Author: vebnox

  • 10 must-try South Indian Paneer dishes


    South Indian Paneer dishes

    Paneer, packed with protein and calcium, is loved not only in North India but also enjoys a special place in South Indian kitchens. Known for its bold flavours and aromatic spices, South Indian cuisine offers a variety of delicious paneer dishes that are surprisingly easy to make at home. For reference, 100 grams of paneer contains about 208–480 mg of calcium and 11–13 grams of protein, making it a wholesome choice for vegetarians. If you’re looking to add a South Indian twist to your paneer recipes, here are some simple yet flavourful dishes you can try.

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    Paneer Kurma

    It is a mildly spiced South Indian-style paneer curry made with coconut, poppy seeds, and cashews, perfect for pairing with appam, or dosa. It can also be paired with parotta.

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    Paneer Masala Dosa

    It is a variation of the classic masala dosa, stuffed with a spicy paneer filling instead of the usual potato masala. The tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves make the paneer stuffing delicious and tempting.

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    Paneer Chettinad

    It is one of the most popular paneer delicacies, which is equally spicy and flavorful. In this curry, paneer cubes are cooked in a rich gravy made with Chettinad spices, coconut, and curry leaves. It is best served with appam or parotta.

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    Paneer Paniyaram

    It makes for a healthy breakfast delight, where regular paniyaram batter is topped with crumbled paneer and is cooked in the traditional paniyaram pan, served with coconut chutney.

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    Paneer Kuzhambu

    It refers to the traditional Tamil Nadu-style paneer curry cooked in a tangy tamarind and coconut-based gravy with South Indian spices. It is best served with parotta or steamed rice.

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    Paneer Upma

    This refers to the classic rava upma that is cooked with a nutritional twist. All you need to do is add crumbled paneer to the regular upma for extra protein and richness.

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    Paneer Pepper Fry

    This is one of the most famous paneer dishes, which refers to a spicy dish made with crushed black pepper, curry leaves, and onions, that are cooked together with pan-fried paneer, giving it a fiery South Indian twist.

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    Paneer Rasam

    It is a unique fusion of traditional rasam and paneer, where soft paneer cubes are added to the spicy and tangy South Indian rasam, making it a protein-rich soup.

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    Paneer Ghee Roast

    It is a Mangalorean-style dish where paneer is roasted in ghee along with a masala made of red chilies, tamarind, and aromatic spices. It is a semi-dry dish that is best served with parotta.

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    Paneer Avial

    It is a Kerala-style dish where paneer is cooked with fiber-rich seasonal vegetables, coconut, and yogurt, making it mildly spiced yet delicious.

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    Next: Janmashtami 2025: How to make Kalakand for bhog

  • The Life of a Showgirl: A look back at Taylor Swift's blockbuster hits ahead of new release


    ‘Cruel Summer’

    Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes, and Taylor Swift creates a song that becomes the most-streamed song years after its release. ‘Cruel Summer’ was a fan secret for a long time, but the track was picked up on social media ahead of The Eras Tour, creating history yet again.

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    ‘Blank Space’

    With ‘Cause, darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream,’ Taylor Swift created an imaginary world where she’s breaking cars and smashing cakes, portraying the girl she was framed as. Blank Space’s feisty lyrics and unmatched beats helped the track chart in people’s minds.

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    ‘Love Story’

    The 17-year-old Taylor Swift surely didn’t reckon that her ‘Love Story’ would be listened to in the corners of the world. The dreamy lyricism and the classic Romeo-Juliet tale resonated with the teenagers, channelling the emotions along with the captivating hook.

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    ‘Anti-Hero’

    The chaotic ‘It’s me, hi, I’m the problem, it’s me’ feels like a realisation and a giant hug at the same time. Taylor Swift’s stark lyrics and groovy beats connected with the audience, where all adults in the room felt the same emotion, climbing the ranks ladder in no time.

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    ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together’

    With ‘We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,’ Taylor Swift created a song with an exceptional amount of storytelling. The tune, the lyrics, and the beat made the fans feel like the singer was just telling gossip about her toxic ex, making it an instant banger.

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    ‘You Belong With Me’

    The mere start of the song can create a unity, and the entire stadium would scream the lyrics at the top of their lungs. With the amount of memories and edits with ‘And you’ve got a smile that can light up this whole town,’ Taylor Swift channelled every teenager’s heart yet again, making it an anthem.

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    ‘Look What You Made Me Do’

    The revenge, the sassy remarks, and the classic smirk with ‘Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time,’ Taylor Swift did not create a song; she created history. The song came between all the judgments and trolling in the singer’s life, and the song swiftly created silence, simultaneously ranking on the lists.

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    ‘Shake It Off’

    ‘Shake It Off’ is the reassuring track that lies between all the beats. While this song can be streamed at 3 a.m., ‘the fakers gonna fake, fake….’ can encourage in a second. Taylor Swift’s lyrics gave a nod to rolling one’s eyes, and the fans simply pressed the play button.

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    ‘Lover’

    With ‘I take this magnetic force of a man to be my lover,’ Taylor Swift created a love anthem of the decade. This song became the one that is played at weddings or after an incredible date.

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    ‘I Knew You Were Trouble’

    “‘Cause I knew you were trouble when you walked in” did not disappoint the top songs’ list, after everyone started visualising their troubles in shame. Along with the beats, the additional hooks and sound effects managed to impress the fans.

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    ‘Style’

    ‘Cause Taylor Swift never goes out of style, and people know it! Taylor Swift poetically described situationship before the term came into existence – and the fans loved it.

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    ‘All Too Well’ (10 Minute Version)

    It was rare, and Taylor Swift was there, when she saw her fans learn, emote, and scream the lyrics of the ten-minute version of ‘All Too Well’ in the most devoted way. Swifties may not remember why they entered a certain room, but these lyrics? You can cross that off the checklist.

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    ‘August’

    With ‘Salt air, and the rust on your door,’ Taylor Swift sprinkled the magic all over the song. Channelling the emotion of ‘To live for the hope of it all,’ the song feels like a hug after a love drought.

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  • Parsi New Year 2025: 8 traditional dishes to celebrate the day


    Must-try dishes on Parsi New Year

    Also known as Navroz, the Parsi New Year celebration marks the beginning of the new Iranian calendar, and the celebration is incomplete without a dose of delectable Parsi cuisine, which celebrates all five kinds of tastes. On this day, the Parsi community dresses up in their traditional attire and enjoys the day with friends and family over mouth-watering delicacies. Here are a few traditional Parsi recipes that you need to try!

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    Parsi Bhonu

    Parsi Bhonu refers to a full-fledged Parsi meal where a variety of Parsi dishes are served on a single platter. It has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, which include rotli, vegetarian Russian pattice, smoked brinjal patio, veggie kid gosh fish patties, saria papad, fish, and more.

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    Lagan nu Stew

    It’s a rich and nutritious dry vegetable preparation made with root vegetables and roasted dry fruits. It tastes best with rotli (roti).

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    Salli Murghi

    It’s a Parsi chicken curry preparation flavoured with raw spices and a hint of sweetness that comes from apricot and jaggery. The key highlight of this recipe is the topping of deep-fried crispy potato stripes.

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    Ravaiyyan

    This vegetarian preparation is made with baby brinjals and mint and coriander chutney. It is surely a stealer, as it has the goodness of coconut and vinegar in it.

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    Pulao Dar/Dal

    This one is for all the non-veg lovers, as it has spiced mutton pieces mixed with steamed rice, layered with fried onion, and served with dal. Here, the dal preparation has a combination of dals seasoned with spices and vegetables.

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    Patra ni Machchi

    No Parsi celebration is complete without this delicacy, where tender fish fillets are wrapped in banana leaves and topped with green chutney. This steamed fish preparation tastes best with rice, and with time, a lot of innovations have been done with this signature dish that is also offered during Parsi weddings.

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    Lagan nu Custard

    Made with condensed milk, custard, eggs, sugar, and milk, this signature sweet dish of Parsi cuisine has a gentle punch of nutmeg in it, which makes it a must-try delicacy of Parsi cuisine.

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    Ash Reshteh

    It refers to a Persian noodle soup, which includes traditional Persian noodles and a variety of beans and lentils cooked with onion, scallions, spinach, mint, and parsley.

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    Kayk-E Golabi Ba Zafferan

    It refers to Persian love cake, which uses spices, orange juice, almond flour, cardamom, rose water, and even pear.

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    Next: 10 must-try South Indian Paneer dishes

  • 9 gut-friendly drinks for the changing season


    Sip your way to a happy gut this changing season

    Season changes can be tricky, one day you’re craving a chilled juice, the next you just want something warm and comforting. This back-and-forth can leave your stomach feeling a bit confused, slowing digestion, causing bloating, or disrupting your appetite. Here’s a line-up of gut-friendly drinks that bring balance, comfort, and a touch of care when the weather can’t make up its mind.

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    Jeera water for calm mornings

    Warm cumin water works like a gentle wake-up for your digestion, helping ease bloating and giving your metabolism a boost. Just boil a teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain, and sip it while it’s still warm.

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    Aam panna’s cheeky tang

    Blend raw mango with spices for a tangy, refreshing drink that cools you down and helps digestion. Boil the mango, scoop out the pulp, mix it with water, black salt, and roasted cumin, then serve it chilled.

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    Sattu Sharbat, the quiet multitasker

    Blend roasted gram with water, jaggery, and a pinch of cardamom for a cooling, mineral-rich drink. Its earthy sweetness pairs perfectly with the hint of spice, making it both refreshing and satisfying, while it fights acidity and keeps you energised without feeling heavy.

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    Tulsi tea with a side of zen

    Put fresh tulsi leaves in a pot of water and let them simmer slowly. The warm, herbal steam instantly feels calming. Strain into a cup and sip for better digestion, a happier gut, and a gentle boost to your immunity.

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    Kanji, the tangy troublemaker

    Fermented carrot or beetroot kanji is loaded with probiotics that keep your gut happy and digestion running smoothly. Just cut the carrots or beetroot into thin sticks, drop them into a glass jar with water, mustard seeds, salt, and a pinch of red chilli powder. Leave it out in the sun for 3–4 days until it develops that lovely tang, then chill it and enjoy a refreshing, zesty sip.

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    Haldi doodh, the golden blanket

    Turmeric milk helps your body heal, eases inflammation, and helps your stomach soak up nutrients – plus it’s pure cosy comfort on a breezy evening, just heat milk with a little turmeric and black pepper, and sip it warm.

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    Mint chaas, the midday refresher

    Buttermilk with fresh mint is the kind of drink that cools you down, helps your tummy settle after a heavy meal, and tastes super fresh, to make it, whisk together chilled buttermilk, chopped mint, salt, and a pinch of roasted cumin.

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    Ginger lemon infusion, the spark plug

    A mix of warm water, lemon juice, and fresh ginger wakes up digestion, helps the body detox, and leaves you feeling light, just squeeze half a lemon into warm water, add grated ginger, and sip.

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    Coconut water, the tropical therapist

    Light, hydrating, and naturally sweet, coconut water flushes out toxins, eases bloating, and restores minerals – just crack open a fresh coconut and drink it chilled.

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    Next: Janmashtami 2025: How to make Makhana Paag at home forChhappan Bhog

  • 8 reasons to have one garlic clove daily


    8 Reasons to add garlic to your morning routine

    There’s no denying that the mere addition of garlic can instantly amp up the taste as well as health quotient of any delicacy, but little do we know that eating it raw can work wonders for health. Right from reducing LDL levels to improving insulin resistance to reducing digestive discomfort, chewing just one clove can fix several health issues. Here are some simple reasons to add garlic to the daily diet.

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    Regulates Blood Sugar

    Garlic may improve insulin sensitivity, helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

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    Strengthens Bones

    Garlic contains compounds that may increase estrogen levels in women, supporting bone density and strength.

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    Enhances Brain Health

    Antioxidants in garlic protect brain cells from oxidative stress, which may reduce the risk of memory loss.

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    Boosts Immunity

    Starting the day by chewing one raw garlic can help in naturally improving immunity as it is loaded with allicin, a natural compound that helps the body fight infections and strengthens your immune system.

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    Supports Heart Health

    Regular garlic consumption may lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease. This also helps in preventing the risk of strokes.

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    Improves Digestion

    Garlic stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, which helps break down food and improves nutrient absorption. Chewing a small clove of garlic can also help in reducing bloating and discomfort.

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    Natural Detoxifier

    It helps flush out toxins from the body by supporting liver function and cleansing the blood.

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    Fights Cold and Flu

    Garlic’s antimicrobial properties can help reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu.

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  • Janmashtami 2025: How to make Kalakand for bhog


    Kalakand Recipe

    The festival of Janmashtami is incomplete without the goodness of dairy sweets. And one of the sweets that you can prepare at home and offer to Lord Krishna is Kalakand. Often called Indian milk cake, is a rich, soft, and grainy-textured sweet made from milk, sugar, and cardamom, and garnished with nuts. Here’s the simple recipe to try at home.

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    Ingredients required

    2 litres full-fat milk, 2-3 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, 1 tbsp ghee, 2 tbsp chopped pistachios/almonds

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    Step 1

    First of all, boil 1 liter of milk in a heavy-bottom pan.

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    Step 2

    Add lemon juice/vinegar to curdle the milk. Keep stirring and once done, strain through a muslin cloth, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out excess water.

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    Step 3

    Heat another pan and boil the remaining 1 liter of milk and simmer until it reduces to about half its quantity, stirring often to avoid burning.

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    Step 4

    Crumble the paneer into the thickened milk. Cook on low flame and keep stirring.

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    Step 5

    Next, add sugar and cardamom powder. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture thickens again.

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    Step 6

    In the meantime, grease a tray/plate with ghee, spread the mixture evenly, and smooth the top and garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds.

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    Step 7

    Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1–2 hours before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!

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  • ​From turmeric to tulsi: 8 immunity boosters hiding in the kitchen​


    The hidden immunity boosters in your kitchen

    Your kitchen might seem ordinary, but it’s hiding serious health heroes. While you’re flipping parathas or waiting for the chai to boil, everyday ingredients are pulling their weight–helping your immune system without making a fuss. No fancy superfoods, no wellness trends. Just the good old stuff you already use. Here’s what’s putting in the work behind the scenes.

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    Turmeric: the golden shield

    It’s not just a curry colour-maker. Turmeric’s curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps your body fight off infections before they settle in. A pinch in the milk, soup, or morning smoothie can work like armour from the inside out.

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    Tulsi: the leaf that heals

    Tulsi tea has been a trusted remedy for generations – soothing coughs, easing sniffles, and even taking the edge off a stressful day. Just steep a few fresh leaves in hot water, and you’ve got a warm, calming brew that supports your immune system and feels like a little moment of peace in a cup.

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    Ginger: your spicy bodyguard

    Sharp, warm, and just a little bit fiery – ginger wakes up your digestion and helps push back seasonal bugs. It’s a natural boost that’s been used for ages to keep you feeling your best. Drop it into chai, blitz it into a stir-fry, or sip it in warm water with lemon.

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    Garlic: the kitchen warrior

    Behind that strong smell is a potent defense system. Garlic’s sulfur compounds help your immune cells get sharper and quicker. Crush it raw into salad dressings or toss it into hot dal – either way, it’s working hard to keep you healthy.

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    Black pepper: the quiet enabler

    Black pepper might seem simple, but it’s a game-changer for your health. It helps your body soak up the benefits of turmeric’s curcumin, making both more effective. So that little sprinkle on your curry or soup? It’s not just flavor, it’s boosting your body’s natural defenses.

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    Lemon: the zesty shield

    Lemon’s vitamin C helps your body fight off bugs by powering up your white blood cells. Just squeeze some over your veggies, stir it into warm water, or add it to your tea – it’s a simple, tasty way to keep yourself feeling good every day.

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    Cinnamon: the sweet defender

    Cinnamon doesn’t just smell great, it helps fight off bacteria too. It’s a simple way to boost your food without overthinking it. A pinch in your coffee or on some fruit tastes good and gives your body a little extra backup.

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    Honey: the natural soother

    Raw honey can help calm a sore throat, sweeten your tea, and give you a boost of antioxidants, all without any fuss. Just make sure it’s truly raw and unprocessed, so you’re getting all the natural benefits.

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    Next: Monsoon Special: How to make immunity-boosting Drumstick (Moringa) Soup

  • ​​How to make high-protein Avocado Hummus at home​


    Easy high-protein Avocado Hummus recipe

    Want to increase protein intake in your daily diet? Then try this easy and tasty recipe, which can be made in just a few minutes and can be made in just a few minutes. So, follow through this easy hummus recipe, which can be made with avocados, chickpeas, sesame paste along with some spices and herbs. Spread this on a toast or simply enjoy with veggies or meat chunks, this high protein hummus is perfect to boost immunity and vitality.

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    Ingredients

    1 avocado, 1 cup chickpeas, 2 tbsp tahini (sesame paste), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3-4 cloves garlic,3 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp cumin powder, salt to taste, 1 tsp paprika or chili flakes.

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    Step 1

    To begin with this easy recipe, wash and pressure cook the chickpeas.

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    Step 2

    Wash and remove the avocado stone, then extract the flesh.

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    Step 3

    Take the flesh, chop the avocado and garlic cloves, transfer all these ingredients to a blender.

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    Step 4

    Make a smooth paste by adding chickpeas, spices and herbs.

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    Step 5

    Squeeze some lemon juice and tahini and blend into a smooth paste.

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    Step 6

    Add in some salt and pepper.

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    Step 7

    Enjoy the way you like!

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  • Janmashtami 2025: How to make Makhana Paag at home forChhappan Bhog


    Makhana Paag Recipe

    The Janmashtami celebration is incomplete without some traditional delicacies that are offered to Lord Krishna. Makhana Paag is one such recipe that is offered to the deity and is an integral part of Chhappan Bhog offered to him. Tap next to learn the recipe.

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    Ingredients required

    100 gms makhana, 200 gms ghee, 500 gms sugar, 1/2 cup grated dried coconut, and 1 tbsp milk

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    Step 1

    Chop and cut makhana into small chunks.

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    Step 2

    Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.

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    Step 3

    Roast the makhanas until they turn crisp and crunchy.

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    Step 4

    In a saucepan, add sugar and 1/4 cup water.

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    Step 5

    Make a sugar syrup of 2-3 string consistency and add milk to it.

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    Step 6

    Add the makhanas and grated dried coconut to it.

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    Step 7

    Mix well and let it cool down. Your homemade Makhana Paag is ready.

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  • Hollywood stars and their Bollywood lookalikes


    ​Pedro Pascal

    Known for his roles in ‘The Materialists’ and ‘The Last Of Us’, Pedro Pascal is a famous Hollywood actor.

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    ​Jimmy Shergill

    ‘Mohabbatein’ actor Jimmy Shergill beares an uncanny resemblance to Hollywood star Pedro Pascal.

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    ​Sacha Baron Cohen

    English comedian and actor Sacha Baron Cohen too has a Bollywood lookalike.

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    ​Jim Sarbh

    Jim Sarbh is an Indian actor known for his powerful portrayal in films shares his features with the Hollywood actor Sacha Baron Cohen.

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    ​Mark Ruffalo

    Mark Ruffalo is best known for his portrayal of Bruce Banner in the Marvel series.

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    ​Abhay Deol

    Indian actor Abhay Deol resembles the Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo.

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    Heath Ledger

    Legendary late actor, Heath Ledger, famous for his role in ‘The Dark Knight’ shares his features with a Bollywood star.

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    ​Kunal Khemu

    Indian actor Kunal Khemu, best known for playing comedic roles, resembles the late legend Heath Ledger.

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    ​Edgar Ramirez Arellano

    Venezuelan actor, Edgar Ramirez Arellano shares his striking features with a Bollywood actor.

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    ​Shiney Ahuja

    Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja famous for ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ bears an uncanny resemblance to the Venezuelan actor, Edgar Ramirez Arellano.

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