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Bhaang ka Pakoda: The best snack recipe to try with Hemp/Bhaang

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bhaabg chiva

Holi marks the arrival of spring and we humans just need a reason to celebrate, despite there being such diversity in terms of religion, caste, race, culture, language etc, what binds us is these festivals and their celebration. 

One of the reasons why bhaang is such a popular addition to Holi celebrations is that it helps to break down barriers between people. Holi is a time when people of all castes, creeds, and backgrounds come together to celebrate, and bhaang can help to create a sense of unity and togetherness.

As people sip on their glasses of bhaang, they are able to let go of their differences and focus on what they have in common – a love of life, laughter, and celebration.

It’s not just the liquor and cannabis that unites us by numbing our biased selves but also delicious food that intoxicates our taste buds and makes us stand beside each other. As the sizzle of the batter hits the hot oil and the people chatter eagerly, waiting for their turn to taste this delectable snack, it makes us imagine walking down a busy street in India, and your nose catches the aroma of freshly made pakodis where you see a pile of golden brown pakodis, still steaming hot and crispy on the outside.

You take a bite and feel the crunch of the crispy coating, followed by the soft and fluffy interior. The spices burst in your mouth, and you feel the heat of the green chilies, but it is balanced by the sweetness of the onions.The combination of textures and flavors is irresistible, and you can’t help but reach for another pakodi. You keep devouring them, one after the other, until you have finished the entire cone.

No one can imagine the best of both worlds coming together, but here in India we have proved it by making ‘Bhaang ki pakodi’. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup besan (gram flour)
  • 1/4 cup bhaang (cannabis) leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup spinach leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, add besan, chopped bhaang leaves, spinach leaves, onion, green chili, ginger paste, garlic paste, ajwain, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
  2. Add water slowly and keep stirring to make a thick batter. The batter should be of a dropping consistency, not too thick or too runny.
  3. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
  4. Take a spoonful of batter and gently drop it into the hot oil. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
  5. Fry the pakodas until they turn golden brown and crisp. Make sure to flip them occasionally for even frying.
  6. Once done, remove the pakodas from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  7. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or sauce.

However, it is needless to emphasize on the quantity of consumption of bhaang, since it is a form of cannabis and causes intoxication, therefore it shall be consumed in moderation in order to avoid overecited hormones.

Enjoy your yummy bhaang ka pakodas with your loved ones and spread happiness all around!

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How to make Bhaang ka Chiva in 20 Mins?

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bhaabg chiva

‘Bhaang’ has long been associated with Holi celebrations, and is considered to be a key ingredient in creating the perfect festive vibe. It is known for its ability to induce euphoria and relaxation by  adding much more colors to their Holi and hitting them with mild intoxication, helping them live in the moment and letting go of all the stress and anxiety, at least for the time being.

Bhaang is like the soul of the culinary traditions of Holi. It is often used in the preparation of a variety of sweets and snacks, such as thandai, a refreshing milk-based drink that is infused with bhaang and a range of aromatic spices. These delicacies are an essential part of the Holi feast, and are enjoyed by young and old alike. 

But if you are someone who wants to break the pattern and explore new things, we might just have the right thing for you as an underrated yet one of the best bhaang dishes to have ever existed, that will leave you asking for more, known as ‘Bhaang ka Chivda’ 

Made by mixing puffed rice, roasted peanuts, fried gram dal, and other spices, this recipe is perfect as this has everything that you can ask for. 

The chivda’s flavor is enhanced by the cannabis leaves’ earthy, almost nutty flavor, which works well with the other ingredients’ savory and spicy flavors which makes you feel like there’s a festival going on in your mouth. 

So, here’s the ingredients to the perfect Bhaang ka Chivda recipe : 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of thin poha (beaten rice)
  • 1/4 cup of  bhaang seeds
  • 1/4 cup of peanuts
  • 1/4 cup of roasted chana dal
  • 2 tbsp of desi ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 5-6 curry leaves
  • Salt to taste
  • Red chili powder or chilli flakes to taste
  • 1/4 cup dried coconut slices

Instructions:

  1. Begin by dry roasting the bhaang seeds in a pan until they become aromatic. Once done, allow them to cool down and then grind them into a fine powder.
  2. Next, in the same pan, roast the thin poha until they turn crisp and golden brown. Set aside.
  3. In another pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves. Once they splutter, add peanuts and roasted chana dal and fry for a minute.
  4. Add the ground bhaang powder, salt and red chili powder to the pan and mix everything well.
  5. Finally, add the roasted poha and dried coconut slices to the pan and toss everything together until the chivda is well coated with the spice mixture.
  6. Allow the bhaang ka chivda to cool down before serving.

Bhaang ka chivda is a perfect snack for those who enjoy experimenting with new flavors and textures. It’s a great option for parties or gatherings, where it can be served alongside other snacks or as a standalone appetizer. However, it should be consumed in moderation, if not responsibly as it has an intoxicating effect. 

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Zomato wants Restaurants to bear Cancellation Costs and Increase Marketing Spends

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zomato Delivery

Zomato, a leading foodtech company, has reportedly requested its restaurant partners to increase their marketing spends on advertisements and share the cost of cancellations occurring on its platform. The move is aimed at improving restaurant partners’ visibility on the Zomato app and increasing their footfall, but it is optional for the restaurant partners to participate.

According to a recent report, Zomato has asked some restaurateurs to allocate at least 5% of their revenue generated on the platform to marketing advertisements to enhance their visibility on the app. The platform has also asked its restaurant partners to maintain a uniform pricing structure across both online and offline platforms, which means slashing their food prices on the app to match their offline charges.

Zomato spokesperson, said, “No policy mandates marketing spends on our app for restaurant partners. We have policies in place for underperforming restaurants that require additional support ( for instance, the ones who mix up the most veg/non-veg orders, have recurring hygiene and quality issues, etc.) on the platform so that the minimum viable experience for customers stays intact. There’s nothing new behind this exercise.”

Deepinder Goyal, Co-founder of Zomato, said, “Internally, that is the goal that by 2030ish we should be about 100ish billion and the way we see the business growing and changing in terms of scale and profit I think we can easily be billion dollars plus in profit in seven-eight years’ time,”

It is worth noting that restaurants typically keep their prices high on Zomato to offset discounts and other charges imposed on them. However, Zomato’s move to request uniform pricing is aimed at creating a level playing field for all the partners.

This move comes after Zomato asked restaurant chains for a 6% increase in commissions to cope with rising losses and the pressure to become profitable. Zomato offers restaurateurs the option of advertising through videos and banner listings using the cost-per-click (CPC) advertising method, which helps them get more visibility at the top of the search page on the mobile app.

Zomato’s expansion plans also include launching handyman services such as plumbing and AC repair through Blinkit in the coming weeks.

According to its Q3 FY23 results, Zomato’s food delivery arm reported an adjusted revenue of INR 1,565 Cr, down by 1% from INR 1,581 Cr in Q2 FY23. Additionally, the count of its monthly transacting users dropped to 17.4 Mn in Q3 FY23 from 17.5 Mn in Q2 FY23.

Despite the decline in revenue and user count, Zomato’s co-founder Deepinder Goyal remains optimistic about the company’s future growth. In a recent announcement, he stated that the company could reach a size of $100 Bn in the next seven to eight years and earn a profit of over $1 Bn.

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UK Man celebrates Birthday with 36 Patties In One Burger; Video goes Viral!

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uk man

Birthdays are a special time for many people, filled with festivities, good company, and, of course, food. For most of us, indulging in our favorite dishes is a highlight of the occasion, but for one man from the United Kingdom, a typical birthday meal was not enough to satisfy his hunger for adventure. He decided to take things to the next level and create a birthday experience that would be unforgettable.

Craig Harker, a content creator from the UK, runs a YouTube channel called ‘Dad Loves Food.’ On his 36th birthday, Craig decided to celebrate in style by ordering a burger with an astonishing 36 patties! Craig went to a Burger King outlet and ordered the gigantic burger, which he refers to as the ‘biggest burger’ in the UK. The burger was not just any ordinary burger – it had a staggering 36 patties, making it the ultimate indulgence for any burger lover.

Craig says, “It’s my birthday weekend…and instead of getting a cake like any normal person, let’s order 36 whoppers.” and added “I think it’s the biggest burger ever ordered at Burger King, a fitting birthday present.”

The burger was not the only part of Craig’s birthday feast. He also ordered French fries and Diet Coke to complete his meal. In total, the meal contained nearly 6000 calories, which is significantly higher than the recommended daily intake for most people. However, Craig was determined to enjoy his birthday to the fullest, and he documented the entire experience on his YouTube channel for his fans to enjoy.

Since the video’s release, it has gained a lot of attention, with thousands of views and likes in less than a day. It seems that people are fascinated by the extreme measures that some people take to celebrate their birthdays. Craig’s birthday meal may have been an indulgence, but it was undoubtedly a unique and unforgettable experience that he will remember for years to come.

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Australian Journalist falls in love with Indian Poha in Indore; Writes on Twitter

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Australian Journalist

Food is an integral part of the Indian culture and a traveler to India is bound to be enchanted by the diverse range of delectable dishes on offer. From street foods to fine dining, the country’s culinary landscape is incredibly rich and varied, with each region boasting its own unique flavors, ingredients, and cooking styles.

No matter where you go in India, there is always something new and delicious to discover. Each state, region, and city has its own set of street-style delicacies that are particular to that area. For instance, Mumbai is famous for its vada pav, a popular snack made with a deep-fried potato patty served in a bread bun with chutneys and spices. Kolkata, on the other hand, is renowned for its jhal muri, a spicy snack made with puffed rice, spices, and vegetables.

Lalor, Australian journalist, wrote, “Indore’s famous Poha! Tastes as good as it was said to be. Next time you visit India come to Indore. I’m loving it.” 

Similarly, Delhi is known for its chhole bhature, a dish that consists of spicy chickpeas served with fried bread made from refined flour. And, Indore, a city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is famous for its sweet and sour poha, a dish made with flattened rice, peanuts, and spices.

During the India vs Australia test series, Australian cricket journalist Peter Lalor arrived in Indore and couldn’t resist trying the famous sweet and sour poha from the city. The dish, with its unique blend of flavors, impressed him, and he was keen to explore more of India’s culinary delights.

The Indore-special poha generated a great deal of excitement among Indian foodies, who were thrilled that an international visitor had sampled one of the country’s lesser-known but much-loved delicacies. Many took to social media to share their reactions to the Australian journalist’s culinary adventure, with several suggesting he pair the poha with jalebi, a sweet snack made with deep-fried batter and soaked in sugar syrup. A few even recommended places in Bangalore and Gujarat, two other cities famous for their street food, that he could visit on his next trip to India.

India’s culinary diversity is truly remarkable, with each region offering its own distinct flavors and specialties. It is no wonder that visitors to India are captivated by its rich food culture, and the Indore-special poha is just one of the many dishes that make this country a food lover’s paradise.

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Man Gifts Weighing Scale to Mom; She Uses it to Cross-Check Vegetable Vendors

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apple

Giving gifts to our near and dear ones is an age-old tradition that is practiced around the world. It is a way of showing appreciation, love, and affection towards the recipient. However, choosing the perfect gift can often be a challenging task, especially when we are unsure about the preferences of the person we are gifting. In some cases, we may think that a particular present would be helpful to the recipient, but they may not share the same opinion. This can lead to some funny and unexpected outcomes.

Recently, a Twitter user shared a comical incident involving a gift that he gave to his mother. The gift in question was a digital weighing scale, which he believed would be useful for his mother to track her portion sizes and meals. However, to his surprise, his mother found a completely different use for it, one that was hilarious and unexpected. This incident struck a chord with many Indian Twitter users, who could relate to similar situations in their own households.

Abhishek Bansal, who goes by the handle, @swaaha_. Wrote, “Before WFH ended, I bought my mom a small digital weighing scale for measuring portions to track calories accurately.” And added ” However, Bansal’s mother found another creative and hilarious alternate use for the weighing scale. “6 months later I visit home and find out that she’s been using it to re-weigh the veggies she buys and create a ruckus if it’s even 10 gm less,”

The story of the digital weighing scale is a perfect example of how gifting can be a tricky business. While the intention behind the gift may be good, the recipient’s perception of it can vary greatly. This highlights the importance of understanding the likes and dislikes of the person we are gifting, so that we can choose a present that is well-received and appreciated.


The incident shared by the Twitter user serves as a reminder that gifting should be a thoughtful and considerate process. It is not just about giving a physical item, but also about showing that we care about the person and their preferences. By taking the time to choose the right gift, we can make the recipient feel loved and appreciated, and avoid any comical mishaps along the way.

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Indian Brands to soon Replace Western Alco-bev Brands across Russia as ABD starts Selling

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whiskey

Allied Blenders and Distillers (ABD) is a leading player in the Indian spirits industry, with a focus on the whisky segment. Founded in 1989, ABD has become the largest whisky producer in India and the world’s third-most-popular whisky producer, with brands such as Officer’s Choice and Sterling Reserve that are popular among Indian consumers. The company has a robust distribution network in India and exports its products to over 20 countries worldwide.

In recent years, India has emerged as a major player in the global whisky industry, with the country currently producing 60% of the world’s whisky. India’s whisky is primarily made from molasses, grain, and malt, and has a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from other whiskies produced around the world. As a result, Indian whiskies have gained popularity among consumers in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.

ABD’s decision to enter the Russian market is significant, given that Russia is a large consumer of alcoholic beverages, including whisky. However, the market for imported whisky in Russia has been affected by trade restrictions imposed by some Western countries, leading to a scarcity of the spirit. ABD aims to capitalize on this opportunity by replacing the Western brands that have stopped delivering to the country and capturing the market share they have vacated.

ABD’s partnership with Alcohol Siberia Group (ASG), a leading vodka manufacturer in Russia, is expected to help the company navigate the local market and establish a foothold in the country. ASG’s expertise in the Russian market, combined with ABD’s expertise in whisky production, is likely to be a winning combination for both companies.

The pricing strategy adopted by ABD for its products in the Russian market is also noteworthy. The company plans to price its Officer’s Choice Blue whisky and Sterling Reserve premium blend at competitive rates, which is likely to appeal to Russian consumers who have been facing a shortage of affordable imported whisky in recent times.

ABD’s entry into the Russian market marks a significant milestone for the company and the Indian whisky industry as a whole. It is an opportunity for ABD to expand its business, tap into a new market, and potentially cement India’s position as a major player in the global whisky industry. With its expertise in whisky production and the support of its partner, ASG, ABD is well-positioned to succeed in the Russian market and beyond.

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McDonald’s India – North and East to employ 1500 people through Community Campaign by 2025

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mc Donalds food
McDonald's (Representative Image)

McDonald’s India – North and East is committed to making a positive impact in the local communities it serves. The company recognizes that there are many individuals who lack access to education, training, and employment opportunities, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. As such, McDonald’s India – North and East has launched the ‘McDonald’s For Youth’ community campaign to help create meaningful employment prospects for local communities, with a particular focus on the less privileged.

Through this initiative, McDonald’s India – North and East has pledged to hire 1500 people through non-governmental organizations by 2025, representing 50% of its workforce. The company has already hired over 500 young people in the last year, partnering with several reputed not-for-profit organizations such as Magic Bus, Tech Mahindra Foundation, Quess Corp Foundation, and Tarraqi, amongst others.

Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald’s India – North and East, said,”‘McDonalds for Youth’ is a campaign through which we aim to offer gainful employment for the youth, especially youth from the under-privileged communities who have limited education and employment opportunities. We aim to hire 50 percent of our entry level workforce under this initiative, invest in their overall growth and development through our world class high-quality training and learning programmes. This initiative is much more than filling open positions – it is about being a part of the local communities, and is an attempt to make them a part of us. We invite more organisations to join us in our endeavour to dismantle the barriers to equal opportunities, dismantle barriers to economic growth and empower the youth to excel in their work and life.”

For most people hired through the ‘McDonald’s For Youth’ campaign, this will be their first job. The opportunity to work at McDonald’s represents an important milestone in their lives, as it provides them with a source of income and valuable training opportunities. 

McDonald’s global training curriculum is designed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. This includes skills such as food safety and hygiene practices, safe food handling, customer service, communication, and teamwork. Through its robust training programs, McDonald’s has a proud legacy of shaping hospitality professionals, instilling the right attitude, empathy, and passion in people.

By providing employment opportunities through NGOs, McDonald’s India – North and East hopes to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of its restaurants. The company believes that providing equal opportunities and a better future for all is one of the most pressing issues facing our world today. 

Through its collaboration with NGOs, McDonald’s India – North and East aims to be a catalyst for change, shaping a brighter future for India. The company recognizes that positive change is not limited to the impact it can have on individuals’ lives, but can also create positive change in the communities it serves, driving economic growth and prosperity.

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Shark Tank-featured Twisting Scoops opens 45th outlet in Mumbai

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scoops

Twisting Scoops, an Indian ice cream brand, was founded with the vision of bringing the unique flavors and textures of Turkish ice cream to India. The brand has gained popularity for its innovative and twisted ice cream creations, which incorporate traditional Turkish desserts and flavors into its menu.

Recently, Twisting Scoops opened its second outlet in Mumbai at the Viviana Mall, making it the brand’s 45th outlet in India. This new outlet launch comes after the brand’s successful appearance on season 2 of Shark Tank India, which helped to create greater awareness and demand for the brand.

Simranjeet Singh, Director, CYK Hospitalities, said, “We researched the location and mapped where Twisting Scoops could better reach their customers. So, our team of experts analyzed and located out the best location and helped them with the best leasing deals. Not only with the location, we have also tried our level best to curate the most innovative menu in the ice cream space”.

Kunwarpreet Singh Juneja, MD, Twisting Scoops, said, “CYK Hospitalities has played an integral part when it comes to Twisting Scoops expansion. They are our trusted partners whenever we are selecting any location for our upcoming store. CYK team’s due diligence has always helped us in getting the ROI of the store beforehand. In fact, the operations team of the company has always stood by us whenever we are revamping our menu and need their expert guidance.”

To support the brand’s rapid expansion both in India and internationally, Twisting Scoops has partnered with CYK Hospitalities, an F&B consultancy firm. CYK Hospitalities provides a range of services to Twisting Scoops, including location mapping, leasing, and menu curation for its outlets across malls, highways, airports, and other venues both in India and globally.

The new outlet in Viviana Mall in Mumbai is the second outlet for the brand in the city, with the first being located at Jio World Drive. Twisting Scoops has also announced that it will be opening its next outlet at the newly opened Phoenix Palladium Mall in Ahmedabad soon.

Twisting Scoops already has a significant presence in four countries, including India, Sri Lanka, USA, and Bangladesh, with over 45 outlets. The brand’s menu includes more than 25 unique flavors such as Turkish Baklava, Turkish Desserts, Kunafa, and Turkish Coffee/beverages. CYK Hospitalities helps the brand to customize and curate its menu based on the local climate and tastes of the region to cater to the local population.

Twisting Scoops is a rapidly growing ice cream brand in India that has captured the attention of consumers with its innovative and unique ice cream creations. With its continued expansion and partnership with CYK Hospitalities, the brand is well-positioned to continue its growth both in India and globally.

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Swiggy sells its cloud kitchen business, Swiggy Access to Kitchens@ as part of its Operations restructure

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swiggy

Swiggy, a popular food and grocery delivery company based in India, has been taking measures to cut costs and streamline its operations. One such measure involved the recent sale of its cloud kitchen business, Swiggy Access, to Kitchens@, a brand owned by Loyal Hospitality. 

Swiggy Access provided kitchen spaces to restaurants both online and offline, allowing them to expand their reach and ensure faster delivery to customers. This acquisition has resulted in Swiggy becoming a stakeholder in Kitchens@.

According to Kitchens@, the combined gross merchandise value (GMV) of the two companies is expected to be around $65 million, with plans to increase it to $100 million within the next six months. This acquisition is part of Swiggy’s wider cost-cutting measures due to slow growth in its food delivery business and a funding crunch caused by macroeconomic factors.

Junaiz Kizhakkayil, CEO of Kitchens@. Said “The addition of Swiggy’s Access kitchens will bolster the reach and operations of Kitchens@’s in four cities across 52 locations and 700+ kitchens, providing customers with more convenient and efficient food delivery options.”

Rahul Bothra, Chief Financial Officer of Swiggy, said “Swiggy Access was started with the aim to bridge hyperlocal gaps in restaurant supply and solve for variety, quality, and convenience of food. Since its inception, Access has enabled several restaurant partners to innovate and expand their reach to new customers in a cost-effective manner.” and added “We are confident that Kitchens@ is fully equipped to nurture this ecosystem by innovating and building more supply. Swiggy continues to believe in the potential of this space and remains invested as a stakeholder in Kitchens@.”

As part of its cost-cutting efforts, Swiggy recently tightened its password-sharing policy for Swiggy One users, a loyalty program that offers free deliveries and other benefits to its customers. This change limits multiple logins to two devices, helping to prevent users from sharing their login credentials with others.

Swiggy has also recently launched several new units to expand its offerings. Handpicked is a premium grocery delivery service, Minis is a direct-to-commerce ecommerce marketplace, and DineOut is a restaurant table reservation service. These new units demonstrate Swiggy’s commitment to innovation and expanding its business beyond just food delivery.

Swiggy’s recent actions highlight the challenges faced by food delivery companies in a competitive market. While the company is taking measures to streamline its operations and cut costs, it is also actively seeking new opportunities to grow and diversify its offerings.

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