From Dal Moth To Masoor Dal Chaat: 5 Protein-Rich Dal Snacks For Your Evening Chai

Indian tea time snacks prominently feature crispy and greasy delights. Be it samosa, kachori, pakoda, or namkeen, they are the reason why we look forward to our chai session. Without them, it just feels like something is missing. But what about people who are trying to eat healthy or are on a weight-loss diet? Should they stop themselves from eating these snacks at all? Absolutely not! Instead, we make them healthier by opting for healthier ingredients. And don't worry, there's absolutely no compromise on flavour. Here, we present to you five protein-rich masoor dal snacks you can enjoy with your evening chai.
Also Read: 5 Healthy Snacks You Can Make For Fussy Kids In No Time

Evening Snack Recipes: Here Are 5 Protein-Rich Masoor Dal Snacks You Must Try:

1. Masoor Dal Vada (Our Recommendation)

Vada is usually prepared with a batter of urad dal and rice flour. But this one is made using masoor dal (red lentil). It makes for a pleasant change from the regular ones. While the recipe calls for deep-frying, you can shallow-fry or air-fry them to make them healthier. Do not forget to pair it with coconut chutney to fully savour its taste. For the complete recipe for Masoor Dal Vada, click here.

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2. Dal Moth Namkeen

Dal moth is a popular tea-time snack in India. Instead of buying it from the market, make it at home using this easy recipe. Whole masoor dal is mixed with a pool of electrifying spices to make this tasty snack. The fact that it has no added preservatives is what makes it a healthier alternative. You can even add some chopped onions to add flavour. Find the complete recipe for Dal Moth Namkeen here.

3. Masoor Dal Ka Pakoda

Don't we all just love gorging on pakodas during tea time? Now give a break to regular pakodas and try this masoor dal pakoda instead. These tiny balls are packed with protein and make the perfect accompaniment to your evening cup of tea. Again, you can reduce the oil content by opting for a different cooking method than deep-frying. Click here for the complete recipe for Masoor Dal Ka Pakoda.

4. Kumaoni Badeel

Badeel is a kebab-like snack that hails from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It promises everything you expect from a kebab. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, it tastes so good you won't be able to resist. Serve them to your guests for your next chai session, and we are sure they'll be impressed. Click here for the complete recipe for Kumaoni Badeel.

5. Masoor Dal Chaat

If you're a fan of chaat, this recipe is just for you. It contains a mix of masoor, charred broccoli, potatoes, black beans, papaya, and more tossed in a special dressing. You can enjoy this chaat without the fear of consuming extra calories. Once you make it, you'll find yourself making it again and again. Find the complete recipe for Masoor Dal Chaat here.
Also Read: 5 Healthy Snacks That Can Help You Deal With Midnight Cravings

Who knew masoor dal could be used to make such delicious snacks? Try them for yourself and make your tea time special. Happy Snacking!

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Stop! Don't Mix Your Fruits with These Foods - Here's How It Could Be Harming Your Gut

Fruits are nature's sweet gift to us, packed with essential vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. They're not only delicious but also offer a host of health benefits. However, did you know that there are some rules to keep in mind when enjoying fruits to get the most out of them? We often end up combining our fruits with other foods to make a tasty and wholesome meal. Shakes, salads, cereals - these and many more meals seem like the perfect way to consume fruits. Guess what? It's wrong! Dr Dimple Jangda, an Ayurveda and gut health coach, revealed some fruit combinations that must be completely avoided.
Also Read: Should You Eat Fruits Before Or After A Meal?

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What Foods You Should Not Eat With Fruits: 

1. Avoid Eating Fruits with Dairy Products 

One of the most important rules when it comes to eating fruits is to avoid combining them with dairy products. Fruits and dairy don't make the best foodie friends, especially when eaten together. Dr Dimple Jangda explains, "Fruits become toxic when you mix them with milk, yogurt, cheese or other dairy products. It's unhealthy for your gut. Fruit acids can cause toxic byproducts when mixed with dairy products." When you eat them together, it can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and gas. 

For instance, if you love your morning cereal with milk, or milkshakes, it's better to have your fruit separately as a snack or as part of your breakfast. This way, you can enjoy the taste and health benefits of both without any tummy troubles.
Also Read: 5 Fruits And Vegetables You Should Never Store Together

2. Don't Pair Fruits with Vegetables 

While fruits and vegetables are both super healthy on their own, combining them in the same meal isn't the best idea. Why? "Fruits require only 1 hour in the stomach, 1 hour in the small intestine, and 1 hour in the large intestine, for digestion, absorption and assimilation and elimination. On the other hand, vegetables require approximately 2 hours in the stomach, 2 hours in the small intestine, and 2 hours in the larger intestine for digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients," reveals the expert.  

So, when you mix fruits with vegetables, which require anywhere between 2 to 16 hours (in your stomach and intestines) to get digested, absorbed and assimilated, it causes the digested fruit to push the undigested vegetables into the small intestine, which leads to bloating, gases, flatulence, and fermentation of that food in your gut. You don't want that.  

So, if you're having a salad, consider separating your fruit and vegetable servings. Enjoy your fruits as a snack or dessert, and save the veggies for your main meal. This way, your tummy will thank you for a smoother digestion process. 

3. Keep Fruits Away from Grains 

Just like fruits and vegetables, fruits and grains also have different digestion times. Grains and pulses require approximately 18 hours in your system - 6 hours in the stomach, 6 hours in the small intestine, and 6 hours in the large intestine. 

To avoid these digestive issues, it's a good idea to space out your fruit and grain consumption. For example, if you're having oatmeal or a sandwich, enjoy your fruit as a separate snack before or after your meal. This way, you can relish the flavours and nutrients of both without any tummy disturbances. 

"So remember to eat your fruit alone or leave it alone," concluded Dr Dimple Jangda.  

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Struggling With Dry Winter Hair? 4 Diet Tips You Need To Try Now

We are currently experiencing chilly mornings and comfortable warmth during the day, signalling that winter is coming. A sudden nip in the air is indeed comforting, bringing respite from the months-long humidity. However, the transition could be a bit challenging for our overall health. During this time, people are extra cautious to prevent coughs, colds, and sore throats. However, what we often overlook is our skin and hair health, which can become drier than usual. As the winter season approaches, our hair becomes dry and frizzy, losing its shine and lustre. But fret not! We have some amazing tips for you to enjoy healthy, shiny, and smooth hair during the season. All you need to do is make some basic changes in your diet. Read on.

Winter Hair Care: Why Does Hair Become Dry During the Winter Season?

During the winter season, the dry weather directly affects our hair, according to experts. Our hair has no natural lubrication and relies heavily on oils produced in its roots to stay nourished. Since winter dries out our bodies, the scalp uses up its stored oil completely, leaving the hair dry, brittle, and frizzy, as stated in a WebMD report. This phenomenon also leads to the production of dandruff on the scalp.
The report further explains that the dry weather also affects our cuticles, the protective layer that safeguards our hair from environmental damage. "When a cuticle's layers separate and peel away from the hair, it can't hold moisture, and some oil escapes," adds the report.
Also Read: 7 Foods For Hair Growth You Should Be Eating Daily

_{Photo Credit: iStock}

Winter Hair Care: 4 Diet Tips To Prevent Dry And Frizzy Hair

What's the first thing that comes to your mind when we talk about hair care? We bet most of you immediately think of expensive hair care products for topical application. While we never suggest eliminating oils, shampoos, and serums from your routine, we simply recommend making some basic changes in your diet to keep your hair moist and healthy.

1. Maintain a balanced water intake:

We often overlook the importance of drinking enough water during the winter, which is where we go wrong. It is important to maintain a healthy water balance in the body to stay hydrated and promote oxygen flow in the cells and tissues, leading to healthy hair growth.

2. Consume seasonal produce:

A simple search on Google will yield a list of reasons to include seasonal food in your diet. Seasonal produce is rich in essential nutrients that boost immunity and keep us nourished. Did you know that they are also beneficial for your hair? According to a blog on the official website of Narayana Health (www.narayanahealth.org), one of the best ways to keep your hair healthy is to follow a proper diet rich in seasonal fruits and veggies. They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and help promote overall hair health.

3. Limit alcohol consumption:

Many of us tend to include alcohol in our winter diet. This is mainly because winter is packed with festivities, which often entail gatherings with friends and family. However, consultant nutritionist Rupali Datta points out that regular or excessive alcohol consumption leads to fluid loss in the body and makes you feel dehydrated from within. This increases the production of toxins, further affecting our overall health, including our hair.

4. Reduce fried food intake:

The blog on the official website of Narayana Health further states that in addition to a healthy diet, it is equally important to limit the consumption of fried and high-calorie foods. The cozy winter season often tempts us to indulge in sinful treats. We frequently opt for fried, greasy, and sugar-loaded foods that come with the season. It's okay to enjoy these winter delicacies; just remember that moderation is key. Consuming anything in excess can increase oxidative stress in the human body, hindering the regular circulation of blood and oxygen to the skin and hair cells.
Incorporate these simple changes into your winter diet and enjoy great hair health throughout the season. Happy winter, everyone!

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Diwali Special: 5 Sugar-Free Mithai For Diwali That You Can Make Under 20 Min

Diwali Special: One of the most awaited Indian festivals, Diwali is finally here! As the auspicious day draws closer, we have started decorating our houses, office spaces and preparing for house parties and get-togethers. And as we all know, food is the center of attraction of every party, and Diwali party is no different. But, if you are worried all the sweets from the Diwali menu are going to hamper your weight loss progress so far, fret not! Because we found a bunch of sugar-free mithais that you can easily make at home to up the festive quotient in your diet plans. What's even better is that these mithais are low in time and effort, naturally sweetened by fruits, and extremely delicious too! What else could you ask for? Go ahead and give these healthy sugar-free Diwali sweets a try:

Diwali Special: 5 Sugar-Free Mithais Under 20 Minutes:

1. Grilled Almond Barfi

Barfis have a special in our hearts and Diwali celebrations can never be complete without them. Instead of going for the sugar-laden ones, try making this grilled Almond Sugar free barfi this Diwali. A simple three-ingredient recipe, this Almond barfi is packed with the goodness of almonds that have been grilled to perfection and some flavourful khoya. Prepare at home and serve all your guests, here is the recipe for you.

_{Grilled Almond barfi is delicious}

2. Khaas Malpoi

Why go for just the traditional sweets when you can take a slightly different route and treat your taste buds with this flavourful dessert? Made with the classic gajar ka halwa and wrapped in thin sheets like pancakes, the Khaas Malpoi is the perfect dessert to amaze guests this festive season. Click here for the recipe.

3. Faldhari Badam Ki Barfi

A sugar-free mithai that you can relish this festive season without worrying about your health. It is made with Mawa along with the goodness of nuts like walnuts, figs, and almonds. Cook mawa and nuts and mix all ingredients together, plate, and cut before serving. Sprinkle some nutmeg powder for a hint of aroma in the end and it is ready to be served. Here is the recipe for you.

_{Try this recipe}

4. Fig Mousse

Fig (Anjeer) is the delicious winter fruit that we love munching on because of its distinct flavor. Why not take that love for Anjeer and make a creamy and velvety dessert out of it? Anjeer mousse is just the dessert you need this festive season to create a medley between your love for traditional sweets and unique flavors, here is the recipe for you.

5. Two-In-One Phirni

Talk of rich traditional festive sweets and not mention phirni? How is that possible! The rich and decadent Phirni has been a part of our festive treats since time immemorial. Milky and creamy, this signature dessert can be prepared without sugar as well. Garnished with crushed almonds and pistas, topped with rose essence, this rich and aromatic sugar-free dessert is sure to win your heart all over again. Here is the recipe for you.

_{Phirni is a delicious classic dessert.}

There you have it, try these 5 sugar-free Diwali sweets at home to indulge guilt-free!

Happy Diwali 2023!

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Try These 9 Snack Recipes To Treat Your Guests On Diwali Cards Party

Diwali 2023: If Diwali is a festival of lights, it is also customary to play cards that night. People organise card parties during this time when family and friends get together and have a fun time. From food to drinks to music, elaborate preparations are done for such parties. Most of them prefer to keep finger snacks on the menu for the night as it is easy to eat and takes less time to prepare. While preparing the menu one must count the heads and plan accordingly. Don't forget the dips. They are equally important. And, to make things slightly easier for you we have come up with a list of snack recipes for the party menu.

Also Read: Diwali 2023: Top Restaurants And Food Offers Across India For A Festive Feast

Here are a few key recipes that you can keep ready and serve your guests during the game night this Diwali:

_{Make this classic dilli-style chaat!}

1.Daulat Ki Chaat 

You can keep everything ready beforehand and just throw in the ingredients when it is time to serve. This delicious chaat is exclusively available in the winter season.

2.Pizza Cutlet

It is liked by people of all ages. It requires a total cooking time of 25 minutes. Crispy on the outside and cheesy inside, it can be made with mashed potato or other vegetables of your choice.

3.Potato Cheese Shots 

Readily available in every Indian kitchen, potato, it seems, is the preferred choice. And so, potato cheese shots are a welcome snack for such parties.

_{Soya 65 tastes delicious.}

4.Soya 65 

Since soyabean contains immense nutritional benefits, Soya 65 is worth a try. This spicy item can be served with sweet or tangy chutneys.

5.Sooji Pakoda

Pakodas are a favourite for any party. These deep-fried fritters are made with semolina (sooji) batter and seasoned with spices and veggies. An ideal instant snack to surprise guests.

6.Paneer Thread Rolls 

An Indo-Asian appetiser, the yummy crispy starter has a coating of noodles outside and nicely cut paneer cubes inside. 

_{Pair kebab with green chutney.}

7.Almond Pumpkin Kebab 

These kebabs are made with almonds, pumpkin and a host of spices. This dish provides several essential nutrients along with a lip-smacking taste.

8.Falafel With Peanut Sauce 

This falafel recipe is simple and made with staple ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen. This middle eastern patty is a versatile addition to the party table.

9. Low-Calorie Baingan Chips

These brinjal chips are super easy to prepare and can last longer than other snacks. Also, brinjals are known to be high in antioxidants and reduce the risk of heart disease.

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Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes While Making Ladoo At Home This Diwali

Are you planning to make ladoos at home this Diwali? Is this the first time you are trying your hand at making ladoos? Do you struggle while binding the ladoo? Does your ladoo turn out too dry? Fret not, we have the perfect solution for all your problems. Food and festivities go hand-in-hand, and we get a range of desserts to savour during this time of the year. While the list of sweet treats is long and varies from person to person, there are a few that remain constant - ladoo reigning supreme. From offering it as bhog to the deity to exchanging it as a festive gift, ladoo is a popular choice. This is why making ladoo at home has become a tradition for many during this time of the year. In this article, we will take you through some of the common mistakes people make that end up ruining the look and taste of the ladoo. Go through the points mentioned below and avoid these mistakes of making halwai-like ladoo at home. Read on.
Also Read: Methi-Gondh Ladoo Recipe: How To Make This Healthy And Tasty Treat For Winters

_{Photo Credit: iStock}

6 Mistakes You Should Avoid While Making Ladoo:

1. Toasting on a high flame:

It is important to toast the ingredients before making ladoo out of them. But remember to be careful while doing so. Some people keep the flame high in a bid to reduce the cooking time, which unfortunately ends up burning the ingredients. For instance, frying besan or boondi on high flame can make them hard, dry, and tasteless as well. Ideally, keep the flame on low to medium heat and toast the ingredients with utmost patience.

2. Not toasting the ingredients at all:

Another mistake we make is using raw ingredients. To avoid the ingredients from getting burnt, people often use raw or half-cooked ingredients while making ladoo. If you plan to do so, then abandon the thought right away. Raw ingredients not only taste bad but also make it difficult to bind the ladoos. Toasting helps release natural oils from the ingredients, making it easier to bind.

3. Adding unroasted dry fruits:

Many people add raw dry fruits as is in the ladoo mixture. But trust us, roasting these dry fruits in ghee enhances the flavours. Roasting is a great method to bring out the aroma in the dry fruits, making them even more scrumptious. Ideally, you should follow the same process with the spices you add to the ladoo mixture.
Also Read: 7 Tips To Make The Perfect Punjabi-Style Pinni In Winter

4. Adding powdered sugar to save cooking time:

Always remember that cooking is all about time, dedication, and patience. Following any kind of shortcut in the cooking process only ruins the food. We have seen people often opting for powdered sugar instead of granules, thinking that it mixes with the ladoo more easily. But the truth is, it ends up burning the food as powdered sugar tends to caramelize faster than usual.

5. Sugar syrup turning way too thick or thin:

Let's put it straight - the syrup consistency is the key to perfectly moist and round ladoos. Making it too thick or too thin either turns the ladoo hard or makes it way too soft to hold the shape. A perfect syrup should have a single string consistency, popularly termed as 'ek taar' in Hindi.

6. Adding excess ghee/fat:

We agree that ghee-laden ladoos taste great, but excess of everything is bad. In this case, adding extra ghee makes the ladoo too moist to hold the shape. It is always good to start with less ghee to roast the flour and add the rest gradually while shaping the ladoos.
Now that you have the tips and tricks to make ladoos at home perfectly, we suggest trying some of our favourite recipes for this festive treat. Click here for some delicious ladoo recipes.

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Varun Dhawan Spent His Sunday Watching Match And Enjoying A Well-Earned Cheat Meal

Varun Dhawan's social media timeline is one happening place. His workout videos never fail to give major fitness goals. But did you know Varun Dhawan too has his cheat days? For Varun, this Sunday was like a food fiesta. The actor has shared a fun picture on Instagram from his cheat meal. The actor was going all-in, showing off his muscles and abs in front of a mirror while holding onto a delicious burger. In one picture, he gazed right into the camera, shirtless, and gripping that burger with style. “Sunday=cheat meals. A lot of hard work went into earning this burger,” his caption read.
Also Read: Kartik Aaryan Marks 'Virat Ki Century' On A Sweet And Indulgent Note - See Pic 

Referring to the India vs South Africa World Cup fixture, Varun Dhawan added, "Match dekho burger khaoo [Eat the burger while you watch the match].” Replying to the post, Tamannaah Bhatia added, “That was me yesterday. Burger waali khushiiiii.”

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Some time back, Varun Dhawan had also expressed his love for the classic combo of Parle-G biscuits dunked in a cup of tea. “Chai loving on sets of #bhediya,” he wrote in the caption. 

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Did you know Varun Dhawan always carries a honey jar? Well, yes he does. The actor once shared a photo of a tiny honey jar and declared, "Honey is always with me." Read all about it here.

We can't wait to see more of Varun Dhawan's foodie side! As for his professional life, Varun is gearing up for his digital debut in the upcoming web series Citadel alongside Samantha Ruth Prabhu. It is the Indian version of Amazon Prime's Citadel franchise, originally created by the Russo Brothers, starring Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden.

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