Panagam/Panaka

Rama Navami is a spring Hindu festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Rama. Panagam is a cooling drink made on the festival of  Rama Navami and offered to Lord Rama. Panagam/Panakam/Panaka is also served as a welcome drink in many religious functions. We used to gulp down glasses of panaka as kids especially during summer when the temperatures soar.

Ingredients :

2 cups water

½ cup jaggery (grated or powdered)

½ teaspoon dry ginger powder

¼ teaspoon elaichi/cardamom powder

Juice of 1 lemon squeezed

Method :

Completely dissolve the jaggery with water and filter to remove impurities if any. Then add lemon juice. Cardamom powder and dry ginger powder.

This drink is usually served at room temperature. But you could serve it cold, if required.

Energy Bites

Energy bites are easy to make and a storehouse of nutrients. In this recipe, I have used nuts and dates as a healthy snack option for kids and adults. You can vary the ingredients and their proportions to suit your palate.

Ingredients :

2 cups of mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, peanuts)
10 to 15 seedless dates chopped
1/4 cup flax seeds

Method :

1) Blend the nuts first in a food processor or mixer to a coarse paste.

2) Add the chopped dates and flax seeds. Blend for a few minutes.

3) Make small balls and serve.

Note :

1. The stickiness in the dates will help bind the mixture into balls.
2. There is no need to add jaggery, honey or sugar as the sweetness in the dates is enough. Adjust the quantity of dates as needed.
3. You can add any nuts or dried fruits to this recipe.