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  • Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: How to make traditional Ukadiche Modak at home


    Ukadiche Modak Recipe

    The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner and no celebration of Bappa is complete without Ukadiche Modak, a traditional Maharashtrian delicacy offered to the Lord Ganesha. It is made with a soft rice flour shell filled with sweet coconut-jaggery stuffing. Steamed to perfection, it can be easily made at home. Take a look at the recipe.

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    Ingredients requied

    1 cup grated coconut, 3/4 cup jaggery, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder, 1 tsp ghee, 2 tbsp dry fruits, 1 cup rice flour, 1 cup water, 1 tsp ghee, and a pinch of salt

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    Step 1

    Heat ghee in a pan, add grated coconut and jaggery.

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    Step 2

    Stir well on low flame until the jaggery melts and mixes with coconut. Add cardamom powder and dry fruits. Cook till the mixture becomes slightly dry.

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    Step 3

    Boil water with a pinch of salt and ghee.

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    Step 4

    Add rice flour gradually and mix well to avoid lumps. Cover and let it rest for a few minutes. Knead into a soft, smooth dough while it is still warm.

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    Step 5

    Take a small ball of dough, flatten it and place it in the greased modak mould.

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    Step 6

    Place a spoonful of filling inside and carefully close the mould and press to form a modak.

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    Step 7

    Place them in a steamer or idli cooker for about 10–12 minutes.

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    Step 8

    Once done, the outer covering will turn slightly glossy. Let them cool down, demould and your Ukadiche Modak are ready.

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    Next: 7 beetroot based tasty and healthy salads for 7 days of the week

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  • 7 beetroot based tasty and healthy salads for 7 days of the week


    Healthy salads for 7 days of the week

    Want to eat healthy as well as tasty? Then we have got your back with these easy to make beetroot salads for each day of the week, so that salads don’t turn out to be boring! Read on and try out these interesting beetroot salads with a perfect balance of taste and health, and enjoy!

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    Why beetroot?

    Beetroot is an excellent source of folate (vitamin B9), which helps in cell growth and heart an , and also provides vitamin C, potassium, manganese, iron and small amounts of vitamin A and B-complex vitamins. Beets contain dietary fibre that supports digestion and are loaded with antioxidants such as betalains which help fight inflammation and oxidative stress.

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    Monday – Beetroot & Cucumber Salad

    Start your week with something cooling. Combine boiled beetroot cubes, sliced cucumber, black pepper, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of rock salt. It’s hydrating, crunchy and great for detox.

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    Tuesday – Beetroot Yogurt Raita

    Grate cooked beetroot and mix it with chilled curd. Add roasted cumin powder, salt and finely chopped green chilli. This pretty pink raita improves digestion and pairs well with any meal.

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    Wednesday – Beetroot & Sprouts Protein Salad

    Mix steamed beetroot chunks with moong sprouts, chopped onions, tomatoes and coriander. Add lime juice and chaat masala. This salad is high in protein and fibre — perfect for midweek energy.

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    Thursday – Beetroot Apple Walnut Salad

    Toss thin beetroot slices with apple cubes, some toasted walnuts and a drizzle of honey + lemon dressing. It’s slightly sweet, crunchy and packed with antioxidants.

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    Friday – Beetroot & Chickpea Salad

    Use boiled chickpeas and beetroot cubes. Add some finely chopped onions, cherry tomatoes and parsley. Season with salt, pepper and olive oil. It’s filling and ideal for dinner or a light lunch.

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    Saturday – Beetroot Carrot Slaw

    Grate raw beetroot and carrot together. Add a dash of lemon, black pepper and a bit of honey. This colourful, crunchy slaw helps boost immunity and makes a great side dish.

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    Sunday – Beetroot & Feta Salad

    Slice beetroot into wedges and toss with crumbled feta cheese, rocket or spinach leaves and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. It’s tangy, creamy and perfect for a refreshing weekend salad bowl.

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  • How to make Dahi Ke Kebab for evening snacking


    Dahi Ke Kebab Recipe

    Are you a curd fan and craving for a filing snack made with it? If yes, then give this Dahi Ke Kebab recipe a try. It’s a simple and filling dish that can be easily made at home. Tap next to read the recipe.

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    Ingredients required

    2 cups hung curd, ½ cup grated paneer, 2 tbsp roasted gram flour, 1 onion, 1–2 green chilies, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 2 tbsp coriander, 1 tbsp mint leaves, ½ tsp roasted cumin powder, ½ tsp garam masala, ¼ tsp black pepper powder, salt to taste, and oil for shallow frying

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    Step 1

    In a mixing bowl, add hung curd, grated paneer and gram flour. Give it a gentle mix.

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    Step 2

    Add onions, chilies, ginger-garlic paste, and all spices.

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    Step 3

    Mix gently until it forms a soft, non-sticky dough-like mixture.

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    Step 4

    Grease your palms with a little oil and shape the mixture into round kebabs.

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    Step 5

    Heat a pan with oil or ghee and slowly slide in the kebabs.

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    Step 6

    Shallow fry the kebabs on medium flame until golden and crisp on both sides.

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    Step 7

    Serve hot with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges.

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    Next: How to make weight-loss-friendly Poha Cheela for breakfast

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  • Sunday specials: Fun movies to watch with kids


    ‘Taare Zameen Par’

    An emotional story that follows Ishaan, a kid who is always criticised by his parents for poor grades, but when he is sent away to boarding school, Ram, an art teacher, learns he has dyslexia and helps uncover his potential.

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    ​’Chillar Party’

    This is a heartwarming story about kids uniting to save a stray dog.

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    ​’Bhootnath’

    This is the story of a ghost who turns into a child’s best friend. Featuring Amitabh Bachchan, ‘Bhootnath’ is an entertaining ghost comedy.

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    ‘Koi… Mil Gaya’

    This is a sci-fi adventure movie that follows the life of Rohit, a developmentally delayed young man, who discovers an alien, Jadoo, after a UFO lands near his home.

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    ‘Finding Nemo’

    It is an underwater journey where a clownfish father travels through the vast oceans to find his lost son.

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    ​’The Lion King’

    A timeless classic that follows Simba’s journey from a fearful cub to a brave lion king.

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    ​’Coco’

    Young Miguel enters the Land of the Dead to pursue music, discovering family secrets, traditions, and the importance of remembering loved ones.

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    ​’Frozen’

    ‘Frozen’ tells the story of two sisters, Anna and Elsa, exploring love, sacrifice, and acceptance, while battling magical challenges in a snowy kingdom.

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    ​’Home Alone’

    Little Kevin, left behind during Christmas, hilariously outsmarts burglars who try to rob his home.

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  • How to make weight-loss-friendly Poha Cheela for breakfast


    Poha Cheela for breakfast

    Are you bored of regular besan cheela? If yes, then try this nutritious cheela made with flattened rice (poha) and sooji. This cheela rich in fiber is best consumed with green chutney. Give it a try!

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    Ingredients required

    1 cup poha, 1/2 cup sooji, 1 tsp curd, 1/2 onion, 1/2 tomato, 1/2 tsp rye, 1 sprig curry leaves, salt to taste, 1/4 tsp black pepper powder, 1 tbsp coriander leaves, water as required

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    Step 1

    Grind the poha in a mixer grinder to a coarse powder.

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    Step 2

    Transfer the powdered poha to a mixing bowl.

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    Step 3

    Add sooji, curd, and water to it. Mix well.

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    Step 4

    Finely chop tomatoes and onions.

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    Step 5

    Add salt, pepper, and coriander leaves. Mix well again.

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    Step 6

    Make a tempering of oil, mustard seeds, and curry leaves and add it to the mixture.

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    Step 7

    Grease a pan and heat it, cook cheela evenly from both sides and serve hot with green chutney.

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    Next: How to make Egg Biryani at home

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  • How to make Egg Biryani at home


    Spicy Anda Biryani recipe made under 20 minutes

    Biryani is not just a dish, rather it is an emotion. Well, if you too are someone who loves Biryani, and wants to recreate this classic delight. Here’s one simple recipe that will help you nail the art of making that perfect biryani. So, follow us through these easy steps and enjoy.

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    Ingredients

    4 eggs, 1 cup basmati rice, 1 large onion,1 tomato, 2 green chilies, 2 tbsp yogurt, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp biryani masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds,1/2 tsp mustard seeds2 tbsp oil or ghee, salt to taste and 2 handfuls of coriander and lemon wedges.

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    Step 1

    To begin with this recipe, wash and soak the rice.

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    Step 2

    Take a pan, boil eggs and remove the shell and keep aside.

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    Step 3

    Now, heat another pan and add in oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds and let them crackle.

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    Step 4

    Add sliced onions and saute until they turn golden brown. To this add in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

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    Step 5

    Now, add biryani masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for another minute. Add yogurt and mix until well combined. Cook for 2-3 minutes until oil starts to separate. To this add in hard-boiled eggs and cook the masala nicely.

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    Step 6

    At this stage, add in soaked rice, water and adjust salt if needed. Bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.

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    Step 7

    Once done, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges. Your spicy Anda biryani is ready!

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    Next: ​8 Desi sweets to offer as a bhog on Janamashtami​

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  • ​8 Desi sweets to offer as a bhog on Janamashtami​


    Sweets to offer as a bhog on Janamashtami

    Janamashtami is here, and it’s time to celebrate the day with devotion and enthusiasm. Well, if you are planning to offer chappan bhog to Lord Krishna on this auspicious occasion, then we have some simple sweet suggestions that can make for a perfect sweet feast. So, follow us through these simple ideas and make the most of this festival.

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    Peda

    Mathura peda is one of the most loved sweets associated with Krishna. Made with khoya, sugar, and cardamom, this rich milk sweet is a traditional bhog and a must in the prasad thali.

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    Malpua

    Soft, syrupy malpuas made from flour, milk, and sugar and fried in ghee are often offered to the deity. These Malpuas are soaked in sugar syrup and are garnished with saffron strands.

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    Besan Ladoo

    These simple melt-in-the-mouth ladoos made from roasted gram flour, ghee, and sugar are easy to make and are offered to Lord Krishna as a symbol of devotion and love.

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    Makhan Mishri

    This is considered Lord Krishna’s absolute favorite. A simple and divine mixture of fresh white butter (makhan) and rock sugar (mishri), this sweet prasad is the most traditional offering made during Janmashtami celebrations.

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    Panjiri

    Made with whole wheat flour, ghee, makhana, dry fruits, and edible gum, panjiri is a nutritious and sacred sweet prasad that is especially prepared for Laddu Gopal on this auspicious day.

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    Kheer

    Rice kheer made with milk, rice, sugar, cardamom, and some nuts is a comforting and creamy dessert. It is widely prepared in temples and homes to be served as bhog on Janmashtami.

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    Sabudana Kheer

    As many devotees fast, sabudana kheer, made with tapioca pearls, milk, and sugar, becomes a perfect sattvik sweet to offer, especially for those observing vrat or upvaas during the festival.

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    Coconut Ladoo

    Prepared with just a few ingredients like desiccated coconut, milk, and sugar, these white coconut ladoos symbolize purity and are often offered during Janmashtami and other poojas.

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    Next: ​​Janmashtami special: How to make Dry Fruit Panjiri for last minute prasad​

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  • ​​Janmashtami special: How to make Dry Fruit Panjiri for last minute prasad​


    Easy to make Janamashtami special Dry Fruit Panjiri

    Janmashtami is here and it’s time to celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna with devotion and his favourite foods. Well, if you too are new to cooking and don’t know what to make for a prasad, then we have got your back with a delicious yet simple bhog recipe, which can be made at home in just a few minutes. So, follow us through this traditional Panjiri recipe, which can be made at home by following some simple tips given below.

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    Ingredients

    1 cup mixed dry fruits, 1 cup assorted nuts, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 4 tbsp ghee, 2 tbsp edile gum, ½ tsp cardamom powder, ½ cup powdered jaggery, 3-4 saffron strands, 3-4tbsp coconut dessicated and 2 tbsp melon seeds.

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    Step 1

    To begin with this easy recipe, take a sieve and sift the flour.

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    Step 2

    Now, take a pan and add in some ghee and fry the nuts and dry fruits for a minute.

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    Step 3

    Then, transfer these to a plate and grate them well. Now, in the same pan, fry the edible gum till it fluffs up. Crush it and keep it aside. MIx it with wheat flour.

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    Step 4

    Add remaining ghee to the pan and roast the wheat flour on low flame until it changes color to golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Stir continuously so it doesn’t burn.

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    Step 5

    Once the flour is roasted, add crushed gond and roasted dry fruits. Mix well and turn off the flame. Let it cool slightly, then add powdered sugar/jaggery and cardamom powder. Mix gently.

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    Step 6

    Add in all the ingredients, mix it well with grated coconut.

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    Step 7

    Serve warm and add a tulsi leaf to offer as a bhog!

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  • How to make Chocolate Banana Pancake for breakfast


    Easy to make Chocolate Banana pancake at home

    Yearning for a healthy and delicious breakfast that too without compromising on the taste? Then try this easy peasy pancake recipe made with some simple kitchen ingredients and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

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    Ingredients

    1 cup all purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, 3 peeled mashed bananas, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 pinch salt, 1 tsp vanilla essence.

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    Step 1

    To begin with this easy recipe, take a banana and slice it and mash nicely.

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    Step 2

    Whisk 1 egg and add in vanilla essence, whisk till it turns smooth.

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    Step 3

    Next, add in butter, sugar and cocoa powder, salt and beat the mixture. Add milk and make a smooth batter, you can also use a blender.

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    Step 4

    Take a pan and heat it!

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    Step 5

    Meanwhile, heat a pan and grease it with oil/butter.

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    Step 6

    Pour a dollop of batter and spread like a pancake.

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    Step 7

    Flip sides and serve warm and serve the way you like!

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  • 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

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