Orange Pops From Fresh Juice

Though I am with a very simple Orange Popsicle post today but it's not the basic recipe but the story behind these summer favorites.

Few days back an Ice Cream vendor cycled past my apartment ringing bells to attract people. This sight took made me to remember many years in past in my Haridwar township when I was studying in Standard 1 or 2. During peak summer temperature used to reach 45 degrees and people did not venture outdoors unless absolutely essential. However, when we used to hear the same tinkering sound most of the kids used to ignore the scorching sun and run towards the vendor with two rupee coins ( believe it or not starting price of ice creams used to cost only that much during those time). 

And the most popular flavor used to be Orange sticks (popsicles) which is an all-time hit. And since it was so hot outside my mom then devised a way to keep us indoors by preparing these popsicles at home itself. Since the contents were only water, orange juice and some sugar, it was no big deal to prepare it. So after many years I was reminiscent of my childhood days when I used to crave for this popsicles.

Ingredients:
4-5 fresh squeezed Orange juice
1/4 or more Sugar (adjust according to your taste)
1/4 cup Water to dilute

Method:
If using wooden ice pops then soak it for an hour in warm water. In a large container add everything and stir until well combined. Then carefully pour into popsicle molds. Freeze for about 4-5 hours or until firmed. To release the Popsicles fill a large bowl with warm water and dip the molds in it for few seconds.

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How to Make Doi Potol /Pointed Gourd in Yogurt

Today I would like to wish every father in general and my father and husband a very Happy fathers's day. A day prior to this was a Bengali occassion called Jamai Shasthi where the Son in law is treated with a wonderful lunch by the parents - in - laws with lavish spread. This is a mark of togetherness between the families of the man and wife. The son in law also pays his gratitude to the in laws by presenting them with a fish. Already I have posted a number on non veg dishes, so this time around I am posting a well sought after veg dish called Doi Potol, which sets the mood for a wonderful meal. As the name suggests the key ingredients are potol (pointed gourd) and doi (Yogurt). It's an awesome mix to tickle your taste buds. 

Ingredients:
7-8 tender Potol/parwal/pointed gourd
1/2 cup Yogurt /doi(whisked)
1tsp Kashmiri Red chilly powder
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1 1/2 tsp Ginger paste
1 tsp Cumin powder
1 tsp Coriander powder
1 tsp Garam masala powder
2 bay leaves
2 tbsp Ghee
2 Cloves
2 Cardamoms(green)
1 stick Cinnamon
White oil for cooking
Salt and Sugar as per your taste

Method:
Take potol and scrap lengthwise leaving streaks of skin on alternate strokes. Just trim off the ends. Rinse and drain. Sprinkle some salt and turmeric powder and keep aside for 5-10 minutes.

Meanwhile in a bowl mix all the dry pwds including salt and garam masala powder and ginger paste*. Stir with spoon make smooth liquid. Heat white oil in a skillet on low flame. Fry potol in batches for just 2-3 minutes. Drain and keep aside.

Fried potols

Now in the same skillet add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon and cardamoms and allow to crackle. Add the above paste* and fry the spices. When it starts leaving oil, add curd on low flame so that it doesn't curdle. Keep stirring. Now add potol, sugar amd 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook for 5-6 mins or til potol/parwal are soft. If you feel the gravy has reached desired consistancy. Remove and add ghee on top. The delicious doi potol is ready to be serve with gorom bhaat (steamed rice).

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