Unnakaya

Unnakaya / Stuffed Banana Roll

                                                                                        

Here is the recipe for unnakaya (stuffed banana roll) 😃.  A spindle shaped snack where the main ingredient is banana 🍌 or plantain (Nenthrapazham).  The plantains are steamed, mashed and filled with coconut dry fruits mixture. Then it is fried in coconut oil. This snack is a favorite among many and is perfect for any parties 👌. This is the main snack of Malabar region (Kerala /India). The recipe varies from region to region. The variations are mainly made in the stuffing. Coconut, dry fruits, sugar and cardamom powder are the main ingredients used as stuffing. Sometimes scrambled eggs are added to the stuffing. Sometimes coconuts are completely avoided.  Plantains are used as dough. Unnakaya is loved by all 😋😋. It is a perfect snack box item. It is too easy to prepare but care should be taken while selecting the plantains 😊. Over ripened plantains should be completely avoided. Plantain should be neither under ripe nor over ripe. Another important thing to be considered is while steaming the plantain it shouldn’t be over steamed 😉. If you over steam it the dough will be sticky and you will not be able to roll the banana to shapes. Steaming should be done properly . Keeping these points in mind will help you make tasty and crispy – soft unnakaya 👍👍 . Crispy from outside, soft from inside.  Okay then let’s get started...

Mango Pineapple Smoothie

Mango Pineapple Smoothie

                                                                  

Wanna try a smoothie that tastes like a tropical vacation….. Then here it is Mango Pineapple smoothie 🍍. A perfect thirst quencher to try during summer. It can also be served as a breakfast smoothie or as an evening snack 😉.  A lip smacking drink that can be prepared in minutes with just three ingredients 😋.   A healthy and tasty drink is ready with just few ingredients: pineapple, mango and honey.  Blend them until smooth and creamy, your smoothie is ready. Add your own twist you can add strawberries, apples, bananas etc…. Okay then let’s get started.

Garlic pickle

Garlic Pickle/ Velluthulli Achar/ Lahsun ka Achar
                                                               

Pickles are an extremely well liked complement in all Indian delicacies 😊. You can’t imagine a thali (Indian style meal served in a big plate) without pickles. Though the taste differs from region to region. It is totally different from pickled cucumbers and olives that are available here in US. Lots of spices and oil are added to get an extra flavor. Back home in India we prepare pickles with almost all available items like mangos, gooseberry, lemon, tomatoes , ginger, garlic,  mixed vegetables, sea foods, meat etc…🍋🐟🍅 the list goes on. Usually it depends upon the seasonal items that are available. In summer we prepare mango pickles to enjoy those till the next mango season. Same is with gooseberry, lemon etc …. The method of preparation also varies sometimes ;they are sun dried 🌞 sometimes ,they are fried and sometimes they are pickled in salt solution and then spices are added directly. My mom is a specialist in making mango pickle 👌. Miss her and her mango pickle 😢. Here I have tried making garlic pickle 😋.  I have tried pickling mangoes, prawns, mixed vegetables and even strawberries !!!  Among all garlic and mangoes are my favorite 😋. Don’t be alarmed by the amount of chili powder used, Indian pickles are indeed very potent and flavorful 😊😊. The extra spices, salt oil help them to preserve for longer periods. Try making this quick and easy garlic pickle 👍. Okay then let’s get started.