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Tadka is the process of heating oil or ghee and infusing it with spices, herbs, and aromatics like garlic, chillies, or hing (asafoetida).

Indian cuisine is not just about flavours; it is also about rhythm, timing, and rituals. From slow-cooking a mutton curry to pressure-cooking dal, every dish has its unique cooking process and techniques. Yet, if there is one ritual that unites kitchens across the country, it is the humble tadka. Also known as chaunk, phoron, or tempering, tadka is that magical moment when spices meet hot oil, releasing a fragrant sizzle that can transform even the simplest dish into something extraordinary. Whether it is a humble bowl of sabzi or a portion of cooling raita, tadka is the final touch that gives the dish its deserved attention.

What Is Tadka? How Does It Make A Dish So Special?

Tadka is the process of heating oil or ghee and infusing it with spices, herbs, and aromatics like garlic, chillies, or hing (asafoetida). This infused oil is then either poured over a finished dish, such as dal or raita, or used as the base for curries and sabzis. But did you know that tadka is not just about technique? It is a signature that speaks volumes about the region, its people, and their food culture. In fact, every household has its unique version of tadka, passed down through generations. Today, people even experiment with tadka to add new flavours to different dishes.

When To Add Your Tadka? Let The Dish Decide

One of the most fascinating things about tadka is how versatile it is – it can begin your cooking process or finish it with flair. But it is important to know when to add the tadka to a dish.

– Tadka At The Beginning

Starting your cooking process with a tadka helps lay the flavour foundation for a dish. It is great for making dry sabzis, curries, khichdi, pulao, and South Indian dishes like rasam and sambhar.

– Tadka At The End

Adding tadka at the end helps add a smoky aroma to a dish. This process is great for any kind of dal recipe, kadi, palak paneer, curd-based dishes like raita, and more.

How To Make The Perfect Tadka

1. Heat the fat properly:

You can use ghee, neutral oil, or mustard oil for this. The smoking point differs as per the type of fat used.

2. Pick the right pan:

The best option is to use a tadka pan, specially made for the purpose. If not, use a small, thick-bottomed pan to prepare the tadka without burning the spices.

3. Know your spices:

When the oil heats up, lower the flame and add the spices in the right sequence. For instance, you must add cumin first, then the red chillies, and end with hing.

4. Let it sizzle:

Adding spices in the right sequence prevents them from burning. Also, heat the oil until it simmers, not smokes.

Common Tadka Mistakes To Avoid

• Overheated oil: It burns the spices.
• Using a wet pan: Adding oil to a pan with water leads to splattering, followed by accidents.
• Adding all spices together: Doing this, you will end up with raw or burnt spices.

A great tadka is all about attention, timing, and a bit of preparedness. So, master the art of adding tadka to turn a basic recipe into your signature dish.

Seasonal allergies are an allergic reaction to airborne pollens during specific times of the year, such as spring, summer, or autumn. With the change or onset of a new season, many people prone to allergies suffer from symptoms like sneezing, a runny or congested nose, itchy and watery eyes, and sometimes a scratchy throat or cough. In a recent Instagram post, Jacqueline Genova, a certified holistic nutritionist and wellness writer, shared several healthy, natural foods that can help ease these allergy symptoms. Including these natural remedies in your diet before and during allergy season can provide relief and support symptom management.

Here Are 5 Simple And Effective Food Remedies for Seasonal Allergies:

1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

“Adopt a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods to support your immune system. Some of these include garlic, lemons, green leafy vegetables, probiotic foods, and bone broth,” shares Jacqueline. A strong immune system may help reduce the severity of seasonal allergy symptoms.

2. Consume Local Raw Honey Daily

Taking raw honey daily may sound too simple, but it is a time-tested remedy. “Consuming a tablespoon of local raw honey can help your body build tolerance to local pollen,” explains the nutritionist. It is important to ensure that the honey is pure and unadulterated.

3. Include Foods High in Quercetin

Quercetin is a bioflavonoid antioxidant that helps regulate histamine release, naturally easing allergy symptoms. It is found in foods such as broccoli, onions, green tea, and citrus fruits. Citrus fruits also provide vitamin C, which supports the immune system and can reduce mild allergy symptoms.

4. Use Stinging Nettle in Tea, Salads, and Cooking

Stinging nettle leaf, known as ‘bichhu buti’ or ‘kandali ka saag’ in India, is a medicinal herb traditionally used to treat allergies. Research shows that stinging nettle can regulate histamine, the chemical involved in allergic reactions. Many doctors recommend taking freeze-dried stinging nettle before hay fever season, says the nutritionist. You can steep the leaves in boiling water for tea, add them to salads, or cook them like saag.

5. Chomp on Bromelain-Rich Pineapples

Bromelain, an enzyme complex found in pineapples, is effective at reducing respiratory inflammation linked to allergies. A 2023 analysis highlighted bromelain’s potential to relieve sinusitis caused by allergies or infections. Adding fresh pineapple to your diet can help manage inflammation and support respiratory health.

This is a quick and healthy breakfast recipe which is made with suji, dahi, paneer and some veggies. It is can be a perfect addition in for protein rich breakfast.

• Total Cook Time25 mins
• Prep Time10 mins
• Cook Time15 mins
• Recipe Servings2
• Easy

Ingredients of Paneer Roastie

• 1 Cup Suji
• 1 cup Curd
• 1/4 cup Capsicum, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 1-inch Ginger, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Garlic, finely chopped
• 2 Green Chillies, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Carrot, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Beans, finely chopped
• 150 gram Paneer, grated
• 1 tsp Chilli flakes
• 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Powwder
• to taste Salt
• 2 tbsp Oil
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp Jeera
• A pinch of Hing
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric
• 7-8 Currt Leaves
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 11/2 cup Water
• 1 Pack Fruit Salt

How to Make Paneer Roastie

1.

Add one cup semolina, curd and 1 cup water in a bowl and mix well. Keep this batter aside.

2.

Heat one tablespoon oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and curry leaves and let them crackle for a few seconds.

3.

Add onion, green chili, ginger, garlic to it and saute it for few seconds. Now, put capsicum, beans and carrots in it and let it cook.

4.

Add chili flakes, black pepper powder, salt and coriander powder and fry for a few seconds. Now add grated paneer to it and mix it well with the spices and fry it. Let it cool down.

5.

Add some water to the batter and mix the paneer mixture in it. Add fruit salt to it and mix.

6.

Now put a little oil in a pan and take ladle full batter and spread it in the pan and cover it with a lid and roast it from one side. Similarly, roast from the other side as well.

7.

Your paneer rostie is ready, serve it with green chutney.

Nutritional Value

• 1328 kcalCalories
• 56gProtien
• 63gFats
• 126gCarbs
• 33gCholesterol
• 23gFibre
• 2123MgSodium
• 1570MgPotassium
• 10MgIron

A few days ago, the story of a Swiggy delivery partner with a toddler went viral on social media. Gurugram-based CEO Mayank Agarwal took to LinkedIn to share a detailed post about his interaction with the food delivery agent named Pankaj. The latter came to deliver an order with his two-year-old daughter on his bike. Mayank questioned him about the same, and Pankaj’s subsequent revelations received a lot of interest online. More recently, the LinkedIn user has shared an update, and Pankaj has again won many hearts online because of his attitude.

More About The Viral Story

When Mayank Agarwal asked Pankaj why his daughter (whose name is Tun Tun) was with him during deliveries, he explained that he had no other option but to bring her along. Pankaj was the only one who could take care of her as his older son was attending evening classes, and his wife had died during childbirth.
Also Read: Swiggy User Hails Delivery Agent’s ‘Trust’ In Him After He Couldn’t Pay For Order

Mayank wrote, “He even shared that some customers have told him, ‘Sit at home if you can’t manage – having a toddler is your problem.” This makes me wonder, where are we going as a society? But he had no complaints – only a quiet smile. This moment reminded me how much we take for granted-and how many silently carry extraordinary burdens every day. To Mr. Pankaj and little Tun Tun-your strength is truly inspiring.” For more context, read the complete post here or see the screenshots below:

ankaj’s story took the internet by storm. Many people applauded his resilience and efforts, while offering to support him in some way. Users took to the comments to ask for his contact number. Some also called on Swiggy to help him, and an Operations team member from the company expressed interest in doing so.

Mayank had shared Pankaj’s UPI ID, but later deleted it and shared an update by editing his original post. He wrote, “He does not need any financial help now. He said he is getting a lot of calls and can’t do work. Folks, please do not call him. He said he didn’t need any help because he is competent enough to take care of his daughter. He said the help should be directed toward someone who really needs it. He was happy to inform me that he has “Laxmi” in his home in the form of a daughter.”

Something is grounding about starting the morning right. Whether it is a moment of stillness before the day begins, a glass of warm water, or a detox drink made with natural ingredients, morning routines often shape how we carry ourselves through the day. Enter the Amla-Moringa shot – a potent blend of moringa leaves and fresh amla juice rooted in traditional Indian wellness and supported by modern science. Rich in antioxidants, gentle on the digestive system, and known to support immunity naturally, it is no surprise that this drink is gaining popularity among health-conscious individuals.

In this article, we look at what makes moringa and amla such a powerful combination – and why this earthy shot might become your go-to morning habit.

Amla Health Benefits: Fruit With Ancient Credentials

Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a small green fruit packed with nutrients. Dr Komal Bhadouria, a nutritionist at SCI International Hospital in New Delhi, states that amla can provide up to 46 per cent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. In fact, a 100-gram serving can contain up to 300 mg of vitamin C. Amla is also rich in vitamin E, vitamin A, iron, calcium, antioxidants, and dietary fibre, making it one of the most nutrient-dense fruits in Ayurvedic nutrition.

Moringa Health Benefits: Nature’s Multivitamin

The moringa tree, often referred to as the “drumstick tree,” offers a wide range of health benefits. Every part of the plant is edible and nutrient-rich. Dr Manoj K. Ahuja from Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj explains, “Moringa is packed with vitamins, calcium, iron, and essential amino acids. These nutrients are crucial for promoting overall health and nourishing us from within.” Moringa is especially valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-supporting properties.

Why Combine Amla And Moringa: 5 Incredible Benefits Of This Drink

1. Improves Iron Absorption

Amla is rich in vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron more efficiently. A study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences confirmed that ascorbic acid enhances iron absorption, making this combination ideal for those with low iron levels or iron-deficiency anaemia.

2. Aids Digestion

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of both moringa and amla help soothe the digestive tract. Regular consumption may reduce acidity and support gut health, making it a useful natural remedy for bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux.

3. Boosts Skin And Hair Health

Moringa and amla are known for their ability to purify the blood, improving circulation to the skin and hair follicles. This may lead to clearer skin, stronger hair, and reduced hair fall. The vitamin A in moringa and the vitamin C in amla support collagen production, which contributes to skin elasticity and repair.

4. Balances The Body’s pH

Amla is acidic, while moringa is known for its alkalising effect. When combined, they may help maintain a balanced pH in the body, which is essential for bone health, reducing inflammation, and improving gut microbiota balance.

5. Supports Blood Sugar Control

Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Coach Shilpa Arora highlights that amla supports insulin sensitivity and helps flush out toxins. Moringa, being rich in zinc, supports blood sugar regulation. This pairing can benefit those managing type 2 diabetes or aiming to prevent blood sugar spikes after meals.

Step-By-Step Guide To Make Amla-Moringa Shot

An online search will offer multiple ways to make an Amla-Moringa health shot, using either powders or fresh ingredients. Here is a simple, nutrient-dense version recommended by nutritionist and weight loss coach Leema Mahajan.

Ingredients:

• 2 chopped amla
• A handful of fresh, clean moringa leaves
• A handful of fresh, clean mint leaves
• 1/2-inch raw turmeric
• 1/2-inch jaggery
• 1/2-inch fresh ginger
• 1/4 tsp cumin (jeera) powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
• 1/4 tsp black salt

Method:

• Blend all ingredients with a little water. Transfer to a shot glass and consume immediately without straining for full fibre benefits.

Expert Tips To Keep In Mind

1. If fresh moringa leaves are unavailable, one teaspoon of moringa powder can be used instead. This substitution still provides the key nutritional benefits.
2. Leema Mahajan advises avoiding moringa during pregnancy, as it may increase the risk of uterine contractions.
3. Those on medication for diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders should consult their doctor or a certified nutritionist before adding moringa to their diet to assess potential interactions and appropriate dosages.

In a market full of high-cost wellness drinks and synthetic supplements, the Amla-Moringa shot offers a simple, plant-based solution for supporting everyday health. While it is not a cure-all, incorporating this drink into your daily routine may support gut health, immunity, skin clarity, and overall energy levels, all without burning a hole in your wallet.

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