To begin with, Happy Ganesh Chaturthi! This is a time for modaks and moryas and we are celebrating this festival in two ways. One, check out our love letter to regional Maharashtrian cuisine, penned by writer Nirupama Choudhary, who has enlisted 10 dishes from the redolent Masala Bhaat to crispy Kothimbir Vadi. And second, there is a round up of sweet treats, but all with a twist. This week, on our Instagram, you will find everything from a sticky-sweet and uber easy Salted Caramel Ladoo that our back kitchen toiled hard over, and a modak flavoured with red velvet.
These festivities have spilled over from last week's Janmashtami where we featured a cooling makhan misri video. A three-ingredient recipe, this one is ideal for any festival really but also an amazing late night indulgence.
Ironically, just this last week, we ran a campaign for National Nutrition Week. This year's theme as chosen by the central government of India was, 'Feeding smart, right from the start'. So, we celebrated seven days of health with tips on mindful eating sourced from experts across the board. Check out our story highlight on Instagram to access all of it.
The website also houses an interview with pastry chef and founder of Le15, Pooja Dhingra, who is out with her new book—a lockdown labour of love, Coming Home. As Dhingra paves her way into the world of FMCG, our Digital Writer Tarini Sood sat down with her to understand what went into the book and how she effortlessly convinced celebrated pastry chef and icon Pierre Herme to write her a foreword. There's a recipe in there too, because I know a recipe hoarder when I see one (looking at you, my reader).
If you want to skip kitchen time, there is a series on microwave recipes that show you how to whip everything from dal and chawal to a Lotus Biscoff mug cake in the oven, all in a matter of minutes. Then, there's a chilli cheese egg frankie, which will take a little longer, but totally worth it. Plus, a primer on how to make everyone's favourite garlic bread with tips, tricks and video tutorials curated by our Junior Writer Samika Aurora.
A star piece this month is going to be our cover story that comes out tomorrow, September 11th. Food Editor Suman interviews 77-year-old Urmila Jamnadas Asher, also known as Dadi or Gujju ben. You may remember her from her viral videos earlier this year. Quazi met this enterprising septuagenarian and spoke to her about her life and journey from a humble cook and owner of an achaar business to a TedX speaker (coming soon!). It's truly an inspiring read. But I can't reveal more, because you should read this for yourself.