Bengali Chicken Curry

 Prep: 20 mins.  Cook: 40 mins. Serves 4

Ingredients

Marinade

• 500g skinless chicken pieces, on the bone
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, or to taste
• 1 small onion, pureéd
• 6 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, crushed
• half a teaspoon of ground garam masala

Curry sauce

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves
• 3 cardamom pods
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• half a teaspoon of red chilli powder (optional)
• quarter teaspoon of turmeric
• 2 teaspoons mild paprika powder
• 200ml (about a mugful) hot water
• 2 green bell peppers, deseeded and cut into chunks
• Mint / Curry leaves to garnish 

To serve along with 

• 300g basmati rice  / Nan / Roti / Chapathi 

Method

1. Mix the chicken with all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.

   Information: 

   Removing the skin from chicken helps you cut down on saturated fat.

2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick pan. Add the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks and bay leaves and allow to sizzle for a minute, until fragrant.

3. Add the onions and cumin seeds, and stir-fry over a high heat for about 10 minutes.

4. Mix in the chilli powder, turmeric, paprika and chicken. Cook on a high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

   Information: 

   Use more red chilli powder and less paprika if you like your curry hot!

5. Add the hot water, then lower the heat to medium, cover and cook for 20 minutes.

6. Add the green peppers, cover and cook for a further 5 or 10 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the chicken juices run clear. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes, chop mint or curry leaves sprinkle it on curry and then serve.

   Information: 

   You can save time with this recipe by asking your butcher to cut the chicken into smaller pieces – they will cook in 20 to 25 minutes.

The ultimate guide to curry

 

Korma

The mild and creamy korma is a good entry-level curry for the spice-adverse. The pale yellow dish contains meat or vegetables, which are braised with yogurt or cream, and mild, fragrant spices. Sometimes almond, coconut or fruit is added. The origins of korma date back to 16th Century North India and Pakistan, where it was a delicacy served by the Mughal Court kitchen. Rumour has it that a famous white version of the dish was served to Emperor Shah Jahan and guests at his unveiling of the Taj Mahal.

Check out the Hairy Bikers' chicken korma recipe.

Tikka masala

Tikka means pieces of meat or vegetable. Masala simply means a blend of spices. The result? Chunks of meat marinated in spices, pushed onto skewers, dry-roasted in a tandoor oven and then dressed in a flavoursome, vivid orange, creamy, tomato sauce. The origins of chicken tikka masala – a favourite food of the Brits – is widely disputed. Some claim it hails from the Punjab, some from Birmingham and one Pakistani chef – with an eatery in Glasgow’s west end – has claims on the concoction.

Try this next level tikka masala recipe.

Pasanda

Pasanda is another curry derived from a dish served in the court of the Mughal emperors. The Urdu word pasande translates as favourite, which refers to the prime cut of meat that would have traditionally been used. In UK curry houses today, the pasanda is a pale yellow, mild (and often sweet) curry that contains cream or coconut milk, and ground almonds or cashews.

Cook this lamb pasanda.

Balti

This dish is all about the vessel it’s cooked and served in. The word balti is found in Urdu, Hindi and Bengali, and means bucket, although it is more of a thin steel or iron wok. Meat and vegetables – like onions, spinach, potato, and mushrooms – are cooked up quickly over a high heat, much like a stir-fry. The Brummies are claiming this one as their own, with the dish emerging out of Birmingham in the early 1970s.

Here's a recipe for chicken and spinach balti.

Bhuna

The name bhuna again refers to the style in which the curry meat is cooked. In Urdu, bhunna means to be fried. The dish, which originates from Bengal, is typically prepared by frying lots of spices at a high temperature. The meat is then added, and simmers away in its own juices. The result is a thick, intensely flavoured sauce. The dish is often served with green pepper and sliced onions.

Try this vegetable bhuna recipe.

Dopiaza

The name of this dish, which originated from Hyderabad, translates as double onion. It’s probably no surprise then to hear that it’s prepared with large amounts of the vegetable, which is used at two stages of the cooking process – both in the sauce and as a garnish. A sour note is another key element of this curry, which normally comes in the form of a large squeeze of lemon.

Here's a prawn dopiaza recipe.

Dhansak

A dhansak is made by cooking meat or prawns with a mixture of lentils and vegetables. And because the British seem to love all things sweet, the UK version often contains pineapple. Well, if it works on a pizza…

Try your hand at this lamb dhansak recipe.

Rogan josh

Rogan josh consists of pieces of braised lamb in a rich gravy. The flavour comes from garlic, ginger, browned onions and aromatic spices (like cloves, bay leaves and cardamom). Rogan josh is one of the signature dishes of Kashmiri cuisine, and a stalwart of the region’s multi-course meal, known as the wazwan. In the Kashmiri version, the rich red colour is a result of the local chillies – whereas British restaurants will add red peppers and tomatoes for a splash of scarlet.

The ultimate rogan josh recipe from BBC Food.

Madras

A spicy number! The madras is red in colour, made with heavy use of chilli powder and strongly spiced. Madras curry is said to originate from the city of the same name but ask for a madras in India and you’ll struggle – the term is a British invention. The madras you find in restaurants here is also not an authentic version of the curry English merchants would have been served up in Madras (now Chennai) hundreds of years ago. The madras we know and love was conjured up by British Bangladeshi restaurants in the 1970s.

Here's a quick chicken madras curry recipe.

Jalfrezi

The jalfrezi is another Anglo-Indian invention. The British in colonial India were always looking for ways to use up their leftovers, so they would fry them up with chilli and onion. With all the green chillies in this dish, it can range from medium hot to hold-on-to-your-hat hot. In fact, the word jalfrezi comes from the Benghali word 'jhal' meaning spicy.

Instead of ordering a takeaway, make your own chicken jalfrezi.

Vindaloo

Not for the faint-hearted, vindaloo is a fiery dish that frequently including potatoes. The vindaloo served here is a far cry from the original, which hailed from Portuguese-occupied Goa. The name derives from a mispronunciation of the Portuguese dish carne de vinha d'alhos (meat with wine-vinegar and garlic), which the European explorers were dining on back in the 15th Century. It is thought that some confusion around the Hindi word for potato – aloo – could explain the later addition of potatoes.

Here's a roast chicken vindaloo curry.

Phall

The phall (or faal, phaal, or phal) was dreamt up by British Bangladeshis in Birmingham. And this one is hot. Hotter than a vindaloo and hotter than most of us can handle, due to the ground scotch bonnet or habanero chillies that are often used to create the volcanic curry. Have a pint of milk by your side and proceed with caution.

Sitting

 

The hidden toxins in your favorite foods

 In a report last month, researchers found toxic metals in every dark chocolate bar they tested, including big-name brands like Hershey's, Lindt and Tony's Chocolonely.

It may also be a surprise that a chemical used in explosives sometimes finds its way into breads, muffins and cookies, or that an ingredient in lighter fluid is used to keep chicken nuggets fresh.

In recent weeks experts also have issued warnings about red food dyes in candy, Doritos and sodas, which have been linked to cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Substance found in lighter fluids, is also in chicken nuggets 

Butane isn’t just for lighters anymore — it's also added to chicken nuggets, potato chips and some fast foods to keep them fresh for longer.

The chemical — tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) — is considered to be safe in low doses in foods.

But in higher amounts it has been linked to tumors, liver enlargements, convulsions and paralysis.

Food companies swear by TBHQ because it can preserve food, keeping its flavor, color and nutritional value for longer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the chemical for use in foods back in the 70s, when fast foods were becoming ever-more popular.

Now it is claimed to be in everything from McDonald's chicken nuggets and nstant noodles to snack crackers.

The FDA currently allows for no more than 0.02 percent of an item's total fat and oil content to be TBHQ.

Authorities in Europe have also determined that TBHQ is safe to use in foods in low concentrations. 

The chemical is made from butane, which is stored in lighters as a liquid and released as a gas ignited by a spark.

Explosive material in breads, muffins and cookies

Potassium bromate has been used as an explosive for decades.

But the white powder is also mixed into flour used for baked goods such as breads and cookies, because it can help dough to rise and keep its shape.

Lab studies have repeatedly linked it to cancers in the thyroid and peritoneum — the thin layer of cells covering the bladder, rectum — and the uterus.

But the FDA is yet to outlaw its use in the United States, and continues to consider the substance as 'GRAS', generally recognized as safe.

This contrasts with the view in many other countries and blocs, including the UK, Canada, India, Brazil and the European Union — which have all outlawed it.

Warnings over its potential to cause cancer date back to 1999, when reports on this risk began to be released.

The food industry has long argued it is safe to use because during cooking the powder is converted into potassium bromide, a non-carcinogen.

But tests in the UK back in 1994 showed that potassium bromate remains in foods even after cooking.

This included all six unwrapped bread products tested, and seven out of 22 wrapped that were checked.

Lead exposure in children is often difficult to observe, with no immediate symptoms.

But if there is suspicion a child has been exposed, then parents should talk to their child's healthcare provider about getting a blood test.

Lead is more harmful to children under six years old because their body is still developing. 

Children:

- Damage to the brain and nervous system;

- Slowed growth and development;

- Learning and behavior problems;

- Hearing and speech problems.

This can lead to: 

- Lowered IQ;

- Decreased ability to pay attention;

- Underperformance in school. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Dark chocolate has been repeatedly lauded for its health benefits, from promoting heart health to packing a heavy punch of antioxidants.

But a recent investigation into 28 popular brands — including Lindt, Hershey's and Trader Joe's — found all the bars contained alarming amounts of cadmium and lead.

Cadmium ends up in chocolate when it is sucked up through cacao tree roots, with exposure over a long period of time linked to kidney failure and weak bones.

But lead, which is well-known to be dangerous to humans, gets into chocolate after cacao beans are left out to dry by roadsides — and become coated with lead from car fumes.

Lead exposure over long periods is linked to memory loss, abdominal pain and low mood in adults.

But in children it can damage brain development, as well as leading to learning and behavior problems and issues with speech and hearing.

Experts say there is too little heavy metal in each individual bar to poison someone, with this only likely to happen after eating more than an entire sharing-sized bar.

The FDA sets no national limit for lead and cadmium levels in chocolate.

A spokeswoman for the agency told DailyMail.com last month: 'The FDA continues to monitor and regulate levels of environmental contaminants, including lead and cadmium, in foods.

'If the agency finds that the level of a contaminant causes the food to be unsafe, we take action.'

Vomit chemical hiding in butter and parmesan

It turns out that a chemical found in vomit is also present in some butters and parmesan cheeses.

Called butyric acid, it is a short-chain fatty acid made naturally that ends up in animal products — such as those using milk.

About three to four percent of butter is butyric acid, which is behind the disagreeable smell created when the food turns rancid.

Few studies have been carried out into the substance, but those that have suggest it has positive health benefits.

The substance has already been linked to a lowered risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer and improved insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetics.

No estimates are available on how much of the acid is needed to prompt health benefits in people.

But raising fiber intake may be the best strategy, scientists say, because this triggers bacteria breaking it down to produce chemicals like butyric acid.

Carcinogenic chemical in candy 

A substance deployed in paints, rubber and plastics is also hidden in many popular candy brands.

Industries often use titanium dioxide to give their products a white color and glossy sheen.

But manufacturers of popular candies, salad dressing and chewing gum also use it to give a smooth texture or as a white colorant.

The FDA has imposed strict guidelines on how much can be used in food, setting a maximum limit of no more than one percent.

While US regulators say the compound is safe in small amounts, the additive has been banned in European Union countries.

Microplastics lurking in fast foods 

Popular fast food items from major chains like McDonald's and Burger King contain small amounts of industrial chemicals called phthalates, the compounds used to make plastic pliable. 

Scientists have repeatedly found evidence of these insidious chemicals in a majority of foods tested. 

A study published in 2021 tested 64 fast food items from national chains including McDonald's, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Chipotle, and found the majority contained these chemicals. 

They have previously been linked to health problems including hormone disruption, infertility and an increased risk for learning, attention and behavioral disorders in children.

The substances mainly get into foods when they come into contact with packaging and handling equipment, such as cellophane and papers.

Concerns are being raised over microplastics as they are introduced into the food chain amid widespread use of plastics.

But researchers say the levels being detected in foods at present are not such that they would raise alarm at federal agencies.

Source :

• This cancer-causing chemical may be lurking in your bread | Environmental Working Group
• Phthalate and novel plasticizer concentrations in food items from U.S. fast food chains: a preliminary analysis | Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology

Seasons Greetings

 

10 signs your partner is 'definitely' cheating on you

 

1. They start going to the gym a lot

2. Their undies get an update

3. Their entire appearance gets an overhaul

4. Mobile phone habits change like being constantly on WhatsApp, being stuck to their hand 'like glue', the 'last online' function is switched off and they keep the password a secret

5. Snoring suddenly stops

6. They start cutting themselves out of your friendship group activities, they avoid your mutual friends and their 'work events' increase

7. Not answering their phone while they are out

8. They come home smelling like perfume

 9. They don't want to touch you, be touched by you, or have sex with you

10. They no longer show interest in your life or sharing their life with you

Source: Mamamia 

*_Important numbers to remember :_*

*1. Blood pressure : 120 / 80*

*2. Pulse                   : 70 - 100*

*3. Temperature     : 36.8 - 37*

*4. Respiration        : 12-16*

                        *Males     (13.50-18)*

                        *Females ( 11.50 - 16)* 

*6. Cholesterol        : 130 - 200*

*7. Potassium          : 3.50 - 5*

*8. Sodium                : 135 - 145*

*9. Triglycerides      : 220*

*10. Amount of blood in the body :* 

                            *Pcv 30-40%*

*11. Sugar*             

              *Children     : 70-130*

              *Adults        : 70 - 115*

*12. Iron                    : 8-15 mg*

*13. WBC                   : 4000 - 11000*

*14. Platelets           : 150,000 - 400,000*

*15. RBC                     : 4.50 - 6 million*

*16. Calcium              : 8.6 - 10.3 mg/dL*

*17. Vitamin D3        : 20 - 50 ng/ml*

                                  *(nanograms/ml)*

*18. Vitamin B12       : 200 - 900 pg/ml*

  *_Tips for the 60 plus_*

 *First Tip:*

 Always drink water even if you don't feel thirsty!!

 The biggest health problem  is from the lack of water in the body!

2 litres Minimum per day (24 hours) 

*Second Tip:*

 Play sports even when you are very busy!

The body must be moved, even if only by walking or swimming or any kind of sport!.🚶 

Walking is good for a start!👌

 *Third Tip:*

Reduce food!

Leave excessive food cravings  because it never does good!

Don't deprive yourself  but reduce the quantity!

 Use more of Protein & Carbohydrates based foods. 

 *Fourth Tip*

 As much as possible, do not use the car unless absolutely necessary! Try to reach on foot for what you want (grocery, visiting someone or any goal)!  Climb stairs instead of  using an elevator/ escalator. 

*Fifth Tip*

 Let go of Anger!!

 Let go of worry!!

Try to overlook things...

 

Do not involve yourself in situations of disturbances! They all diminish health and take away the splendor of the soul. Talk to people who are positive and listen 👂 

*Sixth Tip*

 As it is said....'leave your money in the Sun  and sit in the shade'!!

Don't limit yourself and those around you.

Money was made to live by it, not to live for it.

*Seventh Tip*

 Don't make yourself feel sorry for anyone nor on something you could not achieve, 

nor anything that you could not own!

 Ignore it, forget it!🤔

*Eighth Tip*

Humility! Money, Prestige, Power and Influence  are all things that are corrupted by arrogance!

 Humility is what brings people closer to you with love.!☺ 

*Ninth Tip*

If your hair turns grey, this does not mean the end of life! It is a proof that a better life has begun! 🙋

 Be optimistic, travel, enjoy yourself!  

International Days

 International Women's Day is on March 8, International Democracy Day on September 15, World AIDS Day on December 1... certain special days on the global calendar are very well known and emblematic. However, there are many others, and sometimes their subjects are surprising.  Let's discover some of them together… in chronological order!

February 10: World Pulses Day

2 of 21 Photos in Gallery

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February 10 is World Pulses Day. A day dedicated to beans?! What? Why? Well, it is a very good cause as pulses are vital for the fight against world hunger and provide quality nutrition. On top of it all, they are an environmentally sound source of protein.

March 20: International Day of Happiness

3 of 21 Photos in Gallery

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Since 2013, the International Day of Happiness has been celebrated on March 20 by the UN. It is part of the more general framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the agreements against climate change. The United Nations invites its member states and global civil society to celebrate this day through educational and awareness-raising actions.

March 20: French Language Day

4 of 21 Photos in Gallery

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The French language, which has hundreds of millions of speakers worldwide, is also in the spotlight on March 20. This day is dedicated to the French language is part of the six language days which aim to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity. The other five are Arabic, English, Chinese, Spanish, and Russian.

March 21: International Novruz Day

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The next day, the International Day of Novruz takes place. Novruz, which can also be written Nowruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, or Nauryz. It means “the new day” and celebrates the return of spring. This festival has existed for several millennia in the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It is celebrated by over 300 million people around the world.

April 22: International Mother Earth Day

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On April 22, International Mother Earth Day celebrates our relationship with the earth and reminds us of the interdependence between humans and the environment. An important day, given that across the planet, biodiversity is threatened and natural disasters are numerous.

April 23: International Book and Copyright Day

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This day was celebrated on April 23 because it is when Shakespeare and Cervantes died. It aims to encourage reading and remind people of the power of books worldwide. In 2021, the city of Tbilisi, Georgia, was named World Book Capital.

April 30: International Jazz Day

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April 30 is when jazz is celebrated as a tool for promoting peace, dialogue, diversity, and respect for human dignity. On this day, jazz is celebrated through concerts, shows, and educational activities around the world.

May 2: International Tuna Day

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International Tuna Day, which takes place on May 2, aims to raise awareness of the need to ensure the long-term conservation of tuna. Seven of the main species are fished in an unsustainable way because of the popularity of tuna among consumers. Tuna represents a fifth of the world's fishing in value.

May 26: Vesak day

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'Vesak,' the day of the full moon, is a sacred day for millions of Buddhists around the world. Buddha was born on the Day of Vesak, in 623 BC. This day, celebrated on May 26, seeks to recognize the contribution of Buddhism to human spirituality.

June 21: International Yoga Day

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June 21 is International Yoga Day. It is an opportunity to pay homage to the increasingly popular role of this practice in improving our physical and mental well-being.

June 30: International Asteroid Day

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International Asteroid Day takes place on June 30. This day aims to inform the general public about the opportunities and risks asteroids present our planet. The UN-sanctioned day hopes to promote coordinated solutions on a global scale.

July 3: International Day of Cooperatives

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The International Day of Cooperatives takes place on July 3. The aim is to increase the general population's awareness of cooperatives. According to the day's official website, it also promotes "international solidarity, economic efficiency, equality, and world peace."

July 20: International Chess Day

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July 20 has been celebrated as International Chess Day since 1966 by the International Chess Federation, the anniversary of the creation of the federation in Paris in 1924. The UN General Assembly took up this date in 2019 to pay tribute to this ancient game played on all continents.

September 7: International Clean Air Day for Blue Skies

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International Clean Air Day for Blue Skies takes place on September 7. The goal of this day? To remind us of the crucial issue of air quality, both for health and for the climate.

Small Reminder

 

😉

Best Airlines of 2022

 THE WORLD’S TOP 20 AIRLINES IN 2022 

1. Qatar Airways

2. Singapore Airlines

3. Emirates

4. ANA All Nippon Airways

5. Qantas Airways

6. Japan Airlines

7. Turkish Airlines

8. Air France

9. Korean Air

10. Swiss Int’l Air Lines

11. British Airways

12. Etihad Airways

13. China Southern

14. Hainan Airlines

15. Lufthansa

16. Cathay Pacific

17. KLM

18. EVA Air

19. Virgin Atlantic

20. Vistara

21. Finnair

22. Gulf Air

23. Bangkok Airways

24. Delta Air Lines

25. Iberia

26. Ethiopian Airlines

27. AirAsia

28. Aegean Airlines

29. Scoot

30. Air New Zealand

31. Garuda Indonesia

32. Austrian

33. Asiana Airlines

34. Saudi Arabian Airlines

35. Southwest Airlines

36. Fiji Airways

37. Oman Air

38. Air Astana

39. WestJet

40. Ryanair

THE WORLD’S BEST LONG HAUL LOW-COST AIRLINES

1. Scoot

2. Jetstar Airways

3. Air Canada rouge

4. LEVEL

5. AirAsiaX

THE WORLD’S BEST LEISURE AIRLINES

1. SunExpress

 2. Air Transat

3. TUI Airways

4. TUIfly

5. Vietravel Airlines

THE WORLD’S BEST CABIN STAFF IN 2022

1. Singapore Airlines

2. ANA All Nippon Airways

3. Garuda Indonesia

 4. Thai Airways

5. Japan Airlines

6. Qatar Airways

7. Hainan Airlines

8. Asiana Airlines

9. EVA Air

10. Cathay Pacific

THE WORLD’S BEST AIRLINE CABIN CLEANLINESS IN 2022

1. ANA All Nippon Airways

2. Singapore Airlines

3. Japan Airlines

4. Qatar Airways 

5. Hainan Airlines

6. Asiana Airlines

7. Korean Air

8. China Airlines

9. Fiji Airways

10. Cathay Pacific

THE WORLD’S BEST BUSINESS CLASS LOUNGES

1. Virgin Atlantic

2. Qatar Airways

3. Turkish Airlines

4. Singapore Airlines

5. Air France

6. KLM

7. United Airlines

8. Air Canada

9. Emirates

10. Gulf Air

THE WORLD’S BEST INDEPENDENT AIRPORT LOUNGES 

1. Plaza Premium

2. Primeclass

3. The Pearl – Bahrain Airport

4. iGA Lounge – Istanbul Airport

5. Aspire by Swissport

THE BEST LOW-COST AIRLINES IN EUROPE

1. Ryanair

2. Vueling Airlines

3. EasyJet

4. Jet2.com

5. Eurowings

6. airBaltic

7. Norwegian

8. Wizz Air

9. LEVEL

10. Pegasus Airlines