Latest news with #Gujarati-style
Mint
05-07-2025
- Mint
Get creative with peach, and give it a savoury spin
I landed from a cold and cosy Bengaluru straight into an East Coast heatwave in New York and Boston a couple of weeks ago. One thing that kept me going were my newly bought sneakers in New York City and the thought of spending time in my cousin Ramya's home in North Carolina on the next leg of our trip. This too was going to be in the middle of a hot Southern summer, but it held the promise of being with family, home-cooked meals and a seasonal fruit bounty that Ramya had been tempting me with, on our chats leading up to my travel. Peaches were at the top of her list. As someone who has never lived in north India, my access to good stone fruit has always been painfully limited. Peaches may be Georgia's official state fruit, but North Carolina also enjoys an abundant peach season in the summer. So getting to taste peak-season peaches here was a very tempting idea. I had only ever eaten peaches that came in trays from supermarkets back home, often underripe or literally stony with no juiciness whatsoever. We reached Ramya's home completely exhausted from two flights and thunderstorm-induced delays, and yet, the sight of fresh peaches sitting pretty in a wooden bowl on her kitchen island was warm and comforting. I knew the breakfast the next morning was going to be special. I held up a peach to my nose and took a long whiff—fruity, floral, and so delicious. fruit Unlike tropical fruits, a ripe peach gives out a more delicate, wispy aroma, more of a whisper than shout. And its flavour is equally subtle. If you're not eating the fruit as is, it's best used in recipes that allow it to shine without overpowering it. To complete the seasonal fruit experience, Ramya had borrowed a few cookbooks from the local public library for me to browse. Among them was Peaches: A Savor the South® Cookbook by Kelly Alexander. What stands out about this book is that it begins boldly with desserts, then moves to breakfast, appetisers, condiments and drinks. I've bookmarked some quirky and creative recipes like pickled peaches, peach tempura and peach French toast sandwiches, but my personal favourite way to use sweet fruit is in a savoury recipe. Think ripe mangoes in Mangalorean-style curry or a Gujarati-style guava subzi. Sweet, tangy, and salty all at once. There's something deeply satisfying about a fruit finding its place in a main course, not just the dessert plate. So here are some creative ways to use peaches with a savoury spin: • Peach rasam with notes of ginger and green chillies • Peach and gochujang fried rice with tofu or scrambled eggs • Pizza topped with roasted peaches, smoked cheese, basil, honey and chilli flakes • Diced peaches cooked along with tomatoes for a floral, fruity kick in shakshouka I need to say this in praise of our own pahadi peaches—which when had locally are equally superior. But, the packaging and logistics of transporting fruits across the vast distances in India are not an easy task. The best way to enjoy the seasonal goodness is to look for this fruit in preserves or jams made by small cooperatives located where the fruit is grown, making it a farm-to-bottle-to-your-kitchen experience. PEACH BASIL CHUTNEY (Makes around 1.5 cups) Ingredients 1 tbsp olive oil (or mustard oil for punch) 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 small green chilli or jalapeño, finely chopped 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated 1 ripe peach, peeled and diced (about one-and-a-half cups) One-and-a-half tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lime juice) 1 tbsp jaggery or brown sugar (adjust to taste) Half tsp salt 10–12 fresh basil leaves, chopped Cracked black pepper to taste Method In a pan, heat the oil and sauté the onion, garlic, green chilli, and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes on medium heat until softened. Add the peaches, vinegar, and jaggery. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the peaches turn soft and pulpy—about 15 minutes. Stir in chopped basil and cracked pepper to finish. Let it cool completely before transferring to a jar. Refrigerate and use within 7–10 days. FANCY GRILLED PEACH SALAD Serves 2–4 Ingredients 2 tsp olive oil, for brushing the peaches 2 ripe but firm peaches, halved and pitted 2 handfuls rocket leaves, baby spinach, or mixed salad greens Half cup cherry tomatoes, halved Half cucumber, shaved into ribbons 1 small onion, thinly sliced 8 tsp ricotta cheese (whipped) For spiced seeds 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds 1 tbsp sunflower seeds A pinch of red chilli flakes Half tsp olive oil Salt to taste For the dressing Juice of 1 lemon 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp honey 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Method Brush the cut sides of the peaches with olive oil. Heat a grill pan and place peaches cut side down. Grill for 3–4 minutes until charred, then flip and cook for 1 more minute. Slice into thick wedges once cool. To prepare the spiced seeds, heat oil in a small pan. Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chilli flakes, and salt. Toast for 2–3 minutes until golden and aromatic. Set aside to cool. For the dressing, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until thick and creamy. In a large bowl or platter, layer the greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Top with grilled peach slices. Spoon ricotta over the salad and sprinkle toasted seeds on top. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Double Tested is a fortnightly column on vegetarian cooking, highlighting a single ingredient prepared two ways. Nandita Iyer's latest book is The Great Indian Thali. She posts @saffrontrail on Instagram and X.
NDTV
04-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Using Eno For Your Acidity Every Time? Know If It's A Good Or Bad Idea
If you have grown up in an Indian household, chances are there has always been a packet of Eno lying in a kitchen drawer or stashed in a travel pouch. Be it a post-wedding dinner or just a heavy plate of chhole bhature, this fizzy fruit salt has long been the go-to for quick relief from acidity. And yes, it does offer instant comfort! But here's the thing: while Eno works well when you need instant relief, using it regularly may not be the best thing for your gut in the long run. Some experts, though acknowledging the benefits of Eno, believe that frequent use of it can harm your digestive system. So, if you have been using Eno too frequently, here's something you should keep in mind. How Can Eno Affect Your Digestive System? As per nutritionist Shikha Gupta Kashyap, acidity is often a result of low stomach acid, not high. Eno, which has a mix of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, produces that fizzy reaction we all know and gives us short-term relief. However, if you use it too frequently, it may signal your stomach to reduce its own acid production. With time, the expert states it might make your digestion slower and increase your dependence on antacids. While Eno is helpful for urgent situations, it's important not to depend on it as your daily digestive issue fixes. What Can You Do Instead? Instead of taking antacids regularly, Shikha recommends a simple and gentle home remedy. Just mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with warm water and sip it through a straw. This can help your stomach break down food more effectively and may improve overall digestion if you use it consistently and mindfully. Watch the full video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shikha Gupta Kashyap⭐️Nutritionist/ Dietician (@nutritionist_shikha_) What Else Is Eno Used For? Aside from its use as an antacid, Eno has become a bit of a secret kitchen hack over the years. Here are some creative and tasty ways to use it in everyday cooking: 1. Fluff Up Your Dhoklas We all know that Gujarati-style dhoklas are all about airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you add a pinch of Eno to the batter right before steaming it, it'll help create a light and spongy result that's hard to get otherwise. 2. Make Puffy Bhaturas When you are short on time, a little Eno in your bhatura dough can do the trick. It helps the dough rise faster and gives it that restaurant-style puff without any fermentation. 3. Soften Idlis Did you forget to ferment the batter? No worries! Add a bit of Eno just before steaming, and you'll still get soft and tender idlis in no time. It's a handy shortcut for those rushed mornings! 4. Make Fluffy Chillas Some people swear by adding Eno to their besan chilla batter for extra fluffiness. Just a pinch can improve texture and make your breakfast feel a little fancier. 5. Crispy Pakoras Without Baking Soda Is baking soda not your thing? Eno can be a quick substitute when you want pakoras that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Just don't overdo it, or you might end up with a bitter aftertaste. 5 Soothing Drinks To Ease Acidity If you struggle with acidity often, switch to simple solutions that can easily be prepared at home. Here are some easy options: 1. Coconut Water Naturally cooling and rich in electrolytes, coconut water helps bring your body's pH into balance. A glass of coconut water on a hot day not only hydrates but also helps settle acidity-related discomfort. 2. Saunf Water Saunf or fennel helps boost digestion and is often chewed after meals. For a deeper effect, soak it in water overnight and drink it first thing in the morning. It may help handle your acidity. 3. Herbal Teas Teas made with ginger or chamomile can calm your digestive tract. Ginger tea, in particular, is known to reduce inflammation and soothe heartburn naturally. 4. Aloe Vera Juice While it's not an instant fix, aloe vera juice contains enzymes that support digestion. A small amount taken regularly might help prevent the frequency of acidity episodes over time. 5. Vegetable Smoothies Smoothies with alkaline veggies like spinach, cucumber, and kale can cool the stomach and reduce acid build-up. Just be sure to avoid citrus or high-acid ingredients when making them.
India.com
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Nita Ambani once revealed Mukesh Ambani's favourite Gujarati dish is..., it costs Rs...
Ambani weddings are the most talked-about events in the news headlines. From grand decoration, mouth-watering food from every corner of India, designer outfits, star-studded guest lists, and perfectly themed, colour-coordinated attire, everything screams perfection. Banarasi street food like chaat, mithai, lassi, chai, khari, paan, and mukhwas were on the menu of Anant-Radhika wedding. From chaat to chai, Ode to Banaras features the culinary delights from one of the world's oldest living cities. Apart from these, sweets, paan and mukhwas, kharik from Ahmedabad, chaat counters, malai toast and chai, lassi and lemon tea, the food counters set up for guests promise to bring the Banaras' rich and varied food culture to Mumbai. But do you know Mukesh Ambani's favourite snack? Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, a couple who have been married for around 35 years, follow a strict vegetarian diet and generally eat meals that are home-cooked. According to the media report, Mukesh Ambani has been enjoying Gujarati-style dal every evening at dinner, emphasizing the wholesome and culturally anchored food choices made by the couple. Mukesh Ambani, one of Asia's richest people, is a well-known regular at Swati Snacks, one of the most famous places for authentic Gujarati cuisine in Mumbai. From satpadi roti to gatta nu shaak to fada ni khichdi, Swati Snacks' offerings are many and varied. One of its highlights is its panki – a dish made with rice flour, steamed in a plantain leaf, and Mukesh Ambani's favourite dish. This unique kind of food has become iconic in recent years. This Gujarati snack is light, healthy, and so comforting! Panki is made from urad dal flour, curd, fenugreek seeds, turmeric, and rice flour. The most unique part about panki is how it's cooked—between banana leaves—creating a subtle, earthy flavor. Panki can often be had with chutneys, or pickles and it's a household breakfast staple in diverse households in Gujarat. The best part? It's easy and quick to make. Founded in 1963 by Minakshi Jhaveri, Swati Snacks began as a small chaat shop with just four tables and a menu offering four items, each priced at four annas. Over the years, the business has grown into a thriving restaurant chain, now generating a monthly turnover of nearly INR 4 crore.
News18
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Shazahn Padamsee's Pastel Wedding Look Is The Ultimate Fairytale Moment
Last Updated: Shazahn Padamsee recently tied the knot with her long-term boyfriend Ashish Kanakia. The couple tied the knot in a pastel-themed wedding. Best known for her role in Housefull 2, actor Shazahn Padamsee is now married. The actor tied the knot with her long-term boyfriend Ashish Kanakia. The couple took to their Instagram to share pictures from their dreamy wedding, and they look oh-so-in-love. Taking to their Instagram, Shazahn Padamsee and Ashish Kanakia shared a series of pictures from their stunningpastel-huedd wedding. Sharing the pictures, they wrote, 'This day. This feeling. Our forever." For the wedding, the couple ditched the bridal reds and stunned in ivory, blush pink, and some glittering diamonds. Shazahn looked radiant in a stunning ivory lehenga with soft blush pink accents. Her wedding lehenga featured delicate floral embroidery and glimmering gold sequins, paired with a coordinating blouse that had pearl embellishments along the edges. A sheer ivory veil gave the look a dreamy, ethereal feel, while a blush pink dupatta with a floral-trimmed border added a touch of romance and stood out as a highlight of the ensemble. The actor opted for a fresh, understated makeup look and wore her hair down. She completed her bridal look with refined diamond jewellery. Her husband, Ashish, matched her elegance in an ivory Indo-Western ensemble. Shazahn offered fans a peek into her wedding through Instagram Stories, where she reshared photos originally posted by her friends. The images captured heartfelt moments from their pheras and joyful celebrations, including a cheerful shot of the couple raising their hands in celebration. Following their wedding, the couple made their first public appearance as a married couple at their wedding reception last night. Held in Mumbai, the reception was attended by celebrities and other important guests. Shazahn donned an embellished lehenga while Ashish looked sharp in his black traditional outfit. In an earlier interview, Shazahn mentioned that a childhood friend brought them together, and there was no turning back. Shazahn Padamsee, daughter of Sharon Prabhakar and the late theatre legend Alyque Padamsee, got engaged to Ashish in November last year. The engagement was followed by a traditional Gujarati-style roka ceremony held on January 20. Ashish, a businessman from the prominent Kanakia family, and Shazahn had kept their relationship largely away from the public eye until recently. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: June 08, 2025, 08:50 IST News lifestyle Shazahn Padamsee's Pastel Wedding Look Is The Ultimate Fairytale Moment
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bride Shazahn Padamsee ditched red for this pastel wedding lehenga and we can't stop admiring it
Shazahn Padamsee, known for her role in Housefull 2, has married her longtime partner, Ashish Kanakia, in a pastel-themed wedding. The couple shared glimpses of their special day on Instagram, showcasing their coordinated ivory and blush pink outfits. The celebrations included traditional rituals and a reception in Mumbai, attended by friends and family. Actor Shazahn Padamsee, best remembered for her role in Housefull 2 , is now officially off the market! The actress tied the knot with longtime partner Ashish Kanakia in a beautiful ceremony that was nothing short of a pastel fairytale. The couple took to Instagram to share heartwarming glimpses from their big day, looking completely smitten with each other. Breaking away from the usual reds and golds of traditional Indian weddings, Shazahn and Ashish opted for soft, romantic hues. Their wedding photos showed the couple dressed in coordinated ivory and blush pink outfits that exuded elegance and modern charm. Captioning their post with, 'This day. This feeling. Our forever,' the duo radiated joy and intimacy in every frame. For the nuptials, Shazahn looked breathtaking in an ivory lehenga adorned with delicate blush floral embroidery and light-catching gold sequins. Her look was completed with a sheer veil and an accent dupatta in a rose-tinted hue trimmed with florals—subtle yet striking. She kept her makeup fresh and natural, letting her radiant skin shine through, while diamond jewellery added just the right amount of sparkle. Ashish perfectly complemented her in an ivory sherwani with minimalist detailing that matched the overall soft, sophisticated theme. The wedding celebrations didn't stop at the ceremony. Shazahn also offered fans a glimpse into their pheras and post-wedding revelry via her Instagram Stories, resharing sweet, candid moments captured by friends. From joyful rituals to shared laughter, the couple's chemistry lit up every photo. Following the wedding, the newlyweds made their first official appearance as husband and wife at their reception in Mumbai. Shazahn turned heads in a dazzling embellished lehenga, while Ashish sported a sleek black traditional outfit. The evening was attended by close friends, family, and several well-known faces from the film and business worlds. Social media influencer recreates Alia Bhatt's bridal look and fans just can't stop gushing over her Though they had kept their relationship under wraps for the most part, the love story began when a childhood friend played matchmaker. The couple got engaged in November and followed it up with a traditional Gujarati-style roka in January. Shazahn, daughter of singer Sharon Prabhakar and the late theatre icon Alyque Padamsee, has now begun a new chapter with Ashish, a businessman from the well-known Kanakia family. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
