Dry Apricot or Khubani ki Lounji

                        Dry Apricot or Khubani ki Lounji

 

 

If there is such thing as a perfect food, it may be the apricot. Lightly sweet but not candylike, packed with fiber and nutrients, and the perfect accompaniment to something with carbs to fill out a snack, the apricot is at the top of the list when it comes to foods you should add to your diet.

Unfortunately, fresh apricots are fragile. Luckily, there is an easier way to enjoy the many upsides to apricots. When you buy dried apricots, you get the same health benefits and nutrition as you would with fresh ones. Here's a look at why dried apricots are such an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Dried apricots have calcium, which strengthens your bones and preserves nerve function. They also include magnesium. Do you suffer from anxiety? Magnesium has calming qualities that can assist anyone who feels anxious or stressed. It can also aid with muscle spasms and cramps, in addition to providing relief for insomnia. If you have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, have a few dried apricots, which also provide energy.

  Dried apricots are a rich source of Potassium, a mineral linked with promoting healthy blood pressure. You can expect to consume around 259mg of potassium for every 3.5 ounces of apricots (approximately half a cup of fruits).

     A research study conducted in 2013 showed high-quality evidence that consuming potassium may reduce high blood pressure in individuals suffering from hypertension. The study further suggested that a higher intake of potassium was linked to a 24 percent reduction in the risk of stroke.

So, considering all these benefits plus more, I decided to give a try to dry Apricot and to make it delicious, created this fusion recipe. We used to have kacche aam ka gudamma or lounji in Indian summers, but never had Apricot Lounji, so I made this today along with some dates, and trust me, it turned out just awesome! Without any further delay, sharing the recipe.

Ingredients:

1. Dry Apricots-10
2. Dates-2 (Optional)
3. Jaggery  or gur-2 tbsp. (You can use sugar too)
4. Aamchur slice-3
5. Oil or desi ghee-1 tsp. 
6. Dry red chili-2
7. Red chilli powder-1 tsp.
8. Salt-1/2 tsp.
9. Fennel seeds-1/2 tsp.
10. Kalonji or Nigella seeds-1 tsp.
11. Kalonji or Karela masala-1 tsp.
12. Black pepper crushed-1/4 tsp.
13. Water-1/2 cup

Procedure:

• Heat ghee or oil in a pan or kadai, add hing, kalonji and fennel seeds.
• Within half a minute, add gur and water.
• Also add red chilli powder.
• Stir continuously to boil, now add apricots, dates and dry aamchur slice.
• Cook for 5-8 minutes on medium flame, add kalonji masala and black pepper crushed.
• Turn off the flame and enjoy this highly nutrient loaded condiment with your regular lunch or dinner. 

1. Note: kalonji masala is the spice mix which is used in stuffed vegetables. If you want to make it, here is the link.....Kalonji masala