"Back To My Chillas": Masaba Gupta Began Her Morning With This Wholesome Meal

Masaba Gupta is a true-blue foodie. From revealing her guilty food combinations to expressing her love for home-cooked meals, the fashion designer loves to share her foodilicious adventures with her online family. Recently, Masaba gave her fans a sneak peek of her healthy breakfast. Curious about what she ate? In the picture uploaded on Instagram Stories, we could spot two plates. The first one featured a moong dal chilla with some greens. On another plate, there were two boiled eggs, sliced in half, and sprinkled with chaat masala. In the caption, she said, "Back to my chillas. This one's yellow moong." Take a look:
Also Read: Masaba Gupta's “Winter Breakfast” Is Full Of Good Stuff And We Have Proof

If, like Masaba Gupta, you also want to start your day on a healthy note, here are some quick and easy recipes that you can try in your kitchen:

1. Moong Dal Chilla

A nutritious pancake made from yellow moong dal, this chilla is rich in protein and easy to prepare. It's a healthy breakfast option that you should include in your first meal of the day. Click here for the recipe.

2. Sooji Besan Chilla

Combining semolina (sooji) and gram flour (besan), this chilla provides a delightful texture. It's a quick and versatile dish, perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack. Recipe here.

3. Ragi Chilla

Packed with the goodness of ragi, this chilla is a powerhouse of nutrients. Ragi adds a nutty flavour and boosts the chilla's nutritional profile, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals. Want the recipe? Click here.

4. Multigrain Chilla

A blend of various grains like wheat, oats, and millets, this chilla is a diverse and wholesome option. It offers a mix of flavours and textures and ensures a satisfying and nutritious breakfast. Detailed recipe here.
Also Read: Masaba Gupta Spills The Beans On The "Best Dinners" For Her

5. Beetroot Chilla

Adding a vibrant twist, beetroot chilla is not only visually appealing but also packed with antioxidants. The earthy sweetness of beetroot complements the chilla, making it both a nutritious and flavourful choice. Check out the recipe here.

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What To Do If You Mistakenly Eat Expired Food? Clinical Nutritionist Explains

Have you ever mistakenly or unknowingly eaten food that had gone bad or past its expiration date? It is important to know that doing so can potentially lead to food poisoning or foodborne illnesses. Ruchika Jain, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, explains that the severity of the illness could depend on the type of food, the degree of expiration, and how it has been stored. Packaged foods may pose less risk if consumed a short time after their expiration date, while dairy products or meats can become hazardous relatively quickly after expiration.

Why Are Foods Unsafe Beyond The Date Of Expiration?

When food passes its expiration date, it can become unsafe to eat due to bacterial growth, mould formation, or chemical changes. Consuming expired food increases the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria, which can lead to various troublesome health consequences.

When in doubt, avoid consuming food that you think has gone bad. Photo Credit: iStock

Possible Risks Associated With Eating Expired Food:

1. Food Poisoning

Expired food may contain bacteria which can cause foodborne illnesses. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, and in severe cases, dehydration and organ damage.

2. Mould Toxicity

Consuming expired food that has developed mould can lead to mould toxicity, which can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, headaches, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms.

Also Read: 9 Common Foods That Don't Expire For Years. Stock Them In Your Kitchen

3. Food Spoilage

Expired food may change taste, texture, colour, and smell, indicating spoilage. While not necessarily harmful, spoiled food may cause discomfort or gastrointestinal issues.

4. Presence Of Harmful Chemicals

Certain foods, especially canned goods, may contain harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates, which can leach into the food over time. Consuming expired canned goods may increase the risk of exposure to these chemicals.

Tips On What All To Do If You Eat Expired Food:

If you have accidentally eaten expired food, here are some general tips to follow, as shared by the clinical nutritionist:

• Stay Calm: Panicking won't help the situation. Take a deep breath and assess how you feel.
• Check The Symptoms: Monitor yourself for any signs of food poisoning or allergic reactions. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, or dizziness.
• Drink Water: Stay hydrated. Drinking water can help flush out toxins and alleviate symptoms of food poisoning.
• Seek Medical Advice: If you experience severe symptoms or if you are concerned about your health, seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can provide guidance based on your specific situation.
• Discard Remaining Food: If you suspect that the food you consumed was the cause of your discomfort, discard the remaining portion to prevent further consumption.

Also Read: Beware! These 5 Everyday Foods Might Expire Faster Than You Thought

Prevent Eating Expired Food In Future

To minimize the risks associated with expired food, it is important to adhere to food safety guidelines, including checking expiration dates, properly storing food, and promptly discarding any expired items. Additionally, if you are unsure about the safety of a particular food item, it is best to err on the side of caution and refrain from consuming it.

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5 Ways To Reduce Your Ultra-Processed Food Intake For A Healthier Lifestyle

In today's time, hustle culture has taken over our dietary habits. After a long day at work, we don't want to invest any more time in keeping a check on what we are eating. This is where ready-to-eat, ultra-processed foods come into play. Not only are they ready in minutes, but they are also a great way to escape the hassle of cooking. However, they are affecting your health faster than you might expect. Ultra-processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives and low in nutrients that are beneficial for your body. This could also lead to various diseases related to heart health, weight, and overall well-being. If you want to avoid the long-term effects of ultra-processed foods, we have compiled a list of 5 tips to help you do just that.

Also Read: Spring Special: 6 Healthy Snacks Alternatives To Enjoy With Friends And Family

Reading labels and ingredients is important to keep tabs on your diet.
Photo Credit: iStock

Here Are 5 Ways To Reduce Your Ultra-Processed Food Intake:

1. Read Ingredients And Labels

To keep a tab on your ultra-processed food intake, develop a habit of reading food labels and ingredients before buying groceries. Look for products that have minimal ingredients to avoid consuming additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. To understand what is harmful to your health, start reading about what is good for your body and what isn't. Be careful about terms like "high-fructose corn syrup," "hydrogenated oils," and "artificial sweeteners" as they indicate highly processed ingredients.

2. Choose Whole Foods

Try to consume whole, minimally processed foods as much as you can. While grocery shopping, fill your cart with fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, nuts, lean proteins, legumes, and seeds. These foods are packed with nutrients and essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that can promote overall well-being. Moreover, whole foods are more pocket-friendly than ultra-processed foods!

3. Cook At Home

Remember when we were little and our parents would say "There's food at home" whenever we wanted to eat fast food? Well, they weren't wrong. You can reduce the intake of ultra-processed food by cooking at home. Take charge of your meals and cook at home often. When you prepare food at home, you can alter the ingredients and cooking methods as per your preference. Experiment with recipes and prep techniques to make cooking and eating more convenient.

Cooking at home can help you keep tabs on your diet.
Photo Credit: iStock

4. Limit Ready-To-Eat Foods

Just because you can prepare ready-to-eat meals at home does not mean they are healthy. Reduce your dependence on frozen foods, pre-packaged snacks, and fast food. While they do seem convenient, ready-to-eat foods are packed with preservatives, sodium, and hidden sugars. If you are short on time, plan and prepare meals beforehand.

5. Keep Tabs On Beverages

Pay attention to what you drink and look for hydrating options like water, herbal teas, juices, etc., instead of sugary drinks and artificially flavored beverages. Many market-made drinks are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients that can affect your weight and diet in general.

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Sip, Sizzle, Savour: Get Refreshed With The Best Indian Tonic Water Brands

With its fizzing bubbles and distinctive bitter taste, tonic water delights palates by upping the drinking game. In recent years, tonic water has enjoyed a rise in its popularity, driven by the growing appreciation for craft cocktails. Bartenders and mixologists have embraced the versatility of tonic water, and are creating some innovative concoctions that cater to a variety of taste preferences. The bitter notes of tonic water serve as a perfect companion to the spirit of gin, resulting in the iconic combo of Gin and Tonic.  

For a long time, the world of tonic water was ruled by a select few international brands. Now, the advent of homegrown tonic water brands has expanded the options available to consumers. These Indian tonic brands offer a range of flavour profiles, using premium botanicals, herbs, and fruits, which elevate the drinking experience. We explored all the great desi tonic brands that deserve a place in your home bar and in your drinks. 

Also Read: 9 Vodka Brands In India That Are Worth A Shot

Here're 6 Best Homegrown Tonic Water Brands You Must Try: 

1. Jade Forest

The Delhi-based brand combines the best of botanicals, herbs and spices to give us refreshing tonic water bottles with interesting artwork. They have even launched some new exciting flavours in tonic water. Cucumber and Mint tonic water is just the refreshing chaser you need for your cocktail enhanced with minty flavours. Spiced Ginger Ale comes with a spicy kick but honey sweetens it out. And Tropical Ginger Ale tonic water transports you to a beach with the sweetness of tropical fruits.

Jade Forest has launched some new tonic water flavours.

2. Jimmy's Tonic Water

Jimmy's Cocktail mixers have already won our hearts with a range of ready-to-use bases for flavourful cocktails. Their tonic water doesn't disappoint either. It claims to use natural flavour and no artificial sweeteners to produce the bittersweet tonic water that lifts up spirits - the spirit it is added to and your mind's). The Lemon Tonic Water does away with the need of adding lemon to your drink. The citrus flavour gels perfectly with quinine (the main ingredient in tonic water) to offer a perfect summer-special beverage.

3. Svami 

Svami tonic water is all the rage these days because of some of its effervescent flavoured variants like grapefruit, cucumber, ginger ale and coffee. Even their original tonic water comes with a dash of lemony taste. And for those who like to stay away from sugar, Svami has a low-sugar range of tonic water too. 

Also Read: 10 Of The Best Beer Brands You Must Try

4. Sepoy & Co 

What makes Sepoy & Co so popular? Their cocktail mixers were already a hit, and now their tonic water too has caught the fancy of cocktail lovers. The tonic water is made with a unique blend of spices and quinine, along with selective ingredients like elderflower to lend their natural sweetness.  

5. Bengal Bay 

Bengal Bay differentiates itself as India's first organic tonic water. The brand actually celebrates the Bay of Bengal in the Indian subcontinent and uses only organic sugar to sweeten the product. The addition of lime and oranges turns around a simple tonic water into a lip-smacking affair. 

Bengal Bay tonic water pays homage to the Bay Of Bengal

6. Vaum Tonics

Do you often feel that your tonic water is not going with your preferred alcohol, and is muting the spirit of the spirit in the drink? Then it's time to give Vaum Tonic a try. The natural ingredient blends used in Vaum's carefully made products offer a delicate and nuanced flavour profile that enhances rather than overpowers your favourite drinks. Siddharth Saraf and Aakash Khaunte, co-founders, were inspired by the Sanskrit word "Vaum/ Vahmn," which denotes the tranquil sound of water. The products are developed using a unique blend of handpicked botanicals, natural quinine, and premium ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers worldwide. They've partnered with Hayley Troup and Ed Swete, two of the world's leading beverage innovators, to create seven distinct flavours that are produced in India with botanicals imported from Europe, blended & bottled with champagne-esque carbonation in Goa. 

Vaum tonics promise to enhance your drinking experience. 

Have you tried these Indian tonic water brands to level up your Gin and Tonic and other drinks? 

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Raj Kundra Plans Fun Birthday Party For Shamita Shetty With 2-Tier Cake

It was Shamita Shetty's birthday on Friday, and the star celebrated the special day with her close friends and family. Sharing a sneak peek from the celebration, Shamita posted a video on her Instagram profile. In the clip, the birthday girl, her sister Shilpa Shetty, their mother Sunanda Shetty, and a few friends are featured. At the beginning of the video, they are all in freeze mode, with Shamita holding a knife. When Sunanda said "action," Shamita began cutting her cake. Our food-hungry eyes can not help but be amazed after taking a look at the gorgeous two-tiered chocolate cake, adorned with strawberries and a "Happy Birthday" note. In her caption, Shamita humorously wrote, “Who needs a normal birthday when my friends go from statues to singing sensations just to spice up my cake-cutting? Drama level: Cake-worthy!” 

Alongside, Shamita also mentioned that the concept of this unique way to cut cake was by none other than her brother-in-law Raj Kundra, "Jiju, you really come up with the best ones!"

Also Read: When In Siliguri, Shamita Shetty Couldn't Resist Indulging In A Traditional Bengali Thali

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If your loved one's birthday is approaching, make them feel special with homemade cakes. Check out the recipes below:

5 Cakes You Can Make At Home:

1. Eggless Truffle Cake:

Indulge in the rich and velvety delight of this eggless truffle cake. Decadent chocolate layers work superbly with a luscious ganache, offering a heavenly treat for those seeking a delightful egg-free option. Click here for the recipe.

2. Coffee Cake With Mocha Frosting:

A perfect blend of robust coffee flavours and moist cake, crowned with a tempting mocha frosting. This coffee-infused creation is a delightful pick-me-up for any time of the day. Recipe here.

3. Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting:

Savour the natural sweetness of ripe bananas in every bite of this moist banana cake. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, it's a comforting and flavorful treat that captures the essence of homemade goodness. Want the recipe? Click here.

4. Cherry Cheesecake:

A classic dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. The smooth texture and fruity topping make this a timeless favourite for those with a sweet tooth. Detailed recipe here.

5. Mango Meringue Cake:

Elevate your taste buds with the tropical delight of a mango meringue cake. Layers of sponge cake meet fluffy meringue, creating a harmonious blend of textures complemented by the vibrant flavour of fresh mango. Check out the recipe here.

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Masala Tea On The Go: How To Whip Up Your Favorite Brew Anywhere, Anytime!

There's something incredibly comforting about a steaming cup of tea, wouldn't you agree? For many, it's a daily ritual to start their day with it. We can actually call it a staple in Indian households. And when it comes to tea, full-of-spices masala tea holds a special place in the hearts of lovers. The blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves adds a delightful warmth and complexity to the brew, making it a favourite choice for many. However, brewing masala tea from scratch every time can be quite a task, especially when you're on the move. That's where the masala tea premix comes to the rescue. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick blend, you can have your masala tea fix ready in no time.

Whether you're heading to the office or embarking on a vacation, having a jar of masala tea premix on hand ensures that you can enjoy your favourite beverage anytime, anywhere. When we found the recipe for masala tea pre-mix on the Instagram channel 'myfoodproject', we knew you would all love it.
Also Read: Kahwa Vs. Masala Tea - Which Is Your Perfect Match?

How To Make Masala Tea Pre-Mix Powder I Masala Tea Pre-Mix Recipe:

To make the premix, simply combine half a cup of tea granules, half a cup of sugar (optional), 8-9 elaichi (cardamom) pods, and half a teaspoon of ginger powder in a mixer grinder. Blend until you achieve a fine powder, then sieve it to remove any coarse particles. Next, mix in one cup of milk powder until well combined. Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, and you have your masala tea premix ready to go!
Also Read: Did You Know? You Should Avoid Consuming These 5 Foods With Chai

How to make masala tea with pre-mix powder:

Just add a tablespoon of the premix to a cup, pour hot water over it, give it a stir, and voila! You have a steaming cup of aromatic masala tea ready to warm your soul. It's convenience and comfort rolled into one delightful package.

Watch the complete recipe video for masala tea pre-mix here:

Make Your Own Masala Tea Pre-Mix:

When it comes to variations, the possibilities are endless. You can adjust the proportions of the spices to suit your taste preferences.

• For a spicier kick, add more ginger powder or even a pinch of black pepper.
• If you prefer a sweeter brew, increase the amount of sugar in the mix.
• You can also experiment with different spices like cinnamon or cloves to create your own signature blend.

This masala tea pre-mix will be good to use for weeks to come if stored properly. So, enjoy your favourite masaledaar brew whenever you want to.

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Don't Throw Away The Orange Peel! Make A Delicious Soup With It

Today, zero-waste cooking is the buzzword in the world of gastronomy. But did you know that this concept has been very much practiced in India, for ages now? If you explore, you will find a pool of recipes made with the leftover parts of a fruit or vegetable. We recently came across one such dish that blew our minds with its flavours and aroma. It's the refreshing orange peel soup. The recipe has been shared by Chef Bhasin on his official Instagram handle.

What Is So Special About Orange Peel Soup? What Makes Orange Peel Soup So Unique?

Most of the time, we throw away the peels after eating the juicy oranges. To your surprise, these peels are super versatile. You can use it as a garnishing element or as a beauty product for natural skin care. Some people also make tea with peels for several health benefits.

In the soup, orange peel works as the master ingredient. The best part is, you do not need to do any extra preparation for the dish. You can throw in any vegetable left in the refrigerator. According to Chef Bhasin, "This particular dish aims to clean your refrigerator to stash new and fresh produce". And the fact that this soup is extremely healthy needs no separate mention.

Also Read: 7 Soups To Supercharge Your Immunity And Keep You Cosy In Winter

Chef-Special Orange Peel Soup Recipe | How To Make Orange Peel Soup:

Chef Bhasin explains, "Start with cleaning the peels. Make sure you scrape the white part of the skin to avoid any kind of bitterness." Next, julienne the peels.

Now, heat some oil and saute garlic and onion. Next, add any vegetables you have in store. Cut them into big cubes and add. Add some chili flakes and the orange peels and mix.

Add salt and freshly crushed black pepper and let the vegetables boil in water for some time. When the vegetables are boiled but crunchy, add some soya sauce and lemon zest and give a final mix.

Finally, add some lemon juice, and fresh basil and close the lid for some time for the flavours to infuse. And you have a delicious bowl of orange peel soup ready to be relished.

Watch the detailed recipe video below:

Also Read: Skin Health: Why Orange Peel Is The Miracle Ingredient You Didn't Know You Needed

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