Mango Yogurt Smoothie

Pathetic Summer this time in Kolkata and I don't even think of going to the kitchen. This super Yummy mango yogurt smoothie is what I could stir up for my son's evening snacks.

INGREDIENTS:

• Mango - 1 , cubed
• yogurt / Curd - 1/2 cup
• Ice Cold Water - 1/4 cups
• Honey- 2 tbsp( or as per taste)
• Ice Cubes - plenty

Wash and cut the mango into cubes. Take it into a blender.

Add yogurt, honey and blend till a smooth froth is formed. Add little water, if required.

Serve with plenty of ice cubes and some chopped mangoes at the top.

Minty Watermelon Lemon Slush

A delicious and refreshing drink for a very hot summer day!! Loved the smell of crushed mint in the drink. 

Ingredients

• Water melon - 2 cups, deseeded and diced
• Powdered sugar - 2 tbsp / as per taste
• Lemon juice - 2 tbsp
• Mint - a handful, washed
• Ice cubes - 12 - 14

Blend all the ingredients in a blender till smooth. 

Chill in the freezer till ice crystals starts forming. Quickly whiz in the blender again and then serve immediately. Garnish with some fresh mint leaves.

Sending this to Beat the Heat Online Event organised by 'Kolkata Food Bloggers'

Apple and French Bean Salad

This creamy and fruity salad is a winner, if combined with a hearty soup, it is perfect for a light dinner. I have used blue cheese dressing along with sour curd with the vegetable and fruit, the pungent taste of blue cheese gives a sharp contrast with the sweetness of the apple. Added some roasted peanuts as well to get that extra crunch. You may use roasted walnut instead of peanut.

Ingredients

• Apple - 1, cut into wedges
• French Beans - 100 gms
• Blue Cheese Dressing - 1 heaped tbsp
• Curd - 2 tbsp
• Extra Virgin Olive oil - 1 tbsp
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Roasted peanuts - a handful

Blanch the french beans in boiling water. Mix the blue cheese dressing and curd together with the olive oil. Add 1 tbsp of water to it and whisk. Season with salt and pepper. You may add a pinch of sugar, if you like.
Spoon over the dressing on the apple and french beans. Scatter the roasted peanuts for garnishing. 

Watermelon Juice

Summer is round the corner and it is time to shift the focus onto light food and juices. Tried this watermelon juice today,, it is really yummy and refreshing.

Ingredients

• Watermelon - 1 cup, chopped roughly  
• Sugar - 2 tbsp
• Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp
• Salt - a pinch

Chop the watermelon and remove all the seeds. Keep refrigerated.

Whisk the chilled watermelon with sugar in a blender. Strain the blended juice using a soup strainer.

Add the lemon juice and salt. Mix well. Cover half of the serving glass with ice cubes.

Pour the juice over the ice cubes. Serve immediately.