Recreating Mom’s Summer Classics for Mother’s Day

Remember those lazy summer afternoons when mom used to whip up our favourite summer coolers and some lip-smacking dishes to beat the heat? And the tables seem to have turned this summer. As we gear up to celebrate Mother’s Day, how about recreating those nostalgic flavours and memories for her! With Voltas Beko microwaves and refrigerators, whipping up these summer classics is easier than ever. Let us dive into these three delightful recipes that will surely make mom’s day extra special.

Recipe 1 – Aam Panna

Ingredients:

1. 2 raw mangoes
2. 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
3. 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon black salt
5. 1/2 teaspoon salt
6. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
7. Fresh mint leaves for garnish
8. Ice cubes
9. Cold water

Steps:

1. Wash the raw mangoes thoroughly under running water and place them in a microwave-safe bowl and add enough water to cover them.
2. Microwave the mangoes for 4-5 minutes until they are soft and cooked. 
3. Once cooked, allow the mangoes to cool down completely. Once the mangoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and discard it.
4. Extract the pulp from the mangoes using a spoon and transfer it to a blender or food processor.
5. Add sugar, roasted cumin powder, black salt, regular salt, and black pepper powder to the blender with the mango pulp.
6. Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sugar and spices according to your taste preferences.
7. Transfer the blended mixture into a pitcher or container. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours. The NeoFrost™ Dual Cooling technology in Voltas Beko refrigerators will ensure ideal conditions cooling by regulating moisture, airflow and temperature. 
8. Once chilled, give the Aam Panna a good stir. 
9. Fill serving glasses with ice cubes. Pour the chilled Aam Panna into the glasses, and add water filling them about three-quarters full.
10. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma and presentation.
11. You can store any leftover Aam Panna in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Recipe 2 – Vegetable Pulao

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
2. Assorted vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower), chopped
3. 1 onion, finely chopped
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1-inch ginger, grated
6. 1 tomato, chopped
7. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
8. 1 teaspoon garam masala
9. Salt to taste
10. 2 cups water
11. Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat some oil and add cumin seeds. Microwave for 1 minute.
2. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Microwave for another 2 minutes until onions turn translucent.
3. Add chopped vegetables and tomato. Microwave for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are partially cooked. The large turntable in Voltas Beko microwaves will help you maximise your cooking space and cook in large quantities.

3. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the bowl along with water, garam masala, and salt.
4. Microwave for 10-12 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
5. Let it stand for a few minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving. Enjoy the aromatic and flavourful vegetable pulao!

Recipe 3 – Watermelon Popsicles

Ingredients:

1. 4 cups of fresh watermelon chunks, seedless
2. 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the watermelon)
3. 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
4. Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
5. Popsicle moulds
6. Popsicle sticks

Steps:

1. Cut the watermelon into chunks, removing any seeds if present and put the chunks into a blender or food processor. Blend the watermelon chunks until smooth and liquid-like.
2. If desired, add honey or sugar to the blender for extra sweetness. Blend again until well combined.
3. Add freshly squeezed lime juice to the mixture and blend briefly to incorporate it.
4. Pour the watermelon mixture into the popsicle moulds, leaving a small space at the top to accommodate the expansion during freezing.
5. If using, place a fresh mint leaf into each popsicle mould for added freshness and flavour.
6. Gently insert popsicle sticks into the center of each filled mould, ensuring they are upright and secure.
7. Place the filled popsicle moulds into the freezer and let them freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until completely solid. For best results, freeze the popsicles overnight to ensure they are fully set.
8. Once the popsicles are frozen solid, remove the moulds from the freezer.
9. To unmould the popsicles, run warm water over the outside of the moulds for a few seconds to loosen them. Gently pull on the popsicle sticks to release the popsicles from the moulds.
10. Arrange the watermelon popsicles on a serving plate or tray. Serve the watermelon popsicles immediately for a refreshing summer treat.
11. Store any leftover popsicles in the freezer, tightly wrapped or sealed, for future enjoyment.

With the help of microwaves and refrigerators, recreating mom’s summer classics has never been easier. And the best part? Cleaning up is a breeze with the help of dishwashers, so no more worries about mom scolding us for leaving dirty dishes behind. This Mother’s Day, let us show our appreciation for all the love and care she has showered upon us by treating her to these delightful homemade dishes that are sure to bring back fond memories of summers gone by.

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