Dry fruits and spices are the perfect combination for a healthy, flavorful, and nutritious snack. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they can easily be incorporated into a variety of recipes. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth or add some zest to your meals, these five quick and easy recipes will help you make the most of dry fruits and spices.
1. Spiced Dry Fruit Chutney
This flavorful chutney is a great way to enjoy dry fruits while adding a spicy twist.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon jaggery or honey
- 1/2 tablespoon vinegar
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a small pan, heat a little water and add the dried raisins, apricots, and figs. Simmer for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add ginger, cumin powder, cinnamon, jaggery, vinegar, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Let it cool before serving with your favorite bread or as a dip with crackers.
This chutney adds the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to your meals.
2. Dry Fruit and Spice Smoothie
This nutrient-packed smoothie is a great breakfast or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1/2 banana
- 1/4 cup dates, pitted
Instructions:
- Soak the cashews, almonds, and dates in water for a few hours.
- Blend all the ingredients, including soaked dry fruits, banana, milk, and spices, until smooth.
- Serve chilled for a creamy and refreshing treat!
3. Spiced Dry Fruit Ladoo
These little energy-packed ladoos are easy to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings in a healthy way.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried coconut flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Heat ghee in a pan and add the chopped dry fruits. Roast them lightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cardamom powder and coconut flakes. Stir well for a minute.
- Remove from heat, add honey, and mix to form a sticky dough.
- Once cooled enough to handle, shape the mixture into small round balls (ladoo).
- Let them cool completely before enjoying.
4. Dry Fruit and Spice Trail Mix
This easy trail mix is perfect for munching on the go or as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine all the dry fruits.
- In a small bowl, mix cumin powder, chili powder, and salt.
- Toss the dry fruit mixture with the spice mix and stir well.
- Store in an airtight container for a healthy, spicy snack.
5. Warm Spiced Milk with Dry Fruits
A comforting drink for chilly evenings, this warm milk infused with dry fruits and spices is sure to soothe you.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/4 cup cashews, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add the almonds, cashews, turmeric powder, and cardamom powder.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in honey for sweetness.
- Pour into a cup and enjoy the warm, comforting drink.
Final Thoughts:
Dry fruits and spices aren’t just healthy; they add depth and complexity to your meals and snacks. From chutneys to smoothies, ladoos, and trail mix, these five recipes offer a range of flavors and textures. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different spices and dry fruits for your own unique variations!
Aap Ka Bazar®, a monthly grocery app, website, and chain of stores, has gathered this information, including nutritional values, through online research and writing tools. #yahasabmilega
