Snack

Figs and Nuts Gujjia/Sweet Samosa – Sugar free

October 16, 2022 By Asha Shivakumar

Gujjia, aka sweet samosa is such a delicious treat that’s crispy on the outside stuffed with sweet yummy filling. This is a sugar free fig and nuts gujia that is so addictive.

Sweet Samosa is what we call this at home. For as long as I was India, the only version I knew had dried coconut, sooji and nuts. The other with khoya dipped in sugar syrup. Once I ventured into a whole new world, learnt new recipes, I realized there’s so many more delicious fillings that work great for Gujia. Gujjia is a must make dish for Diwali at home. Mom made hundreds a week before Diwali and stored in large steel containers. They were addictive and you could never be satisfied with one.

Although I love the traditional kind my mom makes, I enjoy making a lighter version. There’s nothing healthy or light about deep fried crispy goodness, but hey, If you prefer, air fry it. I’ve done that and it works great too.

Today I share one of my new favorite ways to make gujiya. Filled with cashews and sugar free figs, I think you will love this fig gujiya. The stuffing is made out of cashews and almonds, ground together with figs. It makes for a delicious stuffing that is healthy and no sugar added since the figs add the texture and sweetness….

Game Day Jalapeno Cheese Chips Crisps

January 24, 2019 By Asha Shivakumar

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of popchips. This is the perfect game day snack – a great-tasting, crunchy, better-for-you option and tasty. Top it cheese and some jalapenos for the extra oomph.

Football season is here! Do you entertain? Go out weekly for games? It is such a tempting time to sit around with friends, drinking and eating all sorts of delicious, yet unhealthy foods. This clean eating game day recipe will be a hit with everyone. while we can always use a solid recipe for wings and probably a few, the snack spread on its own is highly anticipated. Right now, we’re particularly obsessed with the chips and dip portion of the event.

As far as game day dips and chips go, some stand by the more classic tortilla + guac combo, while some go carrot + hummus. With so many options out there—for both chips and dips— I wanted to show a healthy alternative. Popchips….

Festive Froyo Bark/ Frozen Yogurt Bark

December 10, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

Snack time just got exciting with this recipe for energy boosting Frozen Yogurt Bark; FAGE greek yogurt sweetened with honey and topped with chocolate chips, poms, pistachios and sugar free sprinkles!

After a three week vacation that was filled with food, laughter, fun and more food, I have been craving healthier, guilt free treats for snacks.

I have been making yogurt sweetened with maple syrup and topped with granola for years. This is a pleasant change that I made a year or so ago and it was well loved. Hey, in between all the cookies and treats, why not sneak in some healthy treats too?…

Badam Puri – Deep Fried Almond Saffron Crispy Crackers

October 27, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

A sweet, layered, crispy, deep-fried delicacy of Karnataka, badam puri is an absolute delight during festivals. These badam puri/almond crackers, unlike the traditional ones, have badam/almonds in it and are sweetened with sugar. They make great Diwali sweet gifts, all wrapped in cute boxes.

All eight of us are put to work. Uncles, dad, mom and I. The prep for the big day of the year begins a week before the day. There’s the shopping for the pooja, the lights are put up. The home is cleaned; the baseboards, the fans, and every inch of the home are dusted and shown love. Shopping for new clothes is such a fun experience. The streets are filled with happy people carrying at least three bags on each hand. The spirit of this festival can be seen in their eyes and in the streets….

Instant Paniyaaram with Millets & Vegetables -Tomato Chutney

October 6, 2018 By Asha Shivakumar

Gluten-free and vegan, a healthy and tasty snack, this instant paniyaaram only takes about half an hour. Loaded with vegetables, made with millets, and with protein from the peanuts, it makes for an easy and healthy after-school snack or is great for school lunchboxes.

I’d mock my mom when I saw her cook with millets, oats, and whole grains. She’d slyly put a handful of millets in our pongal, or add some oat flour in the roti batter. We never realized healthier ingredients went into our food, but it did. But, every moment dad and I saw her sneak it in, we’d roll our eyes. Yeah… well, here I am living in the very world I lovingly mocked.

Who am I? I can’t believe the day has come that I’ve become my mother. I’m making millets paratha, quinoa pongal, chocolate oatmeal… And, I’m loving it. The family loves it too. Well, maybe not the whole family. The little baby bear will come around, just like I did. Or at least I hope he will 🙄 . He’s got a tongue just like his mumma used to….

EGGLESS Matcha Green Tea Banana Fritters- Sweet Paniyaaram

December 23, 2014 By Asha Shivakumar

Using a recipe of a friend or family gives me the feeling of closeness. It’s like they are here with me in my kitchen guiding me. Do you feel that too?

As the evening sun is shining through the window, I hear the birds chirping, waking you me up from my nap. Memories of Sunday are quite beautiful. A nap after a good lunch of Biryani and pepper chicken put us in a sort of food coma. That didn’t stop any one of us from taking it easy the rest of the day. The biggest incentive for waking up were hot pakoras, maybe sweet bondas, jalebis or someone knocking your door to drop off something.

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