Strawberry yogurt

One day i was talking to my friend who also have a little one, just 17 days elder to atharv. We were discussing what all can be given to kids at this stage. She was asking how can i make baby food that is interesting for babies and healthy too. So it i suggested her to give fruit yogurt. Though lots of flavoured version are available in the market these days but they are very sweet and are loaded with preservatives. So no one would like to introduce them at this stage.Then i suggested her to make it with fresh fruits and yogurt at home. Though i tried this myself for the first time but i was really satisfied after i fed him.

Strawberry yogurt

It calls for only three ingredients:-

1. Fresh strawberries 6 nos
2. Strawberry puree 4 tbsp
3. Fresh yogurt 2 cups

First of all finely chop the strawberries removing their stock. Then whisk the yogurt to make it more fluffy and add the strawberry puree and chopped strawberries to it mix them well. The colour of yogurt will change from white to pink. Also it will be loaded with freshness and nutrients. This is not only meant for babies but adults can also enjoy them equally. I packed it for my husband as well and he also liked it.

I prepared the puree at home itself by blending the strawberries in mixer then adding a little sugar and water. Bring the syrup to a boil and it can be stored in refrigerator for future use. This syrup can be drizzled over ice-cream or any desert.

Health benefits of strawberry:-   

1. Strawberries contains an incredible 136% of the RDA of vitamin C, an effective antioxidant that can help lower blood pressure.
2. They ensure a healthy immune system, and ward off the development of age-related ocular diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
3. It contains 21% of manganese, an essential nutrient that acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. 
4. The dietary fiber in strawberries helps to keep digestion regular, as well as lowers blood pressure and curbs overeating.
5. Manganese is also great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries are also important for bone health

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Pumpkin Raita

It would be hard to believe if anyone says that i have not tried pumpkin! it is one vegetable which is eaten in many forms ranging from sweets, soups, salads, pies, veggies and the list is endless. I was doubtful before trying this recipe, as to how it would taste? but it came well giving nice light yellow colour to the curd.
Ingredients  used in this are:

1. Fresh curd
2. Pumpkin pieces
3. Salt to taste
4. Cumin powder
5. Red chilly powder

First of all pumpkin was peeled and some cubes were taken which were boiled till they were tender.

Pumpkin pieces

                                                        

Ensure the pumpkin you have taken is ripe and yellow in colour as it imparts nice colour to the curd. Then using your mixer or blender make a smooth paste out of the boiled pumpkin pieces. Add the paste to the curd and mix well till it is well incorporated. Also add salt, red chilly powder and cumin powder according to your  taste. Garnish it with cumin powder and red chilly powder, it looks awesome. I used 4 tbs of paste in 200ml of curd which imparted nice light yellow colour. One can adjust the quantity as per need and taste.         

Pumpkin Raita

 Though there are endless benefits of pumpkin but some of essential ones are:

1. Its pulp contain pro vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, salts and minerals. So it helps in regeneration and slowing down the ageing process. 
2. This vegetable have laxative action which helps in curing constipation and dyspepsia. 
3. It also protects against heart diseases as it contains antioxidants.
4. Pumpkin juice is indicated for ulcers and high acidity.
5. Pumpkin is also indicated to cure hormonal disorders or adolescent behaviour & intestinal parasites.

So after going through these benefits of pumpkin one can't avoid adding it, in his/her diet.

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