Chikoo? Chikoo?

"Mango? Mango? Chikoo? Chikoo?"

I'll never forget those words uttered by an American immigration officer as I was walking towards my terminal at Atlanta Airport. Those were aimed at all the Indians who had just collected their bags and were trying to sneak fruits into the country. It was really funny because I really didn't expect an American to say something that is so normal for us Indians to say!

Chikoo or Sapota or Sapodilla is an earthy brown fruit that I have just come to like. They taste almost malty-sweet which is may be why I wasn't so fond of it. We were forced to drink 'milkshakes' in the evenings and chikoo was my least favourite. I never really liked the taste of cow's milk, but my parents (like your parents) were made to believe we needed milk while growing up. I have a confession to make though, I remember many times secretly pouring an entire glass of milk down the drain to make my parents believe I drank it. I feel very proud now, but always felt guilt then.

Anyway, I've been on smoothie breakfasts for quite a while now and I try to use seasonal fruits as much as I can. During the winter months I made Strawberry Smoothies every single day. Now that the strawberries have disappeared, mangoes and chikoos are in season. This recipe uses chikoos and my favourite, bananas.

Makes two glasses


You need:
3 ripe chikoos (washed well, do not peel!)
1 ripe banana
water

Blend and serve!

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Banana Oat Smoothie

Oat Milk is probably one of the easiest things to make compared to any other non-dairy milk. It can be as complicated as you want to make it or easier than ever. I searched a lot to find the best way to make oat milk like it is available in tetra packs abroad. I found many complicated procedures that involved fermenting it overnight, or cooking, grinding, straining. But I think there is no better way than to just grind it up with water and add fruit, very little or no sweetener and some flavouring.

I make this quite often as a breakfast smoothie and it is very filling and so yummm!

You need:

(For two glasses)

1 Banana (or any fruit you like in your smoothie)
1/2 cup Oats (Quick cooking or white)
1/2 or 1 tsp sweetener of your choice (Sugar/ Jaggery syrup/ Raw  Sugar/ Brown Sugar/ etc)
1 cup Water
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
Chopped nuts (optional)

Put only the oats into the blender and blend it dry till it is powdery. Add water, banana, sweetener, cinnamon. Blend till it is all mixed up and frothy. Add chopped walnuts or almonds and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

Serve and consume immediately!


(This recipe was part of an article of kid-friendly vegan recipes I did for Mother & Baby Magazine's July 2011 issue.)

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