Easy Banana Custard Dessert (Ready in 2 Minutes)

This is a very simple dessert that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is creamy, comforting, and perfect when you are craving something sweet without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Custard powder is the main ingredient in this recipe. If you don't have custard powder on hand, you can easily substitute it with a combination of cornflour and vanilla essence, or cornflour and cardamom powder for a delightful flavour.

Ingredients Required

• 1 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons custard powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 4–5 almonds, coarsely crushed
• 1 banana, finely chopped

Method

1. Boil the milk in a pan.
2. In a small bowl, mix the custard powder with a little milk to form a smooth paste. Keep it aside.
3. Once the milk comes to a boil, add the custard paste and stir continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Add the sugar and mix well.
5. Cook until the milk thickens slightly.
6. Add the crushed almonds and chopped banana.
7. Stir gently and serve.

Traditionally, custard is served chilled. However, I enjoyed it warm because of the pleasant rainy weather. This versatile dessert can also be prepared using other fruits such as apples and pears, and you can experiment with different nuts according to your preference.

Enjoy this quick, delicious, and comforting dessert!

 

Katachi Aamti Recipe | Traditional Maharashtrian Chana Dal Aamti

Katachi Aamti is a traditional Maharashtrian delicacy prepared using chana dal stock and aromatic spices. The word "Katachi" refers to the flavorful liquid obtained while cooking chana dal, while "Aamti" means a tangy-spicy lentil-based curry. This comforting dish beautifully balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors with the addition of jaggery, tamarind, and freshly ground spices.

Traditionally served with steamed rice, chapati, or bhakri, Katachi Aamti is a staple in many Maharashtrian households.

Ingredients

For the Masala Powder

• 2–3 tsp dry coconut
• ½ tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 3–4 dry red chilies
• 2 tsp coriander seeds (dhanya)
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves
• ½ tsp peppercorns
• 2-inch cinnamon stick

For the Aamti

• ½ cup chana dal
• 3 tsp oil
• Salt to taste
• 4–5 tsp finely chopped onions
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 2 dry red chilies, broken
• 5–6 curry leaves
• 5 tsp thick tamarind extract
• 3 tsp grated jaggery
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
• Grated coconut, for garnish

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chana Dal

1. Wash and soak the chana dal for about 3 hours.
2. Pressure cook with a pinch of turmeric for 3 whistles or until soft.
3. Reserve the cooking stock and keep the cooked dal aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala

1. Dry roast all the ingredients listed under the masala section until aromatic.
2. Allow them to cool.
3. Grind into a fine powder and keep aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Aamti

1. Heat oil in a kadai.
2. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
3. Add cumin seeds, broken red chilies, curry leaves, and chopped onions.
4. Sauté until the onions turn light golden.

Step 4: Cook the Gravy

1. Add the prepared masala powder and sauté for a minute.
2. Pour in the tamarind extract and cook until the oil begins to separate.
3. Add the cooked chana dal along with the reserved stock.
4. Stir in the grated jaggery and salt.
5. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut.
2. Serve hot with steamed rice, chapati, bhakri, or poli.

Serving Suggestion

Katachi Aamti tastes best with hot steamed rice and a dollop of ghee, but it also pairs wonderfully with roti, chapati, bhakri, or Maharashtrian poli.