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NDTV
10-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
How To Cook With Avocado: 7 Delicious Recipes For Home Chefs
Once a rare sight in Indian markets, often tucked away in the imported section or mistaken for an oversized pear, the avocado has slowly but surely carved out a space in our kitchens. Today, it is no longer just a health food buzzword or a brunch cafe staple. From smoothie bowls in Bengaluru to paratha dough in Pune, this creamy green fruit is being embraced by home chefs across the country. Whether you are trying to eat clean, explore global flavours, or simply jazz up your everyday meals, avocado fits right in. It is versatile, nutrient-rich, and surprisingly easy to work with, even if you are new to it. But before we dive into recipes, let us answer a few questions that pop up most often when people search for avocado online: Q. What is the best way to eat avocado? Toast, salad, smoothie, chutney, or even there is no wrong way. In a rush? Can't cook? Order from Q. Can avocado be cooked? Yes, it can be sauted, baked, or added to curries. Q. Is avocado good for weight loss? Absolutely. It is rich in fibre and healthy fats that keep you full longer. Q. How to know if avocado is ripe? Gently press near the stem, if it yields slightly then it is ready. Now, let us explore seven delicious, super easy avocado recipes that you can whip up in your own kitchen. They are easy, fuss-free, and full of flavour - perfect for anyone who wants to make the most of this creamy wonder. Let us get started. 7 Easy Avocado Recipes For Indian Kitchens You Must Try: 1. South Indian-Style Avocado Chutney: If you love coconut chutney, this creamy cousin will win you over. It is perfect for dosa, idli, or even as a spread on toast. Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado 1/2 cup grated coconut 2 green chillies A few curry leaves Lemon juice, salt to taste Mustard seeds and urad dal for tempering Method: Blend avocado, coconut, chillies, curry leaves, and lemon juice into a smooth paste. Heat oil, add mustard seeds and urad dal, and pour over the chutney. Serve fresh. Kitchen tip: To avoid browning, always add lemon juice and store in an airtight container. If you are short on time, you can even order fresh grated coconut through your favourite food app. 2. Avocado Roti Wraps With Chaat Masala: Think of this as a desi burrito, which is wholesome, flavourful, and perfect for lunchboxes. Plus, it is a great way to use leftover rotis creatively. Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado 1 small onion, finely chopped Coriander leaves Lemon juice Chaat masala Whole wheat rotis Method: Mash avocado and mix with onion, coriander, lemon juice, and chaat masala. Spread onto warm rotis, roll them up, and toast lightly on a tawa. Photo Credit: iStock 3. Avocado And Mango Summer Salad: This vibrant salad is a celebration of seasonal produce and is perfect for hot afternoons. Besides, this salad is a proof that raw avocado tastes delicious and refreshing. Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado 1 ripe mango 1/2 red onion Mint leaves Lime juice Honey (optional) Method: Dice mango and avocado. Toss with sliced onion, chopped mint, lime juice, and a drizzle of honey. Chill before serving. Pro tip: If mangoes are out of season, swap with papaya or pineapple. If you are pressed for time, you can even order this refreshing salad from any healthy cafe through your favourite food app. 4. Chocolate Avocado Mousse: A dessert that feels indulgent but is secretly healthy? Yes, please. In this recipe, avocado replaces cream, making this mousse dairy-free and rich in good fats. It is also a great way to introduce kids to healthy desserts. Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado 2 tbsp cocoa powder 2 tbsp honey or jaggery syrup A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla essence Method: Blend everything until smooth. Chill for 2 hours and serve with berries or grated dark chocolate. 5. Avocado Smoothie With Banana And Dates: This is a perfect meal for rushed mornings or post-workout refuelling. Plus, avocado adds the creaminess to the drink, without needing dairy or ice cream. Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado 1 banana 2 dates 1 cup chilled almond milk A pinch of cardamom Method: Blend all ingredients until creamy. Add soaked chia seeds or oats for extra fibre. 6. Avocado Coconut Curry: This is a Thai-inspired curry with Indian soul, which is a must-try for dinner. In this recipe, avocado adds a creamy texture that balances the spice and richness of coconut milk. It is also a great vegetarian alternative to meat-based curries. Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, cubed Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, bell pepper) 1 cup coconut milk Garlic, ginger, curry leaves Salt, pepper, turmeric Method: Saute garlic, ginger, and vegetables. Add coconut milk and avocado cubes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Serve with steamed rice or noodles. 7. Avocado Paratha: Soft, nutty, and surprisingly filling, this paratha is a hit with all age groups. Pair with curd, pickle, or a simple dal. And if you do not have time to cook dal, you can always order it online from your favourite Punjabi restaurant. Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado 1.5 cups whole wheat flour Salt, ajwain, green chillies (optional) Method: Mash avocado and mix into the flour with salt and spices. Knead into a soft dough. Roll out and cook like regular parathas. Serving suggestion: You can also use leftover avocado dough to make mini tikkis for evening snacks. Whether you are making a chutney for breakfast, a salad for lunch, or a mousse for dessert, a portion of avocado adds nutrition, texture, and a touch of indulgence. So, the next time you spot avocados at your local market, do not hesitate to bring them home and add to your everyday recipes in the most creative way.
India.com
18-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- India.com
Wake Up Right – Top Coffee Machines for Every Coffee Lover!
Brew Like a Barista – AGARO Imperial Espresso Machine for Rich, Café-Style Coffee! Order Now Espresso Excellence – Morphy Richards Europa for Quick, Flavorful Coffee at Home! Order Now Simple & Smooth – nexlev Drip Coffee Maker for Effortless Everyday Brews! Order Now Freshly Ground, Freshly Brewed – Russell Hobbs Grind & Brew for True Coffee Lovers! Order Now Wake Up to Flavor – Preethi Cafe Zest for Strong South Indian-Style Filter Coffee! Order Now Brew Perfection – Rossmann Coffee Maker for Modern Homes & Classic Tastes! Order Now Read Next Story
NDTV
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
How To Make Cucumber Tambuli - A No-Cook Summer Recipe That's Great For Your Gut
India's food scene is an experience in itself. It is colourful, rooted in culture, and always in tune with the seasons. One of the best things about Indian food is how it shifts with the weather, swapping spice and heat in winter for calm and cooling flavours in summer. As soon as temperatures start climbing, Indian kitchens turn into havens of hydrating and gut-friendly food. Step into any South Indian home and you will see what that looks like. There is always something light and cooling on offer, from tangy buttermilk to rasam, coconut water, and curd-based dishes that instantly feel like a breather. One such dish that is often overlooked but deserves more attention is cucumber tambuli. Also Read: South Indian Annam Ganji Is Perfect Dish To Cool You Down During Summer What Is Tambuli And Why Does It Work So Well In Summer? Tambuli comes from the Kannada words 'thampu', which means cool, and 'huli', which points to a curd-based curry. It is a thin yoghurt curry - lighter than raita but more flavour-packed. In Karnataka, tambuli is a must-have during the hot months, acting like a natural coolant in a bowl. There are several versions across the South, but cucumber tambuli - also called southekayi tambuli - is hands-down one of the most loved. It is easy to make, hydrating, and great for gut health thanks to the probiotics from curd. Also Read: Try These South Indian-Style Cucumber Recipes This Summer What Makes Cucumber Tambuli So Popular During Summer? 1. Zero stove-time required: Let us be honest - when it is scorching outside, even thinking about cooking can feel like a task. Cucumber tambuli skips all that drama. No sauteing, no boiling - just blend, mix, and serve. 2. Ready in just 10 minutes: Need something quick, tasty, and low effort? This recipe is your best bet. You only need a handful of ingredients and one blender. Whether you are dealing with surprise guests or running low on time, Tambuli saves the day. 3. Cooling by nature: Cucumber is mostly water, and curd has always been the go-to for beating the heat. Put them together, and you get a dish that is instantly cooling and hydrating - exactly what your body needs in summer. 4. Easy on your gut: If your stomach feels off during the heat, this is your friend. Cucumber is gentle, curd has natural probiotics, and the result is a dish that feels good to eat and even better after. 5. Works with everything: Traditionally, tambuli is eaten with steamed rice and maybe a pickle or papad. But it can stand on its own, too. Sip it cold like a South Indian take on gazpacho. It is light, savoury, and seriously comforting. Also Read: 5 South Indian Cooler Recipes To Keep You Hydrated In Summer - NDTV Food Recommends Cucumber Tambuli Recipe - Simple And Fast Method: Ingredients: 1 medium cucumber 1 cup fresh curd 2 green chillies 1 tsp cumin seeds A few curry leaves 1 tsp grated coconut Salt to taste 1 tsp ghee 1 tsp mustard seeds A pinch of hing Steps: Chop the cucumber. Add it to a blender along with green chillies, cumin, grated coconut, and a splash of water. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Stir in curd and salt. Add a little more water if the consistency feels thick. Heat ghee in a small pan. Toss in mustard seeds and let them pop. Add curry leaves and hing, then stir it. Pour this tempering over the tambuli. Serve chilled with rice or sip straight from a bowl like a cold summer soup. Why This Summer Dish Deserves A Spot On Your Table Cucumber tambuli might not be the fanciest dish on your feed, but do not let that fool you. It is full of flavour, easy on the body, and taps into the simple genius of seasonal eating. It cools, it heals, and it just makes sense when the heat gets too much. So the next time you want something refreshing and fuss-free, skip the heavy food and blend yourself a bowl of this chilled, gut-loving wonder. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: South Indian Tambuli South Indian Summer Recipe Cucumber Tambuli Recipe Show full article Comments
NDTV
26-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
How Millets Can Improve Mood, Focus And Emotional Balance
In a world that runs on deadlines and stress, mental fatigue has become part of daily life. What people need now more than ever is emotional strength and mental balance. While therapy, medication, and mindfulness help, there is one more tool people are starting to turn to: nutrition. There is a rising interest in nutritional psychiatry, which looks at how food affects mental health. And leading the list of nutrient-rich brain foods? A simple, ancient grain - millets. These tiny grains, once part of traditional Indian diets, are now being recognised for their effect on brain health. Finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum are especially rich in nutrients that support mood, keep energy levels stable, and help you stay mentally sharp and calm. Also Read: How To Make South Indian-Style Millet Namkeen That's Totally Guilt-Free Why Millets Deserve A Spot On Your Plate Once found in every Indian kitchen, millets are making a comeback for their strong link to mental wellness. But what makes them special? Millets like finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum have a nutrient profile that supports brain function. These tiny grains: Help with neurotransmitter activity Keep energy levels stable Support a focused, calm mind These are not just everyday carbs, they are smart carbs for better brain health. What Research Says About Millets And Mental Health A study - the SMILES Trial - showed just how powerful food can be in mental health treatment. What the study found: People with moderate to severe depression who shifted to a nutrient-rich diet (including millets, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein) saw: Significant mood improvement Better emotional stability More positive mental health outcomes than those who only received social support This research highlights a direct link between diet and emotional recovery. Photo Credit: iStock Millets Are Full Of Tryptophan, Which Helps Uplift Mood So why millets specifically? One reason is their rich tryptophan content. Tryptophan is an amino acid the body uses to produce serotonin, also called the "feel-good" brain chemical. A good supply of serotonin supports better sleep, less anxiety, and improved mood. The slow-digesting carbs in millets also prevent sugar crashes, helping you stay level-headed and calm throughout the day. Balanced energy equals a balanced mind. Millets pack serious brain-friendly nutrients while staying naturally gluten-free and tasty. These include: B-complex vitamins for nerve health Magnesium to reduce stress Iron and zinc to support cognitive clarity Photo Credit: iStock Stable Sugar, Stable Mood: The Millet Advantage Millets are great for stabilising blood sugar, thanks to their low glycaemic index and high fibre. Why that matters: Sudden blood sugar spikes can raise cortisol levels This may trigger stress, irritability, or mental fog Steady sugar levels help maintain emotional balance and focus A 2021 study by the International Society of Sports Nutrition backed this, too. What it found: Athletes who consumed complex carbs and minerals like those in millets reported: Lower stress Better endurance Sharper focus These results extend well beyond sports into everyday mental performance and emotional regulation. Photo Credit: iStock Gut Health Matters For Your Mood: Here's Where Millets Come In Millets also support gut health, which plays a bigger role in mental wellness than most people realise. The gut-brain axis is a direct line of communication between your digestive system and your brain. A healthy gut produces brain chemicals that regulate your mood, reduce anxiety, and lower inflammation. Millets act as prebiotics, feeding the good bacteria in your gut. A 2019 review in Nature Reviews Neuroscience explained: A diverse and healthy microbiome is linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression Millets, rich in dietary fibre, promote this diversity and support the gut-brain connection So if superfoods feel overwhelming, MilYum offers an easy and effective starting point. Final Thoughts: Food As Emotional Self-Care Science continues to show how strongly mental resilience and food choices are connected. Millets, with their mix of brain-boosting nutrients, slow-release carbs, and gut-friendly fibre, are more than just grains, they are tools for emotional care. Including millets in daily meals is not just a nutritional upgrade. It is a mindful step towards better mental balance, sharper focus, and lasting emotional strength. Also Read: From Kuttu Dosa To Ragi Laddoo: 5 Must-Try Millet Recipes For Lunch About Author: Ajay Kangralkar is the founder of SkyRoots Ventures LLP. Advertisement Comments For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Millets Mood Emotional Balance Show full article Comments
