BENGALI STYLE TOFU DHOKA CURRY

 The sky seems to play hide & seek; few minutes back a cool breeze swept off my hairs, it was cloudy. Right now, its bright, windy. This is exactly the kind of weather I love, San Francisco weather seemed like this, bright, shiny past evening! Gloomy sky causes me discomfort, physically; what medical science would say don't know, I get headache when there is depression! I have love-hate relationship with rain, its definitely poet's muse! When we romanticise with nature, everything around; we don't think about ordeal of unfortunates, how they cope with fury of nature, with life itself. Though left-leaned, I can't think like hardcore leftists! I never could consider Moon a burnt roti like the Bengali revolutionist poet! Marxism is a justified concept in theory, difficult to put into daily usage! Aim of Humans is to progress, to make use of one's potential, communism doesn't allow one to flourish! If I speak on it's behalf, it would mean I don't want son to achieve heights! Thats not true, I want him to fly higher! Humans have to achieve as per abilities, help those with lesser abilities live decent! May be the utopia I believe in is functionally impossible.

Where was I? Okay, I told earlier, I would say I enjoy walking in daylight, my skin darkened, yet. Another reason for skin darkening is highly chlorinated water of swimming pool. I walk in day time because I have been asked by a medical expert, I have vitamin-D, C, Calcium deficiency. Post child birth, I had iron deficiency too. I think these are common among South Asian women; or Asian women?

Vitamin-C supplements are pricey, what about having Gooseberry / Amla regular? At this age, keeping well internally is important! If I had this realisation 15 years back, I need not have to take 4 different tablets each day of year!

I ain't healthy eater, I am an Indian, I can't survive on soups & salads; I have measured carbs, but I couldn't quit it. Keto diet doesn't suit me, protein causes me stomach upset! I am too protective about my kidney, intestine, negative thoughts about them are killing! Then my perennial tendency of constipation makes me feel my bladder to rectum would rot any day! If I am not an unromantic, who is? My fear mongering self made me one! To keep myself in track, I need music, reads! To live life, we have to have certain kind of creative escapades!

Sometime back, Cristine served porota, green moong dal, the garnish of onion & green chilli makes the difference though I didn't add butter. In the morning, I made porota / flatbreads for man, Cristine knows well, yet. She gets hurt, I asked her to fry mine. I cooked my brunch too, thatte idli in microwave oven. At night, I would have rice.

Who to blame for not availing coveted belly shape? I can't hit gym that I dislike! My low intensity workouts, my food intake, don't match! I have achieved a lot, not what I longed for. Compared to majority of Singaporean girls, I am still over weight.

Yesterday, I enjoyed the sugarcane juice, the kueh varieties felt greasy! But why? All this while, I thought they are steamed. In other shops, they didn't feel this greasy until date. Thats bit of disappointment I carried back home yesterday!

Before travelling to India, I had this meal at 4 Fingers. I don't remember which local flavour fried drumlets had, loved! The milk in matcha drink caused me discomfort, dairy is an issue. Milk, Sugar-free matcha tea suits me better! May be I had it at Don Don Donki! 

A lifetime isn't enough to explore food varieties Singapore has in offer. Then, I work on budget! I eat out at least five days in a week, I don't work! Perhaps, I am not in habit of limitless spending, so don't know the scenario had I been a working woman! Savings is important in life!

I don't know if menopause is cause of my irritative state these days, I get restless easily, loose concentration! It feels pathetic when people consider my concern for son, missing him, meaningless; don't take me seriously! In any mental state, I can cook, I enjoy time in kitchen without any interference. On such a day, last week I was trying vegan Roshogolla using Tofu, failing which I even tried Tofu Lyangcha, gulabjamun, nothing worked! I ended up cooking a curry, BENGALI STYLE TOFU DHOKA CURRY! Dhoka here isn't betrayal but tofu cakes! I kept the curry vegan, gluten-free, addition of cinnamon-green cardamom-cloves powder, garnish of ghee makes curry, a Bengali, vegetarian dalna! I usually don't waste things unless required!

Other similar curry recipes from my blog are EGG CURRY......A COASTAL INDIAN TOUCH, MUSHROOM & SOYA KHEEMA CURRY, ALOO POTOL ER DALNA, MACHER TOK / SOUR FISH CURRY, MUTTON KOFTA MALAI CURRY, DUM KA MURG, CHOLE PANEER

INGREDIENTS :

FIRM TOFU : 100 GM [I USED TAU KWA]

POTATO : 1

CHOPPED CORIANDER : 1 TBSP

CHOPPED GREEN CHILLI : 1 TSP

DRY MANGO / AAMCHUR POWDER : 1/2 TSP

GINGER PASTE : 1 TSP

CUMIN POWDER : 1 TSP

CORIANDER POWDER : 1 TSP

RED CHILLI POWDER : 1 TSP

TURMERIC POWDER : 1/2 TSP

CUMIN SEED : 1/4 TSP

BAYLEAF : 1

CORN FLOUR : 1 TSP

BAKING POWDER : 1 OR 2 PINCH

SALT : AS REQUIRED

SUGAR : 1 TSP [OPTIONAL]

OIL : 1 TBSP

PROCEDURE :

So, I failed Tofu roshogolla / pantua / lyangcha. I took 360* turn, made

Bengali style tofu-potato curry, plain rice would suit it, even chapati!

Heat 1 tsp oil in wok, temper with 2 pinches of cumin seeds, chopped, washed green chillies, give a stir.

Add washed, crumbled tofu, salt, 1/4 tsp each of turmeric-cumin- coriander powder, 1/2 tsp dry mango powder, salt. Stir cook for 3-4 minutes.

Add cornflour, 1/4 tsp sugar, stir cook for 2-3 minutes. Take down, shape into a square. Cut small.

Peel, wash, cut potato into cubes. Marinate with salt, turmeric. 

Heat more oil in wok. Fry potato cubes, tofu squares in batches. Take out.

Prepare a spice paste with ginger paste, remaining turmeric-cumin-coriander & red chilli powders, salt.

Temper remaining oil with remaining cumin seeds, bayleaf. 

Add spice paste. Stir cook for 2-3 minutes adding 1tbsp water. 

Add fried potato pieces, fry for 2-3 minutes. Add 1 & 1/2 coffee mug of water. Bring to boil.

Simmer at low heat for 4-5 minutes, add sugar, tofu squares, washed, slitted green chillies. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. 

Garnish with washed, chopped coriander leaves. Switch off gas stove, transfer to serving bowl. Have it hot, warm with choice of main!

 

MY HEALTHY DIP

It's 4:55 pm at this time, when to finish writing today? I don't know, I must share new blogpost today, my heart's call. My brain matter is insufficient, doesn't function well. I am led by heart; right or wrong I don't care; not fond of judgemental selves. My son is intelligent, sharp like his father, why good career start isn't yet shaping for him, mumma is tensed thinking son may get stressed in the situation. I don't know how far his friends live, distance is an issue in America, it's not take train, bus, reach destination kind of thing. But house-owners of one he rented are friendly, he can speak to them whenever he feels heavy! I feel bad not a single day I cooked, invited them for meal, thats unlike me! Things would be different if son's father travelled with me. The girl told me, "I told partner it smells such good when Ari's mother cooks", I felt like hugging her tight, cook, serve. I wish I would get chance to meet them again, serve them. They trusted me on first day, gave me house key, offered me to walk in their backyard! This inability to walk to neighbourhood groceries in America irritates me. I hate driving, so?

Cut to Singapore! Today, I was at my doctor's chamber! Just two months back I shared how this food court was gutted down to ashes, I was too surprised to see it open today! Wealth, hardworking people made it possible. 

Whats there not to love about this island? I absolutely do not have any self-interest involved in praising. We have to leave, we didn't apply for permanent residency, son left, at this age we wouldn't be given! I don't live in practical world; post retirement keeping Cristine is tough unless son builds career here. Even in India, we pay for services; the upscaled cities there are as good as this island; our state is still cheapest. I love my place, don't wish to stay there, too unprofessional service industry, except AquaGuard! I must engage professional helpers there once back, won't allow anyone to trouble pestering for money, even after paying enough!

If my GP says my health parameters are fine, I create Kolkata like unhealthy breakfast scenario sitting in Singapore! Okay, Lo Mai Kai is a healthy bowl of non-spicy sticky rice-chicken kind of. Thats not "jilipi-cha" but "amriti-cha"! Not to have more than once a month, okay? I can & love to cook a lot, I can re-create Kolkata food scenario anywhere in first world country!

My lunch bowls are minimal, I enjoy sitting at Hokkie Pau for that. Yesterday, I loved having sugar-free grass-jelly drink, veg-steamed pau there. Miraculously my stomach was cured! Wind formation is perennial issue!

I don't know what my aging skin denotes, it feels good to be able to get rid of obese tag. In an airplane, I don't feel pressure both-ways! Feeling lighter is big leap towards healthier self. Take me as I am, else don't; my tagline!

Homemade pickles need less salt, oil; although requires considerable amount, we prefer pickle / achar of Indian subcontinent!

This is food / shopping arcade beside Potong Pasir mrt., below the Poiz condo I think! They are giving discount on second hand books I guess. You may try, dear readers!

Credit of growing fresh coriander goes to Cristine. I bought the seeds from Fairprice Extra, rushed to India.

Creating this vegan, gluten-free recipe MY HEALTHY DIP from an error is my credit entirely! I was to cook rajma / kidney beans curry with vegetables, tofu puff, serve with soy sauce rice. After long time, I attempted Rajma, I perhaps over-soaked, over-boiled it! You know, I won't share errored recipe! I turned it onto health loaded dip with tofu, white sesame seeds, herbs, raw mango, spices; clicked platter with soy sauce-peanut rice, Doritos, salad! However, I served, had extremely yum vegetarian delight for dinner with naan! I did for Cristine, her Sir, I had with paratha. I wasn't happy with naan's finish, self-raising flour isn't enough; milk, baking soda were required beside plain yogurt!

Today, I finished writing at a record breaking time; 7 pm! 

INGREDIENTS :

RAJMA / KIDNEY BEAN : 1/2 COFFEE MUG

RAW MANGO : 1

TOFU / TAW KWA : 25 GM

GARLIC CLOVE : 2-3

FRESH CORIANDER : A HANDFUL

GREEN CHILLI : 1-2

RED CHILLI POWDER : 1/2 TSP

ZAATAR : 1/4 TSP

SUMAC : 1/4 TSP

LEMON JUICE : 2 TBSP

SALT : AS REQUIRED

OLIVE OIL : 1 TBSP + MORE TO GARNISH

PROCEDURE :

Wash, soak kidney beans overnight. Wash again, take in pressure cooker with enough water, salt, little of red chilli powder. Pressure cook at minimal heat up to 2 whistles.

Reserve the leftover water, use in curries, dough!

Take boiled kidney beans in blender once cool. Peel, wash raw mango, cut small, add to blender with washed, peeled garlic, green chillies, fresh coriander. Blend to paste.

Add red chilli powder, sumac, zaatar, lemon juice, salt, tofu cut small. Blend to paste. I just loved it.

Serve, have with platter of your choice; no issues!

TENDER COCONUT DRY-FRUITS ICE-CREAM

How are you doing loving readers? I got irregular about blogging; would be until June. "Until" we can't use, life is unpredictable. We can't predict our future, in fact whats to happen within next few minutes, we still cannot stop hoping for best. I keep praying, at least if we get to live life full circle decently. I am weak hearted, scenes around do not let me live in peace. I have seen happy moments last month, could see live son's convocation, he gifted us good score, travelling long hours was worth it, [sharthok]. Back home, within 5 days, we got news of father-in-law's passing away. He was 81+, ailing, it is acceptable, though we can't let go family, friends. In 2017, our father passed away at 74, I was in dilemma; okay he has lived a long, fulfilling life, then next moment felt, oh! we won't see his smiling face anymore, he won't talk to us ever. I wish, pa-in-law's son, grandson could meet him, talk to him one last time before he left. Even daughter didn't get chance to speak. The kids broke news to their mother way later. The son-in-law seems pretty practical like mother-in-law, her cubs. All in this world know, one day everyone has to face this, the late that day arrives, its better. What happens to singles don't know, hope they have friends, family closer to their hearts. None should leave barren, empty handed. Love, be loved!

For my kinds, food help bridging moods. Indulge in what you enjoy; it may be cooking, reading, performing arts, or just relax with music switched on. If I don't do meditation for few days, it gets chaotic inside. Meditation, chanting Gongyo help me stay mentally fit, so does rituals for my God family! I wouldn't leave one for other. I never forget I am Hindu, just that I dislike talking about it, making it my prime identity, use it as weapon of hatred. We are global citizens. I enjoy vegetarian tiffins, find idea to cook vegan, gluten-free recipes, I can't start a day with mutton, hilsa fish though love. This need not be used as weapons to create hatred, promote violence. I have issue about a system that makes 1001 rules for women, that wouldn't let me roam freely, but have no hatred at personal level. Cristine touches my God Family in Singapore, Rizia Mashi touches them in Kolkata, I give them full freedom. 

I won't discuss about above plates today. I am busy, yet wanted to share this vegan, gluten-free, no-cook frozen dessert TENDER COCONUT DRY-FRUITS ICE-CREAM recipe in blog. I try to make dairy free food, desserts these days, dairy products upset my stomach except paneer & yogurt. I had an issue with dairy since childhood. Rightly said or not, the man says cow milk is for calves, not for humans. I can digest chilled milk based drinks, not hot ones. I had chilled sugar-free matcha-latte at 4Fingers, liked it but got wind, milk-free ones I can digest. How I love masala chai, chilled milk based coffees. Indigestion, diabetes; both made my life mundane.

How do I look? Take closer look, you would see my aging skin! I wonder why they say I look way younger than my age. I walk in day time, swim in highly chlorinated water, I was looking for DIY anti-tan face masks, I know of many remedies, from "Rooplagi" of Anondolok, Sananda days, I fail to do them regular. I have interest in cosmetology, after finishing my BEd, the son wasn't born, in 1999-2000, I wished to travel to Delhi, do year long course at Shehnaz Hussain's, open a beauty studio in Kolkata like Threety Irani's, man refused to sponsor. His clear cut statement was he sacrificed his holidays post marriage to facilate my smooth completion of BEd, I either teach or be a housewife. You know my love for lipstick, beautification, make up. I don't use much of make up but moisturiser, powder, kajal, lipstick are must. Those were days when I didn't realise my love for cooking! I think I have ability, wish to make other women look good. I put mask, did make-up on my brother on his marriage day, man was scolding both of us.

We should maintain ourselves; try look fresh; it is necessary for us to feel good. My / our son doesn't talk to me, I put through messages for him here, there in public. Anyway, this ice-cream is tasting good. I have garnished it with dried mango, apricot gifted by younger friendly family. You may use any dry fruit / fruits of choice. I had with fresh mango, just too good! It used only 2 tsp of sugar, sweetened with dates, both are bad for diabetic, even sugar coated dried fruits, I don't quit anything entirely!

The cap of container is pink on white, appears red! I keep Singapore closer to heart, it doesn't, now says if I steal fruits, vegetables from roadside trees, I would be heavily fined.

Above was my lunch today; vegan, gluten-free paratha with Bengali style roasted eggplant, pickle.

INGREDIENTS :

COCONUT PULP : OF TWO COCONUT

COCONUT CREAM : 150-200 ML

DATE : 10-12

BROWN SUGAR : 2 TSP [ENHANCES TASTE]

VANILLA ESSENCE : 1/2 TSP

CHOPPED DRIED MANGO : 2 TBSP

CHOPPED DRIED APRICOT / KHUBANI : 1 TBSP

OR YOU MAY USE YOUR CHOICE OF DRIED NUTS & FRUITS

PROCEDURE :

I admit I had to use pulp of one more tender coconut. I enjoy young coconut water & pulp, matured pulp more, on some days we can make ice-cream too, healthier one.

Soak seeded, washed dates for half an hour. Get the pulp of tender coconut! There is no dearth of it here, Kolkata sells daab / young coconut in youngest form.

Blend together coconut cream, tender coconut flesh, soaked dates, sugar together to fine paste.

Add vanilla essence, mix well. Pour onto a container. Close tight lid, freeze for an hour. 

I chopped dried ripe mango & apricot pulp, took out container, opened it, garnished top of ice-cream with dried & chopped fruits. 

Freeze it for 5-6 hours, serve as it is or with choice of fresh fruits!

EASY QUICK-MADE CUP CAKE

 It's 3:30 pm Wednesday. My aching bones are seeking relaxation with read, music. I would remain busy next two weeks, thought of sharing new recipe today! It's never ritual, instead pleasure! Besides being my reader, if you follow me in social media handles, you would see me sharing details next week onwards! I am publicity seeker unlike rest in family. In few occasions, I ask their permission to share their pictures, details publicly. I am proud, they have to accept. Achievements make me happy, whosoever's, my family's more. I have habit of enquiring about others' academics, university rankings with same interest I take in our son's. Why is it considered poking, its quality jealousy doesn't plague me. I want Human Race to progress steadfastly. That I am worthless lazy bone is another issue.

I am supercharged when it comes to cooking, playing with ingredients! Years back, I tried sattu / chatu / roasted gram flour cup cake, wasn't satisfied. Weeks back I did again, was happy with outcome but top got overly baked, I dropped idea to blog about it! Being busy, I thought of trying two recipes this morning; one was these cup cakes, another one was herbs breads with gluten-free flour. I picked up cake for today's bake. I don't know if Cristine is reason for my energetic self in kitchen, love for cooking runs in family! What is wrong in saying that? I don't deprive my man, son, eat up everything I cook. Its six years son left home, mumma couldn't come into terms with his absence. Mumma wants to spend more time together because in few years he would have his own family, we wouldn't remain his prime! What his father & him means by "there is time" I don't know. "Now, This Moment" is real, no one has seen tomorrow. I wish three of us get more of time to be together, neither I wish to delay entry of daughter to be in family. If son can't choose, we are here to find one. A couple of islanders told me they choose, there is no system of arranged alliances here. This I don't agree to, when kids get confused, parents have to handle, help them settle in life.

This lady doesn't spend words without munching. Since yesterday, I clicked the following! Cristine cooked the vermicelli upma, she takes interest, does good, lacks the patience Bengali style cooking demands!

Sometime back, I had microwave made beaten rice-oats-chanachur-onion-green chillies-fresh coconut medley! I think it's wrong to have oats without washing, soaking it. I am scared, I can't afford to fall sick now. My system got weakened, I don't wish to live thinking how sick I am, I must practice my interests!

Well, I may not blindly trust alternative medicine but amla/gooseberry has vitamin C, I don't have issue accepting that. For our treatments, we would visit medical professionals. Saying this, we aren't disrespecting anyone. I go for TCM massages, never would trust having medicinal leaf juice to cure tumour growth!

Its 5:10pm, lets wrap. What more to say about this vegan, gluten-free, coconut milk, banana, roasted gram-flour EASY QUICK-MADE CUP CAKE? 

Baking cake without milk, yogurt, condensed milk, eggs is challenge! Doing them, I accept challenge, love having them! Neither man, nor Cristine refuse to have, they say my sweet stuffs are too low in sugar! If only I knew all these when son was recommended gluten-free diet for three years. Gradually he was allowed to have by his paediatrician. He loves chilled milk, yet I ask him not to have dairy products much. He loves to drink what Singapore loves drinking chilled; Iced tea to sugar-free chiiled Oloong tea to chilled soy milk. They ask why can't I let go? I say I would if he behaves normal like other kids, calls regular, sends pictures.

Well, mumma cooked raw mango spread too today, would send a little to kids around thinking how mine loved on bread.

Our mother did jam, jelly at home besides getting Kissan's, Druk didn't come regular. In parents' absence, my brother, I fought, thereafter sat together with biscuits, butter or jam, ate 16-17 biscuits at a time. I had been obese for half century! The cup cakes ain't looking great but they are moist inside, crumbly a bit, tasting good!

INGREDIENTS :

CHATU / ROASTED GRAM-FLOUR / SATTU : 1/2 COFFEE MUG

RICE FLOUR : 1/4 COFFEE MUG

CORN FLOUR : 2 TBSP

PSYLLIUM HUSK / ISABGUL : 2 TSP

BAKING SODA : 1/4 TSP

BAKING POWDER : 1/2 TSP 

BANANA : 1 STANDARD SIZED

COCONUT MILK OR CREAM : 50 ML

OIL : 2 TBSP

SUGAR : 1 SMALL TEA CUP [I USED BROWN SUGAR] [YOU MAY NEED MORE]

VANILLA ESSENCE : 1 TSP

VINEGAR : 1 TSP

HALVED CASHEW NUTS TO GARNISH!

PROCEDURE :

Mix together corn flour, rice flour, roasted gram flour, psyllium husk! Use hand beater!

Blend together banana, oil, sugar, coconut milk, vinegar, vanilla essence. Pour onto dry ingredients. Incorporate well. 

Keep covered for 10-15 minutes. Remove cover, add baking soda & powder. Beat to incorporate well. 

Pro-bakers don't beat batter too much for cup cakes may be.

Mine is convection mode microwave oven. I kept inside baking stand, set to pre-heat at 160*C.

I poured half of each paper cup with batter, placed half of one cashew nut on top of each. Gently tapped cups on kitchen counter. 

Place cups on baking tray! Place baking tray atop stand. 

Bake at 160*C for 17-18 minutes. 

Your machine may take slightly different time.

Fresh bakes would taste best with choice of beverage!

HEALTHY QUICK FIX ENERGY SNACK

Mental exhaustion affects me physically. Since yesterday evening I had been trying to oven cook sweet potato fritters. I cooked, clicked, wasn't satisfied. This morning, I tried oven cooking thin cut fries, they got overly done, tasting better. My Bengali roots prefer sweet meats with sweet potato, in "shukto"curry. Earlier I had crisp sweet potato fries, liked. Neither Cristine, nor I could cut them uniformly, I did not wish to deep fry them in pool of oil. As I say, my kitchen is traditional, I am comfortable working with wok, ladle. However, I liked having sweet potato fries with dal / lentil curry last night.

Kampong chicken curry I prefer, reminds me of the chicken variety in childhood. The coriander paste + Bengali style chilli-mustard-mango sauce with rice was good enough for me. I love spiced bhartas, boiled vegetable mashes. My digestive system weakened, else fries & fritters had been love. 

This morning, I cooked those vegan flatbreads with gluten-free flours! I had leftover potato mix for "aloo paratha", instead I mixed together everything, got this! Cristine had two, I had three with sauce. The man took sandwich & grapes. I love grapes, too sweet fruits regular are not right for a diabetic.

I eat everything I love in moderation. Cravings bring sorrow, strict diet isn't sustainable. We should eat what we are having since childhood; control portions, lessen use of oil, sugar, salt. The carb intake has to be controlled, I can't, I am unable to have high protein diet. Too much of it damages vital organs. I know berries, kiwi are good, medical expert asked me to, I do have ability to buy, I fail to do away with my humble upbringing. I have nothing to prove anyone, no one to compete with. Few things I demanded, man has gifted me. I wished to see how living in a first world country feels like, I wished son to have higher degrees, good career. Let us see how strong his career gets to be. 

Umisushi lets you order those tiny sides. Sushi smells, I can only have Kappa Maki & Tamago Maki, one is cucumber wrapped rice-sea-weed roll, other omelette wrapped rice, sea-weed roll. I am extremely fond of Japanese ginger pickle, wasabi! It didn't have that heat, was it yuzu kosho[wiki]? Miso soup I have at times. I would do a public post about it.

I had this big brunch yesterday, afternoon intake had to be tiny. These are favourite fruits, nothing like mango, litchi, watermelon, jackfruit for me.

I am mumma to an adult boy, I don't look like unless one takes a closer look. The super fast greying bothers, not much. Such talents I see around everyday, that should bother, whats my contribution to society? I met three colleagues from DPS yesterday, Susan Maam, Harvinder Maam, Ritu Maam. It was pleasure meeting them after couple of years, all stalwarts, excellent teachers, their retirement is loss to academia. Susan Maam, my mentor had been great educator favourite to students. The school's environment was good, management did not upgrade it.

I have upgraded my exterior, man has come long way, socially, career wise, I keep home such middle-class, ginger is missing, we don't keep following in refrigerator! Every Bengali home in West Bengal would have this in kitchen, even under beds, high wooden stand beds without boxes. 

My culture, my tradition is vivid in memory, I just do not have enough props to depict that in my pictures. May be I am too lazy to create that ambience. It also can be that I believe in loving the place I currently live in. It's my pleasure chatting with Singaporean natives, sit in food courts, eat local, capture lives here.  I do not crave to go back, we still can love our roots.

 Hours back I had microwave beaten rice fried with mustard oil onion, green chilli, peanuts with Sichuan chillies, chanachur, tea. Typing & relaxing now with sugar-free black coffee.

After hours of exhaustion, I prepared this vegan, gluten-free almost no-cook, oil-free, sugar-free, dairy-free HEALTHY QUICK FIX ENERGY SNACK! I regained the energy lost once I liked taste of this vegetarian delight, clicked decent pictures! Cristine wasn't home. I like stocking homemade, lightly sweet stuffs in refrigerator, tried earlier snacks with "muri guro, oats guro", i.e. puffed rice, oats powder, even with beaten rice powder. Dates are good alternative to sugar, jaggery; not diabetic friendly! I sincerely hope my dear readers, even bachelors, students would make it, savour with less guilt.

INGREDIENTS : 

PUFFED RICE : 1 COFFEE MUG

OATS : 1/2 COFFEE MUG

DATE : 12-15

BLACK PEPPER POWDER : 1/4 TSP

GREEN CARDAMOM POWDER : 1/4 TSP 

PROCEDURE :

I stock cheapest variety of dates. I love, unable to have regular in fear of blood sugar spike. Wash, de-seed them.

Dry roast puffed rice, oats together for 4-5 minutes. Let cool, put in blender, powder.

Add the washed, de-seeded dates, blend together for half a minute.

Transfer to plate, add crushed black pepper, green cardamom powder. 

Incorporate everything well. Grease palms with oil, give your choice of shape.

Note : They are uncooked, don't use ghee, oil, refrigerate & have them within 2-3 days!