One of the most awaited Hindu holidays is Diwali. It is a festival of lights and a festival of flavors. See below, our exquisite quick recipe for everyone’s favorite mithai.  In the Gregorian calendar, the festival generally falls between mid-October and mid-November. Diwali signifies the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance." Read more about “Diwali, Dharma, and Resistance” here.

Giving Back:‍

During Diwali, people are strongly encouraged to give back to the community. There are many different non profit organizations that do charity work, especially during Diwali. They include centers for the deaf, handmade cards made by underprivileged children whose proceeds go towards their education, organizations working for the betterment of orphans, and centers providing education for children from low-income families.‍

Preparing for Diwali:‍

As Diwali begins to approach, people start preparing for it in advance by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes, temples, and workplaces. Paper lampshades are a novel oriental way of decorating on Diwali. Other decorations include creative and colorful rangolis, diwali torans, diyas, and flowers. During this festive celebration, people light up the interior and exterior of their homes with oil lamps and candles because it is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi graces those homes which are brightly illuminated on Diwali with wealth and prosperity. Additionally, people wear their finest clothes and offer puja to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth, light fireworks, and take part in big family feasts, where mithai (sweets) and gifts are given.

Heavenly Diwali Foods:‍

Lets face it, food is the most important any celebration. Some of the mouth watering mithai include Kaju Katli, Barfi, Motichoor, Besan and Coconut Ladoos, Rasgullas, Suji Halwa, Jalebi and Gulab Jamun.  Some of the succulent savory snacks and entrees include samosas, aloo tikkis, dahi vadas, pooris, dal maharani, and khasta aloo. Samosas are small pockets of pastry, usually shaped into a triangle, stuffed with minced meat, peas, lentils and other vegetables. Aloo tikkis are made with potatoes that are shredded and formed into small patties before being fried. They are served hot with mint or tamarind chutney. These aloo tikki Diwali snacks can also be served as a side to a main meal. Also a popular dish, Dahi Vaadas are prepared by soaking fitters made from lentil and chickpea flour in yogurt (dahi), topped with cilantro, chili powder, crushed black pepper, chaat masala, cumin, green chilis, or boondi. Furthermore, pooris are fried soft round breads and can be eaten with foods like dal maharani- a combination of three different dals mixed, or khasta aloo- curried potatoes. Other entrees include paneer tikkas, saag, navratan korma, malai wali ki sabzi kofta, and nariyal aur badam wale chawal. 

Diwali is a good time to indulge in delicious foods and sweets without feeling guilty.  With that being said, looking for an easy mithai recipe to wow your guests at your next Diwali party? We got you covered with this easy fingerlicking coconut Ladoo recipe that will leave your guests wondering about it for days.

Crazy for Coconut Ladoos:

Ingredients:
•  1 and ½  cups of desiccated coconut
•  1(14 ounces) can of condensed milk  
•  ½  cup of chopped pistachios
•  1 tsp of cardamom powder
•  4tsp of desiccated coconut for garnishing
•  1 tsp of oil
•  Cupcake liners (optional)

Directions:
1)  In a wide pan on low heat, add the desiccated coconut milk and keep stirring.
2)  Add cardamom powder, condensed milk, and chopped pistachios and keep stirring until the mixture begins to come together.
3)  Add the mixture into a bowl and let it cool
4)  Grease your hands with oil and take small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite size ladoos.
5)  Roll the ladoos in coconut and place them into cupcake liners.
6)  Refrigerate in an airtight container until it’s ready to be served.

Searching for some fun fall recipes to kick off the autumn season? Scroll to the bottom for a Pumpkin Spice Lassi and Cranberry Chutney recipe that will make you fall in love. 

You know fall is near when your favorite cafes start carrying pumpkin spice lattes, and stores are filled with orange and yellow decor items. Weather over the United States this year has been much warmer than before; therefore, most people are anticipating the cooler, crisper, and fresher air autumn brings along. Along with the fluctuation in the weather, autumn brings along with it changes in the colors of leaves, cute sweaters, boots, scarves, and the first day of school! In a way, it is an opportunity for a  fresh start before the new year.

The autumn season welcomes a lot of different things: from new holidays to certain fruits and recipes. For example, Onam is an annual Harvest festival that originated in the state of Kerala in India and falls around August–September.  This year, Malayalis around the world celebrated from September 1st to September 13th, making it an almost “pre-fall” festival. Some of the tasty delicacies consumed during Onam include: upperi or banana chips, kaalan, pulissery, and naranga curry.

Additionally, Navratri, another Hindu festival observed for different reasons spans over nine nights every year in the fall. Navratri is also known as Ma Durga Puja and is a vital festival held in honor of the divine feminine. It chiefly celebrates the victory of good over evil wherein Devi Durga defeats and overpowers the buffalo demon in the form of Mahishasura. A few of the delicious foods eaten during Navratri include: sabudana khichdi, aloo ki kadhi, chawal ka dhokla, and singhare atte ka halwa. Interestingly enough, there are nine colors of Navratri to symbolize one color for each day, and they happen to concur with the shades of the autumn season: red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue. 

Apart from religious holidays, fall also welcomes seasonal fruits like pumpkins, apricots, cranberries, and apples, along with new pastimes. Family friendly activities like drinking warm mugs of apple cider, apple picking, picking out the perfect pumpkin, leaf leaping, baking pies, and trying out new foods and recipes are the highlight of September through December. Nevertheless, allow us to introduce to you two new fall recipes that blend the autumn season with the desi culture!

Pumpkin spice latte who? Introducing the pumpkin spice lassi!

Ingredients:

‍• 2 cups peeled pumpkin pieces, chopped into 1” cubes
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1 cup Plain Yogurt
• ½ cup Sugar
• 1 cup Cold Water
• ¼ tsp Cinnamon
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

‍1. In a medium pan, heat oil, and add chopped pumpkin and whole milk. Cook until slightly soft.
2. Let the mixture simmer until thickened.  
3. In a blender, add the pumpkin mixture, plain yogurt, white sugar, and cinnamon and blend for one minute.
4. Pour cold water slowly into the blended mixture and blend again until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Ice is optional.
6. Enjoy!

A cranberry chutney you’ll love berry much!

Ingredients:

‍• 12 oz bag fresh whole cranberries
• 4 oz dried candied mango (small diced)
• Lemon zest (1 lemon)
• Orange zest (1 orange)
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 2 diced green chilies
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

‍1. Mix all the ingredients except cranberries in large pot on medium heat. Bring to a boil.
2. Add cranberries to the boiling sauce, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until all cranberries burst.
3. Remove from heat and cool completely. Remove cinnamon stick and star anise.
4. The chutney is now ready!

Where in the world would you find two countries with so many similarities? Colorful and vibrant are the words that come to mind when speaking about both the Indian and Pakistani culture and lifestyle. Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujurati are the four major high-spirited languages spoken by a multitude of people from both countries. In fact, most Bollywood movies and songs are filmed in the Hindi/ Urdu language. This commonality applies to other performing arts as well. Bhangra, a high-energy, Punjabi style of dance music performed at weddings and parties is common in both India and Pakistan. When you think of Punjabis, you think of bhangra--and vice versa. Speaking of music, Qawwali, a form of Sufi Islamic music performed at shrines and dargahs is also notably popular throughout South Asia.

Similarly, both countries share an array of similarities in regards to the customs and traditions that characterize a “desi” wedding. Unlike Western weddings, South Asian marriages are a week-long affair, including multiple events such as: a haldi/mayoun, followed by a sangeet/mehendi, concluding with a grand wedding reception. Brides tend to steer away from dressing in lighter colors, and strongly prefer wearing intricately designed red or maroon outfits, accompanied by dramatic hair and makeup, and gold jewelry. In both cultures, you will find the hands of the bride and her closest family members decorated with ornate henna designs.

Although the music, dancing, and newly married couple are important aspects of a wedding, the best part about a desi wedding, as we all know, is the food. Ranging from delicious appetizers such as pakoras, aloo tikkis, chaat, and pani poori, to entrees like palak paneer, pilau, bhindi masala, and curry, Indian and Pakistani food is sure to make your mouth water. Pakistani weddings tend to focus on a mix of meat and vegetarian foods like korma, biryani, chana masala, and barbecue items; whereas, the majority of Indian weddings include vegetarian and vegan items like daal makhani, paneer tikka, and gobi manchurian. Especially important in both cultures is ending the meal with heavenly desserts including gulab jamun, ladoos, gajar ka halwa, mango kulfi, and kheer.

Moreover, like the love of football stands strong in America, in both South Asian countries you will find that the love and passion for the cricket sport encompasses all crowds in every household. The love of this sport, and values such as family and education keep loved ones close. Unlike other cultures, it is more common--and actually encouraged--that children live with their parents until they are married, and are raised to take care of their parents in their old-age. Additionally, since poverty is more pervasive among the populations in both countries, the importance of education is heightened among children early on as a path to breaking that cycle.

Certainly both countries share vital features of their cultures with each other, but the similarities do not stop there. They both also share their borders with the Arabian Sea and the village of Wagah. Flag lowering ceremonies at the Wagah-Attari border end in handshakes of good faith between the head guards of each nation, symbolizing brotherhood. In addition, both India and Pakistan have stunning, yet indistinguishable landscapes. From Stok Range, Nubra Valley, and the Central Highlands in India, to Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Naltar Valley in Pakistan, thousands of tourists visit these breathtaking sceneries every year. Speaking of tourism, some of the must-see landmarks in India include: the Taj Mahal, Charminar, and the India Gate; whereas in Pakistan, similar bucket list spots are the Badshahi Masjid, Minar-e-Pakistan, and Shalimar Garden.

Both India and Pakistan are united in their aspects of culture, traditions, values, and beauty. To this day, people residing in Pakistan and India share a special bond as their forefathers are linked to one another. From similarities in languages, to foods, to landscapes, man-made lines cannot change common ancestry, and the two young nations can be considered family. As Lailah Gifty Akita said: “There is beauty and power in unity. We must be united in heart and mind. One world, one people”.

Let’s face it, when you live in a desi household, you only take a day off of school when you are in a dire emergency. Growing up, Eid always held a special place in my heart as it meant taking a day off of school without having to explain myself. Eid ul-Fitr, which translates to the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast", marks an end to the holy month of Ramadan.Muslims around the world look forward to Eid preparations months in advance. They make sure to buy vibrant clothes that follow the latest fashion trends, with matching bangles, jewelry, and sandals. The night before Eid, also known as “Chand Raat”, streets in South Asian communities are usually bustling with last-minute shoppers as they are during Christmas Eve. During this time, people take strolls down these streets to get last minute accessories and decorate their hands with intricate henna patterns. They make sure to get some mango kulfi, samosas, and papri chaat along the way while hearing exuberant greetings of “Chand Raat Mubarak!”

On Eid Morning, children and adults alike wake up super early and get dressed in their shiny and colorful outfits with matching jewelry, and go for Eid prayer. Personally, my favorite part is reuniting with acquaintances. The energy is amazing. Everyone gathers in one happy place and expresses their cheeriness through a unique three-hug embrace. After the Eid prayer, people come home to Eid presents, halwa puri breakfast, and an Eid staple dessert: ‘Sheer Khorma’. After feasting, they go house hopping to visit family and friends. Post-food-coma, a nap would be necessary before getting re-dressed in a second new outfit for an evening Eid dinner with extended family. It is such a pleasant feeling to catch up with relatives, old and young, and reunite during this special holiday. During dessert and chai, the kids receive Eid presents from the elders, and parents share stories from their own childhood and how they celebrated Eid in their home country. In some cases, these Eid celebrations extend on to the weekends as well. 

Each community has its own unique way of celebrating Eid, some folks travel to their home countries to be with their families and others celebrate locally by hosting potluck lunches and dinners. There are many Eid festivals and celebrations that people around the U.S. participate in with merriment. Many mosques and Muslim communities hold Eid carnivals, halal food festivals, parades, workshops, and more. They make a point to reach out to be inclusive of Muslims new and old, as well as individuals of other faiths. 

After a month of abstaining from basic human necessities, Eid-ul-fitr is a celebration that teaches people to be grateful for their blessings, and provides gratitude for the everyday convenience of life including a meal whenever you want it, water that comes out of a wall from your house, and the difficulties those that don't have this convenience face. It is a reminder that not everyone has the choice to eat, drink, and spend time with family whenever they wish. Eid-ul-fitr is a segway into being mindful of what Ramadan has taught people going forward in their lives: to forgive and forget, to eat moderately, and to continue to abstain from vices for a clean soul for the rest of the year. 

During this time, Muslims are also strongly encouraged to reach out to those who are less fortunate and continue to give to charity; Mosques hold clothing and toy drives to be donated to children and families on this holiday. Eid-ul-fitr is a time of much merriment as Muslims observe the end of Ramadan in high spirits, whilst also keeping the less fortunate in mind.

The Fourth of July is a celebration of the birth of the United States. However, it is also a celebration of a country that defines itself by its incorporation of people from around the world through immigration. This day holds a special meaning for immigrants as they gather to celebrate what it means for them to be American and ethnic, as they recognize the blessings and freedom they have received in the U.S. after overcoming personal struggles. 

Notably, the founding fathers of the United States understood the importance of immigration to a healthy and booming nation. Since then, America has become home to millions of immigrants who share rights and blessings to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The United States is the most sought out country for people migrating in search of a better life and a broader scope of opportunities. Many immigrants come from countries where they lack what we consider basic human rights.  Necessities such as education, freedom of thought and expression, workers’ rights, and the power to vote are not guaranteed. For those immigrants, the United States represents a haven where they can be free to pursue unlimited opportunities, live to their fullest potential, and contribute to a market economy. 

As a result, much of America has experienced immigrant work ethic via cab drivers, janitors, housekeepers, motel owners, gas station owners, and the many non-Native soldiers in the U.S. military. All have long been an integral part of the American workforce. According to a study done by Forbes in 2018, 55% of America's billion dollar start-up companies are founded by immigrants. These start-up companies are based in Silicon Valley, with California being the headquarters for 33 of the 50. Moreover, the research also showed that 82% of companies had at least one immigrant who had served as a CEO, chief technology officer, or vice president responsible for major corporate decisions, managing the overall operations, and overseeing company growth. Furthermore, many of America’s top companies such as Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Amazon are run by immigrants or children of immigrants who emerged as engineers, scientists, and innovators. Immigrants have also positively contributed to the fashion industry with top-end designers such as Sachin & Babi, Naeem Khan, and Prabal Gurung catering to top U.S politicians and Hollywood celebrities. Consequently, immigrants from all skill sets have been a substantial factor in contributing to the economy of the United States’.  

Although many immigrants initially faced additional hardships when they migrated to the United States, namely: a culture shock, difficulty learning and speaking English, raising their children in a new environment, securing work, and accessing services and transportation, they persisted and gradually adapted to the American culture while holding on to their own roots. They introduced diversity to America by sharing their food, music, clothing, and culture. In return, America offered them a home to build their own communities. Thus, in every major city, you can find a neighborhood of a population of people from a distinct origin such as a Chinatown, Greek Town, Little Italy, and a Little India.  

The Fourth of July is a celebration of this diversity, inclusion, and reminder that not everyone is able to enjoy the same freedom and opportunity that America offers. One is likely to find immigrants in all corners of the U.S.--whether it is in a small town like Tyler, Texas or a metropolitan city like San Francisco, California. America is responsible for cultivating the new ideas, skills, and entrepreneurial spirits these immigrants bring with them, without diminishing the freedom of those who already live here. The United States has and always will be a melting pot and a nation built on immigrants, and on the Fourth of July, America celebrates them and its freedom.

Ever wonder why it is called “Ramadan”? The term Ramadan comes from the word “ramad” which means burning. According to Muslim scholars, this holy month was named Ramadan because fasting during it burns the sins of the practicing person, bringing her or him closer to God. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, water, and sexual intercourse from sunup to sundown.

Ramadan commemorates the month in which Muslims believe Muhammad received the initial revelations that today make up the Qur'an. It falls upon a different Gregorian date every year based on moon sightings. Ramadan is a time of spiritual cleansing for many Muslims, and it is encouraged to prepare in advance for it. Burying hatchets, reflecting upon the Qur’an, decluttering your home, giving to charity, abstaining from vices (such as smoking, drinking, and excessive caffeine consumption), stocking up on pantry items in bulk, eating moderately, and going on a social media detox are some of the things people do to prepare. To get young children into the Ramadan spirit, parents decorate their homes and plan a fun 30-day countdown calendar to encourage kids to do good deeds, and learn about the significance of the month.

Ramadan is a perfect time for families to bond over prayer and prepare meals to break bread during suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, and iftar, the meal eaten at sunset. This is also a great opportunity for people to give back to the community by donating to mosques, and assisting them in preparations for daily suhoor and iftar meals for the public. Mosques and universities hold annual interfaith iftars as they welcome people of other faiths to join Muslims in opening their fasts at sundown. If Ramadan falls in the summer months, the nights are shorter allowing friends and families to spend it together engaging in prayer and suhoor. There is also an increased sense of community and brotherhood during the month of Ramadan. Muslims from around the neighborhood congregate for “Taraweeh”, a nightly Ramadan prayer.

Ramadan is a chance for Muslims to redeem themselves. Apart from redemption, Ramadan allows for improved mental clarity and concentration. We have all experienced a “food coma”, a state in which we feel extremely lethargic. In contrast, even with little food and water, Muslims find periods during their fast where they feel a brain fog lifted and mental concentration improved. Ramadan reveals the strength of the body and the power of the mind. Similar to other religions and traditions, fasting reveals to us that our appetite has less power over us than we think and that we are stronger than we realize. It illuminates the power we have over our urges.
 

The first day of Ramadan is the hardest for most people; however, after a few days, the body gets accustomed to the new change. During Ramadan, for the pre-dawn meal (suhoor), health experts strongly recommend to drink plenty of water and eat wholesome foods that provide energy to last the long hours of summer. Foods such as yogurt lassi, fruit and date smoothies, chia seed pudding, greek yogurt with granola, oatmeal with bananas, and avocado toast are commonly recommended. For the post-dawn meal (Iftar), it is recommended to break your fast with dates and water, as dates provide a burst of natural sugar that your body needs, followed by grilled chicken or fish with vegetables, salads, and soup. During Ramadan, one should stay away from foods that are saturated with oil, artificial sugars, or salts; otherwise, it defeats the purpose of living a healthy lifestyle. Begin and end your fast on a nutritious note, and your body will thank you in the long run.

Ramadan is a chance for Muslims to cleanse the mind,  body, and soul. Some find it the perfect antidote to our fast-paced digital culture that can leave us mentally exhausted and disconnected with nature, personal relationships, and our inner selves.

After getting married and moving to my own home, I had to learn all about the essential spices that are found in a desi kitchen. Before marriage, it never dawned upon me the significance of these spices that I grew up eating, nor did I bother to learn what each spice was as my mom handed me the spices needed as I followed recipes. Standing perplexed in my kitchen in Texas, instead of facetiming my mom, I decided to take matters into my own hands and self-learn. I was determined to start adulting and did my research on the essential spices needed for Indian cooking, before heading to the grocery store. I browsed through my bookmarked recipes that I created in the past, and came up with a list of spices commonly found in all of them.

Following are the few fundamental spices that will make your curries irresistible. You can put them in a masala dabba which can be easily found on Amazon or any Indian grocery store, or in clear jars with labels on them for easy access. Without further ado, I present to you “The Magnificent Seven”:

 1. Red Chili powder (Laal Mirch)

Consists of pure red ground chillies. One of the key ingredients that makes Indian cooking spicy, eliminating blandness which differentiates Indian cuisines from other cuisines.

2. Turmeric powder (Haldi)

The main ingredient that gives Indian dishes their distinct yellow color. It is known to have an abundance of health benefits.

3. Coriander Powder (Dhaniya Powder)

It is an aromatic stimulant that brings out the flavorsome savor of Indian curries. It also acts as a thickener.

4. Cumin seeds (Zeera)

Cumin is grown from seeds. Cumin seed is used as a spice for its distinctive and intense flavor and aroma. It can be used to add a smoky note to Indian dishes.

5. Cumin powder (Zeera Powder)

Cumin powder is derived from ground cumin seeds. Its flavor can be described as warm and earthy and plays well with others, especially with coriander powder.

6. Garam masala (Ground Spices)

This is a blend of whole spices such as coriander, cumin, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg that have been ground and roasted. The words garam masala literally translate to “hot spices”.

7. Cardamon (Elaichi)

There are two kinds of cardamom used in Indian cooking: green and black. Green cardamom tastes light and sweet. Black cardamom, on the other hand, is powerful and smoky.

The magnificent seven spices listed above can be used separately or together. You are guaranteed to find them in any Indian recipe. Some of the more popular appetizers and dishes include pakoras, samosas, daal, mixed sabzi, curry, biryani, etc. Now you can say goodbye to the ready made MSG filled masala packets, and say hello to a trend that is better for both your health and wallet.

Holi announces the passing of winter and arrival of spring, radiating merriment. People meet each other with warm embraces, burying hatchets, and throwing away their worries. During Holi, every corner presents a colorful sight filled with singing, dancing, delicious foods and desserts, and quality time spent with friends and family. This Festival of Color in spring is nature’s way of singing “Holi Hai!”.

From grandparents missing the festivities back home, NRI’s introducing their young children to the festivities, or an American-Indian bringing their Non-Indian co-workers to a holi event, this is one holiday that is enjoyed by all age groups. Over the years, the Holi festival has been mainstreamed and has become a welcoming space for all faiths. This Festival of Colors is often attended and enjoyed by many, including Muslims, Sikh, Mormons, Catholics, and Jews.

Over the last few decades, the Indian population in the U.S. has grown drastically in metropolitan cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Jose, and D.C. When it comes to Hindu holidays like Diwali, Lohri, or Holi, Indian associations and festival organizers plan colorful, fun-filled events of Indian street food, singing, and choreographed dancing.

Upcoming Holi Celebrations Across the U.S.

The Sri Radha Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah has a two-day festival planned at the end of March where over fifty thousand people are expected to attend, with the majority being non-Hindu participants. Similarly in Texas, the Houston Holi festival will be celebrated with a live Bollywood concert, all day color play, Bollywood and Indian folk dance performances, carnival rides for children, and a foam party. In California, the LA Holi celebration planned for March welcomes spring with a scheduled color throw countdown, yoga lessons, and a live music festival. It is described by some as the “World’s Happiest Transformational Event.”

These upcoming Holi celebrations also incorporate Holi rituals including the burning of wood or lighting of a bonfire called Holika. This is followed by the actual play of colors where people wear white outfits, and take delight in spraying colored water on each other or throwing handfuls of holi color on one another.

Food Served During Holi:

As always, the foodie in me is wondering what delicacies will be served during this colorful festival. The must have beverages include, thandai, made with saffron, almonds, sugar, milk and a variety of herbs, and lassi, a yogurt based drink. Some savory snacks include papri chaat, dahi vaada, and kachori. Papri chaat is made with crispy dough wafers served with chickpeas and boiled potatoes, tamarind chutney and yogurt. Dahi Vaada is prepared by soaking fitters made from lentil, chickpea flour, or potato immersed in yogurt (dahi), topped with cilantro, chili powder, crushed black pepper, chaat masala, cumin, green chilis, or boondi. And lastly, kachoris are lentil-filled pooris or dumplings served with tamarind chutney. To top it off, desserts for the Holi festival include, Gujiya or stuffed dumplings, Malpua– a sweet crepe prepared with a batter of coconut, crushed banana, flour, milk, and cardamom, served with a sugar syrup- and Kesari Malai Peda. Kesari Malai Peda are balls made with cream (malai) or thickened milk, saffron, and cardamom.

Extraordinarily different, a feast of foods, sounds, and colors, there’s nothing quite like India, and there is no better way to experience Indian culture in the United States than to celebrate the Holi festival with the locals. That said, don’t pass up this opportunity of participating in one of the world’s most vibrant festivals and singing  “Holi Hai!” no matter where you are.

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Do you ever look back at an old picture and miss your luscious locks? New Year’s resolutions have everyone focusing on self care. This year, in addition to healthy eating and going to the gym, my new mantra is “care for my hair”. Much of last year was spent traveling which took a big toll on my healthy hair. I didn’t realize it, but climate change and water can have a drastic effect on your locks. From consulting my hair stylist for hair remedies to ordering high-end hair products from Amazon, I have yet to find a solution. One of main goals of this year, is to nurture my hair back to the way it used to be before. 

Growing up, my mom would give me a head massage with natural oils every other day to stimulate my scalp which helped strengthen my hair follicles. After much research, I decided to go back to the basics and revert to the DIY methods of using those oils to treat my hair. Following are the natural hair oils I have tried in the last month to restore those luscious locks.

Castor Oil + Organic Coconut Oil

The ultimate combination to bringing your hair back to life!

• Heat up equal parts of castor oil and organic coconut oil. Work with small sections of your scalp and massage the oil into your hair for 10-15 minutes. Leave the oil in hair overnight for the best results and then wash with your normal hair routine. Use twice a week for the best results.
• This is a highly recommended blend for hair loss due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Also beneficial in preventing and treating dandruff.
• Castor oil is thick in consistency and is useful in nourishing the scalp, while Coconut oil is thinner in consistency and useful for keeping the scalp moisturized.

Mustard Oil

If you have dry and brittle hair, mustard oil is the solution!

• Take a measurable amount of mustard oil depending on your hair length and massage it into your scalp in small sections. You may choose to heat the mustard oil before application if you want. Leave the oil overnight for best results and wash with your normal hair routine. Use twice a week for the best results.
• Stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation in the scalp.
• Has antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent hair loss.
• Contains fatty acids to help condition and hydrate the hair.

Almond Oil

If you have a hard time giving up hair tools every morning,
then almond oil is your call!

• Take a measurable amount of almond oil depending on your hair length and massage it into your scalp in small sections. Leave oil in hair overnight for the best results and then wash with your normal hair routine. Use twice a week for the best results.

• Softens the hair and makes it super shiny. 

• Nut oils, such as this, improve hair resilience. This is good for people who style their hair a lot using heat and friction, such as with a straightener or curling iron.

• Anyone who has a severe nut allergy should not use almond oil for their hair as it could trigger a serious reaction.

Move over green tea, we now have a new chai contender in town. With the arrival of winter and the bitter icy winds, this rosy-hued drink known as Kashmiri Chai is now the “it” drink of the season. Brought to Pakistan and India by the people of Kashmir after the partition in 1947, this drink was initially only served to the royals due its sacred supply of Kashmir tea leaves.

However, on my recent trip to South Asia, I noticed that this pink tea, also known as Noon Chai and Gulabi Chai, was now being served in roadside cafes, restaurants, and even weddings. Unfortunately, if you live abroad, most South Asian restaurants still do not carry Kashmiri Chai. It is a rare find and whenever I am lucky enough to spot it on a menu, the foodie in me jumps with glee.

Granted you’re craving to try this rosy tea people describe as a “Creamsicle with flowers”, this drink requires a lot of time and patience to master. Perfecting the right cup of Kashmiri Chai may take some trial and error. Normally, regular chai only takes a few minutes to prepare, but when working with Kashmiri tea leaves, if you think you’ve brewed it long enough- you haven’t, so keep brewing! Once you have become an expert on this coveted drink, you can call yourself the Master Barista of Kashmiri Tea.

With that being said, we leave you to brew your own perfect cup of pink.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoon kashmiri tea leaves
• 9 green cardamom crushed
• 3 inch cinnamon broken into chip
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cold water
• 3 to 4 tablespoon sugar
• 2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon of ground pistachios
• 1 tablespoon of ground almonds

Instructions:

1. In a pot, add water, Kashmiri tea leaves, salt, cardamom and cinnamon.
2. When the water comes to a boil, add the baking soda.
3. Let the tea cook until the water turns reddish and the water is half. This will take about 30 minutes.
4. Add ice cold water to the boiling hot tea and mix for about 5 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and let it cool for about few minutes. You can even refrigerate the Kehwa for later use.
6. Once you are ready to serve, in a separate pot, add tea and milk and let it come to a boil.
7. Pour it in a cup and garnish with nuts.

Image Source:

Kfoods

Caren Joan

We are in full swing for the Holiday season! Although holiday times are fun for some, they can be a daunting time for others with end of the year work deadlines, finding budget friendly presents, or even preparing to throw the ultimate holiday cocktail party. To make life a little easier for you, we have come up with three unique Hors d'oeuvre recipes which will take only minutes to prepare and will leave the attendees talking about it for days.

Goodbye Tequila Shots, Hello Pani Puri Shots!

Ingredients:

• Shot Glasses
• 1 packet of pani puri
• 2 large potatoes (boiled and diced)
• 1/4 cup chickpeas (boiled)
• 2-4 drops cooking oil
• 2 teaspoons of tamarind paste
• 2 teaspoons of mint chutney
• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons of squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 2 to 3 cups of water (adjust to desired consistency)

1. First, put a few tablespoons of oil in a fryer and let it heat.
2. Next, place them in a single layer in the fryer for 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Let it cool for 1 minute.
3. Then, gently puncture each of the fried puris with a small knife to create a hole large enough to place the filling.
4. Mix the potatoes and chickpeas and place the mix in each of the punctured puris until filled.
5. In a blender, take water, tamarind paste, mint chutney, cumin powder, lemon juice, salt, paper and chat masala and blend.
6. Once the pani is made, fill the shot glass with 3/4 of the pani.
7. Place the filled pani puris on top of the filled shot glasses.

 You’re the Chutney to my Cocktail Samosa

Ingredients:

• Small Appetizers Plates
• 1 Pack of Defrosted Swad Mini Vegetable Cocktail Samosas
• Oil for frying
• 1 cup of Swad’s Mint Chutney
• 1 cup of Swad’s Tamarind Chutney

1. After heating up the oil, fry the samosas for 4-6 minutes turning them at regular intervals until thoroughly cooked & golden brown.
2. Let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Place the appetizer plates in an assembly line, add 2 samosas on each plate and add 1/2 spoon of mint chutney on the right corner of the plate and 1/2 spoon of tamarind chutney on the left side of the plate.

 Cholay Salsa your way to the Dance Floor!

Ingredients:

• Small Plastic Cups
• 2 cans of boiled chickpeas
• ½ teaspoon of coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon of chaat masala
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 diced onions
• 4 diced tomatoes
• ½ cup of Cilantro
• Tortilla chips

1. Strain all of the liquid from the boiled chickpeas.
2. Once the boiled chickpeas are dried and added to a bowl, add coriander powder, cumin powder, chaat masala, salt, and mix well.
3. Refrigerate the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
4. Take the mixture out and add diced onions, tomatoes and lemon juice. Mix Well.
5. Place the plastic cups in an assembly line and fill 3/4 of each cup with the mixture.
6. Add a few tortilla chips on top of the cup and top it off with cilantro.

Image Source:

Pani Puri Shots

Cholay Salsa

While waiting in line to grab my latte at my favorite cafe earlier this year, I overheard two other fellow coffee enthusiasts discussing the latest and greatest item on the menu called “Golden Milk.” Because my curiosity always get the best of me, I decided to ask the Barista to give me the 101 on this pretty insta-worthy Golden Goodness. The barista described the drink as “a warm drink made from steaming milk with aromatic turmeric powder and spices.”

After I walked out of the café, I realized that the Barista had just described “Haldi Dhood” also known as “Golden Milk,” which has now become the new craze in cafes around the globe. For centuries, this so-called “Golden Drink” has been part of Ayurvedic medicine and is a staple medicinal drink in many Indian households. Back in the day when people didn’t have access to or couldn’t afford conventional over the counter medicine, this Golden Milk was the godsend solution to combat many serious health issues.

Many refer to Golden Milk as a “Super Drink” as it has many health benefits and is often used as an alternative remedy to boost immunity and treat chronic diseases. With its anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory properties, Golden Milk is very beneficial during the winter season because of its use in treating colds, coughs and several other respiratory tract infections. It is also used to treat digestive problems and helps relieve gas, bloating and acid reflux. Additionally, Golden Milk is a great source of calcium, which is a necessary mineral to keep bones strong and healthy. The presence of calcium helps in combating arthritis pain and inflammation. This golden goodness can also assist in improving blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. With many countless magical prolonging life benefits, it is no wonder that Golden Milk has gained a cult following everywhere. Below is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of milk of your choice (dairy, coconut, or almond)
• 1 tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp cinnamon powder
• Pinch of ground black pepper
• Tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp raw honey to taste (optional)

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth.
2. Pour into a small saucepan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot, but not boiling.
3. Drink while it’s hot