Asian News from UK

Tag: foods

  • Navratri with Fresh Flavours

    Navratri with Fresh Flavours

    Durga Puja symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the worship of goddess Durga. It is not just a period of prayer and reflection but also a celebration of delicious and wholesome food. To enhance your Navratri fasting experience, Voltas Beko brings youeasy fasting recipes that seamlessly blend tradition and innovation. With the help of your microwave and refrigerator, you can create flavourful delights to savour during this sacred time.

    SABUDANA KHICHDI


    Ingredients:

    1 cup Sabudana (sago pearls)

    2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced

    1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed

    2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

    1 tsp cumin seeds

    1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)

    Sendhanamak (rock salt) to taste

    Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

    Method:

    Wash the Sabudana thoroughly and soak it in water for 4-5 hours. Drain and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

    Heat ghee in a microwave-safe bowl, add cumin seeds, and microwave for 30 seconds. The digital display in Voltas Beko microwave will help you keep an eye on the food while you are busy with the Pooja preparations.

    Add diced potatoes and microwave for 5 minutes, stirring halfway.

    Mix soaked Sabudana, crushed peanuts, green chilies, and rock salt. Microwave for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

    LAUKI (BOTTLE GOURD) KOFTA CURRY

    Ingredients:

    For Koftas:

    1 cup grated lauki (bottle gourd)

    1/2 cup Singhadekaatta (water chestnut flour)

    Sendhanamak to taste

    1/2 tsp red chili powder

    1/2 tsp cumin seeds

    Oil for frying

    For Curry:

    1 cup curd (yogurt), whisked

    1/2 cup tomato puree

    1/2 tsp ginger paste

    1/2 tsp green chili paste

    1/2 tsp cumin powder

    1/2 tsp coriander powder

    Sendhanamak to taste

    Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

    Method:

    For Koftas:

    Combine grated lauki, water chestnut flour, cumin seeds, red chili powder, and rock salt in a bowl.

    Form small koftas from the mixture.

    Heat oil in a microwave-safe dish and fry the koftas until golden brown. Keep them aside.

    For Curry:

    In a microwave-safe bowl, mix curd, tomato puree, ginger paste, green chili paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, and rock salt.

    Microwave the mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oil separates.

    Add the fried koftas to the curry and microwave for another 2 minutes.

    Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with Singhade ke atee ki roti.      

    FRUIT SALAD WITH YOGURT DRESSING

    Ingredients:

    Assorted fruits (banana, apple, pomegranate, etc.), chopped

    1 cup thick yogurt

    2 tbsp honey

    1/2 tsp cardamom powder

    Method:

    In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, honey, and cardamom powder. Mix well to prepare the dressing.

    Toss the chopped fruits in the dressing.

    Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving for a refreshing and healthy dessert. The NeoFrost Dual Cooling technology in Voltas Beko refrigerators will ensure that your food is chilled at the optimum temperature retaining its flavour and freshness.

    Navratri fasting need not be bland or boring. With the help of your microwave and refrigerator, you can create these delicious Navratri fusion recipes that are sure to please your taste buds. Plus, when the feast is over, Voltas Beko dishwashers will be there to help you clean up effortlessly. Enjoy a flavourful and hassle-free Navratri with these delightful recipes and convenient kitchen appliances!

    ALSO READ-Bite sized deliciousness: Laddooh by Chef Sugandha Saxena

  • Foods to lower cardiovascular disease risk

    Foods to lower cardiovascular disease risk

    According to researchers, processed and ultra-processed foods with foods and nutrients are believed to be protective of one’s health….reports Asian Lite News

    Consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, fish and whole-fat dairy products in combination is key to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults, including heart attacks and strokes, say researchers.

    According to the study published in the European Heart Journal, a healthy diet can be achieved in various ways, such as including moderate amounts of whole grains or unprocessed meats.

    Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) researchers and their global collaborators analysed data from 2,45,000 people in 80 countries from multiple studies.

    “Previous diet scores including the EAT-Lancet Planetary Diet and the Mediterranean Diet tested the relationship of diet to CVD and death mainly in Western countries. The PURE Healthy Diet Score included a good representation of high, middle, and low-income countries,” said Salim Yusuf, senior author and principal investigator of Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiological (PURE).

    According to researchers, processed and ultra-processed foods with foods and nutrients are believed to be protective of one’s health.

    “There is a recent increased focus on higher consumption of protective foods for disease prevention. Outside of larger amounts of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, the researchers showed that moderation is key in the consumption of natural foods,” said first author Andrew Mente, PHRI scientist and assistant professor at Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact.

    The PURE Healthy Diet Score recommends an average daily intake of fruits at two to three servings; vegetables at two to three servings; nuts at one serving; and dairy at two servings, three to four weekly servings of legumes and two to three weekly servings of fish.

    According to World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 18 million people died from CVD in 2019, representing 32 per cent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85 per cent were due to heart attacks and strokes.

    ALSO READ-Scenic beauty and adventure with most favourite dishes

  • Tata Starbucks unveils exciting India inspired beverage and foods

    Tata Starbucks unveils exciting India inspired beverage and foods

    Following a successful trial of localised menus in Bengaluru, Bhopal, Gurgaon, and Indore in July of last year, which received favourable feedback from customers, TATA Starbucks has now expanded the new offers nationally…reports Asian Lite News

    Delicious South Indian Filter Coffee, Masala Chai, Elaichi Chai, and a range of exciting Signature Milkshakes, have been introduced at TATA Starbucks Pvt. Ltd. The series of Indian-inspired new beverages and new offerings have been launched as the brand continues its long-term commitment to the growth of one of its fastest-growing markets and to deliver the signature Starbucks experience.

    The beverage giant has introduced a number of new options for consumers at its more than 341 Starbucks locations in India including an intriguing lineup of new beverages with local inspiration, a completely updated food menu, and a new small cup size called “Picco.”

    Customers seeking delicious food alongside their favorite beverages will also be able to enjoy a new food selection featuring bite-sized snacks, shareable food such as Hazelnut Triangle, Chicken Puffin, and Chocolate Éclair. The new food menu also offers a range of freshly assembled sandwiches that are inspired by the local cultural taste and regional favorites such as the Tandoori Chicken Panini Sandwich, Spiced Cottage Cheese Focaccia Sandwich, Herbed Chicken Focaccia Sandwich and more. For first time coffee drinkers and customers new to Starbucks, the new 6oz small cup size ‘Picco’ offered in 6 hot beverages including Cappuccino, Latte, Filter Coffee, Masala Chai, Elaichi Chai and Hot Chocolate, is the perfect option to kick start their Starbucks journey.

    “We have had a great year in F23 with strong revenues and are now present in 43 cities of India. As we expand our presence in Tier 2 and 3 cities, we need to become a more familiar and accessible brand for our consumers. Our pilot where we introduced a range of familiar beverages and a revamped food menu yielded fantastic results from both new and existing customers, which gave us the confidence to expand and go national. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to our vision of being the coffee destination of choice for customers in India. Our unwavering commitment to delivering personalized experiences has propelled Starbucks to become one of the most loved brands in India. We recently celebrated 10 years of TATA Starbucks, and as we gear up for the next stage of growth in India, we continue to look at ways to elevate the Starbucks experience for customers in India, “said Sushant Dash, CEO, TATA Starbucks Pvt Ltd.”

    Following a successful trial of localised menus in Bengaluru, Bhopal, Gurgaon, and Indore in July of last year, which received favourable feedback from customers, TATA Starbucks has now expanded the new offers nationally. The announcement also serves as the official start of the brand’s new #ItStartsWithYourName campaign across the country. The advertising campaign honours the welcoming, friendly, and personalised atmosphere that everyone experiences when they enter a Starbucks location. It honours the bond of love that unites Indian families.

    ALSO READ-Recipe: Shawarma Sandwich

  • SKVP: A delectable variety of Mumbai Street Foods in UK

    SKVP: A delectable variety of Mumbai Street Foods in UK

    Review Feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

    The range of cuisines that can be tried in the maximum city of Mumbai in India, surely can be a gastronome’s dream come true! Just like the city is an eclectic mix of cultures and people, the food variety is also a delectable mix of delicacies from all over the subcontinent.

    The team at Shree Krishna Vada Pav in UK serve Maharashtrian delicacies as well as other delish dishes from all over India. They serve freshly prepared, vegetarian food that is highly customisable to suit a range of taste buds and is reasonably priced. SKVP team is known for the mouth-watering dishes they serve.

    They started their brand on the 15th of August, 2010 as a small sub-let space on Hounslow High Street. With their dedicated team and the support they ascribe to their patrons, today SKVP are a fully operational cafe/restaurant with multiple branches. “Each day has posed new challenges but seeing our guests enjoy our food drives us to exceed their expectations” said the brand founders Sujay Sohani and Subodh Joshi.

    Sujay is the co-founder of “SKVP”, a home grown QSR chain representing cuisine inspired by the alleys of Mumbai. “My philosophy & approach are simple, connecting likeminded investors, operators & brands to define concepts, successful portfolios & continue to expand our chain.”

    Subodh, co-founder SKVP says that he is “Privileged to lead a multi faceted profile of QSR venues, incorporating award winning Indian street-food concepts.” He further says that “I have a relentless pursuit for excellence”.

    SKVP provide quality catering for events, be it small get-togethers at home or large scale corporate events or celebrations. The food is reasonably priced, tastes good, is packed or presented well, it’s authentic in flavours and is finger licking good! Highly recommended for vegetarian and vegan food. 

    Click on the photos to view in full screen

    ALSO READ-Festival aroma of delicious food 

  • Explore regional

    Explore regional

    The dish is made with sprouts, finely diced onions, tomatoes, and a spiced mixture that is served with pan heated pav…reports Asian Lite News

    India is blessed with diversity in culture, fashion, languages and food preparation. Innovation is at the centre with ingredients being prepped and cooked very differently from one region to the next. Here’s a quick guide for your next regional meal:

    Nagaland: Bamboo shoots curry

    When you visit the Northeast region of India, you will discover Pork curry with bamboo shoots is not only famous among the Naga people, but also throughout the region. The curry is made with dry bamboo shoots, chillies, and herbs. The dish is best served with steaming rice and fresh boiled vegetables on the side.

    Telengana: Biryani

    Biryani is not only popular among Indians, but it also has a global reputation. The Hyderabadi version consists of kachchi (raw) biryani, and the pakki (cooked) biryani.

    Gujarat: Dhokla

    If you’re looking for something light, soft, and sweet, the Gujarat’s Dhokla is the dish for you. Dhoklas is made from fermented rice and split chickpea batter and can be eaten as a breakfast, main course, side dish, or snack.

    Maharashtra: Misal Pav

    When Mumbaikars are at a loss for what to eat for breakfast, they turn to Misal Pav. It is a popular Maharashtra Street food. The dish is made with sprouts, finely diced onions, tomatoes, and a spiced mixture that is served with pan heated pav.

    Kashmir: Rogan Josh

    Kashmiri Rogan Josh is as well-known as the other dishes mentioned above. Rogan Josh is a lamb dish flavoured with onions, yoghurt and spices. The dish is best served with steaming rice.

    ALSO READ-Egg really a rich source of dietary cholesterol?

  • Never miss these foods during monsoon

    Never miss these foods during monsoon

    Eat steamed salads instead of raw vegetables as they contain active bacteria and virus that may cause bacterial and viral infections…reports Asian Lite News.

    Monsoon brings different memories to each one of us. For some it is playing and running in the rain as kids, to others having a hot cup of coffee or tea sitting by the window. For some others it is eating a plate full of pakoras or staying sick due to seasonal flu. While monsoon has its own charm, it is also a season that brings along different diseases. Here are the top 10 food items to consume to maintain a better health during monsoon:

    Green Peppercorns: Green Peppercorns contain Piperine, an alkaloid that has various health benefits. It also has a significant amount of Vitamin C and K. Green Peppercorns contain antioxidants that can help prevent serious diseases by deactivating free radicals. Green Peppercorns can reduce gas by stimulating the production of Hydrochloric Acid, which improves food digestion. It also has antimicrobial properties, which means that it may be able to reduce the risk of food poisoning by eliminating the bacteria responsible for foodborne illnesses.

    Fruits: Seasonal fruits like Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Jamun, Pomegranate are packed with Vitamin A and C, Fibre, and Antioxidants. Avoid eating pre-cut fruits and juices from roadside vendors and stick to high quality fresh cut fruits and juices preferable made at home.

    Fluids: Include plenty of warm fluids like soup, masala tea, green tea, broth, dal, soups, etc. as they are good for rehydration and great for the immune system.

    Vegetables: It is a season of Gourds, like Snake Gourd, Bottle Gourd, Indian Squash, Ridge Gourd, etc. Include Gourd vegetables in various preparations like vegetables, paratha, soup, raita, etc. Eat steamed salads instead of raw vegetables as they contain active bacteria and virus that may cause bacterial and viral infections.

    Probiotics: Include probiotics like Curd, Buttermilk, Kefir, pickled vegetables to make your gut flora healthy. These probiotics help boost the growth of good bacteria in the gut, that helps fight the bad bacteria or the disease-causing bacteria from the gut.


    Proteins: Including healthy proteins in your meals help increase immunity and helps in recovery from illness. Milk and milk products, pulses like Moong, dals, lentils, Chole, Rajma, Soya, Egg, and Chicken are good sources of healthy proteins.

    Ginger and Garlic: Ginger and Garlic helps combat chills and fever, eliminate congestion, and have anti-viral properties. They have anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antioxidant effects. Ginger tea can help ease throat pain. Ginger crushed or its extract can be added with Honey for children above the age of 1 year. It can be added to soups or in the tea for elderly. Garlic also has antimicrobial/ antifungal properties, it is an effective immune stimulant. It can be added to gravies, Chutneys, soups, tea, etc.

    Fenugreek seeds/ Methi: Fenugreek is an energy booster, and it contains all the necessary minerals for it to take care of our body, even during fever and digestive disorders.

    Turmeric: Turmeric has Curcumin, that has antioxidant, antimicrobial effect by inhibiting microbial growth like H. Pylori, MRSA, etc., it prevents gastric ulcers, improves immune response, and antimalarial activity among other protective and preventive functions. Indian food traditionally has Turmeric in the food preparation, but consumption of these food items will be variable especially for children and the elderly members for various reasons. A teaspoon of Turmeric as Turmeric milk/ latte, Turmeric with Honey or in hot water would be a good add on for children and elderly members of the family especially during monsoon.

    Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids that also have immune modulatory effect. In monsoon where the risk of infection through food and water increases, increasing immunity would help fight these infections to an extent. Omega 3 Fatty Acids are present in food sources like fish, Shrimps, Oysters, nuts, and oil seeds like Walnuts, Pistachio, Chia seeds, Flax seeds, etc. which could easily be incorporated into one’s diet.

    ALSO READ-Bhumi reveals her ‘magical diet’

    READ MORE-Delicious meal plans for dietary goals