Category: food

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.

Regulates Blood Sugar

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

Strengthens Bones

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

Enhances Brain Health

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

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.

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.

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.

Natural Detoxifier

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

Fights Cold and Flu

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

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.

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

Step 1

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

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.

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.

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

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.

Step 7

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

Step 6

Add in some salt and pepper.

Step 7

Enjoy the way you like!

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.

Ingredients required

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

Step 1

Chop and cut makhana into small chunks.

Step 2

Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.

Step 3

Roast the makhanas until they turn crisp and crunchy.

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

Step 6

Add the makhanas and grated dried coconut to it.

Step 7

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

Drumstick Soup Recipe

The change of season often leads seasonal flu, sore throat, and coughs. And the best remedy to handle such situations is to indulge in immunity boosting foods. One such foods is drumstick (moringa), which can be consumed as a soup or curry. Take a look at this simple and easy immunity-boosting Drumstick Soup that can be easily made at home.

Benefits of drumstick

Drumsticks are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that help strengthen the immune system. They are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties that support the body’s defense against infections.

Ingredients required

1 onion, 8 garlic cloves, 2 inch ginger, 2 green chill, 2 tbsp coriander stems, 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, 2 inch cinnamon, salt to taste, 2 cups hot water, 2 tbsp coriander leaves, 8-10 mint leaves, 1 tsp black salt, 1 tsp roasted cumin powder, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon juice

Step 1

First of all, peel the drumsticks and cut them into pieces.

Step 2

Boil 2 cups of water, and add the drumsticks, onion, ginger, garlic, green chillies, coriander stems, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer for 5 minutes or until the drumsticks are tender.

Step 3

Once cooked, discard the whole spices. Strain the mixture, keeping the stock aside. Let the solids cool down and then blend them into smooth puree.

Step 4

Transfer them into a pan along with some fresh coriander & mint leaves and add reserved stock to get the right consistency.

Step 5

Cook on a low flame for 5-7 minutes and add salt, black salt, roasted cumin powder, black pepper & lemon juice.

Step 6

Your Drumstick soup is ready. Serve hot and enjoy.

Dhania Panjiri Recipe

Dhania Panjiri is an integral part of Chappan Bhog offered to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. If you are also planning to observe fast and offer this bhog to the deity, take a look at the simplest recipe.

Ingredients required

1 cup coriander seeds, 2 tbsp ghee, 1/2 cup makhana, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 cup grated coconut, 10-12 almonds, and 1 tsp chironji

Step 1

Dry roast coriander seeds in a pan for 30 seconds and set it aside.

Step 2

Once it cools down, blend it into a fine powder.

Step 3

Next, in the same pan, add ghee and saute makhana, almonds, and chironji for 30 seconds. Once done, place them on a kitchen towel.

Step 4

Now, add coriander powder to it and saute until it turns aromatic.

Step 5

To this, add nuts and coconut. Mix well and switch off the flame.

Step 6

Once it cools down slightly, add the powdered sugar to it and mix well using your hands.

Step 7

Your homemade Dhania Panjiri is ready. Enjoy.

Tasty side dishes to try!

Kerala isn’t just somewhere you go, it’s something you experience. The smell of coconut oil hanging in the air, the sound of curry leaves crackling in a hot pan, and the gentle bubbling of food cooking slow and steady in a clay pot. Even simple veggies like pumpkin or beans turn into something special here. Pair them with steaming rice or soft appam, and you’ve got comfort and flavour all wrapped up in one. Here are ten Kerala vegetarian sides you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Thoran

Chopped veggies mixed with fresh grated coconut – that’s thoran. You temper mustard seeds in hot oil until they pop, then toss everything together into a simple, crunchy dish that you’ll find on every Kerala table. Plus honestly, it’s way more exciting than your usual salad.

Olan

Olan is soft ash gourd and black-eyed peas cooked in rich coconut milk. The flavours are subtle but melt together in the nicest way. It’s mild, calm, and perfect for when you want something light, gentle, and comforting on your plate.

Pulissery ​

If you like a little tang without it being too much, pulissery is the one. Yogurt and coconut come together with cucumber or ash gourd for a sour touch. Light and refreshing, it’s easy on the stomach and quietly delicious.

Kaalan

Kaalan is thick and creamy, made with yogurt, coconut, and chunks of raw banana or yam. The tangy yogurt and coconut blend into a smooth and rich gravy. It’s mildly sweet with a bit of spice and is warm and comforting, and easy on the stomach as well.

Achinga

Achinga’s a crunchy little side made with green beans or snake gourd, tossed with mustard seeds and just enough chilli to wake things up. It comes together quick and adds a fresh, crisp bite that makes the whole meal more interesting.

Erissery

Erissery’s basically pumpkin or beans cooked slow and easy in a thick coconut gravy with some mild spices. It smells amazing while it’s cooking, all warm and cozy, and when it’s ready, you just want to sit with a big plate of rice and take your time eating it.

Thalassery-style vegetable stew

This veggie stew from Thalassery is just soft spices and creamy coconut milk all over tender veggies. It’s mild, cosy, and perfect for toning down any big, loud flavours on your plate.

Kootu

Kootu is veggies, lentils, and coconut cooked together with gentle spices. It’s hearty but not too heavy, comforting to eat, and gives you a nice bit of protein on the side, a bit like Thalassery-style vegetable stew, but thicker and more rustic.

Pachadi

Pachadi is cool, creamy yogurt mixed with fresh veggies like cucumber or beets. It’s refreshing, light, and the perfect side to balance out a heavy meal. Bonus – it’s great for your digestion too.

Beans Mezhukupuratti

Beans mezhukupuratti is as simple as it gets – just green beans tossed with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of coconut. Just tasty, fresh flavours that do the job. It’s the kind of side you keep sneaking bites of without thinking, and before you know it, your plate’s empty and you’re already getting more.

​How to make dhaba-style Egg Curry at home

Ingredients:

4-6 eggs, 2-3 tbsp oil, 2 onions, 2 tomatoes, 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste, 3-4 garlic cloves, 2 tomatoes, 6 curry leaves, 1 red chili, 3-4 green chilies, 1 tsp cumin seeds, ½ tsp turmeric powder, 2 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp garam masala powder, 1 tsp kitchen king masala, 2 tbsp fresh cream, 1 handful coriander, salt, and pepper to taste, curd as needed.

Step 1

To begin with this easy recipe, wash and chop the veggies.

Step 2

Take a pot and add water with a dash of salt, place the eggs, and allow them to boil perfectly. Then place them in normal water, and remove the shells. Keep aside.

Step 3

Marniate the eggs with salt, turemric, red chiili powder and curd. Next, take a pan and heat 1 tablespoon of oil on medium heat. Gently fry the boiled eggs for 2-3 minutes until they turn slightly golden on all sides. Remove the eggs and set them aside.

Step 4

​ Now, to the same pan add more oil along with onion and ginger garlic paste. Keep cooking.​​

Step 5

To the same pan, add some more oil, add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and red chilies, and let them splutter. Add the finely chopped tomatoes; sauté them until they turn golden brown.

Step 6

Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears, add the tomato, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala. Add the remaining spices, herbs, and eggs. Lastly add water as needed.

Step 7

Add in coriander leaves and serve hot.

Easy Fruit Custard recipe to try at home

Looking for a simple way to sneak in fruits and nutrition into your kid’s diet, then here’s a simple yet delicious Fruit Custard recipe, which can be made by following some simple tips given below. So, try it out today and enjoy this creamy sweet delight.

Ingredients

1 liter full cream milk, 2 tbsp custard powder, 2-3 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp vanilla essence, 1 apple, 1 banana, ¼ cup berries and nuts crushed, ½ cup mango.

Step 1

To begin with this easy recipe, wash and chop the fruits.

Step 2

Take a deep bottomed vessel and add milk, allow the milk to boil over medium heat.

Step 3

Next, take a bowl and whisk, 2 tbsp custard powder and mix well to form a smooth slurry.

Step 4

​ Once it boils, reduce heat and sugar to this milk.​

Step 5

Now, add the custard slurry slowly, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 6

Once the custard attains room temperature, then add in nuts, seeds and fruits, fruits and berries. Then refrigerate.

Step 7

Serve chilled