Friday, March 7, 2025
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Dahi Bhalle: A Creamy and Tangy treat to celebrate life

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Dahi Bhalle, also known as Dahi Vada, is a popular street food in India, particularly in the northern region. It consists of deep-fried lentil dumplings, soaked in a sweet and tangy yogurt sauce, and garnished with a variety of spices and chutneys.

Here’s a recipe to make Dahi Bhalle:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup urad dal (split black lentils)
  • 1/2 cup moong dal (split green gram lentils)
  • 1/2 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for deep frying

For the yogurt sauce:

  • 2 cups plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the garnish:

  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black salt
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
  • 2 tablespoons mint chutney
  • Chopped coriander leaves

Instructions:

  1. Wash the lentils and soak them in water for 4-5 hours. 
  2. Drain the water and grind the lentils to a smooth batter in a blender. Add a little water if required.
  3. Add grated ginger, chopped green chili, and salt to the batter and mix well.
  4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Wet your hands with water and take a small portion of the batter in your hand. 
  5. Flatten it slightly and make a small hole in the center. Gently slide the vada into the hot oil.
  6. Fry the vadas until they are golden brown and crisp. 
  7. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
  8. In a bowl, whisk the yogurt with water, sugar, and salt to make a smooth and runny yogurt sauce.
  9. To assemble, place the vadas in a serving dish and pour the yogurt sauce over them. 
  10. Garnish with red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, black salt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and chopped coriander leaves.

Your delicious Dahi Bhalle is ready to serve!

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Coca-Cola owned Costa Coffee to have Philippe Schaillee as New CEO

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costa-coffee

On April 10, Coca-Cola Co. subsidiary Costa Coffee announced that Philippe Schaillee would become their new Chief Executive Officer. Mr Schaillee, who previously held the position of Executive Vice President of Products and Innovation at Groupe SEB, will be taking over the role from Jill McDonald.

Before his role at Groupe SEB, Mr Schaillee spent five years as President of Jacob Douwe Egberts Group’s professional coffee division, where he oversaw the development and growth of the division. He also has over 13 years of experience in various leadership roles at Sara Lee, a global consumer packaged goods company.

Evguenia (Jeny) Stoichkova, president of Global Ventures for The Coca-Cola Co. Said “Philippe is an outstanding leader who comes to Costa with a deep background in business and a passion for building great brands,” and added, “We look forward to working with Philippe to expand on the plans we have developed to grow Costa, both in its home country of England and beyond.”

Mr Schaillee’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Catholic University Leuven and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Vlerick Leuven Ghent Management School. These qualifications, combined with his extensive experience in the coffee and consumer packaged goods industries, make him well-suited for the role of CEO at Costa Coffee.

Jill McDonald, who has served as CEO of Costa Coffee since 2018, will be succeeded by Mr Schaillee. Under her leadership, the company has undergone significant changes, including a focus on sustainability and digitalization. Mr Schaillee will be taking over at an exciting time for Costa Coffee, as the company continues to expand its global footprint and introduce new products and services to customers around the world.

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Methi Chawal: A recipe to emboss the Fragrance of Indian Cuisine

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Methi Chawal is a popular Indian rice dish that combines the flavors of methi (fenugreek leaves) with rice, making it a delicious and aromatic one-pot meal. Methi is known for its medicinal properties and is widely used in Indian cuisine. This rice recipe is best paired with curd or raita on a Sunday afternoon, soaking the warm and cozy ambiance. 

To prepare Methi Chawal, here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups fresh fenugreek leaves (methi), chopped
  • 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
  • 2-3 tablespoons oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Wash the rice and soak it in water for 20-30 minutes.
  2. In a large pan, heat oil or ghee and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. 
  3. Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
  4. Add the chopped methi leaves and green chilies to the pan and cook until the methi leaves are wilted and cooked.
  5. Add turmeric powder and red chili powder (if using) and stir well.
  6. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Add 2 cups of water and salt to taste. Mix well and bring it to a boil.
  8. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. 
  9. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
  10. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. 
  11. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot with a raita or any side dish of your choice.

Methi Chawal is a healthy and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It can be made in different ways by adding spices and vegetables of your choice.

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Boondi Ladoo: A Traditional Recipe to experience the Rich Flavours of India

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Boondi Ladoo is a popular Indian sweet made from tiny, deep-fried gram flour balls which are then combined with sugar syrup and various spices to create a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Because of its taste and flavor, Boondi Ladoo is one of the most popular sweets among Indian families.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of besan (gram flour)
  • 1 1/2 cups of water
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups of ghee or oil for frying
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
  • A pinch of saffron
  • A handful of chopped almonds and pistachios

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, add the besan and slowly add water, whisking continuously until a smooth batter is formed. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
  2. Heat ghee or oil in a deep frying pan. Using a slotted spoon, pour the batter onto the spoon and hold it over the hot oil.
  3. Gently tap the spoon or use a ladle to release small drops of batter into the oil. Fry the boondis until they turn golden brown and crispy, then remove them from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.
  4. In a separate pan, add sugar and water and cook on low heat until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Increase the heat and continue cooking until a one-string consistency is formed. Add cardamom powder and saffron to the sugar syrup and mix well.
  6. Add the fried boondi to the sugar syrup and mix well. 
  7. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until the syrup is absorbed by the boondi.
  8. Take small portions of the boondi mixture and shape them into round balls (ladoos) with your palms.
  9. Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios and let them cool.

Your delicious and aromatic Boondi Ladoo is ready to serve! These sweets can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy this popular Indian dessert as a treat on special occasions or during festive seasons.

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Shrikhand Recipe: The Traditional Indian Dessert that is memorable everytime

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Shrikhand is a traditional Indian sweet dish that originated in the western state of Gujarat. It is a creamy and thick dessert made with strained yogurt, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. Shrikhand is often served as a dessert after a meal or on special occasions like festivals and weddings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
  • A pinch of saffron threads
  • 1 tablespoon of warm milk
  • 1 tablespoon of sliced almonds and pistachios for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Take a cheesecloth or muslin cloth and line it over a strainer. 
  2. Pour the plain yogurt into the cloth and let it drain for at least 4-5 hours in the refrigerator until all the excess water is removed.
  3. Once the yogurt has been strained, take it out of the cloth and transfer it into a mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar and mix it well until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Now add the ground cardamom to the mixture and mix it well. You can also add a pinch of saffron threads to the mixture for additional flavor and aroma.
  5. In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in warm milk for a few minutes until the milk changes its color.
  6. Add the saffron milk to the yogurt mixture and mix it well until the color is evenly distributed.
  7. Transfer the shrikhand into a serving dish and garnish it with sliced almonds and pistachios.
  8. Refrigerate the shrikhand for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Shrikhand can be served chilled and is best enjoyed as a dessert after a meal. It is also commonly served with puri (fried Indian bread) to make a dish called Poori-Shrikhand.

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Puran Poli: Recipe of a Treat and Taste of every Indian Tradition

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Puran Poli is a traditional Indian sweet flatbread that is typically made during festivals and special occasions. It is a popular dish in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. It’s a simple flat bread recipe stuffed with a sweet lentil filling made from chana dal and sugar. You can also use Bengal gram and jaggery. The sweet filling is known as Puran in Marathi, and the outer bread is known as Poli. 

It is a delicious side dish with rich flavors that is also extremely simple and quick to prepare. This dish is popular with people of all ages and can even be packed for tiffin. 

Here is a simple recipe for Puran Poli:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of chana dal (Bengal gram)
  • 1 cup of jaggery
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour (maida)
  • 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder
  • 2 tbsp of ghee (clarified butter)
  • Water, as needed
  • Salt, a pinch

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the chana dal in water and then soak it in water for at least 2 hours.
  2. Drain the water from the chana dal and transfer it to a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and turmeric powder.
  3. Pressure cook the chana dal for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and well-cooked.
  4. Drain the excess water from the cooked chana dal and transfer it to a pan. Add jaggery and cook the mixture over medium heat until the jaggery is melted and well combined with the dal.
  5. Stir the dal-jaggery mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Once the mixture thickens and comes together as a soft and moist dough, turn off the heat.
  6. Add cardamom powder to the dal-jaggery mixture and mix well.
  7. Let the mixture cool down a bit and then knead it into a smooth dough.
  8. Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
  9. In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and enough water to make a soft and pliable dough.
  10. Roll out a small ball of the all-purpose flour dough into a small disc.
  11. Place a ball of the chana dal-jaggery mixture in the center of the disc.
  12. Bring the edges of the disc together and pinch to seal the edges. Flatten the stuffed ball and roll it out gently into a flatbread.
  13. Heat a tawa (griddle) over medium heat and place the rolled-out puran poli on it.
  14. Cook the puran poli on both sides until it turns golden brown in color. Apply ghee to both sides while cooking.
  15. Serve hot with ghee or milk.

    Enjoy your delicious Puran Poli!
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FreshToHome bags $104 Mn Funding; Aims to make Meats & Seafood Accessible and Affordable

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Fresh2Home

Fresh fish and meat e-commerce platform FreshToHome on Tuesday said it has raised $104 million in a Series D funding round led by Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund along with E20 Investment Ltd, Mount Judi Ventures and Dallah Albaraka.

Existing investors Iron Pillar, Investcorp, Investment Corporation of Dubai (the principal investment arm of the Government of Dubai), Ascent Capital and others also participated in this round.

The funds will strengthen FreshToHome’s mission to make 100 per cent preservative and antibiotic-residue-free fish, seafood, and meat accessible and affordable to millions of meat lovers.

Launched in 2015, FreshToHome operates in more than 160 cities in India and the UAE and offers more than 2,000 certified fresh and chemical-free products.

Two years ago, FreshToHome raised $121 million in its Series C round, led by Dubai’s Investment Corporation of Dubai, Investcorp, IronPillar, and Ascent Capital and US Government’s development finance institution — DFC.

FreshToHome said that on a company-wide basis, it is now operationally profitable.

“Our vision with the $250 million Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund is to empower the next generation of innovative, technology-enabled companies led by visionary founders,” said its spokesperson.

“We are excited to partner with FreshToHome for the next phase “f its growth,” the spokesperson added.

Shan Kadavil, CEO and Co-founder, FreshToHome “We are now a ‘Pro’icorn’ with operational profitability across the company. As we strive to offer more value to our farmers and fishers, customers, employees and investors, our focus is on profitability and sustainable value creation.”

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How Sesame Oil can take your Cooking to the Next Level?

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sesame oil

Sesame oil has been a staple in Asian cooking with its aromatic notes flavoring our dishes for many years now. Not only is it a healthy oil to use in your cooking, but it also has a unique flavor that can enhance the taste of your dishes, broths, and soups. Sesame oil is available in both light and dark varieties. Light sesame oil is made from raw sesame seeds and has a mild flavor, while dark sesame oil is made from toasted sesame seeds and has a stronger, more intense flavor. The use of this seed-based oil is not concise, along with enhancing flavor it is great for your health and heart.

Sesame oil has a unique flavor that can enhance the taste of your food, especially in Asian-style dishes. It has a nutty, almost smoky flavor that can add depth to a dish. When used in small quantities, sesame oil can complement other flavors in a dish, without overwhelming them.

In addition to its flavor, sesame oil also has a distinct aroma that can enhance the overall eating experience. When added to a hot dish, the aroma of sesame oil can be released, adding another layer of flavor and sensory experience.

Using Sesame Oil in Broths and Soups

Sesame oil can also be used to enhance the flavor of broths and soups. Adding a few drops of sesame oil to a broth or soup can add a depth of flavor that is often missing in these dishes. The nutty flavor of sesame oil can complement the other ingredients in the soup or broth, making it more satisfying and delicious.

Sesame oil is also a great way to add richness to vegetarian soups and broths. Because it is an oil, it can help add a certain level of mouthfeel and richness that is often missing in vegetarian dishes.

Tips for Using Sesame Oil

When using sesame oil in your cooking, it is important to use it sparingly. Because it has a strong flavor, a little goes a long way. Too much sesame oil can overpower the other flavors in a dish, making it taste unpleasant.

It is also important to use the right type of sesame oil for your dish. Light sesame oil is best used for cooking and sautéing, while dark sesame oil is better for adding flavor to dishes. If you are unsure which type of sesame oil to use, start with a small amount of light sesame oil and gradually add more until you achieve the desired flavor.

Sesame oil is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can enhance the flavor of your dishes, broths, and soups. It has a unique nutty flavor and aroma that can add depth to a dish, and it is a healthy oil to use in your cooking. By using sesame oil sparingly and choosing the right type for your dish, you can take your cooking to the next level and create delicious and satisfying meals.

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How Watermelon does the magic for your Dark Circles?

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Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is regarded as a summer favorite for children and adults alike.  It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health. Apart from its numerous health benefits, watermelon is also known for its cosmetic benefits, particularly for its ability to reduce dark circles under the eyes. In this article, we will explore how watermelon works its magic for your dark circles.

Dark circles under the eyes are a common cosmetic concern for many people. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, aging, poor sleep, allergies, and stress. While there are many treatments available for dark circles, watermelon is a natural remedy that can be both effective and affordable.

Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. These nutrients work together to improve the health of your skin, and specifically, to reduce the appearance of dark circles. Let’s take a closer look at how each of these nutrients works:

Vitamin A: Watermelon is a great source of vitamin A, which is important for healthy skin. Vitamin A helps to regenerate skin cells, and it can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. By improving the health of your skin, vitamin A can help to reduce the appearance of dark circles.

Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is another nutrient that is found in watermelon. This vitamin is important for maintaining healthy skin and reducing inflammation. Inflammation can contribute to the development of dark circles, so reducing it can help to improve their appearance.

Vitamin C: Watermelon is also a rich source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to the development of dark circles. Vitamin C also plays a role in collagen production, which is important for maintaining healthy skin.

Lycopene: Lycopene is a pigment that gives watermelon its red color. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect your skin from damage. Lycopene has been shown to reduce the appearance of dark circles and to improve skin texture.

In addition to these nutrients, watermelon is also a great source of hydration. Dehydration can contribute to the development of dark circles, so staying hydrated is important for maintaining healthy skin. Eating watermelon or drinking its juice can help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

To use watermelon for reducing dark circles, simply apply some watermelon juice to the affected area using a cotton ball or a clean cloth. Leave the juice on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse it off with cool water. You can also add watermelon to your diet by eating it as a snack, adding it to salads, or making a refreshing smoothie.

Watermelon is a natural remedy that can be effective in reducing the appearance of dark circles. It is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that improve the health of your skin and reduce inflammation. By incorporating watermelon into your diet and skincare routine, you can enjoy its cosmetic benefits and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant.

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Having lot of exposure to blue light? Foods that help you protect your eyesight!

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The increasing use of screens has become ubiquitous, making it a global crisis. From computers and smartphones to tablets and televisions, we spend a significant portion of our day staring at screens. However, prolonged screen time has been linked to a number of health concerns, including eye damage. The blue light emitted by screens can cause strain, fatigue, and even long-term damage to the eyes. Fortunately, there are certain foods that can help protect your eyes from the harmful effects of prolonged screen time.

Leafy Greens:

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and collard greens are loaded with antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants help to protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light exposure. In addition, leafy greens are also rich in vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy eyes.

Carrots:

Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, a type of vitamin A that is essential for maintaining healthy eyes. Beta-carotene is also known for its ability to protect the eyes from blue light exposure. Adding carrots to your diet is a great way to protect your eyes from long screen time.

Citrus Fruits:

Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, vitamin C also helps to strengthen the blood vessels in the eyes, which can help to prevent eye damage.

Eggs:

Eggs are a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two antioxidants that are essential for maintaining healthy eyes. These antioxidants help to protect the eyes from blue light exposure, and they also help to reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.

Nuts:

Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are rich in vitamin E, which is another powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, nuts are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy eyes.

Blueberries:

Blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and vitamin C. These antioxidants help to protect the eyes from damage caused by blue light exposure, and they also help to improve night vision.

Fish:

Fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts, and they also help to improve the health of the blood vessels in the eyes.

In addition to these foods, it is also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration can cause eye strain and fatigue, which can be worsened by prolonged screen time.

The prolonged use of screens can cause damage to the eyes, but incorporating the above foods into your diet can help to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of blue light exposure. By making a few simple dietary changes, you can improve your eye health and reduce your risk of long-term eye damage.

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