
What's cooking this rainy season? Try these comfort foods
For rainy evenings, a warm bowl of sweet corn soup can be particularly soothing. This nutritious choice becomes even more flavourful with chopped vegetables like carrots and spring onions.Another popular choice is bread pakora, involving spicy mashed potatoes stuffed in bread and dipped in gram flour batter. For a twist, try paneer stuffing for a protein-rich alternative. These snacks are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for spontaneous cravings.Street Food DelightsAloo Tikki Chaat is a beloved street food that brings a burst of flavours with crispy potato patties topped with tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney.Sprinkling chaat masala adds an extra kick. Meanwhile, Moong Dal Khichdi remains a go-to dish for those seeking a wholesome meal. Easily digestible, it is perfect for lazy, rainy days and is traditionally served with ghee and pickle.Transforming Simple NoodlesVegetable Maggi or Ramen takes the simple 2-minute noodle to a new level by adding vegetables, green chillies, and a dash of schezwan sauce. For more protein, boiled eggs or paneer cubes make great additions.This quick meal option is perfect for those who want something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.Roasted Corn and Vada PavRoasted Bhutta (corn) epitomises monsoon munchies, often rubbed with lemon, salt, and chilli powder for an added flavour boost. At home, it can be roasted over a gas stove or grilled in the oven.Batata Vada offers another traditional delight, consisting of spiced mashed potatoes deep-fried in besan batter. As the saying goes, "Pair with pav for the iconic 'vada pav.'" These snacks are perfect for sharing with family and friends, enhancing the communal joy of monsoon dining.Ending on a Warm NoteadvertisementTo cap off a day of indulgence, turmeric milk, known as Haldi Doodh, offers a soothing closure. This beverage is famed for its health benefits, particularly in boosting immunity. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances its warming effect, making it a perfect end to a monsoon evening.- Ends

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Hans India
22-07-2025
- Hans India
Karak Chai vs Masala Chai: The Real Difference and How to Make It at Home
For many, mornings feel incomplete without a comforting cup of tea. Among the rising stars in the tea world is Karak Chai, a beloved beverage from the streets of Dubai. Though often confused with India's classic Masala Chai, the two differ significantly in flavor, strength, and preparation. What Exactly is Karak Chai? Karak Chai—often referred to as the Middle Eastern sibling of Masala Chai—is a robust, creamy tea with hints of cardamom and mild sweetness. The word "karak" means "strong" in Hindi, a reflection of its intense flavor. Common across Gulf nations, especially in the UAE, it's brewed with black tea, sweetened condensed or evaporated milk, and a few aromatic spices. It's a staple at roadside tea stalls and a part of daily life in the region. What is Masala Chai? Masala Chai is an Indian favorite, known for its rich blend of spices and black tea. 'Masala' means spices, and the drink typically features cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, and ginger simmered with milk and sugar. It's a spiced tea rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, originally brewed centuries ago for its medicinal properties—long before the British introduced black tea in the 1800s. Where Do They Come From? Though Karak Chai is a modern-day icon in Dubai, it actually evolved from the Indian masala chai, thanks to South Asian migrant communities. Over time, it took on a bolder, creamier character, better suited to the Gulf palate. Masala chai, meanwhile, has deep roots in ancient India and was originally a spice infusion without tea leaves—until the colonial era brought Assam's black tea into the mix. Key Differences Between Karak and Masala Chai While both teas share a common base of milk and spices, their differences are striking: Milk Type: Karak uses evaporated or condensed milk for a thicker, richer texture. Masala chai uses regular milk. Karak uses evaporated or condensed milk for a thicker, richer texture. Masala chai uses regular milk. Spice Profile: Masala chai features a wider spice mix—cinnamon, cloves, black pepper—while Karak typically sticks to cardamom and saffron. Masala chai features a wider spice mix—cinnamon, cloves, black pepper—while Karak typically sticks to cardamom and saffron. Flavor: Karak is bold, sweet, and creamy. Masala chai is spicier and more aromatic. Karak is bold, sweet, and creamy. Masala chai is spicier and more aromatic. Texture: Karak is thicker and smoother; masala chai is lighter and more layered in taste. How to Brew a Cup of Karak Chai at Home Ingredients: 1½ cups water A pinch of ground cardamom 4 saffron strands (crushed) 2 tsp black tea powder 170 ml evaporated milk Sugar to taste Method: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add cardamom and saffron. Let it boil again. Stir in the tea powder and boil for another minute or two. Pour in the evaporated milk and simmer until the tea reaches a rich caramel hue. Strain into cups, sweeten as desired, and serve hot. Whether you prefer the spice-laden comfort of masala chai or the creamy boldness of karak, each cup promises a unique and satisfying experience.


India Today
10-07-2025
- India Today
What's cooking this rainy season? Try these comfort foods
The monsoon season, with its cool breezes and gentle rains, often brings out the desire for heartwarming comfort foods. As the weather turns wet, kitchens bustle with the preparation of classic recipes perfect for enjoying under a cosy blanket. The soothing sound of raindrops enhances the experience, making each bite more Pakoras to Masala ChaiAmong the most favoured monsoon snacks are onion pakoras, also known as Kanda Bhaji. These crispy, golden fritters made with sliced onions and spices are often served hot with pro tip for an extra crunch is to add ajwain and a pinch of baking soda to the batter. Complement this snack with a steaming cup of Masala Chai, infused with ginger, cardamom, and cloves. The tea pairs excellently with pakoras or biscuits, offering a comforting and immune-boosting Soups and Savoury Snacks For rainy evenings, a warm bowl of sweet corn soup can be particularly soothing. This nutritious choice becomes even more flavourful with chopped vegetables like carrots and spring popular choice is bread pakora, involving spicy mashed potatoes stuffed in bread and dipped in gram flour batter. For a twist, try paneer stuffing for a protein-rich alternative. These snacks are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them ideal for spontaneous Food DelightsAloo Tikki Chaat is a beloved street food that brings a burst of flavours with crispy potato patties topped with tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chaat masala adds an extra kick. Meanwhile, Moong Dal Khichdi remains a go-to dish for those seeking a wholesome meal. Easily digestible, it is perfect for lazy, rainy days and is traditionally served with ghee and Simple NoodlesVegetable Maggi or Ramen takes the simple 2-minute noodle to a new level by adding vegetables, green chillies, and a dash of schezwan sauce. For more protein, boiled eggs or paneer cubes make great quick meal option is perfect for those who want something satisfying without spending too much time in the Corn and Vada PavRoasted Bhutta (corn) epitomises monsoon munchies, often rubbed with lemon, salt, and chilli powder for an added flavour boost. At home, it can be roasted over a gas stove or grilled in the Vada offers another traditional delight, consisting of spiced mashed potatoes deep-fried in besan batter. As the saying goes, "Pair with pav for the iconic 'vada pav.'" These snacks are perfect for sharing with family and friends, enhancing the communal joy of monsoon on a Warm NoteadvertisementTo cap off a day of indulgence, turmeric milk, known as Haldi Doodh, offers a soothing closure. This beverage is famed for its health benefits, particularly in boosting immunity. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances its warming effect, making it a perfect end to a monsoon evening.- Ends


NDTV
28-05-2025
- NDTV
Australian Vlogger's Funny Take On What Indians Would Do On Titanic Wins Approval Of Chai Lovers
It is no secret that Indians love their chai. This drink is more than just tea. As any chai lover will tell you, it is an emotion, a ritual, a lifeline and much more. Indians don't need an excuse or a specific timing to enjoy tea - they drink it during meals, between meals and at any other time of the day (or night) when they need the kind of refreshment and satisfaction only chai can provide. What has got us talking about this beverage all of a sudden? Well, a recent viral video by an Australian vlogger features a rather cheeky take on Indian's love for tea. Also Read: Viral Video Shows Australian Dad In Love With Masala Chai In India, Wins Hearts Online The popular content creator, whose name is Andy Evans (@theaussiebhai), shared a reel titled "Indian People on Titanic." In the clip, Andy is seen acting as if he is almost drowning. The water is up to his neck, but he holds a cup of chai in his left hand. Despite almost being pulled under, he is seen taking a sip of the hot beverage. "Use my last breath for chai," reads the caption of the viral video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aussie Bhai | Andy Evans (@theaussiebhai) The video has resonated with many Indian users. Read how they reacted below: "Sipping on chai as I watch this reel." "So offensive, but do it again. Next time, please add adrak." "That chai is too watery for us, mate!" "That's quite thin. Need a little extra milk." "How did you get my footage?" "I had TEArs after watching this." "As an Indian and chai lover, I can approve this." "100 problems, 1 solution = Chai." "Chai pee kay maregay." ["We'll only die after drinking chai."] "What else would we use it (last breath) for?!" here.