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Here’s an easy Pakistani and Indian-style Seviyan (Sheer Khurma) recipe that takes around 20 minutes to make. This is a creamy and flavorful vermicelli pudding recipe that couldn’t be easier or more delicious. Perfect on its own or with extras like dried dates, raisins, or nutsTested to perfection!

Seviyan or Sheer Khurma (vermicelli pudding) is a widespread Eid-ul-Fitr tradition for South Asians.

What made her Sheer Khurma special was its less-seviyan, more-milky consistency. Sana generously shared her ratios with me, which I’ve used as inspiration to develop this recipe.

WHAT ARE SEVIYAN?

The word ‘seviyan‘ itself refers to the South Asian-style vermicelli pasta used to make all types of desserts. Seviyan can be prepared dry (Sukhi Seviyan) or with milk (Doodh Seviyan/Seviyan Kheer or Sheer Khurma). In context, when I say Seviyan, I mean a milk-based toasted vermicelli pudding.

Seviyan
Seviyan

WHAT IS SHEER KHURMA?

Sheer Khurma is a milk-based toasted vermicelli pudding often made with dried dates, nuts, and other flavorings.

In Farsi (Persian), ‘sheer‘ means milk and ‘khurma‘ means dates. Given the name and luxurious additions, it’s no surprise that Sheer Khurma has Persian roots, and has evolved into the vermicelli version as we know it.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHEER KHURMA AND SEVIYAN

The main difference is that Sheer Khurma is generally more elaborate in its use of luxuries like dates and nuts, while Seviyan is simpler in its method and ingredients. That said, the interpretation of these dishes varies from household to household.

NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS OF SEVIYAN

Seviyan
seviyan
  • Pakistani or Indian vermicelli (Seviyan) – To make this recipe, you need South Asian vermicelli used specifically for making Seviyan/Sheer Khurma. It’s finer than other vermicelli pastas. A few brands I’m familiar with are Ahmed Foods, National, and Shan. They’re often labeled as ‘Roasted Vermicelli’, but we’ll be toasting them anyway. (See note below on how to use gluten-free rice vermicelli.)
  • Whole milk – I didn’t get a chance to test dairy-free options, but I think coconut milk would play well with the flavors.
  • Heavy whipping cream – Heavy whipping cream, or Double Cream for those in the UK, is the magic ingredient that makes it possible to make a quick Sheer Khurma. Without cream, you’d have to spend time reducing down the milk to give it some depth. I’ve given the quantity of 1 1/4 cup, but you can play with this to see what your ideal creamy ratio is. Try 1 cup if you want it lighter (or don’t want to use more than an 8 oz box of heavy whipping cream), or up to 1 1/2 cup if you’d like it even richer.
  • Blanched, slivered almonds – I buy these pre-made, but can do this yourself:
    • Place raw almonds in a bowl with water and microwave them for 1 minute. Drain and rinse, then peel the skin and slice into slivers.
  • Rose water or Kewra water – Both are diluted extracts that add a beautiful aroma to the finished dish. Each brand varies in strength, so adjust to taste.
  • Butter, ghee, or oil – I’ve used just enough to coat the seviyan while toasting it. If using ghee, note that it may rise to the top of the Sheer Khurma.
  • Green cardamom pods – I prefer not to bite into cardamom seeds in my seviyan, which is why I’ve used a good amount of the pods to give it flavor and scent. I break a few open to extract the flavor.
  • Sugar or sweetener of choice – The amount of sugar I’ve added is the amount you’ll need if you use 1 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream. If you use an extra 1/4 cup, increase sugar to taste.

HOW TO MAKE SEVIYAN (SHEER KHURMA)

  • 1. Boil milk – First, heat milk and heavy whipping cream in a nonstick saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. (Don’t worry – the milk will not stick as long as you’re using a nonstick pan.)
  • 2. Toast Seviyan – Next, toast the vermicelli along with the cardamom pods for about 5 minutes. The color should change significantly, without burning it of course.
Seviyan
Seviyan

3. Combine – Add the toasted vermicelli to the simmering milk along with the sugar and any optional add-ins.

  • 4. Boil together – Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly for 5-6 minutes, until it starts to thicken. You’re simultaneously cooking the seviyan while reducing down the milk. The important thing here is to stop boiling when it’s runnier than you prefer. Once you turn off the heat, some vermicelli will rise to the top and stay there.
  • 5. Garnish – Lastly, garnish with nuts and rose or kewra water.
Seviyan
Seviyan

HOW TO ADD DRIED DATES TO SHEER KHURMA

I experimented with adding dried dates (chuware) and was pleasantly surprised to find I actually enjoyed them. They impart a sweet, nuanced flavor to Sheer Khurma. If you’d like to add them, here’s what you’ll do:

  1. Soak 6-7 (~35-40 grams) dried dates in water overnight.
  2. Drain, pit, and chop them to your desired size. (It’ll come to about 1/3 cup)
  3. In a medium skillet, heat ghee or butter over medium heat. Toast, stirring often, for 7-8 minutes, until crisp.
  4. Add them to the milk once it begins to boil or along with the seviyan and other add-ins.

TIPS AND NOTES ON SEVIYAN

  • The tip worth reiterating – To keep its runny texture, stop boiling when it’s runnier than you prefer. It’ll get much thicker when it cools. If you prefer less milk/more seviyan or if you’re serving it warm, then feel free to reduce it down more.
  • The more it reduces down, the sweeter it gets. I suggest waiting until you’re finished boiling to adjust sweetness.
  • You can always add more cold milk to cold seviyan, hot milk to hot seviyan, sugar, etc. to ‘fix’ the consistency or sweetness.
  • If you’d like, you can toast the slivered almonds with a bit of butter on medium heat for about 3 minutes before beginning the recipe. I love adding toasted almonds along with the optional add-ins.
  • aLSO trt our more dessert recipes like Gajar ka Halwa ,INSTANT POT KHEER,

SEVIYAN

SEVIYAN

Here’s an easy Pakistani and Indian-style Seviyan (Sheer Khurma) recipe that takes around 20 minutes to make. This is a creamy and flavorful vermicelli pudding recipe that couldn’t be easier or more delicious. Perfect on its own or with extras like dried dates, raisins, or nutsTested to perfection!
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Pakistani
Servings 6 People
Calories 496 kcal

Equipment

  • Nonstick Sauce pan

Ingredients
  

  • 1 L whole milk
  • 11/4 cup  heavy whipping cream , increase up to 1 ½ cup for richer sheer khurma
  • 2 tbsp butter, ghee, or oil
  • 12  green cardamom pods, some slightly cracked open
  • 50 g  Pakistani or Indian vermicelli (seviyan), roughly broken up into small pieces (See Note 1)
  •  optional add-ins like toasted dried dates (chuware), toasted chopped nuts, etc., (See Note 2)
  • ¼ cup  cane sugar or sweetener of choice, plus more to taste (See Note 3)
  • 1 tbsp blanched, slivered almonds, or more to taste
  • 1 tsp rose water or kewra water, depending on strength

Instructions
 

  • (Optional) If using dried dates or other optional add-ins, prepare them first. (See Note 2)
  • In a medium nonstick Dutch oven or large nonstick saucepan, bring milk and heavy whipping cream to a boil. (Cover to encourage faster boiling.) Reduce to a simmer (medium heat on my stove) and stir occasionally so the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom. Proceed to next step, being careful not to let the milk boil over.
  • Meanwhile, heat a medium to large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Melt butter/ghee or heat oil and add the cardamom and vermicelli. Toast, stirring often, for 5-6 minutes, until the vermicelli deepens in color and becomes aromatic. Turn off the heat.
  • Add the toasted vermicelli, optional add-ins, and sugar to the simmering milk.
  • Raise the heat to high to bring to a boil. Cook, stirring constantly, for 5-6 minutes. As soon as it starts to thicken, remove from heat. (It should be runnier than you prefer since it thickens greatly as it cools.) Once it settles down, the surface should still be largely milky with some vermicelli resting on top.
  • Add the slivered almonds and rose/kewra water and stir. Serve hot or chilled (my preferred way). Garnish with additional nuts, if desired.

Video

Notes

Note 1: 50g is 1/3 of a standard 150g packet of vermicelli (seviyan).  
 
Note 2: See post for how to add dried dates (chuware) and other add-ins.
 
Note 3: Sugar quantity is for 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream. If using more heavy whipping cream, increase sugar to taste. You also may need to add more sugar if not using dried dates.
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This post will teach you how to make authentic Punjabi-style Sarson Ka Saag (Mustard Greens & Spinach Curry) at home. This recipe includes Instant Pot and stovetop cooking instructions, plus substitutions if you can’t find mustard greens. Ready in under 1-hour, it’s a terrific vegetarian curry. Tested to perfection!

Imagine having to stop yourself from eating 1.5 pounds of greens. That’s Saag. You’d think it’d be bitter or even an acquired taste. But really, all you need is a bite and it just hits differently. Scoop it up with Makai ki Roti (cornmeal flatbread) on a chilly evening and you’ll know why it’s Punjab’s iconic meal

WHAT IS SAAG, PARTICULARLY SARSON KA SAAG?

The word Saag simply means vegetable greens. In context, Saag is used to describe stewed or puréed greens. Any type of greens can be used in Saag, but mustard greens (called Sarson) are the most common in Pakistan and India.

In Punjabi cuisine, Sarson Ka Saag (or Sarson Da Saag) is often paired with flaky cornmeal flatbread (makai ki roti).

I learned how to make saag from my mother-in-law. She was visiting when I saw mustard greens at a farmer’s market, and I knew my collection of Punjabi recipes was to get a welcome addition.Also try our EASY AND SPICY SHAMI KABAB

NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS OF SARSON KA SAAG

This Saag recipe requires just 11 ingredients, 12 if you must count salt

Sarson-Ka-Saag
Sarson-Ka-Saag
  • Mustard Greens – The star ingredient here. You can use fresh bunches, pre-packaged, or even frozen. Scroll below to learn more about mustard greens, where you can find them, and what other greens you can use in place of them.
  • Spinach – Spinach is almost always used in Sarson Ka Saag and helps offset the bitterness of mustard greens.
  • Green Chili Peppers – Because Saag is made without many spices, a good amount of green chili peppers are used to give heat and flavor. You can use Serrano or Thai chili peppers.
  • Garlic – My mom-in-law doesn’t include garlic, but I found most traditional recipes use it. Plus, I tested & preferred it with the garlic.
  • Turmeric Powder – The only spice you’ll need. Like Baingan Bharta, Saag doesn’t need many spices, and gets its complexity from the method of preparation and a good dose of tadka (tempering).
  • Yellow corn flour – Used to thicken the saag. Corn flour is finer than cornmeal, but you can also use cornmeal if it’s finely ground. I found coarse, stone ground cornmeal to be gritty in Saag. Chickpea/gram flour (besan) is a perfectly good substitute, and I’ve even used masa harina with good results.
  • Dried Fenugreek Leaves (Methi) – I use dried methi but fresh would be a great, albeit hard to find, substitute. (Use leftover methi in Mixed Vegetable Curry or Butter Chicken!)
  • Oil & Ghee/Butter – I love blending oil and ghee or butter for the tadka but you can easily make it vegan by omitting it.
  • Ginger – A good dose of ginger adds a beautiful flavor without overpowering the Saag. Instead of crushing the ginger, finely chop or mince it so it doesn’t clump up in the tadka.
SARSON KA SAAG

SARSON KA SAAG

Here’s a quick & easy Sarson Ka Saag (Mustard Greens & Spinach Curry) recipe made in the authentic Punjabi style. This recipe includes Instant Pot and Stovetop instructions plus substitutions if you can’t find mustard greens. Naturally vegetarian and vegan optional. Tested to perfection!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine Punjabi
Servings 4 People
Calories 237 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup (2 cups for Stovetop) water for Instant Pot
  • 2  bunches (~1 lb after stemming or 454g/16 oz packaged ) mustard greens*, washed, hard stems removed, and roughly chopped
  • 1 bunch (~1/2 lb after stemming) spinach , washed, hard stems removed, and roughly chopped
  • 4 small (~4-5 g) green chili peppers, stemmed and roughly chopped
  • 5  garlic cloves, leave whole – will be crushed later
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • 11/2 tsp heaped kosher salt
  • ¼ cup yellow corn flour or fine ground cornmeal, or sub chickpea flour (besan) or masa harina
  • 11/2 tbsp  dried fenugreek leaves (methi)

Tadka (Tempering)

  • ¼ cup neutral oil
  • 3 tbsp ghee or butter, or sub more oil
  • 1  small (~150-190 g) onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp  ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
  •  butter, optional, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Add water to Instant Pot, followed by the mustard greens, spinach, green chili peppers, garlic, turmeric, and salt. No need to mix. Secure the lid, seal the vent, and pressure-cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes. Allow pressure to naturally release for at least 5 minutes, and then manually release remaining pressure. Press Cancel to turn off the Instant Pot.
  • Open the lid and stir the saag, crushing garlic cloves as you mix. Use an immersion blender or food processor to blend into a rough purée. If you see any tough stems, remove them.
  • Select Sauté and set the temperature to High. Add corn flour and cook for 3-5 minutes to remove the floury taste. Add the dried fenugreek leaves (methi) and stir to mix.
  • Add ½ cup water and stir until the water absorbs in the Saag. Taste and add salt, if needed. If it thickens too much, add another ¼ cup of water to thin it out. Select Cancel to turn off the Instant Pot.**
  • Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, ghee, and onion. Sauté until the onions are deep golden (~6-8 min). Add ginger and sauté for another minute. Stir this tadka into the saag and mix to combine. Garnish with cilantro and give it a stir. Serve with makai (corn) or regular roti, corn tortilla, naan, or other bread. Top with a pat of butter, if desired.

Stovetop

  • Heat a (preferably nonstick) 5 qt Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the mustard greens, spinach, green chili peppers, garlic, turmeric, and salt along with 2 cups of water. No need to mix. Cover and allow to simmer for 1 hour.
  • Turn off the heat. Uncover and stir the saag, crushing garlic cloves as you mix. Use an immersion blender or food processor to blend into a rough purée. If you see any tough stems, remove them.
  • Turn the heat back on to medium-high. Add corn flour and cook for 3-5 minutes to remove the floury taste. Add the dried fenugreek leaves (methi) and stir to mix. Taste and add salt, if needed.
  • Reduce the heat to low-medium, add ½ cup water, and proceed to tadka. Stir occasionally. If needed, add another ¼ cup of water to thin it out.
  • Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, ghee, and onion. Sauté until the onions are deep golden (~6-8 min). Add ginger and sauté for another minute. Stir this tadka into the saag and mix to combine. Garnish with cilantro and give it a stir. Serve with makai (corn) or regular roti, corn tortilla, naan, or other bread. Top with a pat of butter, if desired.

Video

Notes

*See post for mustard greens substitutions.
**If you’d like, you can turn the Instant Pot on Saute – Less while the onions are browning so the saag stays hot. Any bits on the bottom of the Instant Pot will be deglazed when the tadka is added.
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Sooji ka Halwa is a Pakistani and Indian dessert made with semolina. This is a simple, classic recipe for a categorically easy dessert. All you need are 5 essential ingredients and 20 minutes! Tested to perfection!

Sooji ka Halwa-
Sooji ka Halwa-

TOP 5 TIPS TO MAKE SOOJI KA HALWA

Sooji ka halwa is considered the one of the easiest of all Indian & Pakistani desserts. But when I first started cooking, I had no idea how to transform the packet of coarse, ivory-colored flour into the miraculous, tender mass of beads that is Sooji Ka Halwa.

In fact, back then it took me a couple (okay, several) tries to perfect this recipe.

I’ll go on to embarrass myself by pretty much giving away the many ways in which I messed it up:

  1. Embrace stirring. Seriously, you’re going to be stirring constantly.
  2. Thoroughly roast the semolina over low-ish heat until you no longer have to question whether it’s roasted.
  3. This will demand patience. And stirring.
  4. Boil the sugar and water mixture separately instead of throwing it in with the browned semolina. (Those old-school methods had some deep logic steeped into them.)
  5. Do not skimp on the butter or ghee. Not only are they natural fats approved by ancients,
  6. but this recipe’s amount is actually on the lower end. 😇
  7. For traditional texture, use fine, not coarse, semolina.

WHAT IS SOOJI KA HALWA?

Halwa, which comes from the Arabic root “helw”, means “sweet”, is said to be Persian in origin.

Though most people associate halwa with the Middle Eastern confectionery, halwa in the South Asian context is essentially the transformation of an ingredient into a dessert.

Halwa can be made with everything from carrots, to nuts, or even dal. Sooji halwa is halwa made from semolina, or flour made from ground Durum Wheat.

sooji ka halwa
sooji ka halwa

2 TYPES OF SOOJI HALWA

Though the basic method for making Sooji ka Halwa is the same, there are two prominent versions of it.

  • Regular Sooji Halwa: This simple, homemade version is the one I’m sharing. It’s made with all kinds of variations and add-ons such as nuts and raisins. Unlike restaurant halwa, this one is naturally wheat colored and usually served for dessert.
  • SoojiHalwa for Halwa Puri: This restaurant-style halwa is served for brunch. It’s eaten alongside a spicy Chana Masala and a tangy potato curry with pooris or parathas. In comparison to the homemade version, the restaurant version is:
    • Roasted for a shorter time, so it doesn’t have the deep, wheat-color.
    • More liquidy.
    • Usually orange-colored due to food coloring, which is added to the sugar syrup.
    • More oily, as are most restaurant versions of traditional foods.
    • Also try our Gajar ka Halwa
SOOJI KA HALWA

SOOJI KA HALWA

Sooji (or Suji) ka Halwa is a Pakistani and Indian dessert made with semolina. This is a simple, classic recipe for a categorically easy dessert. All you need are 5 essential ingredients and 20 minutes! Tested to perfection!
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Pakistani
Servings 4 People
Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sauce Pan

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter or ghee, See Note 1
  • 1 cup  fine semolina, sooji
  • 21/2 cups  fine semolina, sooji
  • ¾ cup raw cane sugar or turbinado (demerara) sugar, See Note 3
  • 5 cardamom pods, slightly cracked open
  • ½ tsp rose water
  • pinch saffron strands, lightly crushed between your fingers, optional
  • 2 tbsp slivered almonds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter or ghee and once it melts, immediately add the semolina (sooji).
  • Cook the semolina, stirring frequently, until it roasts evenly and turns deep golden in color (~12-14 min). Depending on your stovetop, you may need to raise the heat to help it come to the roasting point. Then lower the heat if needed. Meanwhile, start with the sugar syrup.
  • In a small to medium saucepan, bring the water, sugar, and cardamom pods to a simmer. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat. Add the rose water and saffron, if using.
  • Add the sugar syrup carefully into the browned semolina. Continue to stir for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the butter starts to separate from the semolina. Sometimes I like to add a tablespoon of ghee at this point to give it a nice finish.
  • Garnish with slivered almonds. Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature. If you're not serving immediately, store in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

Video

Notes

Note 1: Ghee is the traditional choice, but high-quality butter is great in halwa. To make it vegan, use oil in place of ghee/butter.
Note 2: The amount of water will determine the texture. If you want it to be more grainy to be eaten alone, you can use as little as 2 cups of water. If you want softer and thicker halwa like the one used for ‘halwa poori’, use up to 3 cups of water. 2.5 cups is a happy medium.
Note 3: Keep in mind the sweetness level will vary depending on the sugar you use.
Sweeteners: You can also use plain, granulated sugar or even light brown sugar.
If you want it sweeter, you can always add 1-2 tbsp after adding the sugar syrup to the sooji.
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Here’s a classic Kachumber Salad recipe you can make in 5 minutes with whatever crunchy vegetables you have on hand. This recipe shares fun variations, add-ins, and pairing suggestions!

Salads don’t exist in traditional Pakistani and North Indian cuisine. At least not in the way we know them here.

Yet growing up, something we called a salad (often pronounced sa-laad) would be present at many meals. This salad was really just a plate of sliced veggies, namely onions, cucumbers, and carrots. Also try our TURKISH COFFEE.

Kachumber-Salad
Kachumber-Salad

Taken up a notch, said veggies would be diced up and and tossed with a snazzy ‘dressing’ of salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Now you’ve got one of the only salads in South Asian cuisine with a proper name – Kachumber Salad. 

KACHUMBER SALAD

The word “kachumber”, which we pronounce ka-choo-mer, means “mince”. So Kachumber salad is a mix of minced veggies. Though an ordinary salad in and of itself, it lends freshness, vibrance, and texture to otherwise warming and hearty South Asian fare.

Depending on the region, there are many variations of Kachumber salad, and there is no wrong way to make it.

WHAT TO SERVE THIS KACHUMBER SALAD WITH

Although you could serve Kachumber with most main dishes, it goes exceptionally well with:

Fish and seafood recipes.
Kababs.
Soupy curries like Chicken Curry.
Rice dishes like Pulao.
All dals, especially soupy ones
Crunchy snacks

KACHUMBER SALAD

KACHUMBER SALAD

Here’s a classic Kachumber Salad recipe you can make in 5 minutes with whatever crunchy vegetables you have on hand. This recipe shares fun variations, add-ins, and pairing suggestions!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Daily
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 11 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1  medium (~130 g) Roma or vine tomato, diced into ¼ inch cubes or smaller
  • ½ g regular cucumber or 1/3 English cucumber or 1 mini (Persian) cucumber, peeled (see Note 1) and diced into ¼ inch cubes or smaller (roughly the same size as the tomato)
  • ½  medium (~60 g) red onion, diced into ~¼ inch cubes or smaller
  • 2 tbsp  cilantro leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp  fresh lemon or lime juice
  • ¼ tsp  fine sea salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients in a small serving bowl and toss to combine. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
  • Serve immediately or allow the flavors to meld and juices to release before serving, about 10 minutes. Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Video

Notes

Note 1: Peeling the cucumber reduces any chance of bitterness. If your cucumber is mild, feel free to leave peel on if you enjoy the extra crunch.
 
Note 2: I’m pretty lackadaisical about this but for presentation purposes, try to chop the vegetables around the same size.

Variations and Add-ins

Here are some common or interesting variations and add-ins:
 
 
  • Add heat with 1/8 tsp red chili powder or cayenne, or a finely chopped, deseeded green chili pepper.
  • Make it seasonal with crunchy vegetables like a carrots (my favorite!) or radishes in the winter or corn or bell peppers in the summer.
    • For a sweet element, add pomegranate seeds, diced mango, or golden raisins.
    • To enhance texture and warmth, sprinkle roasted cumin powder, chili flakes, or other spices.
    • For a layer of deep flavor, add a minced garlic clove.
    See post for ingredient substitutions!
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No toasting or grinding spices, no stuffing chili peppers, and no hard to find ingredients. This easy, fuss-free Pakistani & North Indian-style Achari Chicken recipe requires one pot and takes less than 50 minutes to make.

Achari-Chicken
Achari-Chicken

WHAT IS ACHARI CHICKEN?

Achari Chicken is a chicken curry made with ingredients used to make achaar, or South Asian pickle. So while the chicken itself isn’t pickled, it’s livened up with a zesty, tangy, ‘pickled’ flavor.

Ingredients that make Achari Chicken curry different from a regular chicken curry are:

  • Seeds or whole spices used to make achar.
  • Whole green chili peppers, sometimes stuffed with achari spices.
  • Yogurt, which gives it a richer, tangy base.

Method of Pakistani Achari Chicken

In terms of method, it cooks like PAKISTANI CHICKEN KARAHI in that the curry is cooked down with an extra dose of tomatoes.

ACHARI CHICKEN
ACHARI CHICKEN

NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS FOR ACHARI CHICKEN

In addition to foundational curry ingredients, Achari Chicken requires a few extra ingredients. Here are some notes on them:

Achari-Chicken-Ingredients
Achari-Chicken-Ingredients
  • Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana) – Fenugreek seeds are an essential ingredient for Achari Chicken. Though they give a punchy flavor, they can be quite bitter, so feel free to reduce the amount if you find it too strong.
  • Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) – Nigella Sativa, not to be confused with onion seeds, are another essential ingredient.
  • I’ve kept them minimal because they can taste quite strong. If you want them more visible throughout the curry, feel free to increase these by another 1/4 teaspoon. (More recipes that use Nigella Seeds: Haleem and Gluten-free Naan.)
  • Fennel Seeds (Saunf) – The mild, sweeter flavor of fennel seeds helps offset some of the bitter flavors of the fenugreek and nigella.
  • Chicken pieces: Like Karahi, Achari Chicken is made with a whole chicken that’s cut up into small to medium pieces, also called karahi cut (~18 pieces). I prefer it with bone-in chicken, but I’ve shared how to make this curry using boneless chicken below.
  • Green Chili Peppers: Large, mild green chili peppers are sometimes stuffed with achari masala (or a blend of achari spices + lemon) and added to Achari Chicken.
  • To keep things simple, I’ve added a few unstuffed whole chili peppers (such as Serrano or Thai chilis) toward the end of cooking.
    • Achari-Chicken
  • Yogurt – Use plain, whole milk (full-fat) yogurt. Yogurt substitutes: I haven’t tried these myself, but coconut milk/cream, dairy-free yogurt, or cashew paste would all work here.
  • Oil – You can use any neutral oil, and even a bit of mustard oil if you’d like.
    • Mustard Oil – Mustard oil, a pungent oil made from mustard seeds, is often used to make Achari Chicken. My father-in-law once told me that when he was a child, his mom used mustard oil to make curries. Here in the U.S., it’s banned for consumption due to high levels of erucic acid (Source). Though I haven’t tried it myself yet, if you’re comfortable using it, a small amount would be perfect here.
ACHARI CHICKEN

ACHARI CHICKEN

No toasting or grinding spices, no stuffing chili peppers, and no hard to find ingredients. This easy, fuss-free Pakistani & North Indian-style Achari Chicken recipe requires one pot and takes less than 50 minutes to make.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine Pakistani
Servings 6 People
Calories 329 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Karahi

Ingredients
  

  • cup neutral oil
  • 2 tsp fenugreek seeds, methi dana
  • 2 tsp  fennel seeds, saunf
  • 1 tsp nigella seeds, kalonji
  • 1 tsp  cumin seeds, zeera
  • 1 medium to large (~250-270 g) onion, finely chopped
  • 8  garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 inch ginger, crushed
  • 2 lb   bone-in cut up, skinless chicken pieces , (preferably cut small – See Note 1)
  • 2 tsp  kosher salt, divided
  • 3  small (~270-290 g) tomatoes (I use Roma), finely chopped
  • 2  green chili peppers , such as Serrano or Thai chili, chopped or sliced
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp  red chili powder, or to taste
  • ¾ tsp turmeric powder
  • ¼ cup  plain, whole milk yogurt (See Note 2), whisked
  • 4  whole green chili peppers, such as Serrano or Thai chili

Garnish

  • 2 tsp  freshly squeezed lemon juice, or to taste
  • 2 tbsp  cilantro, chopped
  • ½ tbsp  julienned ginger, optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, heat the oil and add the fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, nigella seeds, and cumin seeds. The seeds will begin to sizzle. Immediately add the onions and sauté until they are lightly golden (~10-12 min). If needed, deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp of water. Once the water dries up, add the garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute, until aromatic.
  • Add the chicken and 1/2 tsp salt and sauté for 5 minutes, until it changes color. Add the tomatoes, green chili pepper, coriander powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and remaining salt (1 ½ tsp). Continue to sauté until the tomatoes soften (~2-3 min). Add 1/3 cup water (the water should cover about 1/3 of the chicken) and bring to a boil.
  • Lower the heat to a simmer (low-medium), cover, and allow the chicken to cook for 20-25 minutes (depending on size), stirring once in between.
  • Uncover and raise the heat to high. Sauté for 4-5 minutes to reduce excess liquid. You will notice the chicken taking on a glossy appearance as the oil starts to separate, but it’ll still have plenty of curry.
  • Lower the heat to low-medium and stir in the whisked yogurt. Add the whole green chili peppers. Gently sauté for 2-3 minutes until well incorporated and you can see the oil separated from the curry. Taste and adjust salt, if needed. (I usually need another 1/8 tsp.)
  • Turn off the heat. Add lemon juice and stir to mix. Garnish with cilantro and julienned ginger. Serve hot with naan, roti, paratha, or other bread.

Video

Notes

Note 1: Achari Chicken is typically made with smaller, cut up chicken pieces, also called karahi cut. See post for how to use boneless chicken.
 
Note 2: To prevent yogurt from curdling, try to have it closer to room temperature and continue to stir while adding.
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WHAT IS KASHMIRI CHAI (PINK TEA) AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?

Kashmiris don’t actually call their chai “Kashmiri Chai”. KASHMIRI CHAIThat’s the term used by Pakistanis and Indians to describe the Kashmiri Noon Chai (translated to Salt Tea). As the name suggests, Noon chai is a salty drink, but has gained popularity across Pakistan as a sweet concoction.

Often called Pink Tea, Kashmiri chai is a milk tea characterized by its dusty pink color and garnishing of crushed nuts. It’s brewed with green tea leaves and baking soda, and then mixed with milk to give it a distinct pink color.

Even within Pakistan, Kashmiri Chai is a bit of a delicacy because of thehttps://www.teaforturmeric.com/20-minute-kashmiri-chai-pink-tea/ long,somewhat arduous process of making it.

KASHMIRI CHAI

KASHMIRI CHAI

HOW I DEVELOPED THIS RECIPE

To be honest, I felt a bit of imposter syndrome while developing this recipe. Because 1) I’m not Kashmiri and didn’t actually grow up in Pakistan, where it’s a treat often served at winter weddings. And 2) I didn’t want to downplay the art of making an authentic cup of Kashmiri chai. Here’s a Kashmiri Tea Connoisseur’s take on this.

But, I did want to make an easy, fool-proof version that’s doable for the majority of us while honoring Kashmir’s beautiful tea culture. So what started as a quick, expectation-free experiment soon became a possibility. And I found myselfgleefully preparing it every night, timing myself and obsessing over the shade of pink To compare, we tried it at several spots around Houston and noted that this 20-minute version is more pronounced in flavor and aroma without being heavy

KASHMIRI CHAI

KASHMIRI CHAI

Instead of hours over the stove, this easy, one-pot Kashmiri Chai recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make! This is not a traditional Noon Chai recipe, but an accessible version that’s still delicious (and pink)! See notes on how to make it with regular green tea leaves if you can’t find Kashmiri tea leaves.
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Kashmiri
Servings 2 People
Calories 187 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sauce Pan

Ingredients
  

For Ice Water

  • 1 cup  room temperature water
  • 3 large ice cubes

For Kashmiri Chai

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp  Kashmiri chai leaves, or sub any non-bitter green tea leaves
  • 2 star anise (badiyan)
  • 8 green cardamom pods
  • 2  whole cloves (loung), optional
  • 1 cinnamon stick, optional
  • tsp heaped baking soda
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup half and half (See Note 1)
  • ¼ tsp  kosher salt – may need less if using sea salt, or to taste
  • 2.5 tsp sweetener of choice, I've tried cane sugar, brown sugar, and date syrup

For Serving (Optional)

  • 1 tbsp raw almonds, crushed using mortar and pestle
  • ½ tbsp  unsalted pistachios, crushed using mortar and pestle

Instructions
 

  • Prepare ice water: Combine room temperature water with 2-3 large ice cubes and set aside.
  • Heat a medium saucepan over high heat. Add water, Kashmiri chai leaves, star anise, green cardamom pods, cloves and cinnamon (if using) and bring to a boil.
  • Once it comes to a boil, add the baking soda. It’ll fizz a little. Allow this mixture to boil over high heat for 5-6 minutes. Occasionally, use a ladle to aerate (scoop and pour back) the tea. You’ll notice the froth in the water go from pale green to a deep pink color. If not, add another 1/8 tsp of baking soda. (See Note 2) The water will be greatly reduced, almost evaporated.
  • Add the prepared ice water (discard any ice cubes). If you’d like, you can aerate several times to deepen the color. Add the milk, half & half, salt, and sweetener. Allow it to a come to a light boil, then immediately turn off the heat. Do not allow it to boil for too long as it'll start to lose some of its pink color. Taste and adjust salt and sweetener.
  • Strain the tea into cups and add crushed almonds and pistachios, as desired.

Video

Notes

 Or any combination of half & half + milk. If you prefer it lighter, replace the half & half with milk. Likewise, if you prefer it richer, increase the half & half and decrease the milk. You can also sub half & half with 1 part heavy whipping cream + 1 part milk.
: If, after adding more baking soda, it’s still not turning pink, then try using different green tea leaves. 
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All the classic flavor of Kheer without the fuss. This restaurant-inspired recipe has been rigorously tested and perfected until I can confidently call it the BEST Instant Pot Kheer. Incredibly quick and easy to make, this Kheer recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser.

Throw in some milk, rice, and sugar,INSTANT POT KHEER hit that “porridge” setting.

ried it. Decent. Tastes like rice pudding, not kheer. Admittedly, you can’t go wrong with milk, rice, and sugar, but kheer is on another level.

There are two kheers I’ve tasted that I recall as outstanding. One – uncle Mir’s kheer that we used to have every Eid. And two – the kheer from my wedding and my sister’s, brother’s, etc…a most revered kheer that we often look forward to more than the wedding itself.

After a couple generic kheer trials, I knew it was missing that something. And my night wakings would continue unless my kheer tasted more like https://www.teaforturmeric.com/instant-pot-kheer/ and less like Asian Buffet kheer.

On a whim, I called my wedding caterers, Kababesh Grill, to see if I could get some clarity. The owner answered and not only generously shared the recipe but gave me duas and well wishes as good uncles

WHAT IS INSTANT POT KHEER?

Instant pot Kheer, also called chawal ki kheer, is a South Asian style rice pudding made with milk, sugar, and rice. Traditionally, the milk and rice is reduced down for hours which results in a beautiful taste and texture.

INSTANT POT KHEER
INSTANT POT KHEER

TIPS TO MAKE KHEER IN THE INSTANT POT

  • To get the proper texture: It’s important to grind the rice prior to cooking. Don’t worry if the rice is not completely homogenous after being ground. After cooking, make sure you use your wooden spoon to mash the rice against the sides of the Instant Pot.
  • If you prefer, you can use cardamom powder instead of whole cardamom. If so, add the cardamom powder at the end with the sugar and condensed milk.
  • To double (or halve) the recipe, simply double (or halve) the ingredients, but pressure cook for the same amount of time.Half & Half is half milk, half cream. So if you don’t have it or can’t find it, you can replace it with one cup heavy whipping cream and one cup whole milk. You can also try using a blend of half and half and heavy whipping cream. Feel free to play around with these ratios and make it richer to your liking.
INSTANT POT KHEER

INSTANT POT KHEER

All the classic flavor of Kheer without the fuss. This restaurant-inspired recipe has been rigorously tested and perfected until I can confidently call it the BEST Instant Pot Kheer. Incredibly quick and easy to make, this Kheer recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Pakistani
Servings 6 People
Calories 223 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Spics grinder or food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp basmati rice
  • 3 cup whole milk
  • 2 cup (1 pint) half and half (see Note 1), or sub 1 part milk + 1 part heavy whipping cream
  • 10 green cardamom pods (see Note 2)
  • 2 tbsp  pure cane sugar, or more to taste
  • 3 tbsp condensed milk, or more to taste – may sub more sugar
  • ½ cup  kewra essence or rose water, depending on strength (optional)
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped or slivered nuts such as almonds, pistachios, etc., (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Select the Sauté (More) setting on the Instant Pot. Meanwhile, in a spice grinder or food processor, pulse to grind the rice about 10-12 times, or until the consistency resembles steel cut oats. Shake the spice grinder in between to help distribute the rice. Be careful not to pulse too much as you don’t want a powder.
  • Once the Instant Pot turns to Hot, add milk, half and half, and cardamom pods. Bring to a simmer, stirring more often as time goes on to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom (~8-10 min). Add the rice and stir to mix.
  • Cancel Sauté, close the lid, and set the Pressure Release Valve to Sealing. Select the Porridge setting, with a timer set for 20 minutes on High Pressure. When the timer is up, allow the pressure to naturally release (~20 minutes).
  • Remove the lid, press Cancel to turn off the Instant Pot. Select the Sauté (More) setting. Stir in the sugar and condensed milk. Sauté, stirring constantly until the mixture reduces down slightly, depending on how runny you prefer the kheer (see Note 3). Use a wooden spoon to mash the rice against the sides to further crush the rice as much as possible.
  • Cancel Sauté to turn off the Instant Pot and continue to stir, using your spoon to mash the rice against the sides. Add kewra water and stir. Remove from the Instant Pot and onto your serving platter. Garnish with nuts, if using. Serve hot or chilled in the refrigerator.

Video

Notes

 To make it richer, try using one part half & half, one part heavy whipping cream.
: Substitute ~1/8-1/4 tsp cardamom powder.  If using cardamom powder, add it when you add the sugar (after cooking in the Instant Pot).
The rice will absorb the liquid once it’s removed from the heat, and it’ll thicken up even more once chilled. I generally sauté down for 3-5 minutes. If you prefer runnier kheer, sauté for 1-2 minutes. If keeping it runnier, increase sweetener as desired.
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Presenting the easiest BONE-IN CHICKEN THIGHS to date on withrecipe I almost can’t take the simplicity. Are you ready for this? Here’s how it goes:

  1. Marinate the chicken, because when is marination a bad idea? Marinate for as little as 15 minutes if you can. But if you can’t, you absolutely don’t have to marinate.
  2. Toss all but one of the ingredients (hint – it’s ketchup!) into a pan. Cover & cook.
  3. Add the ketchup. Sauté out excess juices.
  4. It’s done. Even if you don’t want it to be, it’s done.https://www.teaforturmeric.com/instant-pot-kadhi/

A bit of background – we grew up calling this “Chicken Roast”.

Ovens weren’t the norm in South Asia. So to recreate tender chicken and a roast-like finish on the stovetop, you would:

  1. Steam the chicken over the gentlest heat.
  2. Uncover and raise the heat to evaporate the excess juices & lightly sear the meat.

COOKING BONE IN CHICKEN THIGHS ON THE STOVETOP

With access to ovens, I don’t see much need or benefit of this method. I usually partly steam chicken in the oven anyway (ex. Baked Tandoori Chicken Curry and Peri Peri Chicken).

But in this case, the pan serves to contain and reduce the vinegar. Plus, it allows us to add the ketchup toward the end, creating a layer of flavor.

BONE-IN CHICKEN THIGHS
BONE-IN CHICKEN THIGHS

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR BONE-IN CHICKEN THIGHS

Here are the ingredients, all of which you probably have in your pantry right now:

BONE IN CHCICKEN THIGHS
  • Chicken: As I mentioned earlier, you can use any cut of skinless, bone-in chicken such as thighs, drumsticks or cut up whole chicken pieces (the breast pieces will still remain tender!).
    • I’ve used thighs in the pictures and split leg quarters (drumsticks and thighs) in the video.
    • If you can, try to use small chicken thighs (typically 2-3 oz each). Smaller cuts of chicken cook faster and soak up more flavor.
  • Vinegar: I use distilled white vinegar but I think other types of vinegar could also work here.
  • Oil: Any oil, including olive oil, works in this recipe.
  • Cumin seeds: Plain, untoasted cumin seeds (not powder).
  • Black pepper and crushed red pepper (chili) flakes are the only other spices you’ll need. Feel free to adjust according to your desired heat level.
  • Ketchup: Though ketchup elevates the flavor, you really won’t be able to taste it in the final product.
BONE-IN CHICKEN THIGHS

BONE-IN CHICKEN THIGHS

Here’s the back-pocket chicken thigh recipe you didn’t know you needed! This recipe requires 30 minutes, one pan, and 5 pantry ingredients if you don’t count good old salt & pepper. Make this with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or any cut of bone-in chicken. Tested to perfection!
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 10 hours 30 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 People
Calories

Equipment

  • 1 Pan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ib bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, See Note 1
  • 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil, such as grapeseed oil
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, or 1 ¼ tsp fine sea salt or table salt
  • 1 tsp crushed red chili flakes, plus more to taste
  • ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp ketchup

Instructions
 

  • Optional (but optimal) marination: Place the chicken in a medium bowl and toss with everything but the ketchup. Cover the bowl and let it marinate at room temperature for up to 2 hours; or in the refrigerator up to 12 hours. If skipping the marinade, start with the next step.
  • Heat a large, wide pan or Dutch oven with lid over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and its juices (if you didn’t marinate, add all of the ingredients except the ketchup to the pan). Mix well to combine, then and spread out the chicken pieces into a single layer.
  • Reduce the heat to low or low-medium to maintain a gentle simmer.
  • Cover the pan and cook, tossing halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked, about 25 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to high. Bring the remaining liquid in the pan to a boil and cook until most of it has evaporated (~5-6 minutes). Stir in the ketchup. Sauté, stirring only as necessary to allow the chicken to lightly sear (~2 min). Once the moisture has completely evaporated, turn off the heat. Serve immediately.

Video

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MY TURKISH COFFEE STORY

My Turkish Coffee If I could, I would travel to each country in the world and sip on their signature hot drinks. Matcha in Japan, mint tea in Morocco, pink chai in Kashmir. I wouldn’t want to do this in touristy cafés, but with some locals, friends I’ve made perhaps the warmth of their hospitality included.

This reminds me of my friend, Serpil, who taught me so much about hospitality and Turkish culture. We would sip chai at my house and Twinings Earl Grey tea at hers because it reminded her of the tea she loved from back home. She never mentioned Turkish coffee though. I later found out she thought it was too strong.

I learned about Turkish coffee from a cheery Arab lady at the counter of an incense-laden Middle-Eastern grocery store. She was joyous and full of life and I can still picture her casually dancing to ‘3 daqat’, telling me how delicious this coffee is. She insisted I needed an ibrik (also called cezve)the Turkish coffee potto make Turkish coffee. But I didn’t want to invest in the pot only to realize I didn’t like it. TURKISH COFFEE

TURKISH COFFEE
#TURKISH COFFEE

WHY TURKISH COFFEE

m not going to pretend I know much about coffee. I really don’t. In a typical Pakistani household, we have instant coffee granules tucked away in a cabinet for when a coffee craving strikes. That milky instant coffee we make is nothing like a specialty, craft coffee. That’s where Turkish coffee comes in.

The reason I’m drawn to Turkish coffee is that it allows me to drink exceptionally tasty coffee in a familiar way. I don’t need a coffee machine or French press, but I can drink coffee so smooth that it rivals many cafes. There’s something extra special and relaxing about Turkish coffee, and I love that I can make it as easily as I would make chai.

TURKISH COFFEE

TURKISH COFFEE

Learn how to make Turkish coffee in 10 minutes! This recipe shares how to make it with an Ibrik (the traditional coffee pot) or using a saucepan stovetop. I’ve also included tips on how to use Turkish coffee in a good old coffee machine!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 4 People
Calories 149 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 11/2  serving cup filtered water
  • 1 heaped tbsp Turkish Coffee
  • 1  cardamom pod
  • milk,optional

Instructions
 

With an Ibrik (Traditional Turkish Coffee Pot)

  • Use your serving cup to measure out how much water you will need and add the water to the ibrik. If you are using the small Turkish coffee cups, add 1/2 cup extra water for each cup to account for evaporation. If you don’t have a traditional coffee cup, any small and narrow cup will work best to retain the foam.
  • To the ibrik, add the desired amount of coffee (1 heaped tbsp for traditional style), sugar, and cardamom (if using) to the water and stir well.
  • Place the ibrik on a small gas stove over medium heat. After about 4-6 minutes (depending on how much liquid you are using) before the coffee begins to simmer, you will notice a foam rising to the top. Use a teaspoon to scoop up and transfer some of the foam into each Turkish Coffee cup. Continue to do this until the coffee doesn’t have much foam left on top.
  • After the coffee starts to boil, remove from heat and pour slowly into your coffee cups. Try to pour so that the foam in the coffee cup remains undisturbed. Do not stir once you have poured the coffee.

With a saucepan

  • Use your serving cup to measure out how much water and/or milk you will add to the saucepan. Add a bit extra water to account for evaporation. If you are making traditional style coffee, you will need at least 3 Turkish coffee cups in the saucepan.
  • Add the water/milk, sugar, cardamom (if using), and the desired amount of coffee to the saucepan. For the traditional style, you will need at 1 heaped tbsp of coffee per Turkish cup. For my everyday version, I use 2-3 tsp of Turkish Coffee for 1 cup of milk/water. Stir well using a spoon or whisk.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow it to begin to simmer. This will take about 7 minutes. Remove any foam that has risen to the top and add it to your cup. 
  • Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat and slowly add to your cup. Try to pour so that the foam in the coffee cup remains undisturbed. You may also use a milk frother to create froth.

Video

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This iron-boosting orange green smoothie combines iron-rich ingredients with vitamin C to help enhance iron absorption.

Did you know that vitamin-C-rich foods such as oranges enhance iron absorption?

Like most moms, much of my life revolves around my baby’s food intake. It’s an obsession, really.

“Is she eating enough?”

“Is she getting all the nutrients she needs?” 

And since iron stores START TO DEPETE at 6 months, “Is she getting enough iron?” This one especially plagues my mind.

I offer her iron-rich foods, but since she’d much rather see said foods splatter on the floor or decorate the walls, and is currently eyeing anything in my cup/glass/mug, I thought of the perfect solution — green smoothies!

IRON-BOOSTING ORANGE GREEN SMOOTHIE
IRON-BOOSTING ORANGE GREEN SMOOTHIE

I set out to create a smoothie with foods that provide iron: spinach and chia seeds, and pair them with foods that enhance iron absorption: orange juice and yogurt…and Viola!

The creamy base of banana, the refreshing taste of citrus with the slight tartness of the yogurt….This smoothie is packed with nutrition and a treat for everyone, iron deficient or not

…You did? Okay.

BUT did you know fermented foods such as yogurt also increase the availability of iron? Even though calcium inhibits iron absorption, fermented foods seem to do the 

And many of us could use a little boost. According to the World Health Organization, 2 billion people – more than 30% of the world’s population (!!!) – are anemic. (Iron-deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia.)Iron-Boosting-Orange-Green-Smoothie-4

BOOSTING ORANGE GREEN SMOOTHIE

BOOSTING ORANGE GREEN SMOOTHIE

This iron-boosting orange green smoothie combines iron-rich ingredients with vitamin C to help enhance iron absorption.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 1
Calories 298 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups  fresh spinach
  • ½ ripe banana, previously frozen
  • 1  tangerine or small navel orange
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ¼ cup  plain yogurt, (optional)*
  • 1 tbsp  chia seeds
  • 3 ice cubes
  • ½ Medjool date, (optional – add if needed)

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients except the date to a blender and blend until smooth. Add a half of a Medjool date if more sweetness is desired and blend again. Add additional ice cubes as necessary to thicken and cool. Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

*Calcium is said to block iron absorption. However, I have still included yogurt in the recipe because of the low quantity, and because of studies have indicated probiotics help increase iron absorption. And of course, because I think it tastes better.
2022 Disclaimer: When creating the recipe, I thought the small amount of calcium in 1/4 cup yogurt wouldn’t block iron absorption, but the smoothie would get the benefits of probiotics (and honestly, taste!) of the yogurt. In hindsight, given I’m not a nutritionist or doctor, I’m really not qualified to offer any health benefits, just a great-tasting smoothie! 😊
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