Cultural Bites

  B elimal, also known as "Belimal Pani," is a refreshing drink made from the wood apple fruit (bel). Here’s a simple recipe to make it: Ingredients: 1 ripe wood apple (bel) 2-3 cups of water (adjust based on desired consistency) Sugar (to taste) A pinch of salt (optional) Lemon or lime juice (optional, for added flavor) Mint leaves (for garnish, optional) Instructions: Prepare the Wood Apple: Cut the wood apple in half. The flesh inside is typically a dark, sticky pulp. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp into a bowl. Mix with Water: Add about 2-3 cups of water to the bowl with the pulp. Use your hands or a whisk to mix the pulp thoroughly with the water, breaking it up to release its flavor. Strain the Mixture: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the mixture into another container to separate the liquid from the fibrous pulp. Discard the pulp or save it for another use. Sweeten: Add sugar to taste and stir until it’s dissolved. You can also add a pinch of salt i...

  Green gram milk rice   Green gram milk rice, also known as " Pulses Rice" or "Green Gram Coconut Rice ," is a nutritious dish made with green gram (mung beans) and rice, often cooked with coconut milk for added richness and flavor. Here is a simple recipe for making this delicious dish: Ingredients:   u  1 cup of rice (preferably short grain or jasmine) u  1/2 cup of green gram (mung beans), soaked for a few hours or overnight u  1 cup of thick coconut milk (fresh or canned) u  1.5 cups of water (adjust as needed) u  Salt to taste u  1-2 green chilies, slit (optional, for spice) u  1 tablespoon of oil or ghee u  1 teaspoon of mustard seeds u  1 teaspoon of cumin seeds (optional) u  A few curry leaves (optional) u  1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)   Instructions: 1. Prepare the Rice and Green Gram :-    Rinse the rice under cold water until the water r...