With the rising cost of gas cylinders in Bangladesh, every bit of gas you save counts. Learning to save gas while cooking at home helps you save money and contributes to a more sustainable environment. Let’s explore effective tips to save cooking gas in rural and urban home kitchens. Ways to Save Gas While Cooking in Home Kitchens Cook with a Lid On Cooking with a lid on your pots and pans is a simple yet highly effective way to conserve gas. The lid traps heat inside the cookware, allowing food to cook more quickly and evenly. Without a lid, much of the heat escapes into the air, leading to longer cooking times and increased gas consumption.  By consistently covering your pots and pans, you can significantly reduce the amount of gas required for cooking. This small adjustment saves energy and speeds up meal preparation, making your kitchen more efficient. Read more: Fridge Smells Bad? Reasons and How to Get Rid of It Opt for Smaller Burners Choosing the right burner size for your cookware is crucial for efficient gas usage. When cooking with a small pot or pan, it is best to use a smaller burner. A large burner under a small pot wastes gas because the flame extends beyond the cookware, releasing heat into the air instead of focusing it on the pot.  Matching the burner size to the cookware ensures that all the heat is directed where it is needed which reduces cooking time and gas consumption. This simple habit can make a noticeable difference in your gas usage. Batch Cooking Batch cooking is a strategic way to save gas by preparing multiple meals at once. Instead of cooking individual meals throughout the week, you can cook larger quantities in one go, using the gas stove for a shorter overall time.  Read more: 10 Tasty Bangladeshi Recipes with Flu-fighting Nutrients Once cooked, these meals can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and reheated later, which requires far less gas than cooking from scratch. This approach saves gas also time and effort during busy weekdays. By planning and preparing meals in batches, you can optimise gas usage and enjoy ready-to-eat meals. Soak Grains and Pulses Soaking grains, pulses, and beans before cooking is an excellent method to reduce cooking time and save gas. When these ingredients are soaked, they absorb water and soften, which significantly shortens the time needed to cook them.  For instance, soaked lentils can cook in a fraction of the time compared to unsoaked ones, meaning you will use much less gas. Additionally, soaking helps to break down complex carbohydrates, making the food easier to digest. Incorporating this simple step into your cooking routine can lead to both energy savings and improved meal quality. Read more: 10 Tasty Ilish Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen Use Flat-bottomed Cookware Flat-bottomed cookware is essential for efficient cooking and gas conservation. Pots and pans with a flat base make better contact with the stove, allowing for even heat distribution across the entire surface. This reduces cooking time and ensures that the heat is used effectively, rather than being wasted.  In contrast, warped or uneven cookware can result in uneven cooking and longer cooking times, leading to unnecessary gas consumption. Investing in good quality, flat-bottomed cookware can improve your kitchen’s efficiency, helping you save both time and gas while preparing meals. Keep Burners Clean Maintaining clean burners is key to ensuring your gas stove operates efficiently. Over time, food spills, grease, and debris can clog the burner openings, leading to uneven gas flow and a weaker flame. This inefficiency not only makes cooking slower but also increases gas consumption.  Read more: 10 Easy Snack Ideas to Stay Energized During Office Hours Regularly cleaning your burners helps maintain a steady, strong flame, which allows for faster and more efficient cooking. A well-maintained stove saves gas and extends the life of your appliance. This makes it a worthwhile habit to adopt for both energy savings and kitchen safety. Simmer, Don’t Boil Vigorously After bringing food to a boil, reducing the heat to a simmer can significantly cut down on gas usage. Many people mistakenly believe that boiling food vigorously cooks it faster, but in reality, it only wastes gas.  Simmering, which involves cooking at a lower, steady heat, is just as effective and far more efficient. Once your food reaches the boiling point, lowering the flame and allowing it to cook gently will ensure that you are not using more gas than necessary. This method saves energy and often results in better-tasting food. Read more: How to Safely Enjoy Street Food in Bangladesh Turn Off the Gas Early Turning off the gas a few minutes before your food is fully cooked is an effective way to conserve energy. The residual heat in the pot or pan continues to cook the food even after the gas is turned off, meaning you can save gas without compromising the quality of your meal.  This technique works particularly well for dishes like rice, pasta, and vegetables, which can finish cooking in the retained heat. By adopting this practice, you can gradually reduce your gas usage and make your cooking routine more efficient. Plan Your Meals Meal planning is an excellent strategy for optimising gas usage in the kitchen. By planning your meals, you can prepare dishes that require similar cooking times or temperatures, reducing the need to keep the stove on for extended periods.  Read more: Induction Cooker price in Bangladesh with Buying Tips For example, you might cook multiple items simultaneously or use the residual heat from one dish to start another. Additionally, planning helps you avoid last-minute cooking, which can lead to inefficient use of gas. A well-organised meal plan saves energy as well as makes your cooking process more streamlined and stress-free. Use the Right Size of Cookware Using cookware that matches the size of your burner is crucial for efficient gas consumption. A small pot on a large burner results in wasted gas, as the excess flame spills out around the pot instead of heating it directly.  Conversely, using a large pot on a small burner can lead to longer cooking times, as the heat is insufficient to cook the food efficiently. To maximise gas efficiency, always choose cookware that corresponds to the size of the burner. This simple adjustment ensures that the heat is focused where it is needed, reducing gas usage and cooking time. Read more: Deep Fryer price in Bangladesh with Buying Tips Gas Stove Maintenance Regular maintenance of your gas stove is essential for optimal performance and preventing gas leaks, which can be both wasteful and dangerous. Over time, burners can become clogged, and gas lines can develop leaks, leading to inefficient cooking and potential safety hazards.  By scheduling regular check-ups and cleaning for your stove, you ensure that it functions correctly and uses gas efficiently. This saves energy and extends the lifespan of your appliance. Proper maintenance is a small investment that pays off in reduced gas bills and a safer kitchen environment. Explore Alternatives: Pressure Cooker and Other Methods Exploring alternative cooking methods can further reduce your reliance on gas. Using a pressure cooker is one of the most efficient ways to save gas in the kitchen. Pressure cookers work by trapping steam inside, which increases the pressure and temperature, allowing food to cook faster. Whether you are preparing rice, lentils, or meat, a pressure cooker can cut cooking times by half or more. Moreover, pressure cooking retains more nutrients in the food, making it a healthier option. For frequent cooking, opting for a pressure cooker can lead to substantial gas savings. Read more: Microwave Oven price in Bangladesh with Buying Tips You can also use an induction cooker, electric stove, solar cooker, or microwave to complement your gas stove, especially on sunny days or when cooking smaller meals.  Using these electric cooking appliances, you can use much less gas compared to traditional cooking methods. While the initial investment might seem significant, the long-term savings on gas can make it worthwhile. Additionally, these alternatives often have faster cooking times and can be more energy-efficient for certain tasks. By diversifying your cooking methods, you can reduce your overall gas consumption, lower your utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Final Words Saving gas while cooking at home is not just about cutting costs but also about adopting smarter cooking practices that benefit your household and the environment. By implementing these simple tips, you can make your cooking process more efficient, reduce your gas consumption, and contribute to a greener world. Start making these changes today, and enjoy the benefits of more economical and eco-friendly cooking. Read more: Microwave Cooking: 7 Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes

Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for cooking in many urban and rural households in Bangladesh. Gas cylinder safety is paramount in every household. Neglecting safety measures can lead to catastrophic consequences including death and burn injuries. Understanding the importance of proper gas cylinder handling and storage is crucial in preventing accidents. Let’s delve into essential safety measures to prevent LPG cylinder-related accidents. How to Use LPG Gas Cylinder Safely at Home  Proper Storage of Gas Cylinders When storing gas cylinders, it is crucial to keep them upright in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. This helps prevent the risk of overheating or ignition.  Additionally, one should ensure that the cylinders are securely positioned to avoid any accidental tipping, which could lead to leaks or damage. Proper storage practices are essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of gas cylinders in the home.  Read more: Why Fire Safety Audit is Essential for Commercial Buildings Purchase from an Authorised Distributor When purchasing LPG cylinders, it is crucial to buy from authorised distributors to ensure quality and safety.  Before placing an order, it is advisable to verify the agency's authorisation status online. This step helps consumers ensure that they are purchasing genuine and certified cylinders from trusted sources, enhancing safety standards in their homes.  Regular Maintenance Checks Regular maintenance checks are vital for ensuring the safety of gas cylinders at home. Certified technicians should conduct periodic inspections to identify any leaks or signs of damage.  Prompt detection of issues allows for timely repairs or replacement of faulty cylinders and reduces the risk of accidents. By prioritising regular maintenance, households can minimise the chances of gas leaks or cylinder malfunctions, thus safeguarding the well-being of occupants and property. Read more: Fire Safety Tips for Parents to Keep Children Safe Safe Handling Practices Safe handling practices are paramount when dealing with gas cylinders. It is essential to handle them with care, avoiding rough treatment or dropping that could lead to damage or leaks. When transporting cylinders, use appropriate equipment to ensure stability and minimise the risk of accidents.  Also, avoid dragging cylinders across the floor, as this could cause abrasions or compromise their integrity. By adhering to safe handling practices, individuals can mitigate potential hazards.  Ensuring Adequate Ventilation Ensuring adequate ventilation is essential, particularly in confined areas where gas cylinders are stored or used. Proper airflow plays a vital role in dispersing any leaked gas, preventing its accumulation, and reducing the risk of ignition.  By maintaining sufficient ventilation, households can enhance safety levels and minimise the likelihood of hazardous situations arising from gas leaks. Prioritising ventilation measures are integral to creating a safer environment when dealing with gas cylinders at home.  Read more: Fire Safety in Apartments: Causes and Prevention Checking for Leaks Before using a gas cylinder, it is essential to conduct a leak test to ensure safety. A simple method is to apply a solution of soapy water to the cylinder valve and connections. If bubbles form, it indicates a leak.  In such cases, the cylinder should not be used until the leak is rectified by a qualified technician. Regularly checking for leaks helps prevent potential hazards and ensures the safe use of gas cylinders in households.  Proper Installation of Gas Appliances Proper installation of gas appliances is crucial for safety. It is recommended to hire certified technicians to install gas appliances, adhering to manufacturer guidelines. Improper installation may result in gas leaks or malfunctions, posing significant risks to occupants.  Certified technicians have the expertise to ensure correct installation, reducing the likelihood of hazards. By prioritising professional installation, households can enhance safety levels in their homes.  Read more: Workplace Fire Safety: 12 Effective Ways to Prevent Fire Hazards Emergency Procedures In the event of a gas leak, swift action is essential for safety. Firstly, turn off the cylinder valve to stop the gas flow. Next, open windows and doors to ventilate the area, helping to disperse the gas. It is significant to evacuate the premises immediately and move to a safe location outdoors.  If the situation escalates or there is a risk of fire or explosion, contact emergency services without delay for professional assistance. Prioritising quick and decisive action can prevent potential accidents and protect lives.  Educating Family Members Ensuring that all family members are well-informed about gas cylinder safety is paramount. Children, in particular, should be educated on the importance of not meddling with gas appliances and being able to identify the signs of a gas leak.  By instilling this knowledge, households can empower everyone to recognise potential hazards and take appropriate action, thereby fostering a safer environment for all occupants. Education plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and promoting responsible behaviour when dealing with gas cylinders at home.  Read more: Car Fire Safety: Common Causes and Immediate Things to Do Importance of Professional Assistance Seeking professional assistance for gas-related tasks is crucial to upholding safety standards and regulatory compliance. Certified technicians possess the expertise and training to handle installations, repairs, and maintenance of gas appliances and cylinders.  Entrusting these tasks to professionals minimises the risk of errors or safety hazards, ensuring the well-being of occupants. By adhering to professional standards, households can maintain the integrity of their gas systems and mitigate the potential for accidents or incidents arising from improper handling or maintenance.  Safety Tips for Cooking with Gas When using gas stoves for cooking, prioritise kitchen ventilation to disperse any gas fumes effectively. Never leave the stove unattended while cooking to prevent potential accidents.  Additionally, avoid wearing loose clothing that could easily catch fire, and ensure that flammable objects are kept at a safe distance from the stove.  Read more: School Fire Hazard Safety: Essential preventive measures to minimise risk Final Words In numerous households in Bangladesh, LPG cylinder is used for cooking. Therefore, the safety issue of LPG cylinders is non-negotiable. By following these precautions and guidelines while using gas cylinders, households can minimise the risk of fire hazards and ensure safer cooking environments.

Annually, thousands of students embark on a journey beyond their borders to pursue higher education. This adventure, although promising, can be laden with challenges. To navigate these waters successfully, students must arm themselves with a set of skills that transcend academic prowess. This guide delves into the top ten skills indispensable for a rewarding study abroad experience. 10 Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad Independence: The Foundation of Overseas Education Independence is the most significant transformation students encounter when studying abroad. It's a multifaceted skill encompassing self-reliance and responsibility. From basic chores like laundry and grocery shopping to more complex tasks like managing personal finances and making informed decisions, independence is critical. Developing problem-solving skills to tackle unexpected challenges is equally important, as it ensures students can handle various situations without constant guidance. Read more: 10 Essential Life Skills for Teens to Learn before College Research and Planning: Your Blueprint for Success A thorough understanding of your destination's culture, legal system, and day-to-day life is vital. This means researching not just your academic institution and its curriculum, but also local customs, public transportation, and essential services. Effective planning helps mitigate culture shock and eases the transition, making your study abroad experience more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Financial Literacy: Navigating Economic Waters Abroad Mastering local banking systems and effective budgeting are paramount. Learn how to open a bank account, manage transactions, and understand currency exchange rates. Budgeting becomes a lifeline abroad; it involves setting realistic spending limits for various needs, including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Regularly tracking expenses helps avoid financial pitfalls and ensures a sustainable lifestyle. Cross-Cultural Communication: Bridging the Gap Adapting to a new culture requires a deep understanding of both verbal and non-verbal communication. This includes being aware of cultural norms in conversation, greetings, and gestures. Respectful and empathetic communication is key to forming meaningful relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. Embracing the local language, even at a basic level, can significantly enrich interactions and open doors to deeper cultural insights. Adaptability and Empathy: The Heart of Cultural Immersion The ability to adapt to new environments and empathize with different cultures is crucial. This skill is about more than just surviving; it's about thriving in a foreign setting. Adaptability means being open to new experiences, whether it’s adjusting to different academic structures or embracing unique social customs. Empathy allows you to appreciate and respect cultural differences, fostering a more inclusive and enriching experience.

In our hectic life, time-saving recipes are a treasure. Microwave cooking offers convenience without compromising taste. Chicken breast, a lean protein, packs essential nutrients like protein, vitamins B6 and B12, and minerals. Here are seven delightful chicken breast recipes that can be cooked in microwave for Bangladeshi households. These dishes promise to elevate your culinary experience while saving you valuable time in the kitchen. Nutrition of Chicken Breast Meat Protein Content Chicken breast is a great source of high-quality protein. It is crucial for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. Low Fat With a low-fat content, chicken breast is a favourable option for those seeking a lean protein source while watching their fat intake. Vitamin B6 Abundant in vitamin B6, chicken breast aids in metabolism, and red blood cell formation, and supports a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 Offering vitamin B12, chicken breast promotes proper nerve function, red blood cell production, and assists in DNA synthesis. Phosphorus Rich in phosphorus, chicken breast contributes to bone health, energy extraction, and optimal cell function. Zinc Chicken breast contains zinc, essential for immune function, wound healing, and maintaining a healthy sense of taste and smell. Niacin Niacin in chicken breast supports digestive health, skin maintenance, and the conversion of food into energy. Read more: 7 Delicious Duck Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen 7 Tasty Chicken Breast Microwave Recipes to Try at Home Chicken Steak Ingredients 4 large chicken breasts (boneless), 2 eggs (lightly whisked), 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste, 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste, 1 cup onions (finely chopped), 2 tablespoons coriander leaves (chopped), 2 green chillies (finely chopped), 1 tablespoon black pepper powder, enough to make a thick coating flour, 1 tablespoon vinegar, salt (to taste ), and oil (as required). Instructions First, flatten chicken breasts with a mallet or knife. Cut each into two pieces. Then marinate chicken with eggs, ginger, garlic, onion, coriander leaves, green chillies, black pepper, flour, vinegar, and salt for around 2 hours.  Next, brush a flat dish with oil and cook covered on high for 1 minute. Now, place the chicken pieces without touching them. Cook covered at 70% power for 5 minutes, flipping halfway. For browning, turn once and grill until lightly browned. Serve hot. Read more: Popular Winter Breakfasts in Bangladesh Lemon Garlic Baked Chicken Breast Ingredients 2 large lemons, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, 3 cloves garlic (crushed or minced), 1/2 cup fresh parsley (roughly chopped), 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (200 grams each) Instructions First, mix lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, dissolving the salt. Add garlic, lemon zest, and parsley. Chill for 1 to 2 hours. Then, marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 400 ˚F and grease a baking dish. Next, transfer the marinated chicken to the baking dish, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Add lemon wedges and cover the chicken with oiled parchment paper, securing it loosely around the chicken. Now, bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes before serving, drizzling with cooking liquid. Or slice the chicken and return it to the baking dish with the cooking liquid. Read more: Popular Winter Breakfasts in Bangladesh Tandoori Chicken Ingredients 800 grams chicken, 3 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 cup curd, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, 2 teaspoons oil, 2 dry red chilli, 1 teaspoon garlic paste, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder, salt (as required), 3 lemon wedges, and 1 sliced onion. Instructions First, wash the chicken with lukewarm and cold water, then pat dry and make diagonal incisions. Marinate the chicken with spices and lemon juice, refrigerating for 1 hour. Next, microwave the chicken on a plate for 9-10 minutes. Follow by brushing with oil and grilling for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently. After that, sprinkle chaat masala on the tandoori chicken and serve hot with onion rings and pudina chutney. Enhance the flavour by drizzling with lemon juice. Read more: 10 Bangladeshi Winter Street Foods: Taste Meets Tradition

Weekends are like a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. This period offers a precious window for rejuvenation and self-expression. However, avoiding the pitfalls of idleness and monotony during these treasured days is pivotal. It is the time to shun procrastination and embrace creativity, ensuring these moments are not squandered in lethargy. Engaging in diverse entertaining and stimulating activities can transform weekends into an enriching experience, igniting a sense of fulfilment. 10 Creative Ways to Spend Your Weekends Reading You may immerse yourself in a captivating book during the weekend to explore new worlds, gain knowledge, and engage your mind. Reading goes beyond mere entertainment; it expands horizons, fosters empathy, and acquires knowledge.  Read more: Benefits of Reading Habit for Mind and Body Traversing the lines of a well-crafted story or delving into informative texts engages your mind in discovery and enrichment. Relaxation blends with mental stimulation as reading deepens your understanding of the world. Altogether it is a perfect choice for a fulfilling weekend activity.

Technology has revolutionized global networking, communication and traditional work procedures. Then came the Internet of Things or IoT which did the same all over again. In recent years the advancement of AI and robotic technology has reduced many workloads in our day-to-day life. Take cooking for example. Not all people enjoy cooking due to lack of time, skill, or interest. Now, what if we told you, you could get a robot to cook for you? Not just one dish but hundreds of them, all the while maintaining the exact taste every single time. Welcome to the age of AI robot chefs!  Benefits of AI chefs and automated cooking robots  Besides taking up the cooking challenge, AI robot chefs are also streamlining the process of food preparations. It’s making life easier with one less thing to worry about. For the culinary industry, AI robots are a game changer considering the efficiency they bring to the table.  To sum up the benefits, AI and automated cooking robots can  - solve the understaffing problem  - bring smart kitchen collaboration  - avoid the risk of food contamination  - minimize food waste. Read more: AI & Future of Jobs: Will Artificial Intelligence or Robots Take Your Job? Best AI Robot Chefs of 2023  Most AI chefs today are made for industrial-scale operations. The main aim is to reduce human interaction and make the process of large-scale cooking easier. While a good number of AI cooking robots are still in the development stages, only a few have moved to industrial operations. Here’s our pick of the most advanced AI robot chefs operating in 2023.  Flippy 2: The AI-powered frying chef  Flippy 2 is the successor of Flippy, a robotic fry cook chef from Miso Robotics based in the USA. The new iteration brings AI integration to the already successful Flippy. And the results are incredible, to say the least. Flippy 2 is designed for industry-grade frying solutions. The robot uses separate baskets to fry different items at different temperatures. In this robot, the manufacturer has utilized a new feature called the AutoBin technology. This mechanism has been especially designed for low-volume specialty foods that cannot be fried in a large batch. For example, onion rings. The AutoBin automatically can efficiently monitor the raw material, frying size, and time. It can also decide the hot-holding time to wick away the extra oil after frying. Flippy 2 has undoubtedly reduced human contact ranging from placing the raw foods in the basket to preparing served portions. The closed-loop system increases productivity by 30% as claimed by Miso Robotics.  Read more: Ai and Future of Content Writing: Will Artificial Intelligence replace writers? Nosh by Euphotic Lab: Automated cooking robot  Healthy home food is just a NOSH away” – that’s the tagline of Euphotic Lab’s home cooking solution. What is interesting about Nosh is that its design has nothing like what we generally see in a robot chef. Usually, the robot chefs are large in shape bearing bulky robotic arms to move around stuff. Nosh is an automated robot chef featuring the design and size of a microwave oven. 

salt 12 types of salt Table salt Table salt, the most commonly used salt in kitchens, is typically made from rock salt or sea salt. It consists mostly of sodium chloride, making up 97% to 99% of the mix. To prevent clumping, small percentages of anti-caking agents are added. Table salt is often purified.  Table salts packaged by branded companies often may contain iodine, fluoride, or folic acid as additives. It is versatile and widely available, making it suitable for adding saltiness to various dishes. The small, uniform crystals of table salt blend and dissolve easily, allowing for precise control.  Read more: Health benefits of floral teas: 10 blends you can try Sea salt Sea salt is a type of salt that is derived from seawater through the process of evaporation. It is commonly produced in coastal regions with warm climates and abundant sunshine. The seawater is collected in shallow pools and left to evaporate naturally, leaving behind sea salt flakes on the salt bed. This traditional and natural method is widely used, although some countries employ alternative techniques involving heat to facilitate evaporation in less favorable climates. Sea salt is versatile in the kitchen and can be used as a finishing salt to sprinkle lightly on dishes before serving. It adds a subtle mineral flavor and provides a satisfying texture and crunch due to its larger flakes. Sea salt is suitable for savory and sweet dishes, especially with delicate flavors.  It is rich in minerals and trace elements naturally present in seawater. The color of sea salt can vary depending on the minerals present, ranging from white to shades of gray or pink. Read more: These are the 10 Most Expensive Teas in the World Fleur de sel Fleur de sel, also known as the "flower of salt," is a unique and rare type of sea salt that is primarily produced in France. It is harvested through the traditional method of evaporating shallow saltwater pools. As the water evaporates, the salt crystals form on the surface without touching the pool's bottom, resulting in pristine white crystals.  The hand-harvested salt is unprocessed and free from additives. Fleur de sel is praised for its superior quality. Its delicate nature makes it ideal as a finishing salt rather than for use in soups or stews. Sprinkling a small amount of fleur de sel on dishes enhances their savory and sweet flavors. It is regarded as one of the finest and most reliable finishing salts. Himalayan pink salt Himalayan pink salt is a unique salt variety mainly harvested in Pakistan, specifically from the Khewra Salt Mine. Its name is derived from the light rosy hue resulting from a combination of minerals found within the crystals, with sodium chloride being the primary component. This salt is hand-extracted and undergoes cleaning to remove impurities without the addition of additives.  Read more: Top 10 Most Expensive Water Bottle Brands in the World Himalayan pink salt is available in a flaky form for standard cooking and as pink blocks that can be heated or frozen to maintain temperatures when serving dishes. It serves as a versatile finishing salt, adding flavor, texture, and an aesthetically-pleasing touch to savory dishes and desserts. Additionally, Himalayan salt blocks are used to create salt lamps. Sel gris Sel gris, also known as gray salt, is closely related to fleur de sel and is produced through the same process. It is obtained from evaporated seawater. During evaporation, the salt crystals in sel gris settle to the bottom of shallow pools, resulting in a light gray color.  This all-natural salt has a subtle flavor and is classified as dense and moist. It is typically used as a finishing salt due to its moderate-sized crystals, which are slightly larger than regular table salt.  Being sourced from the sea, sel gris adds a hint of mineral taste and natural salinity. When sprinkled on vegetables, meat, or fish, it can dissolve well or provide texture and crunch. Sel gris is produced in various coastal regions worldwide. Read more: Top 10 Healthy Seeds to Eat Kosher salt Kosher salt is certified and approved by a Jewish governing body, ensuring its compliance with strict dietary requirements for a traditional Jewish diet. Although the term "kosher salt" is now commonly used to refer to various unprocessed large-flaked salts, not all batches are produced following kosher law.  Most kosher and kosher-style salts are sourced from salt mines and do not contain additives or anti-caking agents. It is a natural and minimally processed salt that offers distinct features. Kosher salt's larger flakes make it visually distinguishable from table salt and are designed to efficiently draw out moisture from the meat.  It is easy to handle and dose, providing clear visibility when sprinkled on food. Kosher salt is primarily favored for cooking rather than baking. Read more: Top Traditional Bangladeshi Foods You Must Try

Do you have a passion for cooking? Cooking is an art that allows you to express your creativity. Numerous people from different professions fall in love with cooking so much that they choose it as their career. To learn the art of cooking and how to present it before the target audience is nothing less than a subject worth studying. A good institution or mentor can be of great help in that fact. Here are some of the most reputed culinary institutions in Dhaka city famous for teaching culinary art. Some Popular Culinary Schools in Dhaka City NIHMB National Institute of Hotel Management Bangladesh (NIHMB) provides highly recognized, certified six to twelve-month career training programs in culinary arts and culinary management to prepare Bangladeshi students to appear for the Institute of Culinary Arts and Management Examinations. Apart from these preparation classes, it also provides customized courses based on local requirements. The culinary arts programs have an average class size of ten students, while the culinary management programs have an average class size of twelve students. Read Child-friendly Winter Drinks to Keep Your Family Healthy, Warm and Cozy Bangladesh Hotel Management & Tourism Training Institution Bangladesh Hotel Management & Tourism Training Institution is the country's first and largest privately funded government-approved Institute, having been founded in 1990 A.D. Over two decades, the Institute has served the hotel, tourism, and hospitality industries. It is the first Institute of its type in the private sector that has been certified by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism under the Government of Bangladesh. The Institute has previously educated around 15000 boys and girls in preparation for careers in the sector. The majority of them have worked both in the United States and overseas. Advanced Hotel Management Institute 14 years of experience as a leader of education and operations at an academy for advanced hotel management. Md. Suzun Uddin Talukder founded the Institute in 2003 in Bangladesh. It is situated in Uttara, Dhaka. This recognized, private, co-educational culinary institution offers students with world-class instruction in a world-class environment that is rich in career and work options. The Institute of Culinary Arts' hotel management training department provides Diploma and advanced diploma programs, as well as an Australian trade certificate. In Culinary Arts and Food Preparation provides Diploma and advanced courses from London UK. Read: Yummy Milkshake Ideas, Recipes to Try at Home

When it comes to any cuisine, anywhere around the world, cooking a dish without garlic or onion is quite rare. Garlic and onion are both integral components of Bangladeshi cuisine as well since most of the recipes demand the satisfying crunch of onions and the powerfully pungent taste of garlic. But owing to the diversity of Bangladeshi recipes, there are several scrumptious dishes that require no garlic and no onion and yet manage to leave a gastronomical mark on the taste buds. Onion & Garlic Free Yummy Bengali Dishes to Try at Home Here are 10 such delicious Bangladeshi dishes that can be cooked without any onion and garlic. Aloor Dom Aloor Dom is a tasty Bengali dish where baby potatoes are slow cooked in such a way that the result is a rich buttery bowl of soft and textured potatoes. To cook this bowl of delicious goodness, some baby potatoes are diced and fried with salt until they turn golden. Read:Easy Durga Puja Vegetarian Recipes to Try at Home Setting the potatoes aside, in another wok, fry some bay leaf, red chili and cumin seeds. Adding ginger paste and poppy seed paste, it is required to fry everything together for 5 seconds until kaju paste and beaten curd are added to the mixture of ingredients. Finally, the potatoes and some water are put in the mixture which is then simmered for 10 minutes. Once the gravy thickens, take it off from the stove and finish off with some garam masala. Labra Labra is a Bengali mixed vegetable dish which is cooked with a variety of seasonal vegetables and without using any garlic or onion. In order to prepare labra, some spices like dry chili, bay leaf, fennel seeds and cumin seeds are first fried. Now a thick paste should be made by taking some ginger paste, mustard oil, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, sugar and salt. Read Dark Chocolate: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects Then heat some oil on a pan with bay leaf, panch phoron and red chili, add the potatoes first, followed by all the vegetables after 3-4 minutes. Once the vegetables are mixed, add the spice paste and then mix thoroughly again. Now the vegetables need to be cooked for 15- 20 minutes in low flame till they soften up. Serve the labra with the fried spices from before. Doi Phulkopi Doi fulkopi is a fragrant Bengali dish that promises to fill the house with a beautiful aroma alerting every one of the tasty dishes being cooked. It is the perfect meal for bringing warmth to cold wintry days. This dish can be made by first marinating small slices of cauliflower with yogurt, ginger paste, salt, garam masala and red chili powder. Spluttering panch phoron and bay leaves in hot oil, some sliced ginger sautéed in the same oil in another pan. The marinated cauliflower is then added to the oil and cooked till the cauliflower turns golden. Finally, take off the cauliflower from the stove and add the needed amount of garam masala to achieve the desired taste. Read:Togur: The Molasses Made from Watermelon Juice in Bangladesh Moong Dal Fry This nutritious dish is rich in protein and fiber. To prepare Moong Dal Fry, firstly some dal is cooked in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water until they turn mushy. In a pan, some mustard seeds are made to crackle in hot oil after which asafetida, green chili and ginger paste are sautéed in it. Some chopped tomatoes are mixed with it and cooked until they get pulpy. Now some cumin powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder are mixed before putting in the dal. Putting some water to attain the desired consistency is a good idea at this point. To level up this dal, a tarka can be made with ghee and red chili powder on a hot pan and poured on top of the dal. Aam Dal Aam Dal is a refreshing lentil soup which tastes salty, sour and a bit sweet at the same time. This staple dal curry is cooked in a similar way to the aforementioned dal recipe, but after cracking the mustard seeds in hot oil, some cut up green mango slices are added and cooked for 2- 3 minutes. Reqad Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish Oil: Natural Sources, Benefits, Risks Next, some ginger paste, turmeric powder and salt are added to the slices. To soak up the spices and cook the mango, the pan needs to be covered for 4- 5 minutes. Now the cooked dal is poured into the mixture along with some green chili and water to reach the desired texture. 1 cup of water and a little bit of sugar are added at this point to let it simmer. The end result will be some mouthwatering dal to go with rice. Paneer Dalna This dish is made with cottage cheese chunks known as paneer and some cut up potatoes. Some oil is taken in a bowl and ingredients like turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder and salt are added to make a thick paste. In a pan some oil is heated and potato chunks are fried and then strained off. Same process is repeated for the paneer chunks. Now tempering the oil with dry red chili, cinnamon, clove, cardamom and cumin seed, ginger paste is added and cooked. Next, some chopped tomatoes are cooked till softened up. Pour in the spice mix and some water and bring it to boil. The potatoes are added then cooked for 8- 10 minutes after which the paneer is also added. The dish is finished off with some ghee and garam masala powder. Read:Yummy sweets for Durga Puja: Traditional Bengali desserts to try in the great religious festival Doi Potol This no garlic no onion dish can be made by frying some peeled pointed gourd with turmeric powder and salt until they turn a nice golden brown. Next, some panch phoron is sizzled in hot oil and ginger paste is mixed with it. A slurry is to be made with dry spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and red chili powder added to a little water. At this point, some yogurt is mixed in low heat and the fried pointed gourds are added to the pan. It is then covered and simmered. Finally, some garam masala and ghee make the dish ready to astound everyone with its flavors. Niramish Ghugni Ghugni is a dish with bold flavors made with a mash of boiled yellow peas, potatoes and all sorts of spices. To prepare this dish, one needs to soak some yellow peas overnight. The next day,these are boiled and cooked with some ginger and chili paste. Read Panta Bhat: The Amazing Health Benefits of Water Rice The potatoes are added on a pan and cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder are added to the pan and finally the whole mixture is simmered in a low heat with the boiled yellow peas to produce some delectable Niramish Ghugni. Chanar Torkari Chanar Torkari is a variation of chanar dalna where some more pastes like coconut paste and cashew nut paste are added to the dish to bring out its unique flavor. Chanas are cottage cheese nuggets that are shaped out of curdled milk. These chanas are then cooked in whipped yogurt with a mixture of coconut paste, cashew nut paste, peas and other ingredients like turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala powder and salt to add more flavors to the dish. This dish requires no onion or garlic. Read:Trans Fats: Facts You Need to Know Lau Shak Chorchori Chorchori refers to a concoction of a variety of vegetables that are cooked dry to bring forth the crunchy texture of the vegetables. To make this dish, the tender bottle gourd leaves are cooked in a pressure cooker with some salt. The next step is to squeeze out the excess water. Now heat some mustard oil in a pan and some ground cloves, red chilies and poppy seeds paste are added to it. At this point, turmeric powder is added and the spices are sautéed. Finally the leaves are added and cooked in a low flame to result in a green textured palatable Lau Shaker Chorchori. These are some of the well- known Bengali dishes that are really easy to cook and require absolutely no garlic or onion. Read Cooking Oil: Best and Worst Oil for Health Bottom Line So far we have mentioned 10 easy to prepare Bengali curries that do not require any garlic or onion. All of these cuisines are healthy and delicious. However, the taste, flavor and scent of these dishes may vary depending on cooking process, portion of ingredients, skill of cooking, etc. Bon appetit!

Bangladeshi expat Kishwar Chowdhury, who has made it to this season's MasterChef Australia, has stunned everyone yet again -- this time by serving the humble and traditional 'panta bhat' and 'aloo bhorta' in the grand finale episode of the celebrated show. Currently fighting for the top position of MasterChef Australia Season 13 alongside Justin Narayan and Pete Campbell in the finale, Kishwar presented the most iconic Bangladeshi dish 'panta bhat' (smoked rice water) with 'aloo bhorta' (mashed potato) and sardine before the judges as her ultimate dish in the competition. Read:Kishwar Chowdhury: The woman who brought traditional Bangladeshi dishes in MasterChef Australia Sharing her cuisine selection, the 38-year-old wrote on her official page on Monday: “Smoked Rice Water -- This is my final dish for MasterChef 2021. The extraordinary chefs and mentors I met on my journey here, inspired me to research ancient techniques and reimagine dishes that have been passed down from generation to generation.” “Culinary genius @thehestonblumenthalteam had me thinking about the exciting concept of 'Smoked Water'. Meeting @scottpickettchef and finding out he has Charcoal Smoked Water on his menu, gave me the confidence to reach into my repertoire of dishes that people from my culture only serve at home. So here is my last and final homage to a dish that deserves this stage. As Jock Zonfrillo put it, this food belongs here," Kishwar wrote. Read:Kishwar wins Australians hearts with her Bangladeshi recipe Thanking the judges, she added, “It’s been an honour to be able to bring this food to the MasterChef Australia platform. Thank you @fooderati @andyallencooks and Jock Zonfrillo] for teaching me to unapologetically do so.” The official Facebook page of MasterChef Australia also shared the presentation of Kishwar and her quintessential Bengali dishes before the judges, where she said, "This is a dish that you wouldn't see in a restaurant anywhere. So it is scary, but extremely rewarding to present this as a finale dish.” Judges of Masterchef Australia Jock Zonfrillo, Melissa Leong and Andy Allen were extremely impressed with the dish, deeming it a "powerful dish with history and flavour". Read:Macher Jhol in Melbourne: Transcending borders through food! Netizens have since been sharing this amazing presentation of Kishwar all over social media platforms. The results of the finale will be revealed on July 13.