Spicy mixture tea time snack

This South Indian spicy mixture stays well in air tight container for several days and is a perfect tea time snack. The spices and the amount of nuts can be adjusted according to preference. It is best to keep the batter prepared and the ingredients ready before frying everything in batches and combining.   

Rice flakes sweet treats made with organic coconut sugar

This delicious sweet treat would be a wonderful quick snack to have anytime especially in the evening for tea time.

1/2 cup Rice flakes (flattened rice or beaten rice or poha or aval)
2 tbsp coconut sugar* (jaggery) to taste
2 tbsp grated fresh coconut to taste
warm water

Put the rice flakes into warm water and leave for about 5 minutes. Squeeze the rice flakes and put in a bowl, discard the water. 
Mix the rice flakes with the coconut sugar or jaggery and grated fresh coconut. Make it into bite-sized round shapes or serve it in individual dishes.

*Organic coconut sugar is a rich unrefined natural sweetener that is similar to brown sugar with a slight hint of butterscotch and caramel flavour. I have grown up with this delicious flavour has many  traditional preparations of dishes are made with coconut sugar that is well known as jaggery. 

The coconut sugar comes from the fresh nutrient-rich sap that is collected from tender coconut flower buds. The sap is gently heated in an open pan and boiled until it turns into granular form. This gluten free, healthy tropical favourite has no cholesterol and tastes delicious when included in beverages, cooking and baking. 

As it is made with natural ingredients there are no preservatives or artificial flavour or colour. The low glycemic qualities and high nutrient profile of the coconut sugar puts less stress on our blood sugar levels compared to highly refined white sugar. This Grace Coconut Sugar 500g jars are priced at $6.99 and is available in the international aisle at Loblaw’s, No Frills, Metro, Food Basics, Sobeys, Freshco, Walmart, Longo’s, Highland Farm and local ethnic store.

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Rice flake breakfast

1 cup rice flakes (poha, aval, flattened or beaten rice)

2 cups cold water to wash and soak

2 tbsp oil

1/4 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp fennel seeds

1/4 tsp cumin seeds

2 tbsp onions chopped

1 green chillie chopped to taste

1/4 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp salt

2 tbsp coriander leaves

Wash rice flakes in cold water and leave for about 2 to 3 minutes then squeeze out the water, leave it aside. If rice flakes are kept for a long time in water it will become soggy.

Heat oil add mustard seeds, then add fennel after that add cumin seeds. Add onions then green chillie, turmeric and salt. When onions are soft add the rice flakes and stir fry for about 2 minutes, press with a back of a ladle to keep the rice flakes separate from each other. Add coriander leaves and serve hot.

Can add vegetables such as carrots and peas after adding the onions, stir fry the vegetables a little before adding rice flakes.

All rights reserved on photographs and written content Torviewtoronto © 2011 unless mentioned. Please Ask First