Kerala

Thanda Thanda: Homemade Popsicles to cool down this summer

As temperatures climb and the heat refuses to let up, a homemade popsicle can bring some much-needed relief. Skip the store-bought ones and try these homemade popsicles —fresh, fruity, and just the perfect kind of indulgence to cool down on a long summer day.

Neha Jagath

1. WATERMELON ROOH AFZA POPSICLE

INGREDIENTS:-

Watermelon: 500 gm (peeled, deseeded and chopped into chunks)

Rooh Afza: ¼ cup 

Sabja seeds:  ½ tsp 

METHOD:-

Soak the sabja seeds in ¼ cup of water for about 30 minutes until they swell and turn gelatinous, then drain any excess water and set aside. In a blender, combine the watermelon and Rooh Afza and blend until smooth. Stir in the soaked basil seeds and mix well so they’re evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze until completely solid, ideally overnight. When ready to serve, run the moulds under water or dip them in a glass of water for about 10-15 seconds to loosen, then gently remove the popsicles and enjoy.

2. ORANGE CREAMSICLE

INGREDIENTS:-

Coconut milk: 400 ml

Orange zest: 1 tsp 

Orange segments: 1.5 cups 

Honey: 3-4 tbsp 

Vanilla extract: 2 tsp 

METHOD:-

Blend 400 ml full-fat coconut milk, 1 tsp orange zest, 1.5 cups orange segments, 3–4 tbsp honey, and 2 tsp vanilla extract in a high-speed blender until completely smooth.

Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed (slightly sweeter before freezing).

Pour into popsicle moulds, then insert sticks and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm. To remove, run the moulds under warm water for 10–15 seconds and gently slide the popsicles out.

WATERMELON ROOH AFZA POPSICLE
ORANGE CREAMSICLE

3. MANGO POPSICLE 

INGREDIENTS:-

Mango: 1

Coconut milk: 3/4 cup

Condensed milk: ⅓ cup 

Mango pieces: ¼ cup

METHOD:-

Peel and cut one ripe mango into small pieces, then measure out about 3/4 cup of these pieces and add them to a blender. Pour in 3/4cup of coconut milk along with 1/3 cup of condensed milk, and blend everything until the mixture turns smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and gently fold in an additional ¼ cup of fresh mango pieces to give the popsicles a bit of texture. Mix well so the chunks are evenly distributed, then carefully pour the mixture into ice cream moulds. Insert sticks into each mould and place them in the freezer for about 6–8 hours, or overnight. Once frozen, remove the popsicles from the moulds, and they’re ready to enjoy.

4. KIWI FRUIT POPSICLE 

INGREDIENTS:-

Coconut water: 1.5 cups

Green kiwis: 4 (3 cups sliced)

Honey: 3-4 tbsp

Lemon juice: 2 tsp 

METHOD:-

In a high-speed blender, combine 1.5 cups of fresh coconut water, 4 green kiwis, 3–4 tablespoons of honey, and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, then blend everything until the mixture turns completely smooth. Carefully pour the blended mixture into popsicle moulds, leaving about a quarter-inch space at the top to allow for expansion as they freeze. Secure the lids, insert the sticks, and place the moulds in the freezer for at least 6 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, run the moulds under warm water for about 10 to 15 seconds to loosen them, then gently slide the popsicles out for a refreshing, naturally sweet treat.

MANGO POPSICLE
KIWI FRUIT POPSICLE

5. STRAWBERRIES & CREAM POPSICLE

INGREDIENTS:-

Strawberries: 1 cup 

Vanilla ice cream/yoghurt: 1/2 cup

Milk: 1 cup

Sugar: 1 tbsp

METHOD:-

Hull the strawberries and add them to a blender along with the vanilla ice cream (or yoghurt), milk, and sugar.  Blend the mixture thoroughly until it becomes completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks remaining. Carefully pour the mixture into popsicle moulds. Insert sticks in each mould, and place the moulds in the freezer. Allow them to freeze for 6 hours, or overnight until fully set and firm. Once frozen, gently remove the popsicles from the moulds and serve immediately for a refreshing, creamy strawberry treat.

6. JAMUN POPSICLES 

INGREDIENTS:-

Java plums (Jamuns): 15-20 (seeded and chopped)

Sugar: ½ cup

Roasted cumin powder: ½ tsp 

Black salt: 1 tsp 

Chaat masala: ½ tsp

Lemon: ½ 

METHOD:-

Warm a nonstick pan and add ½ cup of water along with the sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then set aside to cool. Add jamuns to a blender with roasted cumin powder, black salt, and chaat masala, and blend into a smooth paste. Strain the mixture and remove residues. Pour in the cooled sugar syrup and mix thoroughly. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir well to combine. Pour the prepared mixture into popsicle moulds, insert sticks, and freeze for 6–8 hours or until set. Remove from the moulds and serve chilled.

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM POPSICLE
JAMUN POPSICLES

7. TENDER COCONUT POPSICLE 

INGREDIENTS:-

Tender coconut flesh: 2 coconuts

Thick coconut milk: 1 cup

Heavy cream: ½ cup

Honey (or condensed milk): 3 tbsp

Salt: a pinch

METHOD:-

Blend the flesh of one tender coconut until smooth. Add the coconut milk, heavy cream, sweetener of choice (honey/condensed milk) and salt. Blend again until completely combined. Chop the remaining tender coconut flesh into small pieces and stir it into the popsicle mixture. Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze for 6 hours or overnight until fully set. When you're ready to serve, briefly run the moulds under warm water for 10–15 seconds to loosen them, then gently slide out the popsicles. 

TENDER COCONUT POPSICLE

BJP alleges ‘Sheesh Mahal 2’ at Kejriwal’s new residence, AAP calls claims fake

K Kavitha launches new party Telangana Rashtra Sena; launches sharp attack on KCR, calls him 'soulless'

Is it a crime to be a Hindu in Karnataka: BJP alleges discrimination over students asked to remove sacred thread

Man shot dead during robbery in Bihar; mob lynches two accused to death

US pushes for direct talks in Islamabad as Iran demands indirect mediation

SCROLL FOR NEXT