How To Add Pecans Into Your Favourite Indian Snacks: A Beginner's Guide

If you're someone who loves experimenting with flavours and textures in the kitchen, adding pecans to your favourite Indian snacks is an easy way to elevate their taste. Whether you're a fan of crunchy munchies or indulgent desserts, pecans bring a delightful twist to the familiar flavours of Indian cuisine. This beginner's guide will give you creative ideas on how to incorporate these nutritious nuts into your snacks, along with some helpful tips on storing them for a longer shelf life. From simple tips to quick recipes, let's dive into the delicious world of pecans in Indian cuisine!

Why You Should Add Pecans To Your Snacks

Before we get into the recipes, let's take a moment to talk about why pecans are worth adding to your snacks. Packed with healthy fats, fibre and antioxidants, pecans aren't just tasty - they're a great addition to a balanced diet. "Pecans are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease," says nutritionist Rupali Datta. "They are also rich in essential vitamins like Vitamin E and minerals like manganese, both of which help boost immunity and energy levels." So, while you're snacking, you're also giving your body a healthy boost!

Also Read: What Are Pecans And Why Should You Be Eating Them? Here's Everything You Need To Know

Pecans can give your recipes a nutrition and flavour boost.
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Simple Tips For Cooking With Pecans:

1. Toast Them First: 

Toasting pecans before adding them to your snacks brings out their rich, nutty flavour and enhances their crunchiness. A quick 5-7 minutes on a hot, dry pan should be enough to get them golden and fragrant. Did you know pecans roast better than any other nut, try it out!

2. Chop Or Crush: 

Depending on the recipe, you can chop or crush the pecans. For dishes like pani puri or dahi puri, coarsely chopped pecans add just the right amount of texture without overpowering the other ingredients. For smoother snacks like kheer or payasam, you can crush them into smaller pieces.

3. Blend Into Batters: 

Pecans can be blended into the batter for baked snacks like mathri or cookies, adding a new depth of flavour. Ground pecans can also be added to dosa or idli batter for an extra boost of protein and crunch.

4. Garnish and Topping: 

Pecans make a great garnish for both sweet and savoury Indian dishes. Sprinkle them over dishes like gajar ka halwa, rice pudding, or samosas to add a pleasant crunch and flavour contrast.

Garnish your desserts with pecans for enhanced taste.
Photo Credit: iStock

5 Recipe Ideas To Elevate Your Favourite Indian Snacks:

1. Pecan Chutney: 

Transform your traditional coriander or mint chutney by adding toasted pecans. Blend fresh coriander leaves, green chillies, ginger, and a handful of toasted pecans for a creamy, nutty chutney that pairs perfectly with your samosas, pakoras, or parathas.

2. Pecan and Paneer Tikka: 

Add chopped pecans to your paneer marinade to bring a crunchy twist. Simply mix toasted pecans into the yoghurt, spices, and lemon juice for a unique flavour. Grill or bake the paneer as you normally would, and enjoy the added texture!

3. Pecan Coconut Ladoo: 

Try making a healthier version of coconut ladoo by adding ground pecans to the coconut and jaggery mix. The pecans add a lovely crunch while the jaggery provides a rich, caramelized sweetness to balance out the flavours.

4. Pecan-Crusted Aloo Tikki: 

Add a layer of crushed pecans to the outside of your aloo tikki for a crunchy coating. This adds a nutty flavour that perfectly complements the soft, spiced potato filling. Serve with tamarind chutney or a yoghurt dip for a delicious snack.

5. Pecan and Date Energy Bars: 

Looking for a nutritious on-the-go snack? Combine chopped pecans, dates, and a bit of cardamom powder to make your own energy bars. These can easily replace store-bought bars and are packed with healthy fats and fibre.

Pecan energy bars are healthy, crunchy and tasty.
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3 Easy Ways To Store Pecans For Long-Lasting Freshness

Pecans are a great investment for your pantry, but to get the most out of them, proper storage is key.

1. Keep Them in an Airtight Container: 

Store pecans in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting in and spoiling them. This also keeps the flavour fresh for longer periods.

2. Refrigerate Them:

If you buy pecans in bulk or use them infrequently, store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. Refrigeration helps maintain their crunchiness and prevents the oils in the nuts from going rancid.

3. Freeze For Extended Shelf Life: 

For even longer storage, freeze pecans in a resealable bag or container. They'll last for up to 6 months in the freezer and can be easily thawed or used straight from frozen for recipes.

Adding pecans to your Indian snacks is an easy way to mix things up and boost your recipes with a crunchy texture and health benefits. Whether you're making something savoury or sweet, there's a pecan twist you can add. These versatile nuts can transform simple dishes into gourmet snacks, giving you endless opportunities to play with flavours. Remember to store your pecans properly to keep them fresh and flavourful, and you'll be able to enjoy their goodness in all your favourite dishes!
 

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"Winter On My Plate": Here's What Nimrat Kaur Enjoyed On Sunday

Acting skills aside, Nimrat Kaur often keeps fans hooked by sharing glimpses from her life. People are also excited to know about her gastronomic adventures. In her latest Instagram entry, Nimrat shared a sneak peek into her slow and food-filled Sunday. First, Nimrat started her morning with light and fluffy idlis, which she enjoyed with a bowl of sambar and coconut chutney. We could also spot filter coffee on the table. The text on the image read, "East or west, Idli is the best!" Next, the actress indulged in a quintessential winter spread - makki ki roti, sarson ka saag, bajre ki roti, and yellow dal. Egg bhurji, onion, and beetroots were part of her plate. "A little winter on my plate," read the caption on the post. Take a look:
Also Read: "Magic On My Plate": Nimrat Kaur Enjoys Homemade Sarson Da Saag

Nimrat Kaur concluded her food adventure with homemade gajar ka halwa. She wrote, "Winter ka jalwa...with the season's first gajar ka halwa! Which, by the way, is called Gajrela in Punjab!"

Nimrat Kaur's love for halwa is an open secret. In her previous Instagram post, the actress was seen making atta ka halwa, also known as kada prasad. The video begins with Nimrat sharing that this recipe has been passed down to her from her maternal grandfather and her mother. She says, "Home is where the halwa is. Every Gurupurab, I make halwa at home, which is called kadha prasad in the gurudwara. Mere nana ji gurudwara mein halwa banate the, kadha prasad banate the for many years. So mumma ne unse seekha, maine unse seekha. (My maternal grandfather used to make halwa and kadha prasad in the gurudwara for many years. My mother learned it from him, and I learned it from her)." Take a look:
Also Read: "Haters Must Try!" Nimrat Kaur Defends Bizarre Poha-With-Ketchup Combo

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We can't wait to see more of Nimrat Kaur's food diaries! What do you think she'll indulge in next? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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How To Roast Sweet Potatoes Like A Pro (Even Without An Oven)

Winter is here, and so are all the colourful, healthy vegetables that make this season so special! Among them, sweet potato stands out. This vibrant red-purple root vegetable is a winter favourite and is found in abundance all over the country. While it's often served as chaat, sweet potato can be used in many other delicious dishes too. Packed with nutrients like fibre, iron, and potassium, sweet potatoes are a popular choice for boiling, steaming, or roasting. And yes, while the smoky flavour of coal-roasted sweet potatoes is unbeatable, we're here with some easy tips to roast sweet potatoes without an oven. Let's dig in!
Also Read: 7 Winter Weight Loss Recipes With Sweet Potatoes You Must Try

Here Are 5 Tips To Roast Sweet Potato At Home:

Tip No. 1: Use a Tawa for Roasting

To roast sweet potatoes easily at home, heat an iron tawa on the gas. Place 2-3 sweet potatoes on it. Then, grab a steel pan that fits over your tawa and cover the sweet potatoes with it. After two minutes, use a kitchen towel to carefully remove the pan and flip the sweet potatoes. Keep repeating this every 2-3 minutes. It'll take around 20 minutes to get perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. Just make sure to keep flipping them, or they might burn!

Tip No. 2: Wrap and Roast with Oil

Take two sweet potatoes, rub a little oil on them, and wrap them individually in aluminium foil. Heat them on the gas, turning every 2 minutes. After 10-12 minutes, you can use a knife to check if they're cooked inside. If not, cook them a little longer. Once they're done, unwrap them, let them cool slightly, and peel them. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tip No. 3: Use a Bati Maker

Got a bati maker? Sweet potatoes roast perfectly in it too! Start by washing them thoroughly. Place them on the mesh of the bati maker and set the gas to medium. Cover it with the lid. After a while, open it, turn the sweet potatoes, and put the lid back on. Keep checking until they're fully cooked. Once done, take them out, let them cool, peel, and use them in a tasty chaat, parantha, or any dish you love!

Tip No. 4: Use a Grill Pan

If you have a grill pan, this is a great way to get that delicious roasted flavour without an oven. Simply wash and slice the sweet potatoes into rounds or wedges. Heat the grill pan on medium-high, then lightly grease it with some oil. Place the sweet potato slices or wedges on the pan and cover with a lid. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping occasionally, until they're tender and have grill marks. The result? Smoky, perfectly roasted sweet potatoes with that awesome grilled texture!

Tip No. 5: Choose the Right Size Sweet Potato

When buying sweet potatoes, aim for medium-sized ones - not too thick or too thin. Thick ones take longer to cook and may remain raw inside, while thin ones can burn quickly. Always pick medium-sized sweet potatoes for even roasting.

Now, you can enjoy perfectly roasted sweet potatoes anytime you want - without any hassle. Need more sweet potato recipes? Click here!

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Bhumi Pednekar Enjoys Her “Favourite Meal” At Bengaluru’s Nagarjuna Restaurant

Bhumi Pednekar, a self-proclaimed foodie, is known for balancing her fitness routines with a deep love for authentic Indian cuisine. Once again, she indulged her cravings for South Indian flavours, this time savoring a traditional Andhra meal at a renowned restaurant in Bengaluru. On her Instagram Stories, she shared a picture of herself seated at the restaurant, eagerly preparing to dive into her meal. The food, served on a banana leaf in keeping with time-honoured tradition, featured a mound of rice topped with a generous dollop of ghee, vegetable curry, two types of chutney, sambar dal, and a thick paste that appeared to be rasam.

Also Read: Neena Gupta's Sunday Breakfast Features Delicious Indori Style Poha And Jalebis

Nearby, bowls of sweet dish and curd complemented the spicy and tangy elements of the meal. Bhumi's excited expression as she gazed at the platter reflected her enthusiasm for the delectable feast. Beneath the photo, she tagged the location and wrote, “Back for my most favourite meal at Nagarjuna restaurants.”

Watch Bhumi Pednekar's Story below:

Bhumi Pednekar's love for South Indian food is not just a passing fancy, it's a deep-rooted passion. Proof? This is not the first time she indulged in her favourite meal at the age-old restaurant. When she was shooting nearby, she visited Nagarjuna restaurant and showed another glimpse of her culinary explorations, further cementing her status as a foodie at heart. Taking to her Instagram stories, she shared a lovely photo of her posing with the same Andhra meal at the Nagarjuna Restaurants and wrote, "If I ever move to Bengaluru, it will only be for this meal." And we get you, Bhumi. This meal looks completely irresistible! Read on to know more.

Before that, Bhumi Pednekar tantalised her fans with a glimpse of her diverse food choices on a fine Sunday. Her Instagram post, featuring a spread of mouth-watering treats, including crispy nachos with a variety of dips, left us all craving for more. Her caption alongside the photos read, “My Sunday was full of things I love. How was yours?” Click here to know the whole story.

Also Read: Randeep Hooda And Lin Laishram Had This Italian Dessert On Their First Wedding Anniversary

We are simply drooling over Bhumi's scrumptious food journeys. Aren't you? 

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How The World Drinks Hot Chocolate: 5 Recipes That Will Make You Drool

The hot chocolate season is here and chocolate fans around the world are all excited to drink their favourite sweet treat. While enjoying hot chocolate in a cafe can be fun, you must try making some at home and slowly sip on the chocolatey drink while wrapped in your cosy blanket, with your favourite book or some lovely music in the background. Simply delightful! Now, when it comes to making your own hot chocolate, here are some wonderful techniques you can explore. From Mexico to France, check out delicious and heavenly hot chocolate recipes from around the world.

Here Are Some Traditional Hot Chocolate Recipes From Different Regions:

1. Mexican Hot Chocolate

^{Photo: iStock}

Mexican food is known for its spices, and so is its hot chocolate. Yes, this warm cup of sweet hot chocolate comes with a hint of chilli to warm you up from the inside out. It also contains other spices such as cinnamon, originally from Chocolate de Mesa, a bar of Mexican table chocolate made with true cinnamon.

In a saucepan, add milk, cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of chilli powder. Mix with a whisk, add bittersweet chocolate and heat until the chocolate has completely melted. Serve and enjoy!

2. Spanish Hot Chocolate 

Spanish hot chocolate is thick, rich, creamy and silky. The secret behind the thickness is the use of cornstarch. This dense hot chocolate pairs well with churros.

In a saucepan, add milk. Whisk in cornstarch to the warm milk until it has dissolved. Add chocolate and keep stirring till it completely melts. Add sugar and continue stirring for about 5 minutes until the hot chocolate is nicely thickened.

Also Read: 5 Fun Ingredients To Add A Surprise To Your Hot Chocolate

3. French Hot Chocolate

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Drinking hot chocolate in France is a ritual. Chocolat chaud, or French hot chocolate, is rich and thick, made with butter, melted chocolate, and whole milk, with the finishing touch of fresh whipped cream as a topping. The flavour is both sweet and dark.

Heat whole milk in a saucepan. Once warm, turn the heat off and stir in chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Turn the heat back on and bring the hot chocolate to a slow simmer. Stir occasionally until you reach your desired thickness. Turn the heat off and whisk in brown sugar. Your French hot chocolate is ready!

4. Dutch Hot Chocolate 

Dutch hot chocolate (called warme chocolademelk) is a classic recipe from the Netherlands. This hot chocolate uses the finest dark chocolate chips and a teaspoon of Dutch process cocoa.

Pour milk into a saucepan until it just begins to boil. Mix cocoa, sugar, vanilla and a splash of the milk into a smooth paste in a bowl. Whisk the hot milk into the chocolate mixture. Spike it with brandy if desired. Serve the hot chocolate, top it with dollops of whipped cream and dust some cinnamon on top.

Also Read: Pair It Right! 5 Delicious Foods That Go Perfectly Well With Hot Chocolate

5. Argentinian Hot Chocolate

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Argentinian Hot Chocolate is not just a drink, it's a fun activity! The chocolate is not added while making the beverage. Instead, a thick piece of dark chocolate is served alongside a warm cup of milk, sugar, and vanilla. Much enjoyed by kids, this yummy drink is called El Submarino, where the chocolate is the submarine, and you sink it into the hot milk. This chocolate melts into the milk and you can stir and enjoy your fun drink.

Pour the milk into a saucepan. Stir in the sugar and vanilla. Heat the milk until it is just about to boil. Pour it into mugs and serve with a nice piece of chocolate.

Which of these styles of making a steaming cup of hot chocolate is your favourite? Share with us in the comments section below.

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