MALAYSIAN STYLE OKRA STIR-FRY

    Okra/ Lady's finger or Bhindi/Vendakka is one vegetable which is commonly liked at home, and it is one default vegetable in my refrigerator. We can cook Okras in several ways. Cooking Okra/Lady's Finger is slightly tricky.  The reason is the slimy nature of Okra. In my opinion, Okra shouldn't be overcooked & shouldn't be slimy and for me, it should retain its green colour. So, I cook Okra briefly on a medium-high flame to retain its crunchiness, colour and nutrition. This vegetable when perfectly cooked turns out to be so tasty, crunchy and retains the nutritional value. It has amazing Health Benefits too.

• Okra/Lady's Finger is rich in Iron, Folic Acid & Vitamin B6
• Okra is rich in many nutrients and particularly high in vitamins C and K. 
• Okra provides a Protein called Lectin, a nutrient that is believed to prevent Cancer.
• Okra is rich in antioxidants
• Okra also helps to control the Blood Sugar Level.
  

OKRA/LADY'S FINGER

     This is a simple stir-fry recipe made with Okra/Lady's finger & we can find this kind of recipe served in most of Malaysian Mamak Shops.  Through the day and for dinner the restaurant converts the same stir-fry, adding any left-over Okra along with Cabbage or Long Beans. The combinations taste as good too. A quick stir-fry with very few ingredients, and it can be cooked within 15 minutes. Above all, it is my personal favourite as it goes hand-in-hand with both Roti & Rice.  Serve it along steaming hot Rice or along with Warm Chapati or Paratha and Dhal for a complete meal.


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Cuisine - Malaysian
Course - Side Dish
Spice Level - Medium - High
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 3 - 4
Author - SM

Preparation Time - 5 -10 Minutes
Cooking Time - 15 - 20 Minutes

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HOW TO COOK MALAYSIAN STYLE OKRA STIR-FRY

MALAYSIAN STYLE OKRA STIR-FRY

 

INGREDIENTS:

Okra/Lady's finger - 500 Grams
Oil - 2 -3 Tablespoon
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 Teaspoon
Cumin Seeds - 1/4 Teaspoon
Onion - 1/2 No.
Garlic - 3 Cloves
Fresh Red Chillies(Bird's-eye Chillies) - 2 Nos.
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 Teaspoon
Salt - To Taste
Sugar - 1/4 Teaspoon

METHOD:

• Wash and clean the Okra / Lady's finger. Pat dry and allow it to dry on a kitchen towel.
• Trim off the corners and slice them into thin pieces.
  
• Heat Oil in a Pan, splutter Mustard Seeds followed by Cumin Seeds.
• Immediately add thinly sliced Onions, finely chopped Garlic & Red Chillies(Bird's-eye Chillies).
• Sauté it until Onions turn translucent. 
• Add chopped Okras along with a dash of Salt and give a quick stir.
• Now add Turmeric Powder & give a quick stir.
• Sauté the Okra on a high flame until the vegetable is cooked and the stickiness of the vegetable is totally removed.
• Adjust the amount of Salt & add a pinch of Sugar and give a quick stir.
• Switch off the flame.
• Leave the okra stir-fry on the pan, as such for about 2-3 minutes. 
  
• Dish out & Serve Okra Stir fry hot with Chapati or Paratha or Rice.

For more SIDE DISHES FOR CHAPATI/ROTI, Click here... 

NOTES:

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TRIVIA: A SIMPLE NOTE

How to perfectly Cook Okras - To avoid slimy Okra/Lady's Finger:

     When you frequently cook Okras, you would obviously be aware of the problem behind getting perfectly cooked Okra and getting rid of the sliminess from the vegetable.  I have given a simple trick behind getting rid of the Sliminess and at the same time retaining the Colour and texture.  This is the usual method I follow while cooking Okras at home. Any recipe as a matter of fact, whether it is Okra/Bhindi Fry, Bhindi Masala, Stir-fried Okra, Okra/Vendakka Thoran, Kurkuri Bhindi, Bendi Sambal and even while adding the vegetable in Sambar or Vendakka Puli or any other curry. I follow this method.

• Wash and pat dry the Okra with a clean Kitchen Towel.
• Leave the Okras on a Paper Towel/ dry Kitchen Towel in a single layer.
• Let the vegetable dry for some time. The idea is to get rid of any moisture in the vegetable.
• Before chopping, it make sure to wipe it dry with a Paper towel/Kitchen Towel.
• Fry the Okra in a bit of Oil with a dash of Salt on a medium-high flame.
• Cook briefly around 5-7 minutes, if you prefer a crunchy texture.
• Cooking briefly on a medium-high flame helps to retain the texture and the green colour in the vegetable.
• My trick for perfectly cooked Okra is to cook the Vegetable on a HIGH HEAT BRIEFLY.
• While Stir Frying or for Poriyals/Thoran, avoid crowding your pan or frying-pan, as this will reduce the heat and cause the sliminess.
• Adding Salt to Okras at the initial stage while cooking also helps in getting rid of the sliminess quickly.
• Cooking the vegetable along with acidic based ingredients also reduces the sliminess.
• Sauté Okra/Lady's Finger briefly in oil before adding it into Curries like Sambar, Puli Kozhambu, Pachadi etc.,
• Can also simply slice and roast okra in an oven.
• If you feel the Okra is still slimy, switch off the flame and leave it in the pan for a few minutes.
• This helps to reduce the sliminess.
• If you like Okras well-cooked go with your cooking instincts. Cook for a bit of longer time.

 

 

PAPDI/PAPRI

Indian Chaat Recipes are so versatile, and it has its own fan following throughout the length & breadth of the Country, and across the country.  Looking into the long list of items needed for Chaat items, certain combination of snacks, vegetables, seasoning & unique chutneys make each Chaat Item unique to itself.   Though the taste & ingredients & consistency of certain Chaat Items change regionally, most of the items added into these sinfully crazy Indian Street Food sticks to the norm and one such Item is Papdi.  Papdi is one of the most essential components of Chaat recipes of India. Papdis are nothing but deep-fried small crispy flat roundels which gives a crunchy texture to the dish. 

    When we talk about Indian Street Food, Chaat  Items are sure to steal the show.  With innumerable varieties & combos — Pani Puri, Bhel Puris, Papdi Chaat, Dahi Puri, Sev Puri, Pav Bhaji, the list gets longer & longer…. When I started frequenting with Chaat Items at home, one reason behind making Chaat Recipes at home is, we do not get Chaat locally.  And least to mention we do not get any of the snacks needed for Chaat too.  I stock them up when I travel to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.  When a craving for Chaat Items takes a sweep I have to go to the extent of making each & every item needed for making these Chaat Items like Papdi, Puri, Boondhi, Sev.  Then Green Chutney, Tamarind Dates Chutney, Pani for Pani Puri etc., & etc., Long & tiring process, I started converting Papdis into Namak Pare in terms of easing the process.  It helped me to store it for a longer time.

    Papdi is one good add-on which can be crushed and added into Bhel Puris or can be used to make Papdi Chaat or Dahi Papdi Chaat  with a hearty drizzle of thick Yogurt/Curd, seasoning and toppings, Sev Puri etc. On the other hand, it can be eaten as a snack.

    The process of making this snack is an easy one except for the cutting and frying portion & it needs a bit of time & patience. The trick to making crunchy Papdi is to knead the dough as tightly as you can.  Then it should be rolled out like we do for a Chapati, it shouldn't be rolled too thin or too thick.  It should be rolled to a normal thickness, and then we need to prick it all over with a fork.  This is to avoid Papdi fluffing up while frying, which can make Papdi soft when cooled down.  Then Papdis should be fried on medium-low heat. The amount of ghee & semolina  added to the flour while kneading makes Papdi deliciously crunchy. The Carom Seeds/Ajwain is what gives a nice soothing flavour to the Papdi & also helps in digestion.

Points to remember for crispy Papdi/Papri:

 

• The dough should be slightly stiffer.
• The dough should be rolled neither too thick nor too thin. It should be rolled to a normal thickness.
• Prick all over the rolled dough with a fork.  This is to avoid Papdi fluffing up while frying, which can make Papdi soft when cooled down.
• Cut it out into small roundels with a Cookie Cutter or a sharp edged Bowl/Katori.
  
• Fry Papdis on a medium-low flame until it turns into Golden Colour.  

For more CHAAT RECIPES, click here…

Cuisine — North Indian
Recipe Type — Snacks
Spice Level — Low
Difficulty — Medium
Author — SM

Preparation Time — 25-30 Minutes
Cooking Time - 30 -45 Minutes

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HOW TO MAKE PAPDI/PAPRI FOR CHAAT 

PAPDI/PAPRI

INGREDIENTS:

 

For Papdi: 

 

All-purpose Flour(Maida) — 2 Cups

Baking Soda — 1/4 Tspn

Salt — To Taste 

Carom Seeds(Ajwain) — 1 Tspn

Cumin Seeds — 1/2 Tspn(Optional)

Oil/Ghee — 2-3 Tbspn

Water — 1/2-3/4 Cup(Approximately)

 

For Frying:

 

Oil

METHOD:

 

For the Dough:

 

• Sieve the All-purpose Flour (Maida) along with baking soda & salt once.
• Add Carom Seeds(Ajwain), Cumin Seeds to the sieved flour and give a quick stir.
• Pour in the Oil/Ghee.
• Add little water at a time and knead it into a slightly stiffer dough.
• Add water at intervals. Do not pour in all the water at a time.
• I used approximately a little lesser than 3/4 Cup of Water.
• Amount of water required depends on the quality of the flour.
• The dough should be slightly stiffer.  

 

For Papdi/Papri:

 

• Divide the Dough into 3 Balls and keep them aside.
• Dust the Dough Balls with some All-Purpose Flour and roll it out into a flat, neither too thin nor thick circle.
  
• Prick all over the rolled dough with a fork. 
  
• Cut the rolled dough into small roundels with a cookie cutter or a sharp edged Bowl/Katori.
• Transfer the Cut Papdis  into a plate dusted with All-Purpose Flour.
• Follow suit for the rest of the dough balls.

 

For Deep Frying:

 

• Heat oil in a Deep Pan or a Wok.
• Once the oil becomes hot, reduce the flame to medium-low.
• Gently drop the Papdis into the Oil.
• Fry the Papdis on a low- medium flame until it turns into Golden Colour.
• Once done, remove the fried Papdis with slotted spoons from the oil.
• Drain them on Paper towels 
• Once cooled down, store them in airtight containers.
• If stored properly, it may last up to a week to 10 days.

 

Baking Papdis In an Oven:

 

 

• Follow the steps as above until cutting the Papdis.
• Preheat an Oven at 160 °C.
• Spray the baking tray with oil.
• Line it up with the Papdis.
• Bake it in the preheated Oven at 160 °C for about 25–30 Minutes.
  

 

 

NOTES:

 

• Can substitute half the amount of All-purpose Flour with Wheat Flour(Aata).
• Some recipes even call for adding a few teaspoons of Semolina while kneading the dough.
• The dough should be stiff, which is the main factor behind crispy Papdis.
• Can use Ghee/Oil for the recipe. Both work equally well.
• Don’t roll it too thin. Roll it as you do it for Chapati, but slightly thicker.
• Prick all over the rolled dough with a fork. 
• Cut the rolled circles into small roundels with a cookie cutter or sharp edged bowl/Katori.
• Fry the Papdis on a low- medium flame until it turns into Golden Colour.
  

 

DATES

    Only when I started living in Malaysia, I noticed that large batches of Dates were sold during Ramadan Season. The relevance never realized before and the significance of Dates during Ramadan fasting was a new learning for me then. Since the fruit was discovered, which can be traced back to almost 5320 BC., it has been known for its healing properties. Since then, Dates have served as a staple for people in the Indus Valley, Middle East and North Africa.  Mainly cultivated in these regions & in tropical regions.

    Dates are highly beneficial due to the innate composition of macronutrients and many other healthy elements.  Dates are known for their high content of natural sugars. It’s interesting to notice that dried dates have a higher calorie content when compared to the fresh fruit. The calorie content of Dates is one of the most important fact that makes this Middle East fruit a world favourite.

    It is said that Prophet Muhammad broke fast with three Dates and water. And from thereon Dates has been associated with Ramadan(Ramzan). The fruit is mentioned more than 20 times in the Quran. Muslims around the world, follow a religious tradition of serving Dates (Tmar) at their Ramadan Iftar table.  With many making it a point to break their fast with Dates. Dates are not only associated with Ramadan, but preferred by many Muslims for Tahneek, the tradition of rubbing something sweet into the mouth of a newborn.

    Apart from the tradition and cultural significance, the fruit provide a quick boost of energy for the meal to come. From the day-long fasting, your body may get deprived of energy and dehydrated. Low blood sugar, headaches and lethargy can be common manifestation of the fasting. In such a scenario, dates are the perfect way to break the fast as it activates the body to take in the inflow of food, by helping to secrete digestive juices. Also, being rich in natural sugars, dates provide an instantaneous energy boost. Dates are full of carbohydrates and fiber. Fiber gives the body a fuller feeling and prevents it from feeling hungry. The high fiber also keeps the bowel movements regulated, despite the drastic change in meal patterns.

 

"DATES - THE FRUIT OF THE PARADISE"

Names of Dates in other Languages:

Tamil -Perichampazham

Malayalam - Eendhapazham

Kannada - Kharjoora / Eachalu

Telugu - Kharjoora / Kharjoora Pandu

Tulu - Karjoora

Hindi - Khajur

Marathi - Khajur / Kharik

Gujarati - Khajur

Bengali - Khejoor

Konkani - Khajjoor / Kaajjuru

Oriya - Khajura / Khajuri

Punjabi - Khajur

Assamese -Khezur

Sinhalese -Rata Indhi

Arabic - Tamur(Tmar)

Bahasa Melayu -  Kurma

 

 

DATES - NUTRITIONAL VALUE & USES

 

    Dates are the fruit of the date palm tree, which is grown in the Middle East, North Africa & in many tropical regions around the world.  Mostly Dates are sold in dried form.  It can be eaten fresh too. A wrinkled skin indicates they are dried, whereas a smooth skin indicates freshness.  Dates have an excellent nutrition profile.

    Dates can be eaten fresh or dried, but it is mostly sold & eaten in dried form.  Dried Dates have higher calorie content than a fresh fruit.  Most of the calories in Dates come from Carbohydrates & a very small amount of Protein. Dates retain lots of Vitamins and Minerals.  It is also rich in antioxidants which help protect cells from damage. Dates are a rich source of minerals like Iron, Calcium, Potassium, essential Amino Acids and vitamin A, B, C & D. It is a good source of dietary fiber too. 
Dates are highly rich in Micronutrients like Selenium, Manganese, Magnesium & Copper.

 

HEALTH BENEFITS OF DATES 

DATES

    Dates are rich in nutrients and hence are highly beneficial to health too. Dates have been used as a Food & as a Natural Medicine for years. 

 

Highly Nutritious:

    Dates are packed with essential Vitamins & Nutrients, which can be extremely helpful for our overall health.  Dates are also rich in Fiber & Carbohydrates which makes it one of the healthiest dry fruits.  High antioxidant content in Dates & with anti-mutagenic & anti-carcinogenic properties, it is believed to help prevent Cancer.

Rich in Vitamins:

    Dried or fresh dates are good source of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, C & D.  These essential Vitamins ensure optimum health to our body.  The need for these Vitamins can be easily met by including Dates in our daily diet.

Rich in Antioxidants:

Dates are known for its high concentration of anti-oxidants.

• Carotenoids: Carotenoids are known for their ability to significantly reduce the chances of macular degeneration which can be highly beneficial for a Healthy Heart.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also known for helping to reduce the effects of Diabetes.  Flavonoids are also beneficial to your brain and also helps to reduce the risk for brain degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.  Flavonoids can also help in reducing the risk towards certain types of Cancer too. 

• Phenolic Acid: Phenolic acid is  mainly known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed in reducing the risk of developing cardiac issues and can also help in reducing the risk towards certain types of Cancer too.
  

Treats Anemia:   

    Dates are an excellent source of Iron & Folic Acid. Folic Acid helps the body to absorb Iron and helps in increasing the Red Blood Cell count. Dates are very helpful in treating and preventing Anemia and is also believed to treat Sickle Cell disease.

Regulate Blood Sugar Levels:

    Dates help to reduce the amount of glucose in the blood, as well as sugar & protein in the urine. Alternatively, increasing the hemoglobin levels. Dates affect insulin activity of the body and balance blood sugar levels helping to reduce some diabetic symptoms. Dates are successful at reducing lipid and glucose levels.  It helps in regulating oxidative stress in diabetic patients, which means it lowers blood sugar and cholesterol & also improves protection against cell damage.

Lowers Cholesterol:   

    Dates are a good source of antioxidants which helps to reduce LDL(bad cholesterol level) and triggers the increase of HDL(good cholesterol). Increase in HDL protects our body from heart disease and atherosclerosis.  Try to incorporate Dates in your daily diet.

Aids Weight Loss:

    Dates can be effective in reducing and controlling weight gain. Vitamin B present in Dates help with smooth and efficient digestion and can assist the body when converting food into energy, rather than storing it as fat. Daily consumption of Dates enhances digestion, reduces fat and cleanses the intestine helping in reducing excess weight.

Treats Bacterial Infections:     

    Dates are known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, which helps combat infections caused by Salmonella, Rhizopus, E. coli & Pneumonia. Dates are helpful in preventing Microbial Infections.  Date Plant extract has also proven effective in reducing the side effects caused due to powerful medicines.  Dates have successful defensive capabilities against microbes.

Improves Brain Function:

    Consuming Dates helps reduce issues related to anxiety disorder and also helps in boosting memory.  It is also effective in preventing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's & also helps in the overall improvement of your brain function.  

Preventing & Treating Cancer:

    Presence of beta D-glucan in Dates has proven to be advantageous in promoting an antitumor activity within the body.  High concentration of antioxidants in Dates helps in reducing the activities of free radicals and thereby reduces the risk of Cancer and can significantly help in the reduction of occurrence of benign tumours too.

Help fight against Diabetics:

    Dates have the ability to increase the production of Insulin  & also help reduce the rate of absorption of Glucose from the intestine.  This helps to reduce Blood Glucose Level, which has proven to be beneficial for people suffering from Diabetics.

Promotes Bone Health:

     Dates are highly rich in Micronutrients like Selenium, Manganese, Magnesium & Copper.  Regular consumption of Dates meets the need for these micro-nutrients & also ensures a good bone health.  It has also proven beneficial in treating bone conditions such as Osteoporosis. 

Strengthens the Nervous System:

    Dates are rich in nutrients like Potassium, and it has very low levels of Sodium, which makes it good for Neurological health.  Potassium in Dates makes communication between the nerve cell easier.  Low Sodium contents proves to be beneficial in lowering Hypertension.

Good Skin:

    Dates have high concentration of vitamin C & vitamin D which ensures a healthy skin.  It helps to keep skin well nourished and improves the elasticity of the skin. It also helps in maintaining a heathy balance of Melanin in skin.  Vitamin C & D also helps get rid of wrinkles and also helps you to get a healthy glowing skin.

Prevents Hair Loss:

    Dates are a good source of Iron, which makes it beneficial for your hair.  Rich Iron content in Dates ensures that the blood flow remains strong.  The increased flow of oxygen facilitates the growth of new hair, reduces the rate of hair fall and also keeps the scalp nourished.

Healthy Bowel Movements:

    High fibre content in Dates has proven beneficial for people suffering from irregular bowel movements.  Regular consumption of Dates also helps in reducing the Ammonia content in stools which alternatively helps in maintaining an overall health.

Eye Health:  

    Dates serve as a good source of vitamin A and with its Antioxidant properties. Dates help to improve eyesight helps to impart strength and rejuvenation to the eyes. It also curtails the development of Cataract. Dates may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction. 

Prevents Night Blindness:

    Dates are rich in vitamin A and regular consumption of Dates can ensure you with a healthy Eye & also can help you do not get affected by Night Blindness.  Dates are used as one effective home remedy for Night Blindness from time immemorial. And it is also recommended to heal problems that occur due to lack of vitamin A.

 

HOW TO SELECT DATES

    Most Dates are left to hang on the trees to “cure” and dry a little before being harvested, so they’ll last longer once picked. These are the “fresh dates” available at many grocery stores, and they are also absolutely delicious.

Here are a few tips on how to select & how to store Dates to make them last as long as possible.

• Fresh dates can be wrinkled, but they shouldn’t feel hard. 
• Look for fresh dates that are fleshy looking and have a slightly glossy appearance to their skin. 
• Avoid dates that have crystallized sugar on their skins, which means that they are not fresh.

HOW TO STORE DATES

    Although Dates are considered dry fruits, the ideal flavour is optimal when they have moisture and are stored properly. Dates can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or frozen indefinitely.  The best approach for handling dates, especially if large quantities are purchased, is to freeze them. 

• Dates taste best when they are able to retain their moisture, so storing them properly is critical. If you plan to eat your dates within a week, store them in an airtight container in your pantry. 
  

• Refrigerating is the next best thing to keep them fresh for up to 30 days. Keep in mind that after 30 days the dates do not go bad, they just do not taste as mouthwatering as they do fresh.

• Dates may be frozen in the container they were purchased in, and keep indefinitely.  Take them out a few hours before you are ready to consume to allow for thawing. When frozen and thawed out, none of the flavour is lost and the moisture stays intact.

    

HOW TO USE DATES

     Dates are most flavourful & they taste the best when moist. They can be enjoyed just as they are or sliced into cereals, salads and served with any meal, any time of day.

• Eat Dates as such.  Works perfect for an indulgent snack. 
• Stoned Dates can be stuffed with nuts like Almonds, Pecan, Walnut, Pistachios etc., or can stuff them with candied items, like oranges or ginger.
• Convert it into Juice/Smoothies/Milkshakes.
• Can make tasty Chutneys & Sauces with Dates.
  
• Make tasty Puddings, Panacotta, Parfaits or Ice creams.
• Convert Dates into Energy Balls or Bars with Dates & Nuts.
• Can make a wonderful Indian Sweet Khajoor Katri with Dates & Nuts.
  
• Use Dates in Cakes, Scones, Cookies, Doughnuts, Bread etc.,
• Dates can be added into Fruit Salad.
  
• Chocolate dipped Dates make a wonderful snack.
• Add Dates into your Oatmeal Porridge for a tasty breakfast.
• Can make Dates Syrup. It can serve as a good alternative for Sugar.
• Dates can be added while making Tea, it serves as a natural Sweetener.
• Dates are usually served along with Arabian Qahwa Coffee.
  
• Convert Dates into an indulgent Wine.
  
• Dates can be added into Salads to add a sweet note to it.
• Add Dates along with Lemon to make a Sweet & Sour Pickle.
• Dates serve as one main ingredient in Panchamirtham a popular Prasadham serve in Palani Lord Muruga Temple
  

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DISCLAIMER:

 

 

SPICED APPLE TEA

    Coffee is my Poison of Choice & I am ultimately biased with it.  But when it comes to tea & when an occasion offer, I get easy with tea. Sulaimani Chai, Jasmine Tea, Chinese Tea & Apple Tea are a few to name.  It's only a few times I have tasted an Apple tea, and it was in the form of a ready to use tea bag kind.  As I had liked the taste of it, tried to make my own version with fresh ingredients & I liked the all soothing flavour of Apples & the warming effects of Spices in the drink.

    Spiced Apple Tea is one good drink which can serve you best for all the season, make it cold during the warmer months, and it can be made into a warm and comforting drink during colder months.  Something extremely simple, yet soothing with a note of Cinnamon & Star Anise.  Spiced Apple Tea is sweet, spicy & has a rich taste and aroma all filled in a warm cup or in cold glass.  The choice is yours.

    It’s sweet and spicy and a great way to quench your thirst.  With the upcoming Summer & Ramadan fasting, this one drink can best serve to be a start-up Iftar drink. Best of all, you need just a handful of ingredients to make it yourself.  This deliciously simple Spiced Apple Tea can be brewed with a handful of ingredients.  All you would need for a Spiced Apple Tea are - 

• Apple Juice, some recipes even call for Apple Cider Vinegar.  But I have used home-made Apple Juice. 
• Then  you would need a Tea Bag or Tea leaves.  Use your preferred Tea for this drink. I have used black Tea leaves in this recipe just a pinch of it for each glass of cold Spiced Apple Tea.
  
• And when it comes to Spices, what you would need are a few Cinnamon Sticks & a few Star Anise.  Can add Cloves, Allspice too.
• When it comes to Sweeteners, I have added honey in this recipe.  Can use White Sugar, Palm Sugar or Brown Sugar too. 
• Spiced Apple Tea is usually served with Apple Slices.  Can also add a few Mint Leaves for an added flavour.
• Some recipes even call for serving this Tea with a hint of Ginger or Lemon/Orange Juice in it.
  

    First the Apple Juice is simmered along with Cinnamon & Star anise in water until fragrant.  Once it boils you can drop in the tea leaves or the tea bags & left to steep. Add any sweetener of your choice & serve this Spiced Apple Tea with a few freshly sliced Apples & a Cinnamon Stick.  Serve Spiced Apple Tea hot or cold.  When serving it chilled, top it with a few ice cubes.

    You can always get easy with a store-bought Apple Tea, but with all the added flavours, I feel home-made Spiced Apple Tea is quite a justified version with all fresh ingredients. The taste is warm and inviting, with hints of sweet/tart apples and spices.  The smooth, mild taste of tea serves as a perfect blend with other robust flavours in this drink.

 

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Cuisine - Around the World
Recipe Type - Beverage
Difficulty - Easy
Author - SM   


Preparation Time - 5 Minutes
Cooking  Time - 8 - 10 Minutes
Brewing Time - 5 Minutes
 

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 HOW TO MAKE SPICED APPLE TEA - HOT/COLD

SPICED APPLE TEA

 

INGREDIENTS:

For Spiced Apple Tea:

Water - 2 Cups
Apple Juice - 1/2 Cup
Cinnamon - 2 Sticks
Star Anise - 1 Flower
Tea  - 2 Bags/  Tea Leaves - 2 Pinches 
Honey - To Taste

 

For Garnishing:

Apple Slices - a few
Cinnamon - a few Sticks

METHOD:

For Spiced Apple Tea:

• Boil 2 Cups of Water along with Cinnamon Sticks & a Star anise in a small sauce pan. 
• Stir in the Apple Juice.
• Leave this on a low flame for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through & fragrant.
• Now, switch off the flame & add Tea Leaves or Tea bags into it.
• Allow it to steep through. 
• Strain the Spiced Apple Tea & keep it aside.

For Serving:

Hot Spiced Apple Tea:

• Place a few freshly sliced Apples in a serving Mug.
• Add a Teaspoon of Honey.
• Pour in the Spiced Apple Tea into the Mug.
• Stir well & serve Spiced Apple Tea hot with a Cinnamon Stick.
  

Cold Spiced Apple Tea:

SPICED APPLE TEA

• Chill the serving glass in  the freezer for about 15-20 Minutes.
• Can mix this drink in a Boston shaker.
• Add a few Ice Cubes into the Boston Shaker. 
• Add a Teaspoon of Honey.
• Shake it well until well combined. 
• Alternatively, can simply mix it up in the serving glass.
  
• Place a few freshly sliced Apples into the glass.
• Pour in the Spiced Apple Tea into the chilled glass.
  
• Place a Cinnamon Stick into the glass.
• Top it up with a few more Ice Cubes & serve Spiced Apple Tea chilled.

 

NOTES: