Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey chocolate brownie? Whether you’re cosying up on a cold night or just need a little sweet pick-me-up, brownies are the perfect comfort food. One bite and you are in chocolate heaven, right? But what if your brownies aren’t turning out as perfect as you hoped? If they’re not as gooey or chocolatey as you would like, you might be making one (or more) of these common mistakes. Here’s what to look out for. Also Read: For The Love Of Chocolate Brownies: 4 Easy Ways To Make This Beloved Treat At Home
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Making Chocolate Brownies At Home:
1. Using Cold Ingredients
We’ve all been there-taking ingredients straight from the fridge and tossing them into the batter. Sure, it saves time, but it can totally mess with your brownies. Cold ingredients don’t mix well and can leave you with uneven texture or undercooked brownies. The fix? Let your eggs and butter come to room temperature before mixing them in. Trust us, it makes all the difference!
2. Using Low-Quality Cocoa Powder or Chocolate
Cocoa powder and chocolate are the star players in your brownies, so don’t skimp here! Whether you’re using cocoa powder or actual chocolate, go for the best you can get your hands on. Look for a high cocoa percentage for that rich, intense chocolate flavour. It’ll take your brownies from “meh” to “wow” in no time.
3. Over Mixing The Batter
It’s so easy to get carried away mixing the batter, but here’s the thing: Overmixing is a rookie move. You might think you’re getting the ingredients perfectly blended, but what you’re really doing is making the batter dense and chewy. For that gooey, fudgy texture we all love, mix just until everything’s combined – no more, no less!
4. Using The Wrong Baking Pan
Not all pans are created equal and using the wrong one can mess up your brownies. Glass pans, for example, can make things cook unevenly because they’re thicker. And dark-coloured pans absorb heat faster, which can burn the edges. Stick with aluminium or stainless steel pans for the best results. Also Read: Quick & Chocolaty Delight: Easy Air Fryer Brownies You Can’t Resist!
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Digging In Immediately
The brownies are done and the urge to dive in is real, right? But resist the temptation! Right out of the oven, they’re still too soft and might fall apart. Let them sit in the pan for a few minutes to firm up before slicing. A little patience goes a long way when it comes to getting that perfect brownie slice.
Making chocolate brownies is easier than it seems – just keep these tips in mind, and you’ll bake the perfect batch every time. Happy baking!
Salad is one of those go-to meals that’s not only healthy but super easy to whip up. Whether you’re in the mood for veggies, fruits, or even chicken, you can mix it up however you like. And pasta salad? It’s a crowd favourite! If you’ve ever had a delicious pasta salad at a wedding or restaurant, you know how amazing it can be. But sometimes, when making it at home, we end up making a few mistakes that totally mess with the flavour. Let’s break down the five mistakes to avoid, so you can nail that perfect pasta salad.
Also Read: Pasta In Just 15 Minutes – This Chilli Oil Pasta Is Perfect For A Quick And Flavourful Meal
Here Are 5 Things You’re Doing Wrong When Making Pasta Salad:
1. Pick the Right Pasta Shape
When it comes to pasta for salad, there are so many shapes to choose from it can be a bit overwhelming. But here’s a pro tip: stay away from long pasta. Short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, rotini, and penne work best. They’re easy to serve and eat, and their texture helps them hold onto the dressing, herbs, and other ingredients much better.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
The pasta is the star here, so getting it just right is key. Overcooking it can leave you with hard, chewy pasta. Pasta salad should be made with al dente pasta, so it’s perfectly tender but still has a little bite. Be sure to cook it for the right amount of time, and remember – it won’t be served hot, so you want it to hold up when it cools down.
3. Season It Right
If you want your pasta salad to really pop, seasoning is everything. Don’t skip this step! Use extra-salty water when boiling the pasta so it absorbs that flavour right from the start. Once your salad is mixed, taste it! Adjust the seasoning as needed and make sure it’s got that extra zing.
4. Don’t Let the Pasta Cool Completely
It might sound like a good idea to let the pasta cool off before you dress it, but here’s why you shouldn’t: when you add the dressing to warm pasta, it soaks in better and gives you a more flavorful salad. Add about two-thirds of the dressing while the pasta’s still warm, and save the rest for just before serving. Trust me, it makes a difference!
5. Blanch Your Veggies
If you’re adding crunchy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots, don’t skip the blanching step. Raw veggies can throw off the flavour, but blanching them just softens them enough without losing that fresh crunch. Plus, it helps them blend seamlessly into the salad. And, cut them into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat!
Next time you’re craving a pasta salad, remember these tips and avoid these mistakes. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pasta salad that’s as delicious as the ones you’ve had at your favourite restaurants.
Shopping on Temu can feel like playing an arcade game. Instead of using a joystick-controlled claw to grab a toy, visitors to the online marketplace maneuver their computer mouses or cellphone screens to browse colorful gadgets, accessories and trinkets with prices that look too good to refuse.
A pop-up spinning wheel offers the chance to win a coupon. Rotating captions warn that a less than $2 camouflage print balaclava and a $1.23 skeleton hand back scratcher are “Almost sold out.” A flame symbol indicates a $9.69 plush cat print hoodie is selling fast. A timed-down selection of discounted items adds to the sense of urgency.
Welcome to the new online world of impulse buying, a place of guilty pleasures where the selection is vast, every day is Cyber Monday, and an instant dopamine hit that will have faded by the time your package arrives is always just a click away.
By all accounts, we’re living in an accelerating age for consumerism, one that Temu, which is owned by the Chinese e-commerce company PDD Holdings, and Shein, its fierce rival, supercharged with social media savvy and an interminable assortment of cheap goods, most shipped directly from merchants in China based on real-time demand.
The business models of the two platforms, coupled with avalanches of digital or influencer advertising, have enabled them to give Western retailers a run for their money this holiday shopping season.
Software company Salesforce said it expects roughly one in five online purchases in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada to be made through four online marketplaces based or founded in Asia: Shein, Temu, TikTok Shop – the e-commerce arm of video-sharing platform TikTok – and AliExpress.
Analysts with Salesforce said they are expected to pull in roughly $160 billion in global sales outside of China. Most of the sales will go to Temu and Shein, a privately held company which is thought to lead the worldwide fast fashion market in revenue.
Lisa Xiaoli Neville, a nonprofit manager who lives in Los Angeles, is sold on Shein. The bedroom of her home is stocked with jeans, shoes, press-on nails and other items from the ultra-fast fashion retailer, all of which she amassed after getting on the platform to purchase a $2 pair of earrings she saw in a Facebook ad.
Neville, 46, estimates she spends at least $75 a month on products from Shein. A $2 eggshell opener, a portable apple peeler and an apple corer – both costing less than $5 – are among the quirky, single-use kitchen tools taking up drawer space. She acknowledges she doesn’t need them because she “doesn’t even cook like that.” Plus, she’s allergic to apples.
“I won’t eat apples. It will kill me,” Neville said, laughing. “But I still want the coring thing.”
Shein, now based in Singapore, uses some of the same web design features as Temu’s, such as pop-up coupons and ads, to persuade shoppers to keep clicking, but it appears a bit more restrained in its approach.
Shein primarily targets young women through partnerships with social media influencers. Searching the company’s name on video platforms turns up creators promoting Shein’s Black Friday sales event and displaying the dozens of of trendy clothes and accessories they got for comparatively little money.
But the Shein-focused content also includes videos of TikTokers saying they’re embarrassed to admit they shopped there and critics lashing out at fans for not taking into account the environmental harms or potential labor abuses associated with products that are churned out and shipped worldwide at a speedy pace.
Neville has already picked out holiday gifts for family and friends from the site. Most of the products in her online cart cost under $10, including graphic T-shirts she intends to buy for her son and jeans and loafers for her daughter. All told, she plans to spend about $200 on gifts, significantly less than $500 she used to shell out at other stores in prior years.
“The visuals just make you want to spend more money,” she said, referring to the clothes on Shein’s site. “They’re very cheap and everything is just so cute.”
Unlike Shein, Temu’s appeal cuts across age groups and gender. The platform is the world’s second most-visited online shopping site, software company Similarweb reported in September. Customers go there looking for practical items like doormats and silly products like a whiskey flask shaped like a vintage cellphone from the 1990s.
Temu advertised Black Friday bargains for some items at upwards of 70% off the recommended retail price. Making a purchase can quickly result in receiving dozens of emails offering free giveaways. The caveat: customers have to buy more products.
Ellen Flowers, 36, a lifestyle blogger who lives in Dallas, recently decided to pair a $3,500 dining table with $25 dining chairs from Temu to save money. She’s also purchased clothes from Temu. The quality or fit wasn’t always always great, so Flowers donated some unwanted pieces to thrift stores to avoid paying return shipping fees that would cost almost as much as the clothes.
Flowers planned to buy stocking stuffers on Temu as well as baubles for an ornament-swapping party in early December. She also wanted to buy necklaces and bracelets for an activity at her 5-year-old niece’s upcoming birthday party.
“I love buying my nieces presents,” Flowers says. “Since they’re young, they don’t need the Louis Vuitton handbag. I can give them a cute handbag from Temu. Then they’ll lose interest in a month and I’ll buy them another one.”
Despite their rise, Temu and Shein have proven particularly ripe for pushback. Last year, a coalition of unnamed brands and organizations launched a campaign to oppose Shein in Washington. U.S. lawmakers also have raised the possibility that Temu is allowing goods made with forced labor to enter the country.
More recently, the Biden administration put forward rules that would crack down on a trade rule known as the de minimis exception, which has allowed a lot of cheap products to come into the U.S. duty-free. President-elect Donald Trump is expected to slap high tariffs on goods from China, a move that would likely raise prices and across the retail world.
Both Shein and Temu have set up warehouses in the U.S. to speed up delivery times and help them better compete with Amazon, which is trying to erode their price advantage through a new storefront that also ships products directly from China.
Meanwhile, Temu is onboarding Chinese merchants to store inventory in the U.S., a move that would allow the company to not be as exposed to changes around the de minimus trade rule, said Juozas Kaziukenas, founder of e-commerce intelligence firm Marketplace Pulse.
The change comes as both Shein and Temu are attempting to expand beyond the bargain-hungry shoppers who popularized their platforms. Temu is allowing sellers to ship products to customers from local U.S. warehouses and says the move will allow it to sell larger items like furniture as it expands its selection of big-ticket items.
Meanwhile, American children’s clothing retailer The Children’s Place signed a deal last month to distribute its products through Shein’s platform. Last year, Shein went into business with women’s fashion retailer Forever 21. It has been working to recruit other brands and reportedly has hopes of getting listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Cinnamon, also known as dalchini, is one of the most cherished spices in our pantry. Loved for its warm and sweet aroma, this spice can instantly elevate the flavour of any dish. Since we love adding cinnamon to our recipes, we make sure to never run out of supply. Plus, it’s packed with essential vitamins and nutrients – what’s not to love about it? However, have you ever stopped and wondered if the cinnamon you’re using is clean and safe? You may think you’re reaping the incredible benefits of this spice by adding it to your recipes, but the reality might be quite different. Recently, nutritionist Simrun Chopra took to Instagram to reveal the truth so you can make an informed decision while shopping for cinnamon. Also Read: 5 Genius Ways You Can Use Cinnamon In Your Daily Life – You Won’t Believe No. 4
Photo Credit: iStock
How To Check Purity Of Cinnamon – Here’s What The Nutritionist Revealed:
Simrun shares that the most commonly found cinnamon in the market is cassia. It looks like bark, has a broader surface area, and is often used as a cheap substitute for cinnamon. According to her, “Cassia has a higher amount of coumarin, which in higher doses can be toxic for your health.” She further states that if you wish to reap the benefits of drinking cinnamon water, you must use real cinnamon. But what does real cinnamon look like? Simrun reveals that real cinnamon is smooth on the outside and is rolled from one side to the other – just like a newspaper. It also has a very delicate smell and flavour. She says, “If you are drinking cinnamon water, opt for real cinnamon. If you’re making a curry, you may use cassia, but in moderation.”
Watch the complete video below:
What Are The Different Types Of Cinnamon?
Did you know there are four different types of cinnamon? Among the four, Cassia and Ceylon cinnamon are the most famous. Ceylon cinnamon hails from Sri Lanka and is known for its soft texture. The other two varieties are Korintje cinnamon, from Indonesia, and Saigon cinnamon, from Vietnam. All these varieties of cinnamon differ in their flavour profiles and coumarin levels, making them unique.
How To Incorporate Cinnamon Into Your Diet?
There are several exciting ways to incorporate cinnamon into your diet. You can add it to your curries, oatmeal, and even beverages such as tea or coffee. Not only that, but you can also incorporate cinnamon into several baked goods such as cakes, pies, and cupcakes. Looking for some interesting cinnamon-based recipes? Click here to explore. Also Read: Lose Weight With Cinnamon Water! 4 Ways This Spice May Aid In Weight Loss
Now that you know how to identify whether your cinnamon is toxic, we hope you’ll be able to make better choices for yourself.
Ghee and butter are what make our food taste divine. Just a spoonful of them, and they instantly elevate the flavour of our dishes. Without them, it feels like something is lacking, doesn’t it? As much as we love adding these golden delights to our food, they are not suitable for everyone. People suffering from lactose intolerance, in particular, may have to resist indulging in them. But is this really true? Should you avoid butter and ghee completely if you’re lactose intolerant? Or is it alright to consume them occasionally? Recently, nutritionist Amita Gadre took to her official Instagram page to spill the beans on this. Before we find out, let’s understand what lactose intolerance really is and what the symptoms of this health condition are. Also Read: If You Experience These 7 Signs, You May Be Lactose Intolerant
Photo Credit: iStock
What Is Lactose Intolerance?
In simple terms, lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that makes it difficult for the body to digest lactose – a sugar found in milk. Amita shares that this mainly occurs due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in our bodies. When lactose is not properly digested, it can lead to several problems such as acidity, bloating, and burping.
What Are the Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance?
Stomach pain and cramping
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constant burping
Bloating and gas
Here’s What the Expert Revealed:
So, can you have ghee or butter if you’re lactose intolerant? According to Amita, this depends on how much lactose each of them contains. She reveals that ghee contains very little lactose, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Ghee is also pure fat, and when boiled extensively, it leaves behind just fat without any lactose. Butter, on the other hand, retains more lactose compared to ghee, so you may not tolerate butter well. But ghee is generally safe, and you can consume it in moderation. Also Read: 5 Mistakes To Avoid While Making Oh-So-Delicious White Butter At Home
Watch the complete video below:
What Are the Best Non-Dairy Substitutes?
Giving up dairy products can be difficult. But you’ll be happy to know that there are numerous non-dairy substitutes that you can have instead. Soy milk, for example, is a great alternative to regular milk. The best part? It offers the same amount of protein as regular milk. Almond milk and rice milk are excellent options too. Additionally, you can also rely on coconut milk or pea milk. All of these are quite nutritious and make wonderful alternatives to regular cow’s milk. Now that you know the truth about ghee and butter, we are sure you’ll be able to make a better decision for yourself. However, remember to consult your nutritionist before making any major changes to your diet. Stay fit, healthy, and happy!
A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) like Lingo can help you understand how different foods affect your glucose levels and subsequent feelings of hunger
Do you always feel hungry, even after eating? This can be exasperating, but by understanding the science behind your hunger you may be able to find a solution.
While there are lots of lifestyle and physiological factors that could explain your constant desire for food, one could be your glucose response to what you eat and drink.
Lingo, a biosensor, app and coaching programme by Abbott, a global healthcare leader, has been designed to empower people to understand their glucose levels and help them to create healthier habits.
Below, we look at some of the reasons you might be experiencing constant hunger pangs, and why taking a closer look at your diet could provide some answers.
One factor that could explain your constant hunger is your glucose response to what you eat and drink, with a dip in glucose levels being a common reason for genuine physical hunger
Why not all hunger is the same
Your body runs on energy, and physical hunger is a sign that you need to consume more calories. Common symptoms of hunger include a growling stomach and difficulty concentrating, but these will usually go away after you eat.
Glucose and hunger are intimately linked, and a dip in glucose levels when you go for a period of time without eating is one of the most common reasons for genuine physical hunger.
However, you can also feel hungry when your body is not in a calorie deficit. This could be caused by emotional factors like boredom and stress, but it may also be due to your eating habits.
CGMs track your glucose 24 hours a day, providing real-time insights that could assist you with understanding what is causing your seemingly insatiable hunger
In one common scenario, eating lots of sugary or carb-heavy snacks can prompt your glucose levels to spike before a rush of insulin leads to a crash. The result is you feeling hungry – even though you might not need the calories.
To better understand how different foods affect your glucose levels and subsequent feelings of hunger, consider wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) like Lingo.
CGMs track your glucose 24 hours a day, providing real time insights that could assist you with understanding what is causing your seemingly insatiable hunger – so you can adjust your eating habits accordingly.
5 reasons why you might always feel hungry
If you’re always feeling peckish this may be a sign your calorie intake is too low and you need to eat more. Regular exercise can also increase your appetite as your muscles demand more energy.
Constant feelings of hunger could also be due to factors relating to your diet and lifestyle, including the following:
1 – You’re not eating enough protein
Protein-rich foods are filling, so if you always feel hungry you should consider whether you are eating enough protein. Good sources of this vital macronutrient include eggs, meat, fish, soy and dairy.
The amount of fibre, protein and healthy fats in your diet can all impact how hungry you feel
2 – You need more fibre
Fibre, which is found in plant-based foods like wholegrains, fruit and vegetables, makes you feel fuller for longer by slowing down digestion. Not eating enough fibre and opting for low-fibre carbohydrates that bring about glucose spikes could be fuelling your constant desire for food. The NHS recommends adults eat 30g of fibre per day.*
3 – You are stressed
Stress itself has been shown to increase cravings, especially sugary or carbohydrate-heavy foods. Additionally, stress can prompt a sudden increase in your glucose levels. If you often feel stressed, consider calming tactics such as short walks or breathing exercises.
4 – You’re avoiding healthy fats
Fat is sometimes seen as the enemy, but healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds and oily fish are satiating and contribute to keeping your glucose levels more stable.
5 – You need more sleep
Sleep plays a role in appetite control, so failing to get enough good quality shuteye can knock things off balance. Adults are encouraged to get between seven and nine hours of good-quality sleep each night, per NHS guidelines.
Lingo’s biosensor tracks glucose and streams that data to the app, which provides personal insights to help you identify patterns and adapt your style of eating to what works best for your body
How to manage your hunger
If you feel like you’re always hungry, consider whether any of the above factors apply to you.
Eating a balanced diet including lots of fibre, protein and healthy fats will help you feel fuller and support more stable glucose. You may also want to try out different food combinations to see which ones are best at curbing your hunger – something the Lingo biosensor, app and coaching programme can help you with thanks to continuous glucose insights and real time data, supporting you to make healthier choices.
By tracking how your glucose levels and feelings of hunger change in response to food, you can start to identify patterns and adapt your style of eating to what works best for your body – helping to regulate your appetite while also boosting your overall wellbeing.
More than 10 years ago, Abbott introduced FreeStyle Libre — a continuous glucose monitor now used by 6 million people worldwide**. Lingo is made by Abbott, built on that proven technology.
Lingo is designed to empower people to better understand their body’s glucose levels, help create meaningful and healthier habits, and in turn, retrain their metabolism
The Lingo system is not for medical use and is intended for users 18 years and older. Lingo is not intended for diagnosis or management of any disease, including diabetes.
The Lingo programme does not guarantee that everyone will achieve the same results as individual responses may vary.
It is best to speak to your doctor for advice on starting any diet or exercise regime or if you have an eating disorder or a history of eating disorders.
**Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care, Inc. Based on the number of users worldwide for the FreeStyle Libre portfolio compared to the number of users for other leading personal use sensor-based glucose monitoring systems.
Sign up to our guide to what’s on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions.London’s best bits in your inbox
A recent call on The Ramsey Show posted to TikTok highlighted how fast even a solid income can vanish under the pressure of debt and overspending. Alyssa, a mental health therapist, called in to discuss her family’s financial struggles after recently getting remarried. Despite their combined income of $130,000 – well above the national average of $80,610 in 2023 – Alyssa and her husband barely make ends meet. With only $3,000 in savings and no contributions to retirement, they’re stuck in a cycle of paycheck-to-paycheck living.
Don’t Miss:
They owe $60,000 on cars, have a $240,000 mortgage, and are burdened by $140,000 in student loan debt –$90,000 from Alyssa’s schooling, and $40,000 from her husband, who has little to show for it. “Who’s the lawyer?” Dave Ramsey asked, pointing out how massive the debt seemed. Alyssa chuckled, responding, “I’m a mental health therapist.”
Ramsey’s co-host, George Kamel, questioned why they hadn’t aggressively tackled the debt yet. Alyssa explained that fear keeps holding them back while they’ve tried – particularly concerns about having enough for her 9-year-old daughter. Alyssa, who’s self-employed, and her husband, who works in construction, face income instability. She worries about catastrophic expenses wiping them out.
That didn’t sit well with Ramsey, who cut right to the chase. “You’re making $130,000 a year, and you’re freaking broke. That’s what I’m worried about. You’re driving cars you can’t afford, and you have a lifestyle that’s absolutely asinine.”
“And that’s got nothing to do with a 9-year-old,” Ramsey added. “What does she need that’s costing you thousands of dollars a month?” Alyssa admitted that it wasn’t the child’s expenses, more of a “just in case” mentality.
But while Ramsey’s blunt advice may sting, Alyssa’s situation isn’t all that uncommon. According to a 2023 survey by Payroll.org, 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, a 6% increase from the previous year. Earning a good income is no longer a guarantee of financial security, especially when debt and overspending take over.
“You guys have no idea where this money goes,” Ramsey pointed out, urging Alyssa to look at their situation as if she were counseling another family. “If I hired you to look at this family objectively, you’d tell them to sell a car or two. You’re not going on vacation because you’re broke.”
Ramsey then got Alyssa to confront a hard truth. “You’ve got student loan debt hanging on so long you think it’s a pet,” he said. He laid a path for them to be debt-free in two to two and a half years – if they make serious sacrifices. That means no vacations, selling at least one car, cutting unnecessary spending, and finally facing the uncomfortable reality of their financial choices. “It won’t be comfortable,” Ramsey said. He added, “It’ll set you up for an awesome life for the rest of your lives.”
As tough as Ramsey’s advice may be, it offers a real shot at a better future. No matter how uncomfortable, making sacrifices now can set you up for financial freedom.
A financial advisor could be the next step to getting things on track. They can guide you on paying off debt and investing for retirement, helping you make decisions that benefit your present and future self.
Whether you are a gym freak or just someone who wants to stay healthy, protein plays a crucial role in everyday life. It is literally the fuel that keeps us going. As for food sources, dal is often deemed one of the best sources of protein in Indian homes. From toor to moong, every region has its favourite version, and we have all grown up eating a comforting bowl of dal. But have you ever wondered if your favourite dal is really meeting your daily protein quota? Is dal alone enough to help you build your dream body? If you have these and other questions in mind, then you have landed on the right page. Read on to know if dal is a good source of protein, and if not, what makes it complete.
Also Read: Indian Cooking Tips: How To Make Dal Tadka Without A Drop Of Oil (Recipe Inside)
Photo: iStock
Why Is Protein Important?
Protein is important for a number of daily activities. It helps in the growth and maintenance of your body’s tissue, especially when you are sick. According to nutrition consultant Rupali Datta, proteins make up around 15% of our body composition and are present in every cell. Protein is also essential for growth and development, fluid balance, building immune health, and giving you the energy to function all day. To meet your body’s protein needs, you should have a balanced diet and include a protein source in every meal.
Is Dal Alone A Good Source Of Protein?
Not really. Dal alone does not meet the protein requirements of the body. This is because it is not a complete protein source. Most of the time, we tend to consume dal either dry or in soup form, thinking it’s enough, but dal requires an additional food source to become more nutritious.
How To Make Dal A Good Source Of Protein?
According to nutritionist Deepsikha Jain, you can make dal a good source of protein by combining it with a cereal, like rice. Cereals lack an amino acid called lysine, and pulses lack an amino acid called methionine. When you combine cereals with pulses, this pairing fills the amino acid gap in each, making it a complete protein source.
Why Are Lysine And Methionine Important?
Lysine and methionine are essential amino acids because they cannot be synthesized by humans. So, you can only get these amino acids through your diet. According to a 2007 research paper published in The Journal of Nutrition, lysine’s main role is to participate in protein synthesis. This amino acid is essential for proper growth and helps convert fatty acids into energy. Methionine, on the other hand, plays a key role in metabolism and detoxification.
Watch the full video below:
Also Read: Masoor Dal Benefits: This Kitchen Ingredient Is A Powerhouse Of Nutrients
So, now that you know why it’s important to combine dal and chawal, click here to learn what makes it the ultimate comfort food!
Microwaves are one of the easiest and most efficient appliances to use in the kitchen. They can make your meals ready to eat in just a matter of minutes. Whether you are reheating last night’s rajma or making some instant popcorn, microwaves are all about convenience. But if you are using this appliance for the first time, you would be surprised to know that using it incorrectly can affect the taste, texture and even the nutritional value of your food, let alone the microwave. This appliance may look simple but its misuse can add up your daily tasks of cleaning. So, what mistakes should you avoid while using microwaves? If you are wondering the same thing, then read on to know what you shouldn’t do with this kitchen appliance.
Also Read: Microwave Maintenance Made Easy: 5 Tips To Keep Microwave Squeaky Clean
Photo Credit: iStock
Here Are 5 Easy Microwave Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making:
1. Not Covering Your Food In Haste
Microwaves are great for quick cooking, but they can leave your food looking something unexpected. If you are not covering those microwave-friendly containers properly, expect dry and sad meals. Plus, it could make your microwave interiors messy from splattering food! A microwave-safe lid or a glass plate can act as a barrier, keeping the moisture in your food intact. It also helps in even cooking, if you are using this appliance to cook meals. So, don’t skip this step. Just remember to leave some space for the steam to escape!
2. Using Plastic Containers Because Who Wants A Dirty Dish?
Please remember that not all plates and bowls are microwave-friendly! If you are reaching for that takeout plastic dabba, check if it is labelled “microwave-safe.” Some plastics can melt and even release harmful chemicals when heated with food. Even metal utensils are a no-no in microwaves. It could lead to sparks and explosions. And we are pretty sure you would not want that while reheating your chai or curry. While using microwaves, make sure to use glass, ceramic or microwave-friendly utensils to avoid kitchen mishaps.
3. Microwaving Everything At Full Power
Not everything needs to be heated at full blast. One common mistake is using the default high power for everything. While it helps make your leftovers hot and moist, some foods like butter, chocolate and eggs don’t need that intensity of heat. Use lower power settings for such foods or even when you are defrosting meat. The best thing about microwaves is that they cook and reheat food quickly but unevenly. So, turning down the heat intensity can make sure your food is cooked or reheated evenly.
Photo Credit: iStock
4. Skipping The ‘Stirring In Between Food’ Part
If you have ever heated a plate full of food just to find half of it piping hot and the other half of it stone cold, you will understand what we mean. Microwaves heat unevenly, so need to keep stirring your food in intervals to make sure it heats evenly. Always stir soups, curries, or anything with multiple layers. If your microwave does not have a rotating plate, make sure to rotate the dish manually to avoid any cold portions.
5. Not Letting The Food Rest
The “beep-beep” might sound like the end of cooking, but your food is still in the heating process. As mentioned above, microwaves heat food unevenly so the resting time allows the heat to distribute evenly. This can help you avoid those random cold bites or extremely hot portions of food. Just let your dish rest for a couple of minutes to finish up and settle. Plus, it can help you reduce the risk of burning your tongue when you dig in.
Also Read: 5 Foods You Should Stop Reheating In Microwave Oven Now!
Are you a foodie who is obsessed with Asian food or just someone who caught the travel bug but can’t find time to travel?
Good news. You can now tour Asia without leaving Singapore.
How? Go on a food trail at these malls in the west and have a taste of flavours from around the region.
You can even convert your spendings into cash vouchers through a mission-based challenge that’s going on now at the malls.
Westgate
You can start your ‘travels’ at Westgate, conveniently located right outside Jurong East MRT station and with plenty of food options available.
Gochi-so Shokudo (#01-02)
First stop, Japan.
Hop on the Japan bandwagon by visiting Japanese eateries and restaurants, like Gochi-so Shokudo.
At Gochi-so Shokudo, you can enjoy tasty Iberico pork, barbecued to crispy and savoury perfection, with your rice.
Iberico char siew and loin katsu set. Image courtesy of Gochi-so Shokudo.
To celebrate the launch of the savoury new menu item, you can enjoy the Iberico char siew don for just S$8.80.
Want something crispy fried to go with the barbecued meat?
Get the Iberico char siew and and Iberico loin katsu for just S$10.80.
The best part? You can enjoy these promotional prices everyday.
Pavilion Banana Leaf (#02-28)
At Westgate, you’ll also get the chance to transport yourself to India at Pavilion Banana Leaf.
Expect classic Indian dishes but with a fancy twist.
Try, for example, their lamb shank biryani (S$35.00++).
Lamb shank biryani. Image courtesy of Pavilion Banana Leaf.
You can also find sharing dishes like fish head curry (S$30.90++).
Fish head curry. Image courtesy of Pavilion Banana Leaf.
IMM
I don’t know about you, but each time I’m on holiday, I start missing food from home at some point during the trip.
For a taste of local cuisine, drop by IMM.
Hainan Second Street (#02-38-38A)
At Hainan Second Street, you’ll find heritage dishes that we all love, such as Hainan chicken rice (S$7.30) to eggs and kaya toast set (S$5.70).
Hainan chicken rice. Image courtesy of Hainan Second Street.
It’s a no frills eatery that’s perfect if you’re going through one of those days where you just don’t feel like fussing over your food and want something reliable but delicious.
However, if you do want some frills, they also have fancier menu items like the Iberico Pork Steamboat Set for two (S$69).
White Restaurant (#02-24)
For something truly local, head to White Restaurant and order a plate of their Signature White Beehoon (S$8.50).
Signature White Beehoon. Image courtesy of White Restaurant.
If you’re dining out with a group, White Restaurant’s menu also has staples for sharing like Traditional Sweet and Sour Pork (from S$14.30) or Signature Meat and Seafood Roll (from S$14.80).
Image courtesy of White Restaurant.
White Restaurant’s IMM branch is having a promotion right now.
If you’re ordering the regular-priced a la carte items (excluding noodle and rice dishes) on a weekday, you’ll enjoy a 25 per cent discount from 11am to 12pm, and 30 per cent from 3pm to 6pm.
Lot One
Travel a little north-west, and you’ll find more Asian delicacies on offer.
TamJai SamGor Mixian (#B1-10/11)
For a taste of something from Hong Kong, visit Tamjai Samgor Mixian.
At TamJai SamGor, you’ll be able to customise your bowl of noodles to your liking.
You pick a soup base, choose your toppings, and then select one of 10 spice levels.
The menu also offers a la carte items like chicken mid-wings, sliced pork belly with mashed garlic, and poached vegetables to add a little twist to your meal.
With its wide range of menu items and customisable noodles, TamJai SamGor mixian will be ideal for solo diners as well as groups with varied preferences.
Image courtesy of Tamjai SamGor Mixian.
Visit Tamjai SamGor Mixian now and you’ll get to enjoy two combos that will leave both you and your wallet full.
The SG Fav combo is priced at S$13.80 before service charge and GST and comes with the following:
Want to feel like you’re a salaryman rushing to work during peak hour Tokyo?
Grab Japanese skewers on the go at Tori Story.
At Tori Story, you’ll get yakitori delights like chicken skewers, chicken gyoza, tamagoyaki on a stick, and even chicken tail.
If you’re looking for a more complete meal, pick out one of Tori Story’s bento boxes, starting at S$6.90.
Image courtesy of Tori Story.
Tori Story also has side dishes like Mentai Mayo Ebi Tempura (S$5.50) for when you feel extra special and want to treat yourself to something more.
Image courtesy of Tori Story.
Bukit Panjang Plaza
Finally, end your journey in the west at Bukit Panjang Plaza, where Taiwanese night market snacks and a refreshing new tea shop await.
Xi Men Jie (#01-60/61)
If you’re craving classic Taiwanese night market street snacks but don’t want to fly all the way to Taiwan just to satiate your desires, head to Bukit Panjang Plaza instead.
Located at level one of the mall, Xi Men Jie has been cooking up Taiwanese flavours in Singapore since 2005.
You’ll find classics such as oyster mee sua (S$6.50 / S$7.50), braised pork rice (S$6.50 / S$7.50), chicken cutlet (S$6.50), and a variety of bubble tea flavours.
Braised pork rice. Image courtesy of Xi Men Jie.
Oyster mee sua. Image courtesy of Xi Men Jie.
Yes Lemon (#02-22)
Another day, another fresh bubble tea brand to rave about.
Well, Yes Lemon isn’t so much a ‘bubble tea’ with a selection of milk teas to choose from.
It’s more like fruit tea, but for a specific fruit — citrus lemon.
Originating from Nanjing, the lemon tea specialists have now arrived on Singapore’s shores with their first outlet at Bukit Panjang Plaza.
You might be thinking, “what’s so special about iced lemon tea?”
Yes Lemon mixes their drinks using citrus lemons specially picked from Guangdong which are freshly punched when you order your drink.
If you’re in the mood for something refreshing and tangy, Yes Lemon’s menu offers a variety of options to help quench your thirst.
Image courtesy of Yes Lemon.
Thai iced lemon tea. Image courtesy of Yes Lemon.
Image courtesy of Yes Lemon.
Journey to the West
There you have it.
You now have a way to curb your travel bug or satisfy your Asian food cravings without having to take a long flight
Just hop on a bus, train or cab and head to Bukit Panjang Plaza, Lot One, IMM and Westgate and explore Asia and the world through your stomach.
Besides enjoying tasty food, from now until Oct. 13, 2024, you’ll get to participate in the Shop To The Top challenge and stand to win eCapitalandVoucher (eCV) when you spend at any of the four malls.
The mission-based challenge requires you to spend S$80 in any of these four categories:
Glamour (Beauty & Fashion)
Gourmet (F&B)
HomeTech (Home & Electronics)
Lifestyle (selected Supermarket + Specialty Mart + Value Stores + Hobbies & Leisure)
With each spending requirement met, you’ll receive one mission stamp and S$5 eCV.
The first 1000 shoppers to complete all four missions will get a bonus S$10 eCV.
You can combine receipts for each mission but only up to a maximum of four.
For more details on the challenge mechanics, participating stores and voucher availability, check out the Shop To The Top website here.
The bonus S$10 eCV is still up for grabs, so get to it while you can!
Menu promotions are also for a limited-time only, so check in-store for more details or the latest promotions.
The writer of this sponsored article REALLY wants to try Misty Mountain Dragon Well Tea from Yes Lemon.
Top image via Pavilion Banana Leaf, Gochi-so Shokudo, Yes Lemon
Iberico char siew and loin katsu set. Image courtesy of Gochi-so Shokudo.
Lamb shank biryani. Image courtesy of Pavilion Banana Leaf.
Fish head curry. Image courtesy of Pavilion Banana Leaf.
Hainan chicken rice. Image courtesy of Hainan Second Street.
Signature White Beehoon. Image courtesy of White Restaurant.
Image courtesy of White Restaurant.
Image courtesy of Tamjai SamGor Mixian.
Image courtesy of TamJai SamGor Mixian.
Image courtesy of Tori Story.
Image courtesy of Tori Story.
Braised pork rice. Image courtesy of Xi Men Jie.
Oyster mee sua. Image courtesy of Xi Men Jie.
Image courtesy of Yes Lemon.
Thai iced lemon tea. Image courtesy of Yes Lemon.
Image courtesy of Yes Lemon.