Tuesday, February 7, 2012

RECIPE - Vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free - A sweet, crunchy salad

Introductory notes
This salad happened completely out of compulsion
I could not find anything I needed in the shops.
And therefore decided to lay my hands on whatever was in the fridge.
Pretty much put things together completely at random.
It is sweet and crunchy and kids love it [only if they love arrots and apples :-) ].
This is packed with nutrition as well and is heavy.

This recipe is inspired by a traditional Indian recipe for Panchaamrutham.
"Panchaamrutham" literally translated - it means 5 items that contribue to making this as sweet as nectar.
Now nectar - Amrutham - is an oft repeated concept in Indian mythology and the Hindu Spriritual practises.
Panchaamrutham is usually a Prasaadam in some Hindu temples.
[Prasaadam is an offering in Hindu temples which is later given to devotees as a blessing]

As this is inspired by Panchaamrutham - I call this Saladaamrutham :)

Ingredients
[there are no specific proportions to this - if you like more of someting add more of it]
[the proportions given below are a guide only - make your own combination and enjoy the unique taste..!]

Apple 1or 2 [finely chopped - or chunky if you like large pieces]
Carrots grated[3]
Unroasted almonds[finely chopped - maybe 2-4 tablespoons]
Finely chopped dates [again a couple of table spoons]
Raisins and sultanas [soaked in water for 30 mintes, drained - 2 tablespoons each of unsoaked]
Unroasted cashew[finely chopped 2 table spoons]
Powdered cardamom..[half a teaspoon of the powdered cardomom.]
Cardamom pods should be opened, skin discarded and the seeds powdered with a mortar and pestle or powdered with a rolling pin on a rough surface

Optional - add finely chopped Sweet pears if you have them in the fridge.

Dressing
Mix honey and lemon/ lime juice according to taste

Procedure
Mix all ingredients in a large salad bowl
Just before serving - drizzle the dressing and toss the salad

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