Tzatziki (Greek yogurt and cucumber mix)

Recipe contributed by: Dhara Balwa

With summer here, Indian raita/ Chhas is such a refreshing and cool addition in the meal. Tzatziki is very similar to Cucumber Raita. It is served as a dip with pita bread/ chips or flat bread. I like most versions of it. But it amazes me how something healthy can be turned into unhealthy! If you go to buy Tzatziki in grocery stores and read the nutrition label, you will see lot of oil, preservatives and flavor enhancers that just doesn't feel right. And it is easy to make the healthy version with basic ingredients from your kitchen. I tried it and tastes soooo good! Add it to your menu of dips for your chips or appetizers. It can be prepared in advance or add it as a protein source in your regular meals. You can also use it as spread on your toast or in a sandwich just like the one I made called Grilled Vegetables Flat Bread Sandwich.

Photo by Dhara Balwa

Makes: 2 1/2 cups
Prep time: 2 hours for straining plus 5 min
Difficulty level: Easy

Berry Yogurt Parfait

Recipe contributed by: Dhara Balwa

Parfait is one of the healthiest breakfast or snack to have. You can serve it as a healthier dessert option too. Full of protein in form of Greek Yogurt, oats and fresh fruit, it is a great way to start your day. There are so many versions in the market now. Some of them have so much sugar, it is just like having dessert for breakfast with fruit sauces and what not! This version is very low on sugar with lots of fruit that adds sweetness naturally. My son eats this so happily. And it is quick to make too. I make it from whatever fruits are available like oranges, bananas, berries. Throw in some nuts and it's ready. Try it out.

Prep Time: 10 min
Difficulty level: Easy

Chocolate Nankhatai

Recipe Contributed by: Smruti Vartak, Iowa, USA 

We grew up in India cherishing Nankhatais/Cookies. But we used to have plain version of these. When my friend Smruti shared picture of chocolate swirl Nankhatais on Facebook I requested her to share the recipe on our blog, and she agreed. This recipe is originally from the blog Treat a Week.

Recipe from: Treat a Week
Serves: 24

Prep time: 15 min Cook time: 20 min

Eggless banana bread

Recipe contributed by : Rashmi Sampat

My son loves banana bread so I was constantly looking for a good recipe which I can follow all the time. After lots of trials and errors, finally I was able to make this recipe as my final master piece. Original recipe asked for 1 cup of sugar which was too much for me so I altered to ½ cup, and if sometimes bananas r too sweet than I reduce the sugar even more because I don’t like my bread too sweet. Hopefully, you also like this recipe as much as I do.

Servings : 10
Time: Prep time: 10 min+ 60 min for for Baking
Difficulty Level: Easy