food
Delightful Recipes from Bangladeshi Kitchens to Savor on Rainy Days
Rainy days bring a sense of tranquility and comfort, as the pitter-patter of raindrops creates a soothing melody. Amidst the serenity, there is nothing like indulging in hearty, flavourful dishes that warm the soul. In Bangladeshi kitchens, rainy days call for special recipes that elevate the culinary experience. From spicy curries to tangy delights, here are five special recipes perfect for a rainy day retreat at home.
5 Special Recipes to Try at Home on Rainy Days
Achari Letka Khichuri
Ingredients
½ cup of rice, 1/4th cup of masoor dal/red lentils, 1/4th cup of moong dal/yellow lentils, 1 onion (thinly sliced), 2 cloves of garlic (roughly chopped), 4 green chillies, 1 teaspoon panchforon, 1 dry red chilli, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala powder and ½ teaspoon cumin powder, 3 tablespoons of mustard oil, 2 tablespoons of mango pickle, some green peas, salt and sugar, and warm water.
Instructions
First, combine rice and two types of lentils in a bowl. Then, wash them thoroughly. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, garam masala powder and cumin powder.
Read more: Delicious Oatmeal Recipes for Weight Loss
Then pour in mustard oil and a pinch of salt, mixing everything well. Leave it to marinate for 15 minutes. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a pan, then add panchforon and dry red chilli. Next, sauté the ingredients briefly. After that, add the rice-lentil mixture, and cook for 3 minutes.
Next, add 2 cups of warm water, salt, green chillies, green peas, and a pinch of sugar. Let it boil, then lower the heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until the ingredients are tender. Stir in sour mango pickle and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Summer Drinks: Refreshing Homemade Sherbets to Beat the Heat
The scorching heat of summer can be relentless, making it essential to find ways to stay cool and hydrated. While the allure of roadside summer drinks is undeniable, they often come with health risks due to questionable ingredients and hygiene standards. Fortunately, there is a safer and more delicious alternative – homemade sherbets. Let's explore 10 revitalising sherbet recipes to try this summer to fight heat related illnesses.
10 Homemade Sherbet Recipes to Beat Dehydration This Summer
Raw Mango Sherbet
Aam Panna, or raw mango sherbet, is a quintessential summer drink in Bangladesh for combating the sweltering heat packed with both flavour and health benefits. Made from raw mangoes, it presents a tantalising blend of tartness and sweetness. This refreshing beverage is rich in vitamins A and C, essential for maintaining hydration and boosting immunity.
To make Aam Panna, simply blend raw boiled, peeled mangoes with mint leaves, roasted cumin powder, black salt, sugar, and water until smooth. To impart a smoky nuance, consider roasting the mangoes beforehand. Serve chilled over ice for a revitalising treat that not only quenches thirst but also replenishes electrolytes and provides a burst of tropical goodness.
Read more: How to Protect Outdoor Workers from Heat Stroke
Tamarind Sherbet
Tamarind sherbet offers a tangy and refreshing escape from the scorching summer heat. Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium it offers a sweet-tart punch. It aids in replenishing electrolytes lost during sweating, thus combating dehydration.
To prepare this invigorating drink, combine tamarind pulp with water, sugar or honey, and a dash of salt. Allow the mixture to steep with a cinnamon stick, then strain and chill before serving over ice. Indulge in the zesty flavour and hydrating benefits of tamarind sherbet to stay cool and refreshed all summer long.
Rose Petal Sherbet
Rose petal sherbet embodies a fragrant and floral essence, offering a delightful respite from summer's heat. While lower in electrolytes than some options, it can provide some hydration and is a lovely source of antioxidants. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, it supports hydration and boosts immunity.
Read more: Beat Dehydration with These Summer Vegetables
To concoct this rejuvenating elixir, steep fresh rose petals in water, then strain and mix with sugar or honey and a splash of lemon juice. Serve chilled over ice for a cooling sensation that not only tantalises the taste buds but also replenishes vital fluids lost through perspiration. Sip on rose petal sherbet to invigorate your senses and combat dehydration effortlessly.
Bael Sherbet
Bael sherbet, a summer delight, boasts a unique flavour and impressive health benefits. Made with the pulp of the wood apple (bael), it offers a sweet-tart taste with a hint of citrus. This golden drink is a powerhouse of Vitamin C, supporting immunity and fighting inflammation. But bael truly shines in its role against dehydration.
The pulp is rich in fibre and natural electrolytes, helping your body retain fluids and recover from sweat loss. To create this revitalising drink, simply mash the pulp of a ripe bael with water, strain, and add sugar or honey to taste. A pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice complete this refreshing and rehydrating summer beverage.
Read more: How to Protect Your Skin and Hair from Sun Damage
Watermelon Sherbet
Cool off with watermelon sherbet, a naturally hydrating summer treat. Made with blended watermelon, this refreshing pink drink is packed with water, making it a delicious weapon against dehydration.
Watermelon boasts vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as potassium and lycopene. It supports immunity and healthy vision. The recipe is simple: freeze seedless watermelon cubes, then blend them smooth with a touch of lime juice or honey for extra zing. Enjoy this refreshing sherbet for a hydrating and nutritious summer.
Beat Dehydration with These Summer Vegetables
As the temperatures soar during the scorching summer months, it becomes increasingly crucial to prioritise hydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Dehydration may lead your body to adverse effects ranging from fatigue and headaches to more severe complications like heatstroke. While it is common knowledge to increase water intake during hot weather, many overlook the hydrating potential of the summer vegetables.
Why Incorporate Summer Veggies into Your Diet
Maintaining adequate hydration levels is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Water is essential for regulating body temperature, aiding digestion, transporting nutrients, and flushing out toxins. Dehydration can lead to a range of adverse effects, including fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and even more severe complications like heatstroke.
By staying adequately hydrated, you can enhance cognitive function, improve physical performance, and support organ function. Make it a priority to drink water regularly throughout the day to ensure optimal hydration and vitality, especially in the summer heat.
Read more: How to Protect Your Skin and Hair from Sun Damage
Summer veggies are rich in diverse vitamins and nutrients. Adding vegetables to regular meals can help you stay hydrated and healthy during the warmer months. Let’s take a look into some nutritious summer veggies to fight dehydration this summer.
Nutritious Summer Vegetables to Beat Dehydration
.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are hydrating vegetables packed with nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C, along with minerals such as potassium and magnesium. With a water content over 95%, they replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, aiding hydration.
Enjoy cucumbers sliced in salads, sandwiches, or refreshing cucumber mint smoothies for a hydrating boost. Incorporating cucumbers into your diet regularly can promote skin health, aid digestion, and support overall well-being. Aim for at least one or two cups of cucumber daily to reap its hydrating benefits.
Read more: Summer Safety Tips for Elderly to Avoid Heat-related Illnesses
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are hydrating vegetables boasting a water content of around 94%. Rich in vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants like lycopene, they support immune function and promote heart health. You may incorporate tomatoes into your diet to enjoy their hydrating benefits.
Try them tossed in salads or sandwiches, blended into soups, or roasted with herbs for a flavourful side dish. It is recommended to include 1 or 2 tomatoes in your meals regularly to hydrate your body and boost your health.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, with a water content of approximately 92%, are hydrating vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. They support immune function, promote healthy vision, and reduce inflammation. You can incorporate bell peppers into your meals to enjoy their hydrating benefits.
Read more: 7 Comforting Soups for Upset Stomach
Add them to stir-fries, salads, or stuffed pepper recipes for a colourful and nutritious dish. Experts suggest limiting having one bell pepper in a day in your diet to stay hydrated and nourished, especially during hot weather without causing bloating or gas.
Lettuce
Lettuce varieties like iceberg and romaine are primarily composed of water. It is a hydrating vegetable that provides essential nutrients like vitamins A, K, and C, as well as folate and iron. It supports healthy skin, boosts immunity, and aids digestion.
Try to include lettuce in your diet for hydration and nutrition. Use it as a base for salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a refreshing and low-calorie meal option. Enjoy lettuce regularly to stay hydrated and promote overall well-being, aiming for around or less than two cups of green leaf lettuce per day.
Read more: 5 Mouth-watering Mango Pickle Recipes to Cherish This Summer
Spinach
Spinach, packed with water, is a hydrating vegetable loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, potassium and folate. It supports bone health, boosts immunity, and aids in blood clotting.
Add one handful of spinach daily into your diet for hydration and nutrition. Add it to salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes for a nutritious boost. These can help you to stay hydrated and reap its numerous health benefits.
5 Sweet and Savoury Recipes for This Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fasting and spiritual practice for Muslims. It is a time for celebration, gratitude, and togetherness, often accompanied by elaborate meals and delectable treats. Let's delve into some delightful recipes that will elevate your Eid-ul-Fitr festivities.
Mouth-watering Recipes for Eid-ul-Fitr
Basbousa Sweet (Semolina Cake)
Ingredients
For the cake: 1 ⅔ cup semolina, ½ cup ghee, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup plain yoghurt, ½ tablespoon baking powder, ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (finely shredded), and 0.5 tablespoons tahini (1 tablespoon ghee to brush the bottom)
For the syrup: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and nuts for garnishing.
Read more: Famous Traditional Sweets and Desserts in Bangladesh
Instructions
First, preheat the oven to 350 F. Take a deep bowl. Now mix semolina, baking powder, sugar, and coconut. In a separate container, melt ghee and dissolve honey into it. Combine the ghee mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until well mixed.
Next, add yoghurt to the mixture and combine thoroughly. Brush a 12-inch round baking sheet with tahini and spread the basbousa mixture evenly onto it. Decorate the top with nuts. Bake in the middle of the oven until the edges start to brown, approximately 10 minutes.
Then, move the basbousa to a higher shelf and continue baking until golden brown, around 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by combining the ingredients of syrup in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Once the basbousa is done, remove it from the oven. Then pour the warm syrup over it, and cover it with foil immediately. Return the basbousa to the turned-off oven for 5-10 minutes. Finally, remove from the oven, cut into pieces, and enjoy.
Read more: 8 Delectable Kabab Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Mutton Rogan Josh
Ingredients
500 gram lamb, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, salt to taste, and 2 teaspoons garam masala powder.
For tempering: 5 tablespoons ghee / clarified butter, 2 bay leaves, 3 centimetres cinnamon, 2 black cardamom (crushed), 4 green cardamom (crushed), and ½ teaspoon asafoetida.
For Masala Paste: 1 cup plain yoghurt, 3 tablespoons Kashmiri chilli powder, 1 teaspoon green cardamom powder, ½ teaspoon black cardamom powder, 1 tablespoon fennel seed powder,1 tablespoon dry ginger powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper powder.
Read more: 5 Delicious Less Spicy Mutton Recipes
Instructions
First, in a bowl, marinate the mutton with salt and lemon juice, allowing it to sit overnight or for at least 2 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it immediately. In another bowl, whisk the curd until smooth. Then, add the ingredients for the paste, mixing thoroughly. Set aside.
Then, heat ghee in a pot and sauté the tempering ingredients for a minute. Add the mutton in batches. Continue browning each batch for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the browned mutton to a plate as you go. Once all the mutton is browned, add it back to the pot.
Next, pour the curd mixture over the meat and cook for 10 minutes until browned. After that, add water, adjust salt, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. Serve with rice or roti.
Read more: 5 Delicious Less Spicy Mutton Recipes
Jhura Beef (Shredded Beef)
Ingredients
For Cooking Beef: 2 pounds boneless beef, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1 bay leaf, 3 cardamom pods, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 8 whole black peppers, 1 dry red chilli, and 1/2 cup cooking oil.
For frying beef: 1/4 cup oil, 3 cups cubed onions, 4 green chillies (slit), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon ghee.
Read more: 5 Delightful Tartare Recipes to Add to Your Repertoire
Instructions
First, to cook the beef, combine all the ingredients listed for cooking beef. You can use a pressure cooker to cook the meat for 30 minutes. After that, the beef should be tender. If not, cook until the meat is tender.
Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks directly in the pot. Then, cook the meat uncovered until the liquid is absorbed.
To fry the beef, first heat oil in a large frying pan and sauté onions until golden. Next, add the shredded beef, green chillies, cilantro, cumin powder, and ghee. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Your jhura beef is ready to savour.
Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Ingredients
For the marinade: 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated), 2 cloves garlic (crushed), and 750-gram chicken thigh fillets (cut into bite-size pieces)
For curry: 2 tablespoons ghee or butter or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 cup tomato puree, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Read more: 5 Exciting Peri Peri Chicken Recipes
Instructions
First, combine the marinade ingredients with the chicken in a bowl. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results. For an extra smooth sauce, you can blend the marinade ingredients (excluding the chicken) in a food processor until smooth, although this step is not mandatory.
Next, to cook the chicken, heat the ghee in a large fry pan over high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, leaving any excess marinade on the chicken. Place the chicken in the frying pan and cook for approximately 3 minutes, until it becomes white.
Then, for the sauce, add the tomato puree, cream, sugar, salt, and any remaining marinade left in the bowl to the frying pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, garnish the dish with coriander leaves, and serve with basmati rice.
Read more: Vermicelli Ideas: 10 Delicious Semai Recipes for Eid
Fruit Custard
Ingredients
2.5 cups milk, 5 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons custard powder, 3 tablespoons milk warm or at room temperature, 1.5 to 2 cups chopped mixed fruits (apples, mangoes, sapota, banana, pears, strawberries, pomegranate).
Read more: Delicious Homemade Dessert Ideas for Eid and Other Celebrations
Instructions
First, take a thick-bottomed pan or saucepan, and heat milk on the stove until it reaches a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, take 3 tablespoons of warm milk from the saucepan and mix with 3 tablespoons of custard powder to form a smooth paste.
Once the milk is heated, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the custard paste to the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the custard on low heat for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
Then, allow the custard to cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. Once cooled, chop seasonal fruits such as apples, papaya, banana, strawberries, and pomegranates, and add them to the custard. Mix well to combine.
Now, serve the fruit custard garnished with additional fruits or pomegranate arils, or add chopped nuts or dry fruits for extra flavour and texture.
Read more: Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits for This Summer
Final Words
Eid-ul-Fitr is a time for celebration, gratitude, and sharing delicious food with family and friends. These five sweet and savoury recipes can make your Eid feast delicious and memorable for people of all ages. From traditional Middle Eastern sweets to aromatic curries, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Prepare these dishes with love and care, and savour the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr with your loved ones.
Read more: 5 Nontraditional Biryani Recipes
Homemade Instant Powdered Fruit Drink Recipes for Iftar
During the holy month of Ramadan, after a long day of fasting, the tradition of breaking fast, or Iftar, often involves enjoying refreshing beverages. Among these, instant powdered fruit drinks are a popular choice due to their refreshing flavours and instant preparation. However, commercially produced powdered drinks can contain artificial additives and excessive sugar, which may not align with dietary preferences or health goals. Thankfully, making homemade powdered fruit drinks provides a healthier alternative, offering control over ingredients and customisation of flavours.
Why Avoid Commercially Produced Instant Powdered Fruit Drinks?
Commercially produced powdered fruit drinks often contain artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and high amounts of sugar. Consuming such additives regularly may lead to adverse health effects, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Additionally, individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences may find it challenging to locate suitable options among commercially available powdered drink varieties. Homemade powdered fruit drinks allow for the exclusion of unwanted additives and customisation according to personal taste and nutritional requirements.
Read more: Reasons Why Ramadan Fasting is More Beneficial Than Dieting
How to Make Instant Powdered Fruit Drinks at Home
Mango Powder
Ingredients
1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons of glucose powder, 1 teaspoon mango emulsion, 1 teaspoon citric acid, and ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
First, in a mixer jar, pour sugar and add 2 tablespoons of glucose powder, mango emulsion, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of citric acid. Grind the ingredients together until they achieve a fine powder consistency. Your homemade mango mix is now ready.
Transfer it into an airtight jar for storage. To serve, simply mix one tablespoon of the mango powder with 200 ml of water, add some ice cubes, stir well, and enjoy the refreshing taste.
Read more: Iftar Items, Recipes for Ramadan in Bangladesh
Orange Powder
Ingredients
1.5 cups sugar, 1 cup orange glucose, 1 teaspoon citric acid, a pinch of salt, 4-5 drops of orange fruit colour, and ½ teaspoon orange essence.
Microgreens: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and How to Grow
In a world where healthy eating and sustainable farming practices are gaining prominence, microgreens emerge as a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent addition to any diet. These tiny greens not only pack a punch in terms of health benefits but also offer a cost-effective solution for farming enthusiasts. This article will delve into the world of microgreens, their origins, health advantages, nutritional components, and how one can cultivate them in our country.
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are the young, edible seedlings of various vegetables and herbs, tracing their roots back to California in the 1980s. Far from accidental, their invention resulted from meticulous research aimed at maximising the nutritional value of plants in their early growth stages.
Harvested at around 1-3 inches tall, one week aged, these tiny greens offer an incredible concentration of flavour and nutrients. They often contain 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts, making them a popular choice for those seeking both taste and health benefits. Easy to cultivate at home, microgreens have become a trendy and versatile culinary delight.
Read more: 10 Types of Natural Honey: A Guide to Varieties, Benefits, and Uses
Nutritional Components of Microgreens: Superfood of the Future
These seedlings are rich in a bunch of vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Protein, Carbohydrates, Fibre, Sodium, Iron, Selenium, Magnesium, Manganese, etc.
Due to the high nutritional value, microgreens are also referred to as "superfood".
Is Midnight Snacking Bad for You?
If you find yourself reaching for a snack in the dead of night, you are not alone. Midnight cravings are a common occurrence, often driven by various factors that go beyond simple hunger. It involves a complicated interaction and psychological and physiological factors. Let's dive into the intricacies of late-night snacking, exploring the reasons behind it, its impact on health, and practical ways to curb those midnight urges.
Reasons for Midnight Snack Cravings
Unbalanced Meal Schedules
Unbalanced meal schedules wreak havoc on the body's internal rhythm, causing a disconnection between hunger signals and actual meal times. When meals are irregular, the body, accustomed to a routine, may erroneously interpret these fluctuations, triggering nighttime hunger pangs. This disruption becomes a significant factor in midnight snack cravings.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Fluctuations in cortisol and ghrelin levels are pivotal in orchestrating hunger and satisfaction. They play a role in nocturnal cravings. Elevated cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," intensifies at night, prompting desires for sweet or fatty treats.
Simultaneously, heightened ghrelin is the "hunger hormone." It amplifies your appetite during the nocturnal hours and fuels the urge for midnight snacks.
Read more: 5 Yummy Homemade Pizza Recipes for Kids
Inadequate Daytime Eating
Skipping meals or inadequate calorie intake triggers heightened evening hunger. In the absence of sufficient daytime nourishment, the body enters "starvation mode" and slows metabolism to conserve energy. This often results in intense late-night hunger, particularly if dinner is skipped or kept light.
Stress and Emotional Eating
Stress induces cravings for comfort foods, rich in sugar, fat, and salt. Elevated cortisol levels during stress can increase appetite and desire for unhealthy foods. While these provide momentary pleasure, long-term consumption may contribute to weight gain and other chronic health issues.
Dehydration
Sometimes, thirst may be misconstrued as hunger, prompting unnecessary snacking. Dehydration can send signals to the brain resembling hunger, even when food is not required. Maintaining adequate water intake throughout the day aids in distinguishing thirst from hunger and diminishes the likelihood of late-night snack cravings.
Read more: 10 Healthy Iftar Drinks for Breaking Ramadan Fasting
Mouthwatering Sweet and Savoury Recipes for Holy Shab-e-Barat
Shab-e-Barat, a night of forgiveness and blessings, is a significant occasion for Muslims worldwide. As the night approaches, families gather to pray and share joyous moments. What better way to enhance the celebration than indulging in sweet and savoury delights? Here, we present exclusive recipes for a delectable Shab-e-Barat feast.
10 Delicious Shab-e-Barat Special Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Chickpeas Barfi (Cholar Dal-er Barfi)
Ingredients
1/2 cup chickpeas (cholar dal), 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons ghee, 1/2 teaspoon powdered cardamom, 2 cups thick milk, 1 tablespoon condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons mixed, dry fruits (as desired, for garnishing, preferably cashews for decoration)
Instructions
First, soak chickpeas (cholar dal) for 2 hours, and grind. Then mix the paste in thick milk with cardamom and a tablespoon of ghee. Cook on low heat, stirring to avoid sticking.
Now, gradually add the rest of the ghee. Once thickened, transfer to a greased plate, let it set for 30 minutes, then cut into square shapes. You can garnish with cashews or preferred dry fruits before serving.
Read more: Ramadan Fasting with Diabetes: Best foods for Sehri and Iftar
Shahi Carrot Halwa (Gajar-er Shahi Malai Halwa)
Ingredients
500 grams carrots, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon fresh cream (malai), 2 tablespoons ghee, 1/2 cup sugar or as needed, 1 pinch salt, 10-12 cashew nuts (chopped), 12 raisins, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder, 250 ml full cream milk, 6 tablespoon powder milk, and 1 tablespoon date palm jaggery
Instructions
First, peel and grate carrots. Boil milk, add milk powder and date palm jaggery for malai. Simmer until semi-thick. Next, fry grated carrots in ghee, sweeten them with sugar, and cook in milk. Then, combine with malai, stirring constantly.
After that, roast cashews, raisins, and cardamom powder in ghee, mix with halwa, set in a mould, and garnish with cashews. Serve Shahi Malai Gajar Halwa warm for a delectable sweet dessert with a twist.
Read more: Healthy Sehri Meal Recipes for Ramadan Fasting
Semolina Halwa (Neshesta Halwa)
Ingredients1 cup fine suji/semolina, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 4 tablespoons ghee, 1 teaspoon rose water, 2 drops red/orange/green food colour, 1/4 cup pistachio (finely chopped), and 1/4 cup almond (thin slices)
Instructions
First, wash suji twice and soak it in 2-3 cups of water overnight. Drain the water, add 2 cups of water, and rub well. Next, strain using a cotton cloth, preserving the strained starch.
Then, in a small vessel, mix the starch with sugar, ghee, lemon juice, and rose water. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously on low flame until it becomes transparent and absorbs all the ghee. At this stage, add colour, cook until well-mixed, then add pistachio nuts. Freeze, garnish with sliced almonds, cut as desired, and enjoy!
Read more: 7 Exclusive Halwa Ideas, Recipes for holy Shab-e-Barat
Coconut Barfi (Narikel-er Barfi)
Ingredients
2 cups coconut paste, 1 cup thick milk, 2 tablespoons semolina (suji), 1/2 cup ghee, 1 cup sugar, 1 piece cardamom powder, 2 pieces chopped almonds, and 1 tablespoon raisins
Instructions
First, heat ghee in a pan, add semolina, and roast. Add coconut paste, stir until roasted, then add milk, sugar, chopped almonds, and raisins. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
Then, sprinkle cardamom powder, mix well, and transfer the mixture to a greased plate. Level it and cut it into desired shapes. Garnish with raisins and almonds. This narikel barfi can be stored for a few days.
Read more: Microwave Cooking: 7 Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes
Egg Masub (Dim-er Monsur Pak)
Ingredients
3/4 cup oil or ghee, 3 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, and crushed cardamom.
Instructions
First, in a deep pan, combine eggs, sugar, and oil. Stir with a whisk, incorporating crushed cardamom. Heat the mixture on the stove, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Use a wooden spatula for even stirring and cook for 10 minutes until the oil separates, and the colour and texture change.
Then, turn off the stove. Transfer the mixture to a deep bowl or tin, press it evenly, tilt it to remove excess oil, and let it cool. Finally, cut into squares or rectangles, garnish with cashews, and enjoy this delectable treat.
Read more: 15 Tips to Make the Most of Buffet Dining
Rooftop Restaurants in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur for Delicious Food and Instagram Photos
Are you looking for an Instagrammable place to spend some quality time with good food while taking in the view of the city from a considerable height? In this bustling city of Dhaka, a rooftop restaurant can be a beautiful getaway that offers a glimmering view of the skyline and a serene escape from the crowded streets below. Located in Dhaka’s north, Mohammadpur has several Instagram-worthy rooftop restaurants with enchanting views and a cozy laid-back atmosphere. Let’s check them out.
6 Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Mohammadpur in Dhaka
Rainforest Café
Rainforest Café is another great option for rooftop dining with friends and family. The café is located on Tajmahal Road right on the main street. The management undertook renovations recently to revamp the look of the café. There’s a large indoor sitting area perfect for large groups. Adjacent to that is the kid’s play area.
The outdoors has been tastefully decorated with trees, shrubs, and a fish aquarium. Each table has been made into a hut-like structure giving it a forest-like look.
Read more: Top 10 Dhaka Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
The café serves oriental, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. There’s a curated Chinese platter for students as well.
Rainforest Café remains open from 11 AM to 11 PM every day.
Garden SHIP
Located on Taj Mahal Road, Garden SHIP is your typical family restaurant with a great ambiance. The restaurant is beautifully designed to give it a ship-like look on the inside. The large spacious indoor seating is perfect for group or family dine-outs.
Read more: Best Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants at Gulshan in Dhaka
The back of the restaurant has their cozy rooftop section. It offers a beautiful view overlooking the greenery of the Dhaka Residential Model College.
Garden SHIP has a wide variety of menus. From Thai, Chinese, Indian to seafood, the restaurant offers something for everyone. The operating hours are from 11 AM to 11 PM every day.
Spicy6
Spicy6 is located on Ring Road, Mohammadpur. The restaurant is famous among the locals for its Thai, Chinese, Oriental, and South Asian cuisines. Spicy6 offers great indoor and outdoor arrangements with faux grass and overhead shades.
Read more: Instagrammable Rooftop Restaurants in Uttara
Collagen Supplements: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage
Who does not want to stay young and beautiful for ages? As the years pass, the inherent collagen production of skin wanes, leaving behind wrinkles, discomfort, and diminished tissue strength. In the pursuit of timeless beauty, collagen supplements emerge as the favoured solution for anti-ageing devotees. It offers a path to revive and fortify, countering signs of ageing for a radiant, youthful allure.
What is Collagen Supplements
Collagen is a tough protein that acts like the body's glue, holding skin, bones, and muscles together. It is essential for maintaining strength and structure. As we age, collagen levels can decrease, affecting skin elasticity and joint health.
Oral collagen supplements have surged in popularity due to their perceived enhanced absorption by the body. They are available in pills, powders, and certain foods. Sold as collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen, these broken-down forms are more readily absorbed.
Read more: Winter Skincare: How to care for sensitive skin during winter
Collagen supplements contain amino acids, which are like the building blocks of protein. They often have extra nutrients that are good for the skin and hair, such as vitamin C, biotin, or zinc. These supplements usually come from animal tissues, like cows, pigs, or fish, aiming to boost collagen levels, supporting skin elasticity and joint health. Vegan alternatives are made from bacteria or yeast.
Natural Sources of Collagen
Natural sources of collagen encompass a spectrum of nourishing options for those seeking to enhance their body's collagen levels. Bone broth, a nutrient-rich elixir made from simmering animal bones, stands out as a prominent source. Fish, particularly the skin and scales, serve as another valuable reservoir.
Lean meats, such as chicken, contribute to collagen intake, while collagen-rich vegetables like spinach offer a plant-based alternative. Collagen is also found in eggs, citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic. Including these foods in the diet provides a holistic approach to collagen consumption.
Read more: Korean Skincare Routine: 10 Skincare Hacks
Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Improved Skin Elasticity
Collagen, integral to the skin's structure, boosts skin elasticity when supplemented. This aids in diminishing wrinkles and fostering a youthful complexion. Embracing collagen supplementation can contribute to a visibly revitalised and resilient skin appearance.
Joint Health Support
Crucial for joint tissues, collagen supplementation can alleviate discomfort and enhance mobility. Incorporating collagen into your routine may contribute to a noticeable reduction in joint issues, promoting improved flexibility and joint health.
Strengthened Hair and Nails
Packed with essential amino acids, collagen supplements fortify hair and nails, enhancing strength and resilience. This holistic support contributes to less hair breakage and nail health, reflecting in their vitality and robust appearance.
Read more: 10 Post- Pregnancy Skincare Tips: Get Your Glow Back