grow/make sprouts at home?

Here I am back with another Tuesday’s tip. This tip is the answer of the request emails that I received asking to share how to grow/make sprouts at home? You can sprout seeds, beans, legumes, lentils easily at home. If you are living in a city that has hot temperature and moisture/humidity then you are lucky as the sprouts will grow really fast and properly. People who reside in colder areas (like London) then it needs bit of preparation but is really simple.

Here in London you can buy a bowl sprouts for 2-3 pound, which is very expensive as you get 250 grams of seeds for just 1 pound. Now, if you sprout these 250 grams you will have 500-650 grams of sprouts for just 1 pound. Decide which one is economical yourself? Moreover sprouting at home is hygienic and clean.

Sprouting seeds, beans and grains is one of the quickest, easiest ways to pack a group of nutrients into your body in just one handful. When you sprout them, the nutritional profile multiplies and you get real health boost in your body. That’s why sprouts are very vital for daily health. Thankfully you can sprout grains and seeds easily now. So what you need to do?

Step 1

Wash seeds, grains, legumes well.

Step 2

Soak them overnight in sufficient water.

Step 3

Next day drain the water and wash well.

Step 4

Put seeds in a colander/ sieve/ channi and drain the excess water. (For 1/2 hour)

Step 5

Take a  bowl and place colander/sieve on it. It is important (very important) that the bottom of the colander/sieve doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl. There should be sufficient space in between them.

Step 6

Take a kitchen towel/napkin/muslin cloth/men’s handkerchief and wet it with water. Squeeze out all the excess water and cover the seeds with the cloth.

Step 7

Keep in a dark place. Before going to bed wet the cloth again, squeeze the water and cover the seeds.

Step 8

Next morning, the seeds will begin to grow/germinate. If you are in warmer region they would have grown too much by now and in colder region it takes 3-4 days to grow. So keep repeating step 8 till you get properly grown seeds.

Step 9

Wash and use the way you want.

Personally I love sprouts in any form, be it a quick raw salad with veggies. I have also made sprouts dosa before and it was loved by south-Indian bloggers. You can also prepare crunchy parathas with sprouts or even a spicy mixed ussal pav.

Hope you like this tip. Any questions, doubts just shoot me an email. Do share pictures of the sprouted seeds.