Love Masala Chai? Give It An Aromatic Makeover With This Special Ingredient

Indians love their chai and there's no two ways about it. Be it to kick-start the mornings or to stay active throughout the day, a cup of chai can instantly set everything right. So much so that you will find a dedicated dabba for chai patti in every kitchen pantry across India. That's not all. There are cafes and tapri at every nook and corner satiating your chai cravings any time of the day. Now, if you explore, you would find different people have their unique tea preferences - while some like it black, without sugar, sugar enjoy their tea brewed well with milk and sugar. But what reigns supreme is our love for masala chai (or Indian spiced tea). Tea leaves, brewed well with various types of spices, with or without milk (and sugar), masala chai is soul soothing. But what we enjoy the most is the customization of spices used in the masala for the tea. Here we got you one such unique masala chai recipe that gets better with the inclusion of one extra element - it is the rich and aromatic rose petals. You heard us.
Also Read: Kahwa Vs. Masala Tea - Which Is Your Perfect Match?

Is Masala Chai Healthy? What Makes Masala Chai So Unique?

As mentioned, masala chai is made with a concoction of various types of spices, which are easily available in our everyday kitchen pantry. From ginger to cloves and cinnamon - various such common spices are used, making the taste and aroma of the tea very relatable. Alongside it is super healthy too.
1. The masalas used in masala chai are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help you detox and prevent various health hazards.
2. The spices boast of anti-viral properties, making the beverage a perfect option to nourish yourself and boost immunity against seasonal diseases.
3. The essential oils in each of the spices have digestive properties that help boost metabolism and further promote weight loss.
4. Masala tea provides warmth from within, comforting you during the nippy weather outside.
5. Tea contains caffeine and the masalas are loaded with antioxidants - both of which come together to boost energy from within.

Unique Masala Tea Recipe: How To Make Rose Masala Tea:

This special recipe has been shared by Chef Ajay Chopra on his Instagram handle. Chef Ajay demonstrated the complete process of making this special rose masala tea and also shared some tips to make it perfectly. Let's take you through.
1. Take cinnamon, black cardamom, black pepper, fennel seeds, green cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg in a mortar-pestle and grind into fine powder.
2. Boil water, add tea leaves, and sugar, and let it boil again.
3. At this point, add the masala and milk and brew well.
4. Add dried rose petals, let it simmer and strain.
You have a comforting cup of rose masala tea ready to be relished. Take a sip!
Also Read: Did You Know? You Should Avoid Consuming These 5 Foods With Chai

Watch the detailed recipe video below:

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A post shared by Master Chef Ajay Chopra (@chefajaychopra)

 

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Papad Lays Chaat: An Easy And Delicious Snack You Won't Be Able To Resist

Snacking time is something that we always look forward to. There's a certain joy that we feel after every snack session. More often than not, these snacks are mostly fried and greasy. Of course, there are several healthy options as well, but nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of those guilty pleasure snacks. One such popular snack that falls into this category is the classic Lay's chips. This tasty treat often makes its way into different recipes. This time, in the form of a delicious chaat! We recently came across a delightful recipe that you surely won't be able to resist. This chaat also involves the use of papad and offers a unique presentation. Try it now and impress your friends and family with its incredible taste.
Also Read: From Katori Chaat To Khakra Chaat: 6 Unique Chaat Recipes For Your Weekend Binge

What Is Papad Lays Chaat?

This chaat brings together the goodness of two of the most popular snacks: chaat and Lay's chips. Unlike regular chaat, this one is made using a unique papad bowl that is stuffed with a masaledaar mix of crushed roasted papad, Lay's chips, along with tomatoes and onions. Lemon juice and chaat masala help add a tangy kick of flavour to this chaat. It's not just the incredible taste; its presentation will surely make it a crowd-pleaser at your next festive party as well. It's the perfect snack to make at home in under a few minutes and will surely be a  hit among your guests.

Papad Lays Chaat Recipe | How To Make Papad Lays Chaat

To make this chaat, start by roasting the papad on a gas stove. Once done, immediately keep it on top of a bowl and gently press it down using your hands to give it the shape of the bowl. Repeat the process according to the number of papad bowls you'd like to make. Now, take a Lay's packet and empty its contents into a large bowl. Add crushed roasted papad, chopped tomatoes, onions, green chillies, fresh coriander, lemon juice, and chaat masala. Mix well, and transfer this mixture into the prepared papad bowls. Top it with coriander leaves, and your papad Lay's chaat is ready to be savoured.
Also Read: Unique Katori Chaat: A Perfect Treat For Weekend Indulgence (Video Inside)
Watch the detailed recipe video for Papad Lay's Chaat below: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Spoons of Dilli (@spoonsofdilli)

It looks delicious, right? Try making it at home, and let us know how you liked its taste in the comments section below. Meanwhile, if you're on the hunt for more such chaat recipes, click here to explore our impressive range.

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ICYMI: 7 Astonishing World Records That Made Headlines In October 2023

The world of food is not just about eating or cooking anymore. It goes beyond that. People have achieved significant records using food as a medium. Wondering how? Well, some folks eat as quickly as possible, while others grow the heaviest vegetables. And then there are individuals who exhibit their unique talent by balancing the maximum number of utensils on their heads. Sounds intriguing, right? There have been numerous such world records set this month. In case you missed them, check out these remarkable food-related records that made headlines in October 2023:

Also Read: Watch: Woman Cooks "Dishwasher Salmon", Trend Divides Internet

Here Are 7 Food-Related World Records That Captivated Public Interest In October 2023:

1. Spiciest Chilli

_{Photo Credit: guinnessworldrecords.com}

A new kind of chilli called Pepper X has now become the "hottest chilli pepper in the world," taking the title away from the Carolina Reaper, which held that record since 2013. The Guinness World Records (GWR) had described the Carolina Reaper as "hundreds of times hotter than a jalapeno pepper." But Pepper X is even hotter. The spiciness of chillies is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU). While the Carolina Reaper has an average rating of 1.64 million SHU, Pepper X has an average rating of a remarkable 2,693,000 SHU. Read the full story here.

2. Speed-Eating Of Spiciest Chilli

Imagine a man consuming 50 of the world's spiciest chillies all at once. A speed eater Mike Jack from Canada did just that by eating 50 Carolina Reapers in 6 minutes and 49.2 seconds. But that's not the end of the story; after finishing those 50 peppers, he went on to eat an additional 85 more. (This was before Pepper X was declared to be the hottest chilli). Click here to read the full story.

3. Heaviest Pumpkin

_{Photo Credit: weighoff.miramarevents.com}

You might have purchased pumpkins weighing 3, 4, or at most 5 kilograms. But this gigantic pumpkin has set a record at a staggering 2,749 pounds, which is nearly 1,247 kilograms! This colossal gourd was cultivated by Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Minnesota. It was showcased at the 50th World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California. Full story here.

Also Read: Watch: Video Of Rajinikanth's Lookalike Who Sells Tea In Kochi Goes Viral

4. Heaviest Onion 

A man from Guernsey has earned the title of a Guinness World Record (GWR) holder for growing the heaviest onion. How much did it weigh, you wonder? It weighed 8.97 kilograms. Yes, you read that correctly. This onion is said to be larger than a bowling ball. Read in detail.

5. Largest Charcuterie Board

On October 4, 2023, Boarderie, an online charcuterie delivery company in Florida, USA, presented the largest charcuterie board, measuring 20 feet by 14 feet. Curious about its weight? It came in at a remarkable 769 pounds, which is nearly 350 kilograms. Read the full story.

6. Smashing Coconuts On Head

A man from Karnataka named KV Saidalavi set the world record for smashing a maximum number of coconuts on the head using a nunchaku. He managed to break 68 coconuts within one minute, surpassing his previous record of 42 coconuts. Read the full story by clicking here.

7. Balancing Wine Glasses:

Balancing wine glasses on one's head is indeed an art, and Aristotelis Valaoritis from Cyprus not only mastered this art but also achieved a world record with it. A video showing him expertly balancing 319 wine glasses on his head grabbed many eyeballs online. Click here to know more.

Also Read: Watch: Surat Street Vendor Fries Bhajiya With Bare Hands, Internet Reacts

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Papad Lays Chaat: An Irresistible Snack You Won't Be Able To Resist

Snacking time is something that we always look forward to. There's a certain joy that we feel after every snack session. More often than not, these snacks are mostly fried and greasy. Of course, there are several healthy options as well, but nothing quite compares to the satisfaction of those guilty pleasure snacks. One such popular snack that falls into this category is the classic Lay's chips. This tasty treat often makes its way into different recipes. This time, in the form of a delicious chaat! We recently came across a delightful recipe that you surely won't be able to resist. This chaat also involves the use of papad and offers a unique presentation. Try it now and impress your friends and family with its incredible taste.
Also Read: From Katori Chaat To Khakra Chaat: 6 Unique Chaat Recipes For Your Weekend Binge

What Is Papad Lays Chaat?

This chaat brings together the goodness of two of the most popular snacks: chaat and Lay's chips. Unlike regular chaat, this one is made using a unique papad bowl that is stuffed with a masaledaar mix of crushed roasted papad, Lay's chips, along with tomatoes and onions. Lemon juice and chaat masala help add a tangy kick of flavour to this chaat. It's not just the incredible taste; its presentation will surely make it a crowd-pleaser at your next festive party as well. It's the perfect snack to make at home in under a few minutes and will surely be a  hit among your guests.

Papad Lays Chaat Recipe | How To Make Papad Lays Chaat

To make this chaat, start by roasting the papad on a gas stove. Once done, immediately keep it on top of a bowl and gently press it down using your hands to give it the shape of the bowl. Repeat the process according to the number of papad bowls you'd like to make. Now, take a Lay's packet and empty its contents into a large bowl. Add crushed roasted papad, chopped tomatoes, onions, green chillies, fresh coriander, lemon juice, and chaat masala. Mix well, and transfer this mixture into the prepared papad bowls. Top it with coriander leaves, and your papad Lay's chaat is ready to be savoured.
Also Read: Unique Katori Chaat: A Perfect Treat For Weekend Indulgence (Video Inside)
Watch the detailed recipe video for Papad Lay's Chaat below: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Spoons of Dilli (@spoonsofdilli)

It looks delicious, right? Try making it at home, and let us know how you liked its taste in the comments section below. Meanwhile, if you're on the hunt for more such chaat recipes, click here to explore our impressive range.

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Get An Extra Boost Of Nutrition With Functional Foods - Your Secret Shield Against Chronic Diseases

Functional foods go beyond providing basic nutrition and nutrients; they offer health benefits that can protect against chronic diseases. While whole foods provide essential carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for overall health, functional foods contain unique compounds that provide additional advantages. This concept gained prominence in the 1980s in Japan when the government-funded research to explore the impact of certain foods on human health. In 1991, Japan introduced the "Foods for Specialized Health Use (FOSHU)" category, allowing certain foods to be approved by the government and carry the FOSHU seal on their labels.

Also Read: Why Functional Beverages Are Trending In The World Of Health, And Why It's Time To Embrace Them

Health Benefits Of Functional Foods:

_{Photo Credit: iStock}

Functional foods are rich sources of antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids, lycopene, anthocyanin, and polyphenols, which combat free radicals and protect against brain damage, ageing, cataracts, and cancers. They also play a role in reducing and controlling inflammation, a key factor in various chronic health issues.

Additionally, functional foods provide probiotics, which enhance immunity. Foods containing prebiotics also act as functional foods by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria, preserving gut integrity, preventing infections, and aiding in sugar regulation, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

5 Functional Food Components And Nutrients:

1. Dietary Fibre:

_{Photo Credit: iStock}

Dietary fibre increases bile salt excretion, which reduces cholesterol, promotes regular bowel movements, removes toxins from the body, regulates blood sugar, and helps with weight control. Sources include whole grains, millet, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and whole fruits.

Also Read: 5 Soluble Fibre-Rich Foods That Experts Recommend For Diabetics

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

These fats are known for their cardiovascular benefits, reducing triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol levels, and the risk of blood clot formation, while also boosting immunity. Sources include walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, salmon, trout, and tuna.

3. Isothiocyanates:

Found in cruciferous vegetables, these compounds reduce the risk of cancers of the stomach, breast, liver, oesophagus, lung, small intestine, and colon. They also protect against stomach cancers related to helicobacter pylori and heart diseases. Sources include broccoli, brussels sprouts, watercress, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale.

Also Read: Beyond Salad And Sabzi: 5 Healthy Ways To Consume Leafy Greens

4. Flavonoids:

These pigments found in plants offer antioxidant, antiallergic, antiviral, antitoxic, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. They are linked to the prevention of heart diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and potential cancer treatment. Sources include dried parsley, red onions, cranberries, asparagus, blackcurrants, and various teas.

5. Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics:

Probiotics are live bacteria that enhance gut flora and maintain gut integrity. Prebiotics are the food for these beneficial bacteria, usually indigestible fibres, and have demonstrated anticancer and antiviral properties. Foods providing both are called synbiotic sources. Probiotic sources include yogurt, buttermilk, pickles, kimchi, and kefir. Prebiotic sources include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

This list is not exhaustive, and compounds like polyols, phytoestrogens, soy proteins, and carotenoids have specific functions for enhancing health. Notably, these compounds are most effective when consumed as whole foods, as they work synergistically with other natural compounds and nutrients. Therefore, consuming whole, fresh foods is the most beneficial approach for harnessing the power of functional foods.

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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Love Manchurian? 5 Smart Tips To Make Perfectly Crispy Manchurian Balls At Home

Let's agree, there are certain food cravings that can only be satisfied with desi Chinese delicacies. From chowmein to chilli chicken and more, there is a range of options to choose from. In fact, preferences for desi Chinese dishes differ from person to person as per their palate. But if we have to name one of our favourite Chinese dishes, then Manchurian would proudly make it to everyone's list. Don't you agree? Vegetables, chicken, egg, etc, rolled and fried to perfection and then dunked in a spicy-tangy gravy, Manchurian adds a burst of flavours to your palate. You can have the dry Manchurian as appetiser or pair noodles and fried rice with the gravy version of it for a complete meal. The best part is: you can make it at home as well.
If you scroll through the internet, you will find a number of Manchurian recipes that promise a restaurant-style dish. But unfortunately, we often end up making certain mistakes that either turn the Manchurian balls soggy or too dry. If you have been facing the same issues, then this is just the article for you. Here, we have curated a list of some genius tips to make perfectly crispy Manchurian balls that will instantly remind you of your favourite desi Chinese eatery in town. Take a look.
Also Read: Craving Manchurian? Here Are 5 Tasty Recipes You Can Cook At Home

_{Photo Credit: iStock}

5 Smart Hacks To Make Restaurant-Style Manchurian Balls At Home:

1. Finely chop the ingredients:

We all know chopping and cutting ingredients play a major role in every cooking process. In fact, it helps you shape the final look and taste of the food. For Manchurian, the finer you chop the vegetables and other ingredients, the crispier the balls will be. So, have patience while chopping the ingredients for Manchurian for a perfect dish at the end.

2. Do not use water while making the batter:

While preparing the batter for Manchurian balls, avoid adding water. The ingredients leave enough water to make the batter moist. So, adding extra water may end up making it soggy and runny, making it tough to get the crispiness.

3. Add cornflour to the batter:

While making the batter for Manchurian balls, we suggest adding a mix of flour and cornflour to it. Why, you ask? Cornflour and flour (maida) help bind the ingredients and add some crispiness to the dish. You can also replace cornflour with rice flour and avoid maida for added crunchiness in the recipe.

4. Fry on high flame:

You read that right! How you fry the Manchurian balls also defines the taste and texture. If Manchurian balls are fried in less hot oil, they become soft and soggy. So, make sure, the oil heats up well before you through in the Manchurian balls to fry.

5. Do not cover the fried balls:

Once fried, do not keep the Manchurian balls in a covered bowl. Covering the hot Manchurian balls may create steam and moisture in the container, making them soggy instantly.
Now that you have the tips handy, how about making a delicious portion of Manchurian at home? To help you with that, we have some of our favourite Manchurian recipes here. Pick your favourite from the list and make some delicious desi Chinese for your loved ones.

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Viral: Man Cites Partner's Love For Momos Among Reasons For Break-Up, Internet Reacts

Momos are loved by many street food enthusiasts. We all have that one buddy in our group who makes devouring them a daily ritual. But deciding to part ways because of a momo obsession is unheard of. It might sound strange, but here is a real-life incident where a man could not handle his girlfriend's momo love (among other reasons) and delivered the breakup news through a WhatsApp audio message. The girl forwarded this clip to her best friend, who thought it was so extraordinary that it deserved a place on social media.  The tweet swiftly went viral and sparked a wave of reactions from people.

Also Read: Momo Mania: 7 Best Street-Style Momo Places In Delhi

In the audio clip, we can hear a man explaining his reasons for wanting to break up. He mentions his partner's hair colour as well as her causing him to miss an important cricket match. But what caught our attention was the next part: “Sabse badi baat tujhe roz momos khane hote hai yaar. 633 calories hoti hai har plate mein. Unko pachane ke liye pta nahi kitni baar abs marni padti hai mujhe. Kha Kha ke abs ka bhi abba bna pada hai. Dekh bura mat maniyo, tujhe boyfriend nahin, tujhe gulaam chahiye. Aur yeh gulami nahi hogi ab mujhse. So, goodbye. [The biggest issue is that you have momos every day. Each plate packs 633 calories. I don't even know how much I've to work out on my abs. Don't take it the wrong way, but you don't need a boyfriend; you need a slave. And I'm not going to be that slave anymore. So, goodbye.]"

The text attached to the video reads, “No way this guy broke up with my bestie like this.”

no way this guy broke up with my bestie like this ???????? pic.twitter.com/k7Y7rqi0p8

— coldplay wifey (@tanishaitaan) October 25, 2023

The post has received more than 640K views so far. In another bizarre development, the X user shared that she came to know that the man's words were strikingly similar to the dialogue from the show "Half Love Half Arranged". She posted a clip from a scene in the show's first episode, in which the character Mandeep is heard speaking those lines. Take a look at it below.

btw just found out the guy literally copied this scene to break up with her... WTF!! ?? pic.twitter.com/qVfL4gWgNS

— coldplay wifey (@tanishaitaan) October 25, 2023

Also Read: "Real Definition Of Trick Or Treat" - Nutritionist's Idea For 'Healthy' Halloween Treat Has Internet Abuzz

Other X users had a lot to say about this situation. Check out some of the reactions below:

A user wrote, “Ye banda calories count karke momos khata hai aur mai ye bhi nahi count karta maine momos kitne khaye [This guy counts the calories while eating momos, and I don't even count how many momos I've had.]”

ye banda calories count karke momos khata hai aur mai ye bhi nahi count karta maine momos kitne khaye

— Taha (@tahaactually) October 25, 2023

Another one added, “Koi baat nahi roshni hum dono sath chalenge momos khane [No worries, Roshni, we'll go together to eat momos.]”

koi baat nahi roshni hum dono sath chalenge momos khane

— Srishti shukla (@dusky_drone) October 25, 2023

“Yeh ladka calories count krke momos khaata hai utne calories ki toh chutney khaa leta hu momos ke sath [This guy counts calories while eating momos; I consume chutney with as many calories],” read a comment.

Yeh ladka calories count krke momos khaata hai utne calories ki toh chutney khaa leta hu momos ke sath.

— Shoury Saxena (@shouryyyy) October 25, 2023

A user addedd, “Jaane do usko Roshni Jo saath me momos khane nahi chal sakta wo zindagi bhar saath kya dega [Let him go, Roshni. Someone who can't join us for momos won't offer much companionship in the long run].”

Jaane do usko Roshni Jo saath me momos khane nahi chal sakta wo zindagi bhar saath kya dega

— Ayushi (@ShutupAyushiii) October 25, 2023

"If he can't fulfil your craving for momos, he isn't the one Roshni," wrote one user. 

If he can't fulfil your craving for momos, he isn't the one Roshni ??

— Pallavi Pandey (@pallavipandeyy) October 25, 2023

Another echoed the sentiment, "Roshni, you deserve someone who holds your hands and says, I love seeing you while eating momos."

Roshni, you deserve someone who holds your hands and says, I love seeing you while eating momos.

— Trisha (@Sochtee_hai) October 25, 2023

What did you think of the incident?

Also Read: Watch: Video Of Rajinikanth's Lookalike Who Sells Tea In Kochi Goes Viral

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