7 Traditional Cooling Drinks for Summer

The weather is quite hot in many parts of the country and is all set to get hotter! It's time to get the air conditioners serviced and the sweaters packed away. But most of all, it's the time to eat light and sip on some refreshing coolers throughout the day. And if you want to stay healthy, you'll stay away from those aerated drinks and packaged juices - so try out our list of traditional cooling drinks instead!

7 Traditional Cooling Drinks for Summer

1. Jal Jeera

The very traditional jal jeera isn't just a cooler, it's also a great appetizer! This recipe at Flavors of Mumbai uses an assortment of spices including black pepper, cumin and fennel to create a lovely drink that gives a true kick to the tastebuds!

2. Piyush

Piyush is a yogurt based drink, similar to lassi, but creamier!! This recipe from Veg Recipes of India is a spiced piyush that makes use of cardamom, nutmeg and saffron for a delightfully sweet n spicy drink!

3. Shikanji

Lemonade is one of the most refreshing drinks you can have during summer, and this recipe from Saffron Trail takes it a notch higher by including mint, tulsi and ginger - it doesn't get any more Indian than this!

4. Mango Lassi

Speaking of summer drinks, we can't exclude the lassi, can we? The Wanderlust Kitchen takes the king of fruits and the regular lassi to come up with the most delectable looking Mango Lassi. Add some saffron for extra deliciousness!

5. Pudina Chaas

Sometimes you don't feel like anything sweet and you want something to really tickle your taste buds. That's where this Pudina Chaas recipe from Veg Recipes of India comes in - tangy buttermilk piped up with the minty flavor of pudina.

6. Kesar Badam Milk

We all love recipes that can multitask, and this Kesar badam milk from Rachna's Kitchen works perfectly well hot or chilled! With the lovely aroma of saffron and the nuttiness of almonds, this is one drink that'll relax you instantly on a hot day!

7. Thandai

Don't you love a drink that has 'cooling' in it's very name? And that's Thandai for you! Cook with Manali features a recipe that's loaded with spices (pepper, cardamom), dry fruit (almonds, pistachios) and seeds (watermelon, poppy) - it's an all in one drink!

With hearty and refreshing drinks like these, who wants packaged sodas? Stay healthy and refreshed all summer - traditionally!

7 Stunning Strawberry Recipes

"One must ask children and birds how cherries and strawberries taste." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

There's something very special about strawberries. They look like little hearts, are bright and cheery, and have that perfect combination of sweetness and tartness when you bite into one! They are pretty versatile too, and go well in a variety of dishes. Since strawberries are in season nowadays, we've decided to put together a collection of strawberry recipes that'll have you drooling in no time!

7 Stunning Strawberry Recipes

 

1. Simple Strawberry Smoothie

Let's start with a simple smoothie from The Summery Umbrella. This is a very easy recipe with ingredients that you already have at home. The best part is that it uses honey as a sweetener, a healthier option than white sugar!

2. Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it taste like dessert? This yummy strawberry and cream oatmeal recipe from Spoonful of Flavor checks all the right boxes! Just add some nuts for healthy fats, and you're all set!

3. Strawberry Roll-Ups

Strawberries are great to eat as they are for a snack, but when you have picky eaters at home, you'll need to be a little more innovative! These strawberry roll-ups from Shutterbean are the perfect solution and they're easier than they look!

4. Strawberry Salsa

If you're trying to eat healthier, by no means does it mean that you have to restrict yourself to bland food! This 5-ingredient strawberry salsa from Gimme Some Oven is full of healthy ingredients and will tickle your tastebuds!

5. Grilled Chicken and Strawberry Wrap

You probably don't think of chicken and strawberry doing well together, but this wrap from The Pioneer Woman will prove you wrong! Get the perfect mix of flavors in this healthy lunchbox recipe for yourself or your kids.

6. Strawberry Panacotta

For a light, no-bake cooling dessert, this strawberry panacotta from The Gold Lining Girl is the perfect pick. You can substitute the gelatin with china grass if you like, with no change in the final result.

7. Strawberry Brownie Cheesecake

Sometimes, you just want to make a nice, big impressive dessert that'll just knock everyone's socks off! For such days, this delicious strawberry brownie cheesecake from Life, Love and Sugar is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds and thirds!

Which of these recipes did you like the most? Which one will you be trying before strawberry season runs out?

7 Different and Healthy Versions of Popular Indian Breakfast Recipes

February has many special days and observances, and one among them is Hot Breakfast Month. Indian breakfasts have traditionally been hot breakfasts, and most of us remember our childhoods having piping hot idlis, crispy dosas or fluffy puris every morning! Even with the advent of breakfast cereals and cold milk, traditional Indian breakfasts are still popular, and people are innovating with healthier versions of the same. So today, we bring you innovative versions of 7 of the most popular Indian breakfast recipes that'll have you feeling hungry in no time!

7 Unique Versions of Popular Indian Breakfast Recipes

1. Ragi Idli

Idlis are one of the healthiest Indian breakfast foods out there, and there are so many ways to customize it!  One variety of idli is Ragi Idli from Sailu's Food. Substituting plain rice with ragi (finger millet) flour and cream of rice, this recipe is a breeze to make!

2. Moong Sprouts Poha

Poha is a well-loved Maharashtrian breakfast, and is a perfect option for when you're really strapped for time! This recipe from Indian Khana makes use of moong sprouts and a variety of healing spices to make a dish that's healthy and satisfying!

3. Stuffed Egg Paratha

Making kids eat breakfast can be challenging, especially when everyone's in a hurry. However, this stuffed egg paratha from Anto's Kitchen is the perfect combination of health and taste! It's full of protein and will keep kids full till lunch.

4. Spinach, Coriander and Curry Leaves Dosa

We're often advised to eat our greens, but we tend to forget! This spinach, coriander and curry leaves dosa from Kurry Leaves is the perfect way to get greens into your diet, while giving your plain ol' dosa a lovely color!

5. Instant Oats Rava Dhokla

Soft spongy dhokla is a yummy recipe in itself, but this oats rava version from The Saffron Trail is a must-try! With a cooking time of about 15 minutes, this is one breakfast you'll be making on busy mornings!

6. Methi Moong Masala Puri

Puris are very popular, but not often experimented with. However, these methi moong masala puris from Cubes and Juliennes will wonder why no one made them before! Packed with flavor, these are great for a Sunday brunch!

7. Breakfast Dudh Muri

The Bengali version of Rice Krispies, Dudh Muri is pretty popular with kids! Try out this breakfast version by Mallika Basu at the Standard, spiced up and made healthier with the addition of fruit. You can also add some nuts to this quick and easy breakfast option!

Most of these recipes are not just healthy, but don't require much effort to make! Pair it with a cup of authentic green tea for the perfect healthy breakfast. Which of these are you going to try next?

6 Tea Recipes for Common Ailments

So many of us associate a hot steaming cup of tea with comfort and relaxation, but did you know that your beloved cuppa can also cure common ailments? Yes, you don't need to pop a pill for all those niggling health worries - just put a pot of tea on the boil! Here are 6 tea recipes for common ailments that are quick and easy - and 100% natural!

6 Tea Recipes for Common Ailments

1. Bloating & Indigestion

Tummy troubles are quite common, and are easily soothed with some lovely ginger tea. Boil 2 cups water and add 1/2 tsp green tea, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/2 tsp squeezed lime. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes depending upon the strength you want, and slowly sip through the day.

2. Sore Throat

Lemon tea is a simple but effective remedy for many cold and flu-related symptoms like sore throat. Boil a cup of water with a 1/4 tsp of black tea. Squeeze in a quarter wedge of lime and strain. Add honey or sugar to sweeten and drink while still hot.

3. Insomnia

Chamomile has many benefits, including the ability to promote relaxation and sleep. Just boil a cup of water, add a teaspoon of chamomile and let it steep for five minutes. You can also add a teaspoon of lavender if you like. Drink it 30-45 minutes before your bedtime for good sleep.

4. Headache

For that annoying headache, forget medicine and try this tea. Place a teaspoon of your regular black tea and a teaspoon of rosemary in a cup. Pour boiling water over it and let steep for five minutes. Sweeten as desired and drink.

5. Dry Cough

Turmeric is known for its medicinal benefits, but few people think of it in tea! For persistent dry cough, boil a cup of water and add 1/2 tsp of black tea, 1 tsp turmeric and 1 tsp black pepper. Let it boil for a couple of minutes. Strain, add a sweetener of your choice and drink it right away.

6. Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes can occur because of many reasons, but the end result is a tired looking, aged face! Perk up your eyes with tea bags. Chill used tea bags (black or green) and place the cold bags on your eyes for 15 minutes. If the puffiness does not subside, repeat a few times through the day.

For these remedies to be truly effective, it is important to get the best quality teas, preferably authentic versions from their place of origin. So the next time you have a bugging health problem, you know what to do!

10 Irresistible Popcorn Recipes that are Easy to Make

For most of us a visit to a movie theater is incomplete without a nice big bag of popcorn to munch our way through. All of us agree that they're exorbitantly priced, but they still sell like hot cakes! Such is the allure of this crunchy snack! You'll also find popcorn vendors at most streets in India and at nearly every mall or food court. Let's face it: popcorn is one of those foods that have global appeal!

But while you crunch away to glory, did you know that you can turn your regular popcorn into tiny balls of flavor bombs! Yes, you can!! There are many, many sweet and savory ways to take your popcorn to another level, besides the usual buttered or salted. So here are 10 awesome and irresistible popcorn recipes that don't take up too much time!

10 Irresistible Popcorn Recipes that are Easy to Make

1. Chocolate Popcorn

Here is an easy chocolate popcorn recipe from Living on a Dime that requires just a few ingredients and doubles the crunch with nuts!

2. Chili Cheese Popcorn

Want something hot? Try out this Chili Cheese popcorn recipe from Suburban Soapbox that is perfect if you like things fiery!

3. Pink Popcorn

Valentine's Day is coming up and if you're seeing everything in pink, you'll love this pinkalicious, candy coated popcorn recipe from Domestic Dreamboat!

4. Pizza Popcorn

Now this is truly mixing together the best of both worlds! This pizza flavored popcorn from Chocolate with Grace uses basil, oregano and Parmesan, making it perfect for pizza fanatics!

5. Elaichi Caramel Popcorn

Popcorn is also popular in India during Lohri, and is eaten around the bonfire. Artsy Craftsy Mom puts a twist on regular popcorn combining sweet with spice in this elaichi caramel popcorn recipe.

6. Barbeque Popcorn

You're probably looking forward to your next barbeque picnic, but in the meantime, you can feast on this yummy barbeque flavored popcorn from Plain Chicken!

7. M&M Popcorn

This is one recipe you're in danger of bingeing on! Tastes Better from Scratch brings together the already addictive M&Ms and white chocolate into an irresistible treat that also looks great!

8. Lemon Popcorn

If you're the kind who likes all things citrus, you'll become a fan of this lemon popcorn recipe from Our Thrifty Ideas, which as just the perfect mix of salty, sweet and acidic tastes.

9. Butterscotch Popcorn

Okay, we're warning you, this is a rich treat! This Toffee flavored popcorn from Leelalicious features a butterscotch drizzle on top and makes you want to dig right in!

10. Chaat Masala Popcorn

How can we complete a list of flavors without mentioning chaat? Bombay Blonde gives us a lip smacking chaat flavored popcorn, that's sure to leave you asking for more!

Now you have so many recipes, what are you waiting for? Enjoy these cold winter afternoons with a large bowl of warm popcorn and a good book!

10 Most Popular Cakes of the World

Whenever anyone thinks about planning a birthday party, the first thing that is arranged is a cake! Even if there is no time for anything else, a cake is the very minimum which makes the day qualify as a true celebration. Such is the power of this baked product, usually made of flour, eggs, sugar and butter. To watch these simple yet disparate ingredients come together and rise to form the most beautiful and delicious thing that can have you forgetting all about your intentions to eat healthy.

If you're wondering why we're suddenly focusing on cakes today, it's because it's Cake Day! And since there are just too many kinds of cakes in this world, we've decided to focus on the 10 most popular varieties, that never seem to go out of fashion. Warning: put a waterproof cover over your keyboard to catch all the drool!

10 Most Popular Cakes of the World

1. Victoria Sponge Cake

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We begin with one of the most common cakes ever - the sponge cake, specifically the Victoria sponge cake also called the Victoria sandwich cake. Named after Queen Victoria, this cake consists of layers of sponge cake sandwiched together with fruit jam and whipped cream. Sometimes, cut fruit like strawberries or raspberries are also placed in the filling as well as used to decorate. This is one of those cakes that stand out for their simplicity, and don't require any additional decoration!

2. Cheesecake

A cheesecake has a more pudding-ish texture when compared to the traditional idea of a cake, but that doesn't mean it's any less delicious! Made of a biscuit or cracker base, and topped with a cream cheese mixture, cheese cakes are available in a wide variety of flavors, although the New York Cheesecake is probably the most popular. Many also have different toppings like jelly or ganache which add another layer to this delectable dessert. 

3. Angel Food Cake

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You've often heard of the term 'food of the Gods'; well, this one is one for angels! This cake is so soft and light, that you can't stop at one slice. The airiness is achieved by beating egg whites stiff, and without using any butter. These cakes are usually baked in tins with a hole in the center to ensure that the cake rises well, giving it that pillowy soft texture. 

4. Devil's Food Cake

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When you speak of angel's food cake, can the devil's version be far behind? And yes, this cake is so sinfully delicious, that the name is just perfect for it! This cake is considered different from your average chocolate cake because of all the chocolate - in both the cake as well as the ganache and filling. These cakes are a deep, dark brown, and just a small slice can take you to chocolate heaven!

5. Pineapple Upside Down Cake

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Most cakes are served the way they came out of the oven, but this cake is served upside down! Slices of pineapple are arranged at the base of the cake tin, usually with cherries filling in the gaps. Batter is then poured over this and baked, after which the cake is upturned to get a beautiful pineapple topped dessert! As you can imagine, this cake requires absolutely no frosting or accompaniments, it's perfect just the way it is!

6. Black Forest Cake

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This is probably the most sought after cake for birthday parties! A black forest cake is also called a black forest gateau, and is actually a German production. It consists of layers of chocolate cake, usually soaked in some sort of liquid, whipped cream, cherries and chocolate shavings. The cake is set apart from other chocolate cakes because of the moistness from the syrup and the tartness from the fruit, making it a true explosion of flavors!

7. Pound Cake

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No, this cake doesn't cost a pound; it is called so because of the ingredients - a pound each of flour, sugar, butter and eggs. However, a scaled down version with an equal ratio of these ingredients also qualifies as a pound cake. This cake is a little denser than the airy sponge, and nuts or chocolate chips are often added to the batter. This is the perfect cake to accompany your afternoon tea!

8. Tiramisu

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The Tiramisu is much more than just a cake; it is an experience! An Italian dessert, it consists of ladyfinger biscuits with a good amount of coffee, cocoa as well as mascarpone cheese. The result is a rich cake, usually cut into square slices and served at the end of an elaborate meal. This is not your everyday coffee cake!

9. Fruitcake

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This kind of cake starts getting popular around this time of year, and is a common fixture during Christmas feasts. This cake is usually quite dense and is filled with different kinds of nuts, dry fruit and spices, many of which are soaked in a mixture of liquids for several days before baking. A popular variation of this cake is the Plum cake, often seen in Christmas celebrations in Kerala.

10. Red Velvet Cake

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This cake is not for the faint-hearted; but don't let that fiery red color fool you! This is one of the most popular cake recipes on the planet, and in no small account to the contrast of the deep red cake against the white frosting. This is actually a kind of chocolate cake, which uses buttermilk to keep the cake moist and soft. The color is usually due to food coloring or beetroot juice, and is what gives the cake its distinct look!

Besides being informative, let this article be a bucket list of sorts - for the cakes to bake if you're a baker, or the ones to eat if you're a foodie! Do let us know if we've missed out on your favorite kind of cake!

6 Healthy Iftar Recipes for Ramadan

"Ramadan is, in its essence, a month of humanist spirituality." - Tariq Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is upon us and many of us are in full fasting mode! Besides abstaining from food, drink and other worldly pleasures, the holy month of Ramadan is also one of introspection, spirituality and prayer, along with helping people. Unfortunately, for many, this month translates into a 30-day fried food festival! Needless to say, this doesn’t do your arteries or your waistline any favours, with many people actually gaining weight by the time of Eid!

Bingeing on oily snacks at the end of a 15 hour day without food or drink is a bad idea for many reasons, such as:

• After many hours of no food, overloading your stomach directs most of your blood supply towards the digestive system leaving you feeling lethargic
• Your metabolism is operating in slow mode when fasting, and overloading it turns most of it into fat
• Oily snacks mean an intake of too many calories, contributing to weight gain
• With only a small window available for eating, stuffing it with oily snacks leaves no space for healthy foods, leading to malnutrition
• Overeating in the evenings can lead to an increase in visceral or belly fat

The solution to this is to opt for healthy, yet filling and balanced meals at Iftar, so that your body is not shocked and you still have energy to get on with the rest of the day. Here are some easy, healthy recipes that you can make for Iftar.

1. Stuffed Dates

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Across the world, dates are the preferred choice to break one’s fast, but you can take it a step further by stuffing them. You’ll need some larger, succulent dates for this.

1. Slit down the long side of a date, but not completely.
2. Replace the seed with a quartered walnut, and press the sides of the date together to hold it in.
3. Arrange beautifully on a platter along with some dried figs.

 2. Avocado Smoothie

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Avocados are rich in Vitamin E and are low in calories, making them a great option for Iftar. You can use any milk or yogurt of your choice.

1. Scoop out the flesh of a medium sized avocado.
2. Blend the avocado flesh with 1.5 glasses of cold milk, 2 tsp sugar and ¼ tsp vanilla essence.
3. If it appears too thick, add more milk. Pour into tall glasses and serve with straws.

 3. Broken Wheat Lentil Soup

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It is recommended to use whole grains rather than refined ones during Iftar, to ensure better metabolism.

1. Soak a cup of broken wheat and ½ a cup of lentils for 30 minutes.
2. Temper ½ tsp cumin seeds and fry a chopped onion till brown.
3. Add a tsp of ginger garlic paste, a chopped tomato, a tsp of chilli powder and ½ a tsp each of turmeric and garam masala.
4. Add the drained lentils, season to taste, cover and cook till completely done.
5. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot.

 4.   Almond Chicken

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Almonds are a great way to add an extra crunch to an ordinary chicken dish, and this one is much better than fried chicken.

1. Soak or blanch ¾ cup almonds so that they can be peeled easily. Keep aside.
2. Grind ¾ of the almonds and slice the rest. Keep them separate.
3. Marinate ½ kg chicken pieces in salt and ½ a tsp each of ginger garlic paste, turmeric, and chilli powder. Keep aside for 30 minutes.
4. In oil, fry a chopped onion till brown, then add 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and 2 chopped tomatoes.
5. Add the marinated chicken and the almond paste and cook till done.
6. Serve garnished with chopped coriander and the remaining almonds.

 5.  Easy Vegetable Korma

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Vegetable korma needn’t be a thick creamy, heavy dish, you can make a simpler version with cashew nuts.

1. Soak 10 cashews in hot water. Grind to a smooth paste.
2. Fry 1 sliced onion till brown, add 1 tsp of ginger paste, 1 chopped tomato, 1 tsp of pepper, and ½ a tsp each of turmeric and garam masala.
3. Add 1 cup of chopped mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, beans, peas and potatoes. Coat with masala and cook with a little water till done.
4. Add the cashew paste and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve garnished with chopped coriander.

 6. Multigrain Methi Parathas

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Multigrain parathas are very easy to make right at home, and are much more nutritious than regular ones. Go easy on the oil to keep them healthy.

1. Grind ½ a cup of multigrain oats to a powder.
2. Mix the oats and 1.5 cups of whole wheat flour along with 1 cup methi leaves, ½ tsp ginger garlic paste and salt to taste and make a smooth dough. Keep aside for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out balls of dough into slightly thick parathas and roast on a flat pan or tava. Use a little vegetable oil to grease it on either side. Serve with homemade curd.

If you crave something sweet at the end of your meal, have a small piece of dark chocolate or a small bowl of a milk based sweet like sweet vermicelli or fruit custard without cream. Make life easier by planning ahead, prepping in advance, cooking in bulk & freezing. This way you can ensure you don’t spend the whole of Ramadan in the kitchen and can focus on the spiritual aspects of the holy month as well. Ramadan Mubarak!