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Showing posts from 2025

Malai Chicken With Gravy – A Creamy, Comforting North Indian Delight || Air Fryer addition

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If you love rich, creamy, melt-in-the-mouth chicken recipes, then  Malai Chicken with Gravy  is going to become your new favourite. This dish is a beautiful blend of subtle spices, tender chicken, and a silky smooth creamy base that feels luxurious without being too heavy. The word  malai  literally means cream, and the name perfectly sums up the soul of this recipe — soft, mild, and irresistibly creamy. Let’s walk through the story, flavours, ingredients, and method behind this classic dish. Ingredients  Here are the ingredients for  Malai Chicken with Gravy  (easy, home-style version): For the chicken marinade 500 g chicken (preferably boneless or mixed pieces) ½ cup curd 4 tbsp fresh cream (malai) 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp garam masala Salt to taste For the gravy 2 tbsp ghee or oil 2 medium onions (roughly chopped) 1 green chilli 8–10 cashews (soaked for 10–15 minutes) 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste ½ cup cream ½ cup milk (add m...

Make-Believe Marriages: When Love Turns into Pretend

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 There comes a time in some relationships when two people still live under the same roof, still share the same meals, and still wear the same rings, yet their hearts no longer recognize each other. Outwardly, it looks like a marriage. In reality, it’s a quiet performance, carefully rehearsed and politely maintained. This is what many call a  make-believe marriage,  one that exists in form, but not in feeling. The Illusion of Togetherness A make-believe marriage isn’t always built on lies or deceit. Often, it begins with good intentions — two people genuinely in love, full of hope for a shared future. But over time, something shifts. Conversations fade into silence, affection turns into habit, and the laughter that once echoed through the house is replaced by a polite distance. Still, they stay together. They share space but not souls. They smile for family photos, attend weddings and functions side by side, and even plan vacations that neither truly enjoys. To the world, ...

Baked Chicken Tandoori with Fried Rice: A Homestyle Fusion Feast

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If you’ve ever wanted to bring the bold, smoky flavors of Indian street food and the comforting simplicity of Indo-Chinese cuisine together in one meal, this baked chicken tandoori with fried rice will win your heart. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a celebration — beautifully spiced chicken paired with fragrant, colorful fried rice. And the best part? It’s baked, not fried, so you get all the flavor with none of the guilt. Picture this: golden-brown chicken legs, perfectly roasted until the skin is crisp and slightly charred, releasing that irresistible tandoori aroma as you open the oven door. On the side sits a bowl of warm fried rice, glistening with just enough soy seasoning, dotted with crunchy vegetables, and carrying that faint smoky edge from the wok. It’s comfort food with personality — vibrant, filling, and surprisingly easy to make. Why This Dish Works So Well This fusion meal is a marriage between two comfort classics — the fiery charm of North Ind...

Indian rediscovering Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi

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For centuries, Indian kitchens thrived on simplicity — a handful of local grains, a wooden rolling pin, and the aroma of freshly cooked rotis filling the air. But somewhere along the way, our love affair with millets like jowar, bajra, and ragi faded. As polished rice and refined wheat took centre stage, these humble grains were quietly pushed into the background, remembered only by our grandparents. Today, however, the story is coming full circle. As conversations around nutrition, sustainability, and mindful eating grow louder, India is rediscovering the power of its own heritage foods. The spotlight is once again on these age-old grains — and this time, they’re here to stay. Why We Forgot Our Millets The Green Revolution of the 1960s changed the way India ate. With the focus on high-yield crops like wheat and rice, millets — which grow easily in semi-arid regions — began to lose importance. They were seen as “poor man’s food,” while polished grains became symbols of modernity and pr...

Mushroom Potato Spinach Frittata Recipe

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Aa wholesome, protein-packed, and veggie-rich dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, a  Mushroom Potato Spinach Frittata  is the perfect choice. This Italian-inspired egg dish combines earthy mushrooms, tender potatoes, and fresh spinach with fluffy eggs, creating a hearty yet healthy meal. Unlike a regular omelet, a frittata is baked to perfection, making it easy to serve and even easier to store for meal prep. Pair it with a side salad, toast, or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Ingredients 6 large eggs 1 medium potato (peeled & diced small) 1 cup mushrooms (sliced) 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (washed & chopped) ½ cup onion (finely chopped) 2 cloves garlic (minced) 2 tbsp olive oil or butter ¼ cup milk (optional, for fluffiness) ¼ cup grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella) Salt & black pepper (to taste) ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a little kick) Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme, opt...

Crispy Baigan Bhagra

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Baigan Bhagra, also known as brinjal fritters, is a delicious Indian snack made with thin slices of eggplant with a crispy dry rub. This recipe is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. Adding a small amount of  sooji (semolina)  to the batter gives these fritters an extra crispiness, taking their texture to the next level. Perfect for monsoon evenings, family gatherings, or as a quick side dish, Baigan Bhagra is simple, tasty, and satisfying. Ingredients 1 medium-sized brinjals (eggplants), cut into thin round slices 1/2 cup besan (gram flour) 2 tablespoons sooji (semolina) – for extra crisp ½ teaspoon turmeric powder 1 small  green chili chopped ( red chilli powder can be added too) 1 teaspoon coriander powder ½ teaspoon cumin powder A pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) – optional for digestion Salt to taste 2 tbsp Oil for shallow frying Method Prepare the brinjal slices : Wash and cut the brinjals into thin round slice...

Minced Chinese Chicken with Fried Rice – A Comfort Bowl of Flavor

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of fried rice paired with juicy, flavor-packed minced chicken. This recipe brings together the smoky aroma of wok-tossed rice and the savory goodness of Chinese-style minced chicken. Perfect for weeknight dinners, or when you’re craving a hearty, wholesome meal! 🥢 Ingredients For Minced Chinese Chicken: 300 g boneless chicken (finely minced) 1 medium onion (finely chopped) 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 1 green chili (optional, finely chopped) 1 tbsp soy sauce 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce if preferred) 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste) 1 tsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar) 1 tsp cornflour mixed in 2 tbsp water (for thickening) 1 tbsp sesame oil (or vegetable oil) 2–3 tbsp spring onion greens (for garnish) Salt & pepper to taste For Fried Rice: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably a day old for best texture) 2 eggs (lightly beaten) ½ cup carrot, beans, capsicum (finely diced) ¼ cup cabbage (shredded) 1 small onion (sliced) 2 tbs...

Gen Alpha and Its Lingo: The Future Talks in Emojis, Slang, and Sass

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If you thought Millennials were hard to decode and Gen Z was all about TikTok dances and “no cap” slang, buckle up—because  Gen Alpha  is here, and they’re speaking an entirely new language. Born roughly between 2010 and 2025, Gen Alpha kids are the first generation to grow up with screens in their strollers and AI as their sidekick. And oh boy, their  lingo  is a mash-up of sass, memes, and digital shorthand that can leave adults scratching their heads harder than when your Wi-Fi suddenly dies. What is Gen Alpha Lingo Anyway? Let’s start with the basics. Gen Alpha lingo isn’t just slang; it’s a mix of memes, gaming references, emojis, and the kind of internet humor that often makes no logical sense—but somehow works. Their words are fast, funny, and flexible. Blink, and you’ll miss a trend. Try to use it as a parent, and you’ll immediately be labeled “cringe.” For example, when your 11-year-old says, “That fit is giving,” don’t panic. They’re complimenting your outf...

Wholesome Mexican Cantina Bowl with Rajma Beans – A Fusion Power Bowl!

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🌯 A Spicy, Comforting Hug in a Bowl! There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a big, vibrant bowl packed with spicy beans, creamy guacamole, zesty salad, and hearty rice. Today, I’m sharing a fusion-style  Mexican Cantina Bowl  with a healthy Indian twist— red rajma beans ! This bowl is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, flavor, and crunch. Whether you're meal-prepping, craving something comforting, or looking to clean up your diet, this dish checks all the boxes. 🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need: 1 cup soaked and boiled red beans (rajma) 1 cup diced mushrooms 100g tofu or paneer 1 shredded lettuce 1 tomato, diced ½ cup shredded cheese (optional) Salt & pepper to taste 1 cup guacamole 1 cup cooked brown rice For the tofu/paneer marinade: 2 tsp chilli paste 2 cloves garlic, finely diced Salt 1 tsp soy sauce For sautéing: 2 tsp olive oil 🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of chilli paste, finely diced garlic, a pinch of salt, and 1 t...

Crisp Harmony: Dal & Peanut Tikkis on Beetroot Cloud

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Looking for a protein-packed, fiber-rich, and deliciously crisp snack that’s also easy to digest? These  Moong Dal, Chana Dal & Peanut Tikkis  are the perfect blend of health and taste. They're shallow-fried for a guilt-free crunch and served on a creamy, colorful beetroot-curd base that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to your gut! 🥦 Nutritional Highlights: Moong Dal & Chana Dal : Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron Peanuts : Provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch Sattu Atta : Keeps you full longer and supports digestion Beetroot & Curd : Detoxifies and aids gut health with probiotics 🍽️ Ingredients For the Tikki: ½ cup Moong Dal (soaked 3–4 hrs) ½ cup Chana Dal (soaked 3–4 hrs) ¼ cup peanuts (raw) 2 green chilies 1-inch piece ginger 1 bunch fresh coriander leaves Salt to taste 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp chaat masala 1 medium onion (finely chopped) 2 tbsp sattu atta 1 tsp oil (for shallow frying) For the Base: 1 cup hung curd 2...

Are We Addicted to Filters? Exploring AI Face-Tuning and Identity Crisis

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A swipe here, a soft blur there, a little nose lift, and voilà — the perfect selfie is born. But what happens when the face in your phone camera no longer matches the one in your mirror? In the age of AI beauty filters and face-tuning apps, our perception of ourselves is becoming more artificial, curated, and — let’s face it — confused. From casual Instagram stories to full-on TikTok glow-ups, filters have seeped into our daily digital lives. But at what cost? This blog explores the growing addiction to AI beauty filters, the psychological toll of hyper-edited selfies, and how our digital self-image is affecting real-life identity and self-worth. The Rise of AI Beauty Filters Gone are the days when filters were just fun dog ears or color tones. Today’s  AI beauty filters  are incredibly advanced. They don’t just adjust lighting — they reshape your jawline, plump your lips, smooth your skin, and widen your eyes, all in real time. Apps like FaceApp, YouCam, and TikTok’s beauty m...