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Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Kamrakh/ Star fruit Pickle




Kamrakh, known as star fruit in English (Averrhoa carambola), is a tropical, star-shaped fruit appreciated for its tangy-sweet taste and health benefits. It is commonly used in salads, pickles, jams, and sometimes as a substitute for tomatoes. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, and potassium.

The fruits are aromatic, fleshy, and very juicy. Based on taste, there are two varieties of kamrakh—sour and sweet. Both varieties are used for medicinal purposes. The juice of kamrakh leaves is believed to help lower blood pressure.

Kamrakh pickles do not require many ingredients, but they do not have a long shelf life. To store them for a longer period, they can be kept in the refrigerator or preservatives can be added. However, I feel homemade pickles taste best when made without preservatives.

I do not use mustard seeds or coriander seeds in my pickles; instead, I always use mustard powder.

A little sugar enhances the taste of any pickle.

Since kamrakh (star fruit) is already quite sour, this pickle does not need much souring agent.

Preparation Time:- 5 minutes 

Cooking Time:- 5 minutes 


Ingredients:-

  • Kamrakh 1 kg
  • Salt 2 tbsp 
  • Red chilli powder 2 tsp
  • Turmeric powder 2 Tbsp 
  • Rai powder 1 tbsp 
  • Fennel powder ( coarsely grind) 2 tbsp 
  • Sugar 1 tsp
  • Kalonji 1 tbsp 
  • Oil 2 tbsp


Method:-

  • First, wash the kamrakh thoroughly, then cut it into pieces.
  • Now, place the pieces in the sun for one day.
  • After that, mix all the ingredients well except the oil.
  • Heat the oil and pour it over the pickle.
  • Mix everything well and store it in a jar.
  • Keep it in the sun for two to three days.
  • Your pickle is ready to eat.


Notes:-

  • If you wish, you can add coriander powder to it.
  • Adding hot oil helps increase the pickle’s shelf life a little.

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Alaori/ अलौरी

 



The sweet puri made from Alaori chana dal is called this.

In Uttar Pradesh, it is prepared during the Vat Savitri puja, but in our home, we often make it whenever we feel like eating something sweet.

At our place, savory puris or parathas made from chana dal are also prepared and eaten with potato curry..

Preparation Time:- 10 minutes 

Cooking Time:- 15 minutes 

Serves :- 12 piece

Author:- Hem Lata Srivastava 


Ingredients:-

  • Chana dal  2/1/2 cup
  • Powdered sugar 2 tbsp or as per taste 
  • Ilaichi powder 1 tsp
  • Chopped dry fruits 
  • Refined flour 4 cup
  • Desi ghee 2 tbsp
  • Oil for frying 


  • Soak the dal for 4–5 hours, then cook it by steaming or boiling in water.
  • Coarsely grind it, add ghee in a kadhai, and roast it well.
  • Add cardamom powder, powdered sugar, and chopped dry fruits, and mix well.
  • Add ghee to the flour and prepare a soft dough.
  • Divide the dough into equal portions.
  • Fill each portion with the stuffing and seal it properly.
  • Roll them into puris and deep-fry in ghee or oil on medium heat until golden brown.
  • Serve hot or cold.

Notes:-

  • You can also store them.
  • You may garnish them with silver leaf (chandi ka vark) on top.