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The Mango Tree Promise
In the courtyard of Dadi’s old home stood a grand mango tree, its branches stretching wide like open arms. Every summer, it bore sweet, golden mangoes that made the whole neighborhood’s mouths water. One breezy afternoon, Chotu and Chutki sat under the tree, swinging their legs and eyeing the green mangoes swaying above. “Dadi,” Chutki asked, “When will they turn yellow? I can’t wait!” Dadi smiled, adjusting her glasses. “Baccho, achhi cheezon ka mazaa tabhi aata hai jab hum unka intezaar karte hain. Jaldi kiye toh na mithaas milti hai, na khushi.” She went on to tell them about a promise she made to this very tree when she was…
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Oil-Free Paneer Tikka in Air Fryer
The late afternoon sun filtered gently through Dadi’s kitchen window, casting a golden glow on the marinated paneer cubes.“Arre Chotu, Chutki! Aaj tumhare liye ek khaas cheez ban rahi hai – Oil-Free Paneer Tikka!” Dadi announced, her eyes twinkling behind her specs. Chutki peeked over the counter, “Dadi, tikka without oil? Kaise banega?”Dadi chuckled, “Bas dekhte jao… aur seekh lo. Air fryer mein sab kuch possible hai.” Coopie, the ever-curious golden retriever, sat by the door, tail wagging slowly, nose catching the tempting aroma of the spices. Chotu carefully helped Dadi thread the marinated paneer and veggies onto skewers, sneaking in questions about each spice. As the air fryer hummed…
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Bajra-Methi Pakoras (Air-Fried)
Garam Pakore aur Baarish ki Khushboo It had rained all morning. The kind of rain that made the whole house smell like mitti and memories. “Dadi! Baarish ho rahi hai!” Chotu and Choti shouted from the verandah, their noses pressed to the glass. Dadi, wrapped in her soft cotton shawl, was already one step ahead. “Baarish aur kuch garam garam pakore na ho? Hain Coopie?” she said, giving the golden fluffball a pat. But unlike the old days, Dadi had her ways. No oil, no mess. Just her trusty air fryer and a big bowl of bajra, fresh methi leaves, and warm masalas. Soon, the kitchen was filled with the…
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The Swing in the Courtyard
An Evening in Dadi’s CourtyardThe summer evening breeze was cool, carrying the smell of jasmine from the garden. Chotu sat on the old wooden swing in the courtyard, pushing himself lazily with one foot. “Dadi, yeh jhoola toh bahut purana hai… kyun nahi naya lete?” he asked. Dadi chuckled, settling beside him. “Arre beta, is jhoolay par toh tumhare papa bhi baithe the… aur main unhe kahaniyan sunati thi.” Her eyes softened as she ran a hand over the smooth wooden armrest, worn shiny from years of use. “Naya cheez le sakte hain, lekin purani yaadein… woh sirf jee jaati hain, badli nahi jaati,” she said gently. Chotu looked up,…
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The Secret Ingredient
An Afternoon in Dadi’s KitchenIt was a grey, rainy afternoon. The soft patter of raindrops played on the window as Chotu impatiently stirred a pot of kheer. “Dadi, abhi tak kyun nahi bana?” he grumbled, eyeing the pot like a hungry little hawk. Dadi smiled, her bangles jingling as she added a gentle handful of sugar and crushed cardamom.“Beta, achhi cheezon ko waqt lagta hai… chahe woh kheer ho ya zindagi,” she said softly. The steam curled upward, carrying the sweet aroma through the kitchen. Minutes later, Chotu finally tasted the kheer, creamy, fragrant, and worth every second of waiting. And in that moment, without realizing it, he learned that…
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Beetroot Hummus Toasts – A Colourful, Healthy Snack
A Sunday Afternoon in Dadi’s KitchenThe winter sun streamed lazily through the window as Dadi placed a bright pink bowl on the table.“Dadi, yeh pink ice cream hai kya?” Chutki asked, her eyes widening. “Arre nahin, yeh toh hummus hai… beetroot hummus!” Dadi laughed, scooping the creamy mixture onto slices of warm toasted bread. Chotu leaned in for a sniff, while Coopie wagged his tail hopefully, clearly approving of the bright creation. The toasts were topped with crunchy cucumber slices and juicy cherry tomatoes, looking like little pieces of art on a plate. As they took their first bite, Chotu declared, “Dadi, yeh toh sandwich bhi haraata hai!” and Coopie…
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Oil‑Free Crispy Morning Poha – A Cozy Breakfast from Dadi’s Kitchen
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Dadi’s Oil‑Free Homestyle Chicken Curry – Easy, Healthy & Full of Flavour
A Rainy Sunday Evening in Dadi’s Kitchen The sky outside was grey and drizzly, but inside, Dadi’s kitchen glowed with the warmth of simmering spices. “Bas thoda sa sabr, Chotu… curry abhi tayyar ho rahi hai!” she called over her shoulder, stirring the pot with slow, practiced motions. Chutki stood on her little stool, peeking into the kadhai, her eyes widening as the rich aroma of ginger, garlic, and garam masala filled the air. Coopie, ever hopeful, had parked himself by the door, his nose twitching with anticipation. Soon, the first ladleful of curry was poured over steaming rice, sending up clouds of fragrant steam.One bite, and the world outside…
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Banana Ragi Chocolate Balls – A Sweet Treat from Dadi’s Kitchen
A Sweet Evening in Dadi’s KitchenThe golden glow of the evening sun spilled into the kitchen as Dadi mashed ripe bananas in a big brass bowl. “Bas thoda sa patience, Chotu… abhi tayyar ho jayenge!” she chuckled, as Chutki peeked curiously over the counter. Coopie, of course, had already stationed himself right under the table, hoping for a little treat to roll his way. The smell of cocoa and roasted ragi filled the air, and within minutes, Dadi rolled little chocolatey balls, dusted them lightly, and placed them in a shiny plate. The first bite was enough to make everyone’s eyes light up — soft, rich, and perfectly sweet without…
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Oil‑Free Crispy Morning Poha – A Cozy Breakfast from Dadi’s Kitchen
A Warm Morning in Dadi’s KitchenThe sun had barely peeped through the curtains when the sound of clinking brass utensils filled the air.In the kitchen, Dadi stood in her green saree, steam curling up from a katori of freshly made poha.“Arre Chotu, Chutki… utho jaldi!” she called, her voice a perfect mix of love and command. The two tumbled out of bed, still rubbing their eyes, following the delicious aroma like little detectives on a breakfast mission. Coopie, their golden retriever, had already claimed his spot under the table, tail wagging in hopeful anticipation. Moments later, the three were gathered around the kitchen table, with Dadi serving generous spoonful’s of…
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Beetroot Hummus Toasts – A Colourful, Healthy Snack
