Rajbhog: A Royal Delight from the Exquisite Kitchens of India

Here is a post we crafted using our company's A.I.

I take this moment to express my divergence from several ideas presented by right-wing Indian bloggers, including Reuben Abraham and Atanu Dey. I happened to have been a co-blogger with Reuben, but in the interest of transparency, I would like to bring up some issues I have consistently found with Indian right wing bloggers.

Firstly, it is unclear why a democratic socialist approach of the kind followed in France or the Scandinavian countries couldn't be applied in India. Secondly, it is unclear what the alternative to democratic socialism is, when there are very likely going to be enormous social and economic changes coming up in the coming years due to Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technologies.

Two particular notions promulgated by Reuben that caught my attention were the advocacy for building private cities and liberalizing the education sector. While these actions may offer potential benefits, I am apprehensive about the simplistic portrayal by Abraham of the issues in the Indian education sector as merely a lack of capitalistic incentives and the simplistic portrayal of building cities being the solution to India's problems. (Yes, cities are the centers of innovation, but that doesn't mean that any country has innovated by simply building new cities as, for example, Brazil.)

In this post, I just want to talk about education from here onwards. Contrary to the suggestion that the challenges in the education sector stem from a lack of market presence, I contend that the issues are more complex. It is challenging to accept the conclusion that the absence of sufficient capitalism is the root cause. The real problem is that there is no money in teaching. If the absence of capitalism were the root cause, what exactly is preventing entrepreneurs from starting schools, since virtually every bit of the curricula for K-12 education is now available online for free? My disagreements with Reuben Abraham persisted until I realized his inclination towards right-wing ideologies, particularly advocating for "free markets" in almost every aspect of policy. My political alignment stood somewhat flexible, and I, indeed, supported certain sensible Republican policies also, but over time, I've leaned further towards the left. I now believe that democratic socialism might be the most effective way to address the substantial challenges posed by A.I. and other recent technological innovations in the global workforce, and especially in a country like India. You would think that somebody who calls himself an economist would engage with reasonable people, even if they are critical of their opinions. What I have seen, however, is that all sorts of issues arise when discussions are not under the aegis of an organization where your rights may be protected. 

In summary, to assume that markets alone will resolve these intricate problems seems somewhat naive. With that thought, I end this thread.

Thanks, subscribers/followers, for your continued support!

~ Anand

[===+====]

Step into the opulent world of Indian royalty and indulge in the culinary treasures that have been passed down through generations. In this series of blog posts, we will take you on a gastronomic journey through the magnificent royal kitchens of India. Each post will unveil a delightful recipe that reflects the grandeur, flavors, and traditions of Indian royalty. Today, we present to you a regal dessert called Rajbhog, fit for kings and queens.

The Legacy of Rajbhog: Rajbhog, meaning "royal feast," is a sweet delicacy that originated in the royal kitchens of Bengal. This exquisite dessert showcases the artistry and finesse of Indian culinary traditions. Crafted with a blend of aromatic spices, rich ingredients, and meticulous techniques, Rajbhog has become synonymous with decadence and indulgence.

Ingredients: To create this royal dessert, you will need:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (paneer), mashed
• 1/2 cup khoya (reduced milk solids)
• A pinch of saffron strands
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, cashews)
• 1 tablespoon rose water
• 1 cup sugar
• A few drops of yellow food color (optional)
• Edible silver foil (varak) for garnish
• Ghee (clarified butter) for greasing

Preparation:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed cottage cheese (paneer) and khoya until well blended.
2. Add saffron strands, cardamom powder, chopped nuts, rose water, and sugar to the mixture. Mix thoroughly.
3. If desired, add a few drops of yellow food color to enhance the appearance of the Rajbhog.
4. Divide the mixture into small equal portions and shape them into round or oval balls. These will be the Rajbhog.
5. In a deep pan, bring water to a boil and gently place the Rajbhog into the boiling water.
6. Cook the Rajbhog on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, ensuring they are submerged in the water. They will expand slightly as they cook.
7. Once cooked, carefully remove the Rajbhog from the water and allow them to cool.
8. Garnish each Rajbhog with a small piece of edible silver foil (varak) for an elegant touch.
9. Serve the Rajbhog chilled, allowing their exquisite flavors to tantalize your taste buds.

Conclusion: Rajbhog, with its royal heritage and rich flavors, is a true embodiment of Indian culinary artistry. This divine dessert offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the royal kitchens, where every dish was crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. Stay tuned for more enchanting recipes from the royal kitchens of India in our blog series. Experience the magic and elegance that has graced the palaces for centuries, right in your own kitchen.

Remember, each recipe has its unique story and cultural significance, inviting you to savor the flavors of India's royal past. Stay tuned for the next installment in our series as we unveil another culinary gem from the royal kitchens of India.

~

In the captivating world of culinary tales and royal delicacies, let us introduce you to the enigmatic character of Lady Amara, a character in my upcoming novel. 

Resplendent in her regal attire, she embodies the grace and elegance of a bygone era. Get ready to be transported to a realm of opulence and flavors that will enchant your senses.

 

Embracing the essence of India's rich heritage at Sanchi, while savoring the royal indulgence of Rajbhog, is Lady Amara. Her presence adds a touch of mystique to the timeless beauty of this historical monument, as we embark on a culinary adventure through the royal kitchens of India.

 

~

 BONUS RECIPE: I haven't actually used the above recipe. It was generated by ChatGPT. Here is another recipe for Rajbhog, which seems to have been thorougly vetted.

 

Ingredients

    200 gm paneer
    1/4 cup almonds
    5 strand saffron
    2 cup water
    2 tablespoon milk

    1/4 cup cashews
    1/4 cup pistachios
    1 teaspoon powdered green cardamom
    1 cup sugar

Instructions

• Step 1 Grind the nuts and make the sugar syrup

  Grind the cashew nuts, pistachios and almonds to a fine powder. Add the cardamom powder and mix well. In the meantime, take 2 tablespoon milk and soak 5 saffron strands and keep it aside.

• Step 2 Make the chenna balls

  You can make a homemade chenna or use store-bought paneer. In this recipe we are using readymade paneer, so you can either grate the paneer or crumble it. Then knead the paneer into a smooth texture, then add in the saffron milk and knead it again.

• Step 3 Make the Rajbhog

  Make balls of the paneer dough and create a cavity and fill in the nuts mixture and gently make the balls and repeat the process with the rest of the chenna dough. In the meantime, take a vessel with 2 cups of water and add in the 1 cup sugar, stir well until fully dissolved. Now gently slide in the chenna balls and allow the Rajbhog to cook in the sugar syrup.

• Step 4 Rajbhog is ready to relish!

  Allow the paneer balls to simmer for 15 minutes over low/medium flame. Remove and cool. The balls may disintegrate or dissolve in the syrup, hence you must avoid stirring. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

~

Note: Adjust the quantity of ingredients according to your preference and serving size.

[===+====]

Rogan Josh: A Flavorful Journey through the Royal Kitchens of India

Here is another post we wrote using our company's A.I. software.

[====+====]

Embark on a culinary adventure as we continue our exploration of the splendid royal kitchens of India. In this blog post, we unveil a recipe that epitomizes the rich flavors and aromatic spices that characterize Indian royal cuisine. Today, we present to you the regal Rogan Josh, a traditional Kashmiri dish that has captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts around the world.

The Origin of Rogan Josh: Rogan Josh, meaning "red lamb," originated in the beautiful valley of Kashmir, nestled in the Himalayan mountains. This vibrant dish showcases the unique blend of Persian and Kashmiri culinary influences, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Traditionally prepared using tender chunks of meat, aromatic spices, and a luscious gravy, Rogan Josh has become a symbol of indulgence and royalty.

Ingredients: To create this royal delight, you will need:

• 500 grams boneless lamb, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 cup plain yogurt, whisked
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• A pinch of saffron strands
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Preparation:

1. Heat ghee in a deep pan or a traditional Kashmiri copper vessel.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
4. Add the lamb chunks and brown them on all sides.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth and then add it to the pan. Mix well.
6. Add tomato puree, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, fennel seeds, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and saffron strands. Stir to combine.
7. Season with salt according to taste and mix well.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the Rogan Josh simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
9. Once cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves to add a touch of freshness and aroma.
10. Serve the Rogan Josh hot with naan or steamed rice, allowing the delightful flavors to transport you to the royal courts of Kashmir.

Conclusion: Rogan Josh, with its mesmerizing flavors and exquisite aroma, captures the essence of Indian royal cuisine. This legendary dish, born in the valleys of Kashmir, carries with it a rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary heritage. The harmonious blend of spices and the slow cooking process create a dish fit for kings and queens.

Stay tuned for more enchanting recipes from the royal kitchens of India in our blog series. Immerse yourself in the opulence and flavors of Indian royalty as we continue to unveil hidden gems from the annals of history.

Note: Adjust the quantity of ingredients according to your preference and serving size.

*Disclaimer: Always exercise caution when trying

~

As we delve deeper into the realm of royal cuisine, we encounter the captivating persona of Lady Zara, standing before the resplendent Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. With her regal poise and a hint of mystery in her eyes, Lady Zara embodies the essence of Rajasthan's grandeur and traditions. 

 Lady Zara, a character from the pages of an enchanting novel, graces the magnificent Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. 

 

Against this backdrop of architectural splendor, let us introduce you to the tantalizing flavors of Rogan Josh, a culinary masterpiece from the royal kitchens of India.

~

BONUS RECIPE: I haven't actually used the above recipe. It was generated by ChatGPT. Here is another recipe for Rogan Josh, which seems to have been thorougly vetted. 

Recipe

Ingredients of Mutton Rogan Josh

    1 kilograms chopped into cubes mutton
    1/2 teaspoon asafoetida
    2 cinnamon
    5 black cardamom
    1 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
    150 gm hung curd
    salt as required
    1 1/2 cup water
    2 1/2 tablespoon milk

    1/2 cup ghee
    1 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
    1 teaspoon peppercorns
    4 red chilli
    1 1/4 tablespoon coriander powder
    2 pinch saffron
    1 tablespoon red chilli powder
    1 1/2 tablespoon fennel seeds powder
    1 1/4 tablespoon all purpose flour

For Garnishing

    2 sprigs coriander leaves

Instructions

. 

    Step 1 Saute the whole spices in ghee and prepare saffron milk

    To prepare this delicacy, first, prepare the saffron milk by soaking saffron in milk. Next, put a pressure cooker and heat ghee in it. When the ghee is hot enough, add the whole spices and fry for a few seconds.

    Step 2 Cook mutton with the whole spices

    Then, add whole red chillies, cumin seeds and asafoetida in the pressure cooker and fry for a few seconds. Afterwards, add the mutton pieces in it and stir well. Cover with the lid but don’t close it and cook the mutton for 5-6 minutes on medium to high flame. You will notice the meat will turn light brown in colour. After 5 minutes, remove the lid and add 1/2 cup of water in it and stir well with the spices. This will help the mutton in soaking the flavours of all the spices. Then, lower the flame and cook the mutton for 10-15 minutes.

    Step 3 Mix yoghurt with saffron milk and other spices

    Meanwhile, take a small bowl and add all-purpose flour along with yoghurt in it, mix well. In this yoghurt mixture, add saffron milk (step 1), salt, fennel powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder and dry ginger powder (sonth powder). Mix all the spices well in the yoghurt. Once done, add into the pressure cooker. Stir well using a ladle and cook the mutton in yoghurt for at least a minute.

    Step 4 Add this yoghurt mixture in pressure cooker and slow cook the mutton for 1-2 hours

    Then, add 1 cup of water in the pressure cooker and slow cook the mutton for 1-2 hours. Stir in between so that it doesn’t stick to the bottom. You can also pressure cook the mutton for 5-6 whistles. Once done, garnish and serve hot with chapati or naan. You can also enjoy this dish with rice.

 

~

 

[====+====]

Yoga for Hips and Low Back Release"

 [PRE DATED POST]

 ~

Below is the "Yoga for Hips and Low Back Release" video.

 ~

Bedtime yoga: 20 minute bedtime yoga practice

[PRE DATED POST] 

Below is the "Bedtime yoga: 20 minute bedtime yoga practice" video. 

Chakraasana video

 [PRE DATED POST]

Below is the Chakraasana video. 

~

~

"Yeh raat bheegi bheegi"

 Introduction:

In the enchanting realm of Bollywood melodies, there are songs that evoke a sense of longing and romance, transporting listeners to a world of melancholic charm. One such timeless classic is the hauntingly beautiful "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" from the iconic movie Chori Chori (1956). Composed by the legendary Shankar-Jaikishan duo and penned by Shailendra, this song is a mesmerizing ode to love's tender whispers amidst the backdrop of a rainy night.

Melodic Splendor: "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" is a masterpiece of melodic splendor, with Shankar-Jaikishan's composition weaving a spell of enchantment that captivates the soul. The gentle strumming of the guitar and the soothing strains of the flute evoke the pitter-patter of raindrops, creating a serene atmosphere that is both romantic and nostalgic. The melody flows like a gentle breeze, carrying with it the fragrance of wet earth and the promise of love's embrace.

Lyrically Poignant: Shailendra's lyrics in "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" are a poignant reflection on the beauty of love amidst the solitude of a rainy night. Each verse is filled with evocative imagery and heartfelt emotion, capturing the essence of longing and desire with exquisite sensitivity. The lyrics paint a picture of lovers yearning for each other's presence, their hearts entwined in the silent symphony of the night.

Iconic Rendition: No discussion of "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" would be complete without acknowledging the iconic rendition by the legendary playback singers Lata Mangeshkar and Manna Dey. Their soulful vocals breathe life into the song, infusing it with an unmatched depth of emotion and longing. Mangeshkar and Dey's duet is a testament to their mastery of expression, conveying the subtle nuances of love's tender whispers with grace and elegance.

Enduring Appeal: Decades may have passed since its release, but the allure of "Yeh Raat Bheegi Bheegi" continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics serve as a reminder of the enduring power of love to transcend time and space. As we listen to this beloved song, let us be transported to a world of melancholic charm, where the rain-soaked streets echo with the whispers of lovers lost in each other's arms on a bheegi bheegi raat.

Kapotaasana video

 [PRE DATED POST]

Below is the Kapotaasana video. 

~

Viraasana video

[PRE DATED POST]

Below is the Viraasana video. 

~

 

Embracing the Romance of "Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam"

 Introduction:

In the enchanting world of Bollywood music, there are songs that encapsulate the timeless beauty of romance and evoke the magic of love under the starry night sky. One such timeless gem is the enchanting "Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam" from the classic movie Dilli Ka Thug (1958). Composed by the legendary Shankar-Jaikishan duo and penned by Shailendra, this song is a melodious serenade to the enchanting nights and blissful moments shared between lovers.

Melodic Serenity: "Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam" is a masterpiece of melodic serenity, with Shankar-Jaikishan's composition weaving a spell of romance and nostalgia that transports listeners to a world of timeless beauty. The gentle strumming of the guitar and the soft harmonies of the flute create a tranquil atmosphere that mirrors the tranquility of a moonlit night. The melody flows like a gentle breeze, carrying with it the whispers of love and the promise of eternal devotion.

Lyrically Evocative: Shailendra's lyrics in "Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam" are a poetic celebration of the beauty of the night and the enchantment of love's tender moments. Each verse is filled with evocative imagery and heartfelt emotion, painting a vivid picture of lovers basking in the glow of the moonlight. The lyrics capture the essence of romance with exquisite sensitivity, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the magic of the night.

Iconic Rendition: No discussion of "Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam" would be complete without acknowledging the iconic rendition by the legendary playback singers Kishore Kumar and Asha Bhosle. Their soulful vocals breathe life into the song, infusing it with an unmatched depth of emotion and longing. Kumar and Bhosle's duet is a testament to their chemistry and versatility, capturing the essence of love's tender whispers with effortless grace.

Timeless Appeal: Decades may have passed since its release, but the allure of "Yeh Raatein Yeh Mausam" continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal. Its serene melody and evocative lyrics serve as a reminder of the enduring power of love to transcend time and space. As we listen to this beloved song, let us be transported to a world where every night is filled with the magic of romance and every moment is cherished in the embrace of love.

"108 Surya Namaskaar" video

 [PRE DATED POST]

 

Below is the "108 Surya Namaskaar" video.

~