Muesli

Aishah

There are several packet mueslis obtainable in most places in India but where I live not available. So I make my own with what is in the shops and could be used. I mix all the ingredients up into a large steel container with a tight-fitting lid - container around 8" tall and 5 1/2" diameter. I don't measure anything - just choose proportions that will end up filling my container. I start with a small packet of corn flakes then add:
Kellogs wheat flakes (not whole pkt); white oats; 1 small pkt of Isabgol (psyllium husks); something called magiz - I think it is small dried melon seeds;
chopped almonds, cashew nuts; sultanas

This muesli is very nice with chopped fresh fruit and some curd. If you want sweet, then I thinly slice bits of jaggery on top of the curd.
If others make their own muesli I would love to hear how you do it and any variations!

kmalik

Use a lot of fresh fruit - particularly apple with it. Some time back, I looked up the original recipe of Dr. Bircher Brenner and about 80% was apple!

Apropos Kallikrates messages, psyllium husk usage in India is merely as a digestive/constipation relief aid. That is definitely the case in the West too - as it is the main ingredient of a number of regularity oriented products, including blockbusters such as Metameusil (P&G). What is less well known is its soluble fiber content and ability to block the absorption of dietary cholesterol. So, while India is the main source of psyllium husk - its own usage for promoting coronary health has been far more limited.

Good luck Aishah. Sounds like you are on the right track. I've personally turned my back on Kellog's and the like as the pricing is outrageous, the sugar and processed content is high. Even though I never really encountered oats while in India, I have personally switch to organic oats for breakfast - after years of faithful Familia muesli.

Aishah

Yes folks you are right about the psyllium husks - a very good thing to put in your muesli! I haven't found any bran here but maybe available in Delhi - I use only what I can find in Jaisalmer and it is very low on variety! i couldn't agree more kmalik about Kellogs - but it happened to be the only cereal on the shelf at the time and it does give a bit of 'crunch'!Luckily, white oats has just become available - I remember years ago making the apple and oats type of muesli. The apples here are horrible - very soft and mushy inside, I can't stand them. About a month ago we had these very good ones from China costing 25 rupees each but worth it - crisp all the way through. So feasted out then but they have disappeared and we are back to the horrid ones. I am using papaya, banana and mango for our fruit then I sprinkle this 'muesli' on top.
When the apples come good again I will try the original recipe one again, thanks for reminding me Kmalik.

Brigit

I use poya (rolled rice flakes) in my muesli along with corn flakes not the Kellogg's ones but local ones, they call muki poya. I also put in cashews, peanuts, sultanas and plenty of sesame.
I toast up the cereals with cane sugar the I've melted down in water, to give it a sweeter flaver, then roast the nuts and sesame dry and mix together.
I then store it in a tin and eat in one or two days, its just so yummy!

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PRIYA

You can also dry roast your oats until they exude a yummy smell, toast some dessicated coconut, a variety of nuts and dried fruit. Drizzle on some honey - bake in a warm over until the honey is absorbed. Allow to cool, store in an airtight container.

Enjoy!!!!

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Aishah

Brigit and Priya - 2 lovely recipes - I will try when I come back from hols. and the weather is cooler. Thanks so much!

anarkali

My favourite muesli has only grains and nuts (am not a dried fruit fan) and contains:

rolled oats, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, honey, canola oil and cinnamon.

Priya's recipe sounds delicious.

Aishah

Hazelnuts and pecans - two of my favourites and wish they were obtainable here! Sounds a nice muesli combo anarkali - unfortunately I have to make do with what I can find. Sunflower seeds also not here.

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