To Make Delicious Gujarati Basundi, Follow These Tips

In India, it is customary to serve sweets after meals; in other words, sweets grace the tables of Indian homes on every special occasion. While everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to sweets, sometimes our choice depends on our mood. India offers an array of sweet dishes, including regional specialties with dedicated fan bases. One such delight is Basundi. Basundi is an aromatic, creamy, and rich dessert crafted from milk, adorned with an assortment of dry fruits. It's particularly popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra, gracing the tables not only on regular days but also during festive occasions like Diwali and Rakshabandhan.
Also Read: Can't Decide Between Butter Paneer And Shahi Paneer? 5 Factors To Help You Choose

Traditional Indian Recipe: What Is Basundi?

Basundi is an Indian sweet that enjoys significant popularity in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. It's a milk-based dessert that involves simmering milk on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency. While Basundi may appear similar to Rabdi, its taste is distinct. Rabdi possesses a dense, waxy creaminess, whereas Basundi leans towards a slightly grainy and thinner texture. The distinct flavour of Basundi comes from its ingredients, which include almonds, cashews, pistachios, nutmeg, saffron, sugar, and chironji. Traditionally, Basundi is served with Puri, but you can savour it on its own as well. Just the thought of this delectable dessert might leave your mouth watering. So, let's delve into the special recipe for Basundi, but before you get started, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind.

Tips For Making Basundi:

• Always use full-fat milk when preparing Basundi.
• Opt for a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom.
  Once the milk comes to a boil, reduce the heat and continue to simmer while stirring continuously. This prevents the milk from burning.
• You can serve Basundi either hot or cold, according to your preference.
• Any leftover Basundi can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

How To Make Gujarati Basundi:

Begin by soaking saffron in 2 tsp of hot milk, and set it aside. Finely chop or coarsely crush the almonds and pistachios. Peel and powder the cardamom seeds using a mallet, then add them to the chopped dry fruits. Dissolve the saffron in milk by gently running a mallet over it in a cup. In a large deep pan, bring the milk to a boil while stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and continue to simmer. Stir frequently until the milk reduces to about 2/3 of its original volume. Add all the other ingredients to the boiling milk and continue to boil for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Pour the mixture into a large decorative serving bowl. To prevent a layer from forming on the surface, stir it frequently while cooling. Chill the Basundi in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours. Optionally, decorate individual servings with rose petals.Click Here For the full recipe of Gujarati Basundi
Also Read: 5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Adding White Butter To Your Diet - And How To Make It

Try this delightful dessert at home, and please share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Viral Video: Italian Woman's Pasta Making Skills Take Internet By Storm. Video Hits 20 Million Views

Pasta, the beloved Italian culinary treasure, continues to captivate palates around the globe. Its remarkable versatility allows it to seamlessly blend with an array of sauces, from rich red to creamy white and delectable pink, catering to individual tastes. Beyond its sauce compatibility, pasta showcases an array of shapes - penne, farfalle, fusilli, and fettuccine - each offering a distinct texture and gastronomic experience. While most of us are accustomed to savouring mass-produced pasta from factories, a viral video on the internet has recently emerged, putting the spotlight on an elderly Italian woman whose pasta-making skills elevate it to an art form.
In this video, an Italian woman sits resolutely in her chair, her unwavering focus on a table graced with a lengthy strip of pasta dough. Armed only with her skilled hands and a knife, she expertly fashions orecchiette pasta. What truly astonishes us is her ability to execute this intricate task without once diverting her gaze, consistently producing pasta with unparalleled precision. Her pasta-making technique is nothing short of spellbinding.
Also Read: Know Your Pasta Sauces: The Ultimate Guide
Take a look at the video below:

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This video has already garnered a whopping 20.2 million views and has received a deluge of comments from viewers.
Also Read: How To Make The Perfect Pasta; 7 Expert Tips
One enthralled user exclaimed, "Wow, that's an incredibly well-done job, very impressive."
Another remarked, "Every grandma in Italy can do that."
A wistful sentiment surfaced as someone recalled, "Reminds me of my grandmother."
One Instagram enthusiast paid her tribute, stating, "A lifetime's work, deserving of utmost respect."
Another observer praised her with, "She's an expert in her craft, displaying remarkable patience."
Furthermore, the comment section was awash with expressions like "wow," "amazing," and "superb."
What's your take on this enthralling video? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Amazon Great Indian Festival 2023: 5 Lucrative Offers On Kitchen, Dining Essentials You Can Avail During Sale

The festive season is here and people across India are on a shopping spree, upgrading their homes, kitchen, and wardrobe. To make your shopping experience hassle-free, e-commerce giant Amazon is coming up with the 'Great Indian Festival' that offers lucrative deals and discounts on products across the website. In not even 24 hours, the shopping extravaganza begins exclusively for Prime members and on October 8, 2023, it resumes for others. You can also enjoy the benefits of one-day free delivery and a 10 percent instant discount while shopping with SBI debit and credit cards. But before that, let's look into some of the best deals Amazon offers before the sale begins. Click here for details.

5 Amazing Deals On Kitchen And Dining Essentials:

1. Get refrigerators for up to 60% off:

Can you imagine a home setup without a refrigerator? It seems like a distant dream, right? A refrigerator is one essential appliance that helps store cooked and uncooked food for whenever you want. So, if you are planning to get a new refrigerator or want to upgrade your old one, then this is just the right time for you. Check out some of the best offers available on the refrigerator.

2. Get cookware for up to 74% off:

Every kitchen hosts a variety of cookware for your daily cooking needs. From chopping ingredients for your dish to cooking and serving it, you need different utensils at every step. Hence, people tend to upgrade the cookware at regular intervals to increase their efficiency and save time spent in the kitchen. Check out some of the best cookware on amazing offers.

3. Get food products for up to 47% off:

If you are planning to stock your pantry with the monthly grocery, then look no further. We got you some essential food products that you can buy at a huge discount. From instant noodles to biscuits, you will get it all here.

4. Get dry fruits for up to 80% off:

By now, we all know how versatile a handful of dry fruits are. From using them as garnishing elements to having them for nutrients, almonds, raisins, etc are staples in our diet. If you are planning to restock the dry fruit containers, then here we have some amazing deals for you.

5. Get kitchen organisers for up to 68% off:

We all love an organized kitchen, right? If you are looking to revamp your kitchen setup, then we have got you the perfect organizers to get the job done easily. And guess what, they are now available for great deals and discounts.

For more details, click here.

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Navratri 2023 Special: Delight In 7 Traditional Indian Recipes For Vrat Foods

Navratri 2023: India is a land of festivals, and one of the most eagerly awaited celebrations is the nine-day extravaganza of Sharad Navratri. Commencing on October 15th, 2023, and concluding on October 23rd, Navratri 2023 promises to be a vibrant and spiritually significant event. This festivity, dedicated to the nine forms of the goddess, marks a time when devotees across India fast, pray and follow a strict vegetarian diet, also known as Vrat foods. In many households, this diet excludes onions and garlic, emphasizing pure and satvik cuisine.

Navratri Fasting and Food:

During Navratri fasting, followers consume a variety of ingredients, including fruits, potatoes, sago, water chestnut flour, buckwheat flour, milk, curd, paneer, and milk products. Rock salt replaces regular salt in these dishes. Despite the limited ingredients, traditional Indian recipes can be prepared to ensure that fasting doesn't leave you hungry.

Also Read: Make Palak Toovar Dal, But Dhaba-Style! Check How
 

Let's explore a Navratri special thali that offers a delectable array of Vrat foods, reminiscent of everyday Indian dishes but with a satvik twist, free from grains and pulses.

Navratri Thali - 7 Traditional Indian Recipes That You Must Try

1. Kuttu Puri:

Kuttu Puri, a crispy delight, is made from buckwheat flour, mashed boiled potatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. It pairs wonderfully with potato curry or can be made with Rajgira (water chestnut flour) for variation. Click here for the recipe

2. Rajgira Kadhi:

A beloved North Indian favourite, Kadhi, gets a fasting-friendly makeover with Rajgira flour, curd, ginger, green chilli, cumin, and a hint of sugar. Unlike regular Kadhi, turmeric is omitted in this version. Click here for the recipe

3. Vrat Wale Aloo Rasedar:

This traditional Indian potato curry is a Navratri staple. Made with cumin, curd, ginger, and rock salt, it's perfect for lunch or dinner, best enjoyed with kuttu ki puri or roti. Click here for the recipe

4. Sabudana Khichdi:

Hailing from Western India, especially Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, Sabudana Khichdi is a light and flavorful dish made from sago pearls, blended with mild spices, and can be served with curd. Click here for the recipe

5. Vrat-Friendly Kaddu Ki Sabzi:

Add variety to your fasting meals with this pumpkin-based dish. Mix pumpkin pieces with a tantalizing spice blend and savour this flavorful recipe for lunch or dinner during Navratri fasting. Click here for the recipe

6. Kebab e Kela:

These Vrat-special kebabs crafted from raw bananas offer a delectable taste experience. They're prepared by mixing raw bananas with buckwheat flour, green chillies, red chillies, ginger, and rock salt. Click here for the recipe

7. Vratwale Paneer Roll:

Paneer, a rich source of protein, takes centre stage in this Vrat Paneer Roll. Prepare these rolls by mixing grated paneer with potatoes, rock salt, and spices, then pan-fry or deep-fry for a filling and tasty snack. Click here for the recipe

Also Read: When Is Sharad Navratri 2023? Date, Timings, Significance And Fasting Guide

Embrace the spirit of Navratri 2023 by savouring these delightful traditional Indian recipes crafted for your Navratri fasting days. Share your favourite Indian recipe with us in the comments below, and enjoy the festivities with delicious, satvik flavours. Happy Sharad Navratri 2023!

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Wife Cooks “Kuch Bhi” For Husband, Internet Calls It “Legendary Shot”

We all experience two distinct food moods - one where our cravings are crystal clear, and another when hunger strikes, but we are indecisive about what to eat. In that second mood, we often respond with a casual "kuch bhi [anything]", when asked about our food preferences. But have you ever considered how perplexing this answer can be for the person trying to feed you? In a playful twist, a wife decided to take her husband's "kuch bhi" response quite literally. She whipped up a unique dish and served the words "Kuch Bhi" on a plate. This imaginative and amusing approach to her husband's vague food request has tickled the internet's funny bone. 
Also Read: Viral Video Marks Cultural Difference Of Indian Husband, American Wife On Foodie Note
The video opens with a text exchange, with the wife asking, "Me: Kya banau khane mai [What should I Cook]" and the husband responding with the typical "Kuch Bhi (anything)". Following this text exchange, the woman proceeds to prepare a batter that appears to be for a besan chilla [gram flour pancake]. She skillfully pours and shapes it on a griddle to spell out "kuch Bhi". Once the creation is cooked to perfection, she serves it up, accompanied by a side of ketchup, and presents the dish to her husband. Upon seeing the unique culinary masterpiece, the husband cracks a slight smile, with his lips seemingly forming the words, "Yeh kya? Kuch bhi ka matlab kuch bhi? [What is this? Anything means anything].
Also Read: Twitter Is Confused After Watching This Video Of Wife Sacrificing To Feed Her Husband
Take a look at the video below:

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The video has amassed over 20 million views and garnered thousands of interesting comments.
A user wrote, “I tried it.....amazing reaction I got from my husband and he was continuously laughing... After that, he took me to my favourite restaurant for dinner.”
Another user added, “Damn, this is the best!”
Someone commented, “I would have just served the plate!”
A person called it, “Legendary Shot.”
An Instagrammer penned, “What an idea.”
What do you think about this video? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Superhero Fun And Tiered Cake: Inside Neha Dhupia’s Son Guriq’s Second Birthday

Recently, Neha Dhupia and her family were in full celebratory mode. Reason? It was Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi's son Guriq Dhupia Bedi's second birthday, which falls on October 3. The birthday bash was nothing short of a superhero extravaganza. Guriq and his elder sister, Mehr Dhupia Bedi, were dressed as Batman. Their dad, Angad Bedi, embraced the role of Superman for the day. Even Neha herself wore a superhero cape to match the theme of the birthday party. In addition to the family of four, Neha's parents and other friends and family joined in on the celebration. Neha Dhupia delighted her Instagram followers by sharing a photo album and offering a sneak peek into the vibrant party. 
Also Read: Neha Dhupia's "Ultimate Love Affair" Is Not With Angad Bedi, But With This Dish

Amidst all the festivity, one particular image caught the attention of food enthusiasts – the birthday cake. The cake beautifully showcased a superhero theme, featuring iconic characters like Hulk, Spider-Man, and others. The Avengers and Batman logos were also perfectly displayed. At the top of the cake, a massive green Hulk fist added an extra touch of superhero flair. The words "Happy Birthday Our Superhero Guriq" adorned the bottom tier of the cake. In her caption, Neha Dhupia tagged Guriq and wrote, "There's a superpower in each one of us… in our case, it's love and chocolate cake… so let's celebrate that and our baby boy," accompanied by several red heart emojis. The celebration was a perfect blend of family love and superhero-themed fun, making Guriq's second birthday a memorable one.

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When it comes to birthday celebrations in the Dhupia-Bedi clan, they sure know how to throw a themed party that steals the show. Last year, for their daughter Mehr's fourth birthday, Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi went all out with a carnival-themed party. The celebration featured rides, clowns, vibrant decorations, and a complete carnival setup, creating a fun-filled atmosphere. Riteish Deshmukh and Soha Ali Khan were also in attendance. The birthday cake, perfectly in sync with the carnival theme, was a burst of colours. Neha Dhupia summed up the joyful occasion in her caption, saying, "But then again, the party is made by people, and the people make the party... our baby girl turned 4," along with a red heart emoji.
Also Read: Mom-To-Be Rubina Dilaik's Pregnancy Cravings Got Her Screaming Ice Cream!

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Let's watch what Neha Dhupia plans for Mehr's 5th birthday which is on November 18.

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BSI's New Whisky Guidelines: What You Need To Know

Whisky's popularity in India knows no bounds, as it overtook France in 2022 to become the largest Scotch whisky market, with a staggering 242 million cases consumed. According to the International Wines and Spirits Record (ISWR), whisky commands nearly two-thirds of India's $53 billion alcoholic beverage sales, making it the drink of choice for many. Amidst this spirited competition, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has introduced new industry standards that promise a dependable and trustworthy whisky experience for producers and consumers alike.

Here Are Some Of BSI's Whisky Guidelines:

1. Quality Comes First:

BSI's guidelines prioritize quality above all else. Whether you prefer "whisky" or "whiskey," these standards are designed to empower distillers to craft outstanding products that meet both local and global market demands. It's not merely about compliance; it's about achieving excellence.

2. Water or Caramel:

BSI offers further insights into the only two additives permitted in whisky - water and plain caramel. These guidelines not only outline production processes but also define key whisky types and the necessary analytical methods to maintain their authenticity.

3. Banishing Chill Haze:

Ever wondered about the natural "chill haze" that can occur when ice is added to whisky? BSI's guidelines provide explanations, along with insights into calcium oxalate, geographical indications, and the effects of distillation on cereal proteins.

4. Proof in the Percentage:

These standards uphold traditional expectations of whisky drinkers worldwide. From cereal-based production to specific distillation methods, ageing in wooden casks for a minimum of three years, and maintaining a minimum strength of 40% alc. vol., these guidelines preserve the essence of the whisky's colour, aroma, and taste.

5. Age and Beauty:

BSI's guidelines define the desired colour spectrum of whisky, ranging from pale yellow/gold to deep amber/mahogany, ensuring a visually appealing experience. Additionally, they insist on a minimum three-year maturation period in wooden casks, guaranteeing unadulterated and additive-free whisky.

As India's alcoholic beverages market continues its meteoric rise, whisky stands at the forefront, with local brands accounting for a staggering 96% of the market. With BSI's new guidelines, the whisky industry is poised for even greater success. Amidst the millennial-driven surge in consumption and a growing middle class shifting their allegiance to whisky, these standards promise to maintain the journey of Indian whisky as smooth and flavorful as ever. Cheers to the future of Indian whisky!

Also Read: How To Pick The Right Scotch For Your Taste

About the author: Theuns Kotze, Managing Director at Assurance IMETA, is an industry expert with a passion for enhancing quality and standards in the world of beverages.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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