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    Home » My Journey Through Life » Little Miracles Take Time

    Little Miracles Take Time

    Published On February 23, 2021 by Aayushi Patel This Post May Contain Affiliate Links

    I was only 17, when I first started showing symptoms for Prolactinoma, a Pituitary Tumor that caused an uncanny amount of bleeding through my menstruation cycle, which would last for months together. We changed OB's one after the other. Finally I was sent to an Endocrinologist, who was able to figure what was happening. That the problem was not my uterus, it was the pituitary gland in my small brain that was acting all snarky. The first words he told us were, that we came to him right in time. My hormone levels at the time were so bad, that I could have suffered brain hemorrhage in a matter of weeks. My mom started pouring right there. We started the antibiotics, and kept a track of the tumor with MRIs and blood work in the following months. I started to feel better, but it wasn't over just yet. PCOD was still there and a uterus with tiny fibroids now. They put me on birth control, quite refrained from using google for all the answers, I was a book worm back then, not too much into phones and using the internet. My mom at one of our doctor appointments asked if I would ever have a problem conceiving? The doctor conveniently replied potentially it is going to be hard for me to conceive or I might not conceive at all without medical help. It broke my mom once again into tears. I did not react to it at the time, but I also didn't realize how that day those words had affected me.

    When you are born as a woman, you grow up to have maternal instincts. I believe that, because I am the oldest child in my family and I have taken care of my younger siblings so dearly. My dad raised me to be progressive, marriage and having kids was never a part of the lesson taught to me, or spoken about. Being independent was one thing most talked and taught about.

    Fast forward to two months before getting married, my periods won't stop. My OB prescribed me some medicines which gave me a break for all the bloody show for 15 days and there it started again. After a biopsy, we found out that my uterus is filled with polyps. A surgery was scheduled soon. My mental health was taking a toll so I decided to move back from Chicago to California. I dropped my work, my h1b to be with my husband for whom nothing was more important than my health.

    Soon after this in the past three years I suffered from Ectopic, Chemical (maybe Molar) and an Unexplained Miscarriage. I was broken. It started becoming hard for me to get out of the bed. Ajay, my husband asked me if I want to consider adoption. He knew all I needed was a child to heal me, and we would love that baby dearly. We decided to see Reproductive Endocrinologist, because I was still not just ready to give up. Our RE said, a non invasive treatment should work. We were all excited, but as months passed by with failed Ovulation Induction and IUI's I started to give up. I had no energy left me in to go through negative pregnancy tests anymore. I happily chose my last resort - IVF, before finally making the decision to apply for adoption.

    My mom travelled to be there for us in the beginning of pandemic. She took care of me in every way possible. From taking care of what I am eating, if I am taking enough rest, to come to slow walks with me, she was there right by me. Ajay and my mom supported me by always being there for me. I decided that I will try one round of IVF with one embryo transfer. If it works, there is nothing more I will be grateful for , but if it doesn't work, I put this whole idea of carrying a baby to rest and give myself some grace. Setting up that limit took all the pressure I had put myself in for all those years away. When I started with IVF, I decided to take care of my body and my mind and make it my first priority. I usually eat healthy home cooked Indian meals. The month I started the birth control pills, I started having mostly nutritious Indian food consisting of Dal, Roti , lots of Sabzi and Salad for lunch and stir fry's for dinner. Eggs were a constant everyday breakfast for me. Daily walks twice a day, researching and reading blogs and stories about IVF, and watching Vlogs on Youtube about people's IVF journey helped me prepare what was coming for me in the next few weeks. I was soon ready to start the injectable medicines. Over the years, I have been through so much blood work, surgeries, that I was not afraid of needles and taking the injections on my own. Ajay and Luna (my fur baby) would be there by my side every day through those 11 days. Along with these injections, started another uncomfortable part of IVF, the transvaginal ultrasounds, mock transfer, bloating, bruises on the stomach etc. There were days I had cried to sleep, days when I wouldn't want to leave the couch, also days when I would resort to emotional eating, but having Ajay, Luna and my mom around as my biggest cheerleaders was my biggest support.

    After all the injections and ultrasounds, I received a call from my case manager. I will be ready in two days and its time to stop the medication and take the trigger shot. Egg retrieval day was here. As much as I was thrilled , I was scared, nervous and anxious. Due to pandemic, Ajay was not allowed to be with me for not only any of the appointments but for the egg retrieval as well. My Egg Retrieval was on June 8th 2020. We were supposed to be at the hospital early in the morning. Ajay held my hand and walked me up to the reception. I could see him on the other side of the door, talking to me on the phone, giving me a pep talk, that it is okay and nothing to be scared about and reminding me, that our hope might come true, with one of those embabies. I was checked in, and soon I find myself waking up from a deep sleep, the kind I was longing for, peaceful and quiet. I asked my nurse, if the retrieval was done and if it went okay. She was so sweet. She helped get up, get dressed, brought me some juice, let me come in my senses fully and told me that the doctor was able to retrieve 17 eggs. It filled me with excitement. Ajay was called to come pick me up from the reception. The nurse informed him about the number of eggs retrieved and I burst into tears. I hugged him so tight in that moment.

    The hardest part about IVF is not just the physical pain, but the mental exhaustion that comes later with waiting for the results. Now it was time, to wait and watch. Everyday I would expect a call from my case manager to give me an update, what happened to the eggs, if they fertilized, if the embryos were growing, etc. The first call I got was to let me know that out of 17 eggs retrieved 15 were fertilized. In the world of IVF this is an excellent number to start with. We were so excited, but we also remained calm. The anxiety would build up one phone call after the other. I received the next phone call only 6 days later. I was all the emotions in those 6 days, nervous and anxious mostly. When I finally received the call, it was good news. We had 9 Embabies that made it to day 5 Blastocyst stage and 2 Embabies that made it 6 day Blastocyst stage. We decided to freeze all of them, and get a PGT testing done. PGT-A testing takes two weeks for the results to come back. This was the part I was dreading the most. With all the miscarriages, I was scared, and to my wonder if my embabies results would come back normal. Just one normal embryo was what I was praying for. The PGT Results were out and I got a call from my case manager, she said we had 8 normal embryos. I jumped with joy. She asked me if I wanted to know the genders of each of them, and If I wanted a copy of the report. I, in my most excited voice said yes, yes please Thank you!!! I opened the email, my hands shaking. We had both girl and boy embabies. The most dreadful part is to choose the embaby we wanted to transfer.

    On June 4th 2020, even before our egg retrieval, on our way to the appointment, I suggested a baby girl name to Ajay. We agreed on the name that very day, and we knew if we were having a daughter, we were naming her that very name we agreed upon. I had a strong instinct that day, that my baby girl is coming to me. I just knew it in that moment.

    At the same time, it was time to prepare myself for our first frozen embryo transfer. I began to engage myself completely into getting myself ready for the transfer.I religiously ate pomegranate and pineapple core 1 week before and after the transfer. I did everything that kept me happy and busy. I took a food photography class in between, so that I could improve my skills, but it also worked amazingly as a distraction. I was still going for walks, eating healthy diet mainly consisting of fruits and vegetables, watching hopeful vlogs on youtube with successful embryo transfers and some vlogs, where they weren't successful in the first time. It helped me stay grounded and not get too excited and overwhelmed with my own feelings.

    I was soon asked to choose the embryo, I wished to transfer just 3 days before the transfer day. For me all of them were equal, but Ajay knew exactly the guilt I was going through of choosing. He finally made the call. He asked my case manager to finalize the best baby girl embryo. Her grading was the highest among all the embryos and she was numbered as embryo 1. I am guessing the embryos are numbered in the order their fertilization took place.

    Soon it was transfer day. July 7th 2020. The day I am most grateful for and forever will be. I was going to bring my tiny embaby home with me. I popped in Valium as asked by the RE and started from home chugging water, to make sure my bladder was full before the transfer. They showed my sweet embaby to me, she was hatching and getting ready to come home.

    The transfer happened, and now it was a waiting game. I decided not to take a pregnancy test at home, but my hormones and brains were a whack. I knew something was up. But, didn't think that she could have attached and I could be pregnant. On July 12th, 2020 very unusual of me, but I was strongly craving rice, so much that I didn't want to eat anything else but rice. We booked my mom's tickets to return back to India, rumors had it that there is going to be a travel ban due to increasing cases and she won't be able to fly back until how long we didn't know. She was flying back home on the same day, I was scheduled for my beta HCG blood work. I decided to take a home pregnancy test on 13th July, 2020, Just one day before mom was leaving for India. Ajay was fast at work that morning, mom was making breakfast, and I was in my bathroom with Luna, holding pregnancy test in my hand, still trying to decide if I should take it or not. I finally decided to take it. After 3 minutes, I saw a second line on the test, faint yet very visible that I didn't have to ball my eyes out to see if there was a line. it didn't hit me yet. I decided to put Luna's big sister bandana on and bring her to Ajay and my mom. Our happiness knew no bounds that day. My sweet girl is in me, and I couldn't be more happier.

    My beta HCG test result had amazing numbers, and clearly it was positive. I was then scheduled for 6 week ultrasound to check the heartbeat. The anxiousness had sipped in me so much over the years that I kept on testing every morning. I spent hundreds of dollars on pregnancy tests. I was 5 weeks and 2 days pregnant, the pregnancy symptoms didn't kick in yet. I made lunch. I was experiencing mild stomach cramps that day. It was not unusual. It was the same kind of pain, I felt when I began to miscarry my third pregnancy. I was scared, but I kept myself going past the thought of anything negative. I finished making lunch, and soon I asked Ajay to come down for lunch. While we started eating the pain became unbearable. In that moment I knew something was wrong. I rushed upstairs, a gush of blood and I knew something was wrong. I couldn't hold back my tears. I just didn't have the energy to get past one more miscarriage. I told Ajay, I can't do this anymore. I just couldn't stop crying. He called in the nurse and see if we could see the doctor and have an ultrasound. Our doctor was extremely nice to have us in another 45 mins. She did a quick scan, there she was, my baby girl, just a tiny little dot. But she was there. That ultrasound picture of her still sits on my bedside table. She was strong, and she thrived.

    It was possibly a hematoma, a rather small one, as my bleeding stopped that same day. My 6 weeks ultrasound was on August 10th, to see my baby girl's heartbeat. I was wreck that entire week. I couldn't sleep, that whole week. I took innumerable pregnancy tests just to make sure my little baby was okay and going strong. Still no nausea, so I was hoping to get it, without knowing how painful it is. Finally the day was here, and back in my doctors office, she did a quick scan. Very sleep deprived me, heard my doctor say, that flicker is the heartbeat. She made me hear it. I was so lost. I just knew my baby girl is strong in that moment, and it filled me up with life again. The moment I heard her heartbeat, I was ready to get some sleep. Ajay couldn't believe how pleasing it was to hear that heartbeat. We came home, and I slept. It was only when I woke up and listened to her heartbeat again, I realized she is here with me. I couldn't stop my happy tears. It was the best sound to my ears and my heart.

    Now I am 36 weeks pregnant with my little girl, I feel her kicks, her tiny hiccups, she loves rice, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pizza. She loves when she hears the songs that play on the reels on Instagram. She kicks for these things every single time. Oh and she also pouts a little bit, we could see that on the ultrasound and it was the cutest thing ever.

    If you are reading this, waiting for your miracle to happen, I know it is hard to keep faith, it is hard to hang in there, it is hard to put a smile, it is hard to see other women pregnant, it is hard to go through this pain physically and mentally, but one day your tiny miracle will be packing on muscle to be here with you, to give you the most precious sleepless nights, and the kisses and cuddles.... Little miracles take time, but they happen. There is light at the end of the tunnel, even on the days when you can't see it, just believe it is there.

    For someone, who has endlessly tried fertility treatments, and it still hasn't worked, please show yourself love and grace. Give yourself a break. You are in my prayers and one day your miracle might happen to you just when you are least expecting it.

    My Journey Through Life(Opens in a new browser tab)\

    Adding a few sources that helped me learn about IVF and the support group I followed down here:

    https://www.instagram.com/thechutneylife/ - Palak runs an IVF support group for her followers on Facebook. The group is extremely helpful, everybody is always happy to help with all your questions. The link to the Facebook group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/thechutneylifettc

    https://www.fertilityhelphub.com/blog/ivf-blog-ttc-warrior

    For my readers in Bay Area, I was consulting with Dr Sarah Reid, at the Reproductive Science Centre, Foster City and San Ramon. I highly recommend to choose RSC if you are considering a fertility treatment in Bay Area.

    For anybody interested to know if we had insurance, we did. We had Progyny, through my husband's work. This insurance is provided only through the employers.

    Disclaimer - No Content here is sponsored. Everything in this blog is my experience, and recommendations based on the the things that I did. I do not by any means guarantee, that the same will work you.

    https://www.instagram.com/thewhiskaddict/

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    Hi!!! My name is Aayushi, recipe developer, photographer, and writer of my blog The Whisk Addict. I share traditional Indian and Global recipes along with stories of motherhood and raising my toddler Inaaya.

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    • Kuzhi Paniyaram | Appe Recipe
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    Aayushi Patel

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    Eggs | Vegetarian Recipes | Vegan and Plant Based Recipes
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    • 🌶️Athela Marcha🌶️ Instant Chili pickle

Athela marcha was my dada’s favorite pickle, and I definitely share the same love for athela marcha as him. You need a handful of ingredients to make this instant chili pickle, and trust me it is a flavor bomb! 

The full Detailed recipe is on the blog. And link is in my bio. 
Direct link here 

https://thewhiskaddict.com/2023/02/16/athela-marcha/

#greenchili #pickle #instantpickle #homemadepickle #chillipickle #achaar #paratha #thepla #lunchideas #northindianfood #mirchiachar #reelsinstagram #reeloftheday #gujarati #gujjurocks #gujjugram #athelamarcha #gujaratithali #gujjumemes #gujjugrams #gujaratireels #viralreels #explorepage #athanu #winterfood #mustardseed #quickrecipe #easyrecipes

    • 📌 Gobi Manchurian 📌

🌱Recipe 🌱

Prep the ingredients first for the sauce 

• 2 Tbsp Soy 
• 1 Tsp Gochujang Sauce (any chili paste) 
• 1 Tbsp White Distilled Vinegar
• 1 Tsp Chings Red Chili Sauce
• 1 Tsp Ketchup
• 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 Tsp Crushed Black Pepper
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 1.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
• 5 cloves Garlic
• 1 Inch Ginger
• 1-2 Thai Green Chilies
• 6 Scaliion Heads
• 3/4 Cup Finely Chopped Onions
• 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Green Bell Pepper
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 1/2 Tbsp Cornstarch 
• 1/4 Cup Water

Prep The Cauliflower 

• 4 Heaping Cups Cauliflower Florets
• 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 Cup Cornstarch 
• 1 Tsp Red Chili Powder 
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 1 Tbsp Ginger Garlic green Chili Paste
• 150 ml Water
🌱Steps🌱
1. Cut the Cauliflower into bite sized florets. Wash them. And keep them aside.
2.Chop the ginger, garlic, green chilies, scallions, onions and bell peppers. Put them aside. 
3. Prep the sauce mix. Add soy sauce, Gochujang sauce, white vinegar, red chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, salt and black pepper. Mix well. 
4. Add sesame oil to a wok. Add finely chopped ginger, garlic and green chilies. Let them turn golden. Add chopped scallion heads. Add finely chopped onions, and green bell peppers. Add the sauce mix. Add water. Bring it to a boil. Then mix cornstarch and water. Mix it well and add it to the sauce. Turn off the stove once the sauce thickens. 
🌱Make the batter for cauliflower florets🌱
1. Add all purpose flour, cornstarch, red chili powder, salt, garlic ginger and green chili paste. Add little water at a time and whisk to make a smooth batter. 
2. Add the cauliflower florets. Coat them with the batter using your hands. 
3. Heat the oil and once hot deep fry them. Once you are done, add the cauliflower florets in the oil again to crisp them up on high flame. 
 Or 3. Airfry the Cauliflower Florets at 350F for 12-15 mins. Roast then at 400 F for 5-7 mins. Mix the cauliflower florets in the sauce. Serve hot! 
 
#gobimanchurian #gobi #cauliflower #indochinese #desichinese #desifood #desifoodie #indianstreetfood #manchurian #paneerchilly #hakkanoodles #friedrice #asianfood #easyrecipes #appetizers #chinesefood #starter #nonfried #streetfoodlover

    • IDLI PODI 

An absolute must have condiment for my pantry! Ajay and I love a generous sprinkle of podi on not only Idlis and rice but also dhoklas and rice! It adds so much depth of flavor to the leftovers! 

Idli podi has many names, and many versions. It is very versatile to play around with the ingredients! I have always loved this version so much! It is simple, made with chana dal, urad dal, dried red chilies, hing and shredded coconut. Detailed recipe is link in my bio. Direct link here

https://thewhiskaddict.com/2021/02/07/chutney-podi-spiced-lentil-powder/

#idlipodi #podi #chutneyrecipe #recipeunder10minutes #lentils #idlichutney #dosover #southindianfood #tamilponnu #tamilreels #southindianrecipes #idlisambhar #ghee #podi #plantbasedrecipes #gunpowder #milagaipodi #indiancondiments #chutneys #masala #masaladosa #idlichutney #desiinfluencer #sidedishes #desikhana #indianrecipes #indianrecipe #flavorsofindia #yummyfood

    • 📌Air Fried Idlis📌

So many of you requested me to show you how I make air fried crispy idlis. Here’s how. But before that, my biggest tip to make these idlis is to use leftover idlis. 

I am using 6 leftover idlis, and for it I used 1 Tbsp oil. Lay them in a single layer in the air fryer, this will help them crisp up evenly. 

1. Cut the leftover idlis into equal sized wedges. 
2. Add them to a mixing bowl and add oil. Mix it with your hands. 
3. Preheat the Air Fryer on Roast setting for 400F for 1 minute.
4. Air fry the idlis in 2 batches, Add the idlis in a single layer and roast them at 400F for 12 mins. Give it a shake at 6 mins mark to make sure idlis crisp evenly.

#idlis #idlisambhar #idlisambar #leftoveridlirecipe #leftoversforlunch #leftovermakeover #crispy #idlichutney #dosalover #dosa #southindian #tamilian #southindianbreakfast #southindianfood #southindiancoffee #airfryerrecipes #easyrecipe #healthyish #healthyeating #toddlersnacks #toddlersnackideas #idlis #idlife #gharkakhana #kitchenhacks #desikhana

    • 📌Chatapate Plantain Fries📌

Ingredients 

• 5 Mini Green Bananas / Plantains
• 1.5 Tbsp Oil
• 1/2 Tsp Red Chili Powder
• 1/4 Tsp Turmeric 
• 1/2 Tsp cumin Coriander Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Curry Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Achari Masala
• 1/4 Tsp Chaat Masala
• 1/2 Tsp Salt 
• 1 Tbsp Chopped Cilantro

Peel the plantain skin using a peeler. Cut the plantains into halves, and then cut them into equally sized wedges. Now in a mixing bowl add all the powdered spices. Add oil and create a marinade. To this add the plantain wedges. Coat them well in the marinade using your hands. Now preheat the airfryer for 1-2 minutes at 400F or 200C. Add the fries to the air fryer basket and air fry  for 12 mins. Give these a quick shake at 6 mins to make sure they cook evenly.  Enjoy! 

#plantain #plantains #greenbanana #easyrecipes #plantainfries #snacksonsnacks #crispyfries #airfryerrecipes #trendingreels #easyrecipe #under10k #reelsinstagram #gujaratifood #gujju #gujjugram #gujjuthings #indianfood #plantbasedindia #plantbased #glutenfreerecipes #veganrecipeshare #eatyourveggies #vegetariandilli #reelsrecipe #recipeshare #recipeoftheday #delicious #tastemademedoit

    • Sabr (patience) something that I never knew existed in me. Sabr is hard, yet it is beautiful. Beautiful when you get to tell your story. 

I never questioned once why me, when I went through losses, failed infertility treatments, bleeding disorders, and declining health. Until Inaaya was taken to the NICU to a completely different hospital. That’s when I asked why her. There is still so much that I haven’t shared. But, yet the only thing that helped me sail through everything was patience, my will to take one day at a time. Through all the downfalls, I have risen stronger, wiser, more confident, but most of all grateful for the ones who truly never left my side. 

I am glad I shared my infertility and IVF journey. It has helped so many of you and me. It is a true honor for me to read your stories, to see the photos to your miracle babies, and so many of you messaged me encouraging words with your own experiences with NICU. 

So if you are going through any hard times, things get better. Have faith in time. It is easy to say than do, but I have been there on the path of grief a couple of times now. Time will bring you the things you deserve. If you are grieving, time will help you teach to live with it, channel it. It might take some help from an outsider. I am proud of myself to seek therapy when I needed it. It has helped me channel my big emotions and very big feelings in the right way. I still have my days, when I spend all my time in bed, watching tv endlessly, eating in bed, tears rolling out for reasons I can’t explain. But I am have gotten  better since past couple years. My two girls, Luna and Inaaya never fail to show me love, kindness and grace.

If you are new here, and you want to read MY JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE, 

Direct Link is here , https://thewhiskaddict.com/category/my-journey-through-life/

#solitude #chailovers #tealover #subah #nashta #gharkakhana #cuttingchai #chaitime #chailove #shayarioftheday #inspiringquotes #patiencequotes #infertilityjourney #ivfsuccess #ivfsupport #ivfwarrior #reeloftheday #thoughtsforlife #urduthoughts #sabr #lifelessons #viralreels #reelsindia #indianmomblogger #desimom #indianfoodbloggers #indianmom

    • Matar Paneer and Garam Garam Tandoori Roti! A meal that will always be my favorite and nostalgic. My mom used to make matar paneer, whenever I would invite my friends over, or she wants to treat us for a restaurant style dinner at home. This matar paneer is so easy to make and so delicious! 

📌Recipe📌

🌱 For the Curry Base

• 1 Tbsp Oil
• 1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds
• 2 Green Cardamoms
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Small Cinnamon Stick
• 1 Dried Red Chili
• 1 Medium Onion Sliced
• 1 Big RomaTomato Sliced
• 4-5 Garlic cloves chopped
• 1/2 Inch ginger chopped
• 1 Tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Dhanyajeera Powder
• 1/4 Tsp Turmeric
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 8-10 Cashews

For The Curry

• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 1 Tsp Kashmiri Ted Chili Powder 
• 1 Tsp Salt
• 250 Gms Paneer Cubed
• 1/2 Cup Fresh/ Frozen Green Peas
• 1 Tsp Garam Masala
• 1 Tsp Crushed Kasuri Methi
• Adjust Salt if needed

📌 step by step📌

1. To a frying pan add oil, cumin seeds, dried red chili, green cardamom, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Let the cumin seeds splutter and add sliced onions. 2. Saute the onions until they soften and add ginger garlic. Saute everything until golden brown. 
3. Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, dhanyajeera turmeric, salt and cashews. Cook until tomatoes soften. 
4. Let it cool down. Take the bay leaf out. And now add the prepared masala to a blender. Blend into a curry base. 
5. Add butter to the pan. To this add kashmiri red chili powder, and add the preppared curry base. Add splash of water to adjust the consistency. 
6. Add a tsp of sugar to balance the flavors. And adjust the salt. 
7. Let it cook for a minute and add cubed paneer and peas. I like to soak store bought paneer in hot water for 10-15 mins before adding it to the curries. This makes the paneer very soft. 
8. Add garam masala and kasuri methi. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and cream.
9. Serve hot!

#matarpaneer #paneertikka #paneerrecipes #paneer #easypaneerrecipes #restaurantstyle #easyrecipesathome #paneerbuttermasala #punjabikhana #northindianfood #paneerlove #delhifoodie #indianfoodlovers #indianfoodrecipes #tastemademedoit #gharkakhana #comfortfood #indiareels #explorepage

    • 🌱Ponkh Chaat 🌱

The supple tender sorghum when spiced with cilantro mint chutney and seasoned with chaat masala, and lime juice, this refreshing snack is so easy to make and which is healthy, nutritious and delicious! 

#ponkh #ponk #tendersorghum #tenderjowar #jowar #jowarrecipe #snacktime #easysnacks #vegansnackideas #vegansnacks #plantbased #highfibre #complexcarbs #healthysnackideas #healthysnacking #5minsnack #reelsindia #indianplantcommunity #plantbasednutrition #viralreels #gujarati #gujaratifood #gujjus #gujjulove #gujjuness #surtifood #surti

    • Life isn’t easy on any of us. We all battle our own struggles and this was mine. Inaaya is my fierce and warrior child. She was worth the wait. She came into my life when I needed her the most. When I was broken to the point where healing didn’t seem to be in the horizon. She knows to constantly remind of the love I craved for years. Inaaya means gift of god. She is the light of our lives, she is my light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Someone has rightly said, a quote I go back to again and again. 

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option“ 

If you are in a similar situation as I was, know that there is light at the end of tunnel, and everything happens for a reason. 

#infertilityjourney #infertilitysupport #ivfjourney #ivfsuccess #ivfpregnancy #ivfcommunity #ivfwarrior #ivfbaby #ivfbabies #momanddaughter #momanddaughter #motherdaughter #browngirls #pinkvilla #shethepeople #mamasjaan

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    🌶️Athela Marcha🌶️ Instant Chili pickle

    Athela marcha was my dada’s favorite pickle, and I definitely share the same love for athela marcha as him. You need a handful of ingredients to make this instant chili pickle, and trust me it is a flavor bomb!

    The full Detailed recipe is on the blog. And link is in my bio.
    Direct link here

    https://thewhiskaddict.com/2023/02/16/athela-marcha/

    #greenchili #pickle #instantpickle #homemadepickle #chillipickle #achaar #paratha #thepla #lunchideas #northindianfood #mirchiachar #reelsinstagram #reeloftheday #gujarati #gujjurocks #gujjugram #athelamarcha #gujaratithali #gujjumemes #gujjugrams #gujaratireels #viralreels #explorepage #athanu #winterfood #mustardseed #quickrecipe #easyrecipes

    1 month ago
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    📌 Gobi Manchurian 📌

    🌱Recipe 🌱

    Prep the ingredients first for the sauce

    • 2 Tbsp Soy
    • 1 Tsp Gochujang Sauce (any chili paste)
    • 1 Tbsp White Distilled Vinegar
    • 1 Tsp Chings Red Chili Sauce
    • 1 Tsp Ketchup
    • 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
    • 1 Tsp Crushed Black Pepper
    • 1 Tsp Salt
    • 1.5 Tbsp Sesame Oil
    • 5 cloves Garlic
    • 1 Inch Ginger
    • 1-2 Thai Green Chilies
    • 6 Scaliion Heads
    • 3/4 Cup Finely Chopped Onions
    • 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Green Bell Pepper
    • 1/2 Cup Water
    • 1/2 Tbsp Cornstarch
    • 1/4 Cup Water

    Prep The Cauliflower

    • 4 Heaping Cups Cauliflower Florets
    • 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour
    • 1/2 Cup Cornstarch
    • 1 Tsp Red Chili Powder
    • 1 Tsp Salt
    • 1 Tbsp Ginger Garlic green Chili Paste
    • 150 ml Water
    🌱Steps🌱
    1. Cut the Cauliflower into bite sized florets. Wash them. And keep them aside.
    2.Chop the ginger, garlic, green chilies, scallions, onions and bell peppers. Put them aside.
    3. Prep the sauce mix. Add soy sauce, Gochujang sauce, white vinegar, red chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, salt and black pepper. Mix well.
    4. Add sesame oil to a wok. Add finely chopped ginger, garlic and green chilies. Let them turn golden. Add chopped scallion heads. Add finely chopped onions, and green bell peppers. Add the sauce mix. Add water. Bring it to a boil. Then mix cornstarch and water. Mix it well and add it to the sauce. Turn off the stove once the sauce thickens.
    🌱Make the batter for cauliflower florets🌱
    1. Add all purpose flour, cornstarch, red chili powder, salt, garlic ginger and green chili paste. Add little water at a time and whisk to make a smooth batter.
    2. Add the cauliflower florets. Coat them with the batter using your hands.
    3. Heat the oil and once hot deep fry them. Once you are done, add the cauliflower florets in the oil again to crisp them up on high flame.
    Or 3. Airfry the Cauliflower Florets at 350F for 12-15 mins. Roast then at 400 F for 5-7 mins. Mix the cauliflower florets in the sauce. Serve hot!

    #gobimanchurian #gobi #cauliflower #indochinese #desichinese #desifood #desifoodie #indianstreetfood #manchurian #paneerchilly #hakkanoodles #friedrice #asianfood #easyrecipes #appetizers #chinesefood #starter #nonfried #streetfoodlover

    1 month ago
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    IDLI PODI

    An absolute must have condiment for my pantry! Ajay and I love a generous sprinkle of podi on not only Idlis and rice but also dhoklas and rice! It adds so much depth of flavor to the leftovers!

    Idli podi has many names, and many versions. It is very versatile to play around with the ingredients! I have always loved this version so much! It is simple, made with chana dal, urad dal, dried red chilies, hing and shredded coconut. Detailed recipe is link in my bio. Direct link here

    https://thewhiskaddict.com/2021/02/07/chutney-podi-spiced-lentil-powder/

    #idlipodi #podi #chutneyrecipe #recipeunder10minutes #lentils #idlichutney #dosover #southindianfood #tamilponnu #tamilreels #southindianrecipes #idlisambhar #ghee #podi #plantbasedrecipes #gunpowder #milagaipodi #indiancondiments #chutneys #masala #masaladosa #idlichutney #desiinfluencer #sidedishes #desikhana #indianrecipes #indianrecipe #flavorsofindia #yummyfood

    2 months ago
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    📌Air Fried Idlis📌

    So many of you requested me to show you how I make air fried crispy idlis. Here’s how. But before that, my biggest tip to make these idlis is to use leftover idlis.

    I am using 6 leftover idlis, and for it I used 1 Tbsp oil. Lay them in a single layer in the air fryer, this will help them crisp up evenly.

    1. Cut the leftover idlis into equal sized wedges.
    2. Add them to a mixing bowl and add oil. Mix it with your hands.
    3. Preheat the Air Fryer on Roast setting for 400F for 1 minute.
    4. Air fry the idlis in 2 batches, Add the idlis in a single layer and roast them at 400F for 12 mins. Give it a shake at 6 mins mark to make sure idlis crisp evenly.

    #idlis #idlisambhar #idlisambar #leftoveridlirecipe #leftoversforlunch #leftovermakeover #crispy #idlichutney #dosalover #dosa #southindian #tamilian #southindianbreakfast #southindianfood #southindiancoffee #airfryerrecipes #easyrecipe #healthyish #healthyeating #toddlersnacks #toddlersnackideas #idlis #idlife #gharkakhana #kitchenhacks #desikhana

    2 months ago
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    📌Chatapate Plantain Fries📌

    Ingredients

    • 5 Mini Green Bananas / Plantains
    • 1.5 Tbsp Oil
    • 1/2 Tsp Red Chili Powder
    • 1/4 Tsp Turmeric
    • 1/2 Tsp cumin Coriander Powder
    • 1/2 Tsp Curry Powder
    • 1/2 Tsp Achari Masala
    • 1/4 Tsp Chaat Masala
    • 1/2 Tsp Salt
    • 1 Tbsp Chopped Cilantro

    Peel the plantain skin using a peeler. Cut the plantains into halves, and then cut them into equally sized wedges. Now in a mixing bowl add all the powdered spices. Add oil and create a marinade. To this add the plantain wedges. Coat them well in the marinade using your hands. Now preheat the airfryer for 1-2 minutes at 400F or 200C. Add the fries to the air fryer basket and air fry for 12 mins. Give these a quick shake at 6 mins to make sure they cook evenly. Enjoy!

    #plantain #plantains #greenbanana #easyrecipes #plantainfries #snacksonsnacks #crispyfries #airfryerrecipes #trendingreels #easyrecipe #under10k #reelsinstagram #gujaratifood #gujju #gujjugram #gujjuthings #indianfood #plantbasedindia #plantbased #glutenfreerecipes #veganrecipeshare #eatyourveggies #vegetariandilli #reelsrecipe #recipeshare #recipeoftheday #delicious #tastemademedoit

    2 months ago
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    Sabr (patience) something that I never knew existed in me. Sabr is hard, yet it is beautiful. Beautiful when you get to tell your story.

    I never questioned once why me, when I went through losses, failed infertility treatments, bleeding disorders, and declining health. Until Inaaya was taken to the NICU to a completely different hospital. That’s when I asked why her. There is still so much that I haven’t shared. But, yet the only thing that helped me sail through everything was patience, my will to take one day at a time. Through all the downfalls, I have risen stronger, wiser, more confident, but most of all grateful for the ones who truly never left my side.

    I am glad I shared my infertility and IVF journey. It has helped so many of you and me. It is a true honor for me to read your stories, to see the photos to your miracle babies, and so many of you messaged me encouraging words with your own experiences with NICU.

    So if you are going through any hard times, things get better. Have faith in time. It is easy to say than do, but I have been there on the path of grief a couple of times now. Time will bring you the things you deserve. If you are grieving, time will help you teach to live with it, channel it. It might take some help from an outsider. I am proud of myself to seek therapy when I needed it. It has helped me channel my big emotions and very big feelings in the right way. I still have my days, when I spend all my time in bed, watching tv endlessly, eating in bed, tears rolling out for reasons I can’t explain. But I am have gotten better since past couple years. My two girls, Luna and Inaaya never fail to show me love, kindness and grace.

    If you are new here, and you want to read MY JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE,

    Direct Link is here , https://thewhiskaddict.com/category/my-journey-through-life/

    #solitude #chailovers #tealover #subah #nashta #gharkakhana #cuttingchai #chaitime #chailove #shayarioftheday #inspiringquotes #patiencequotes #infertilityjourney #ivfsuccess #ivfsupport #ivfwarrior #reeloftheday #thoughtsforlife #urduthoughts #sabr #lifelessons #viralreels #reelsindia #indianmomblogger #desimom #indianfoodbloggers #indianmom

    2 months ago
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    Matar Paneer and Garam Garam Tandoori Roti! A meal that will always be my favorite and nostalgic. My mom used to make matar paneer, whenever I would invite my friends over, or she wants to treat us for a restaurant style dinner at home. This matar paneer is so easy to make and so delicious!

    📌Recipe📌

    🌱 For the Curry Base

    • 1 Tbsp Oil
    • 1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds
    • 2 Green Cardamoms
    • 1 Bay Leaf
    • 1 Small Cinnamon Stick
    • 1 Dried Red Chili
    • 1 Medium Onion Sliced
    • 1 Big RomaTomato Sliced
    • 4-5 Garlic cloves chopped
    • 1/2 Inch ginger chopped
    • 1 Tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
    • 1/2 Tsp Dhanyajeera Powder
    • 1/4 Tsp Turmeric
    • 1 Tsp Salt
    • 8-10 Cashews

    For The Curry

    • 2 Tbsp Butter
    • 1 Tsp Kashmiri Ted Chili Powder
    • 1 Tsp Salt
    • 250 Gms Paneer Cubed
    • 1/2 Cup Fresh/ Frozen Green Peas
    • 1 Tsp Garam Masala
    • 1 Tsp Crushed Kasuri Methi
    • Adjust Salt if needed

    📌 step by step📌

    1. To a frying pan add oil, cumin seeds, dried red chili, green cardamom, bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Let the cumin seeds splutter and add sliced onions. 2. Saute the onions until they soften and add ginger garlic. Saute everything until golden brown.
    3. Add chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, dhanyajeera turmeric, salt and cashews. Cook until tomatoes soften.
    4. Let it cool down. Take the bay leaf out. And now add the prepared masala to a blender. Blend into a curry base.
    5. Add butter to the pan. To this add kashmiri red chili powder, and add the preppared curry base. Add splash of water to adjust the consistency.
    6. Add a tsp of sugar to balance the flavors. And adjust the salt.
    7. Let it cook for a minute and add cubed paneer and peas. I like to soak store bought paneer in hot water for 10-15 mins before adding it to the curries. This makes the paneer very soft.
    8. Add garam masala and kasuri methi. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and cream.
    9. Serve hot!

    #matarpaneer #paneertikka #paneerrecipes #paneer #easypaneerrecipes #restaurantstyle #easyrecipesathome #paneerbuttermasala #punjabikhana #northindianfood #paneerlove #delhifoodie #indianfoodlovers #indianfoodrecipes #tastemademedoit #gharkakhana #comfortfood #indiareels #explorepage

    2 months ago
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    🌱Ponkh Chaat 🌱

    The supple tender sorghum when spiced with cilantro mint chutney and seasoned with chaat masala, and lime juice, this refreshing snack is so easy to make and which is healthy, nutritious and delicious!

    #ponkh #ponk #tendersorghum #tenderjowar #jowar #jowarrecipe #snacktime #easysnacks #vegansnackideas #vegansnacks #plantbased #highfibre #complexcarbs #healthysnackideas #healthysnacking #5minsnack #reelsindia #indianplantcommunity #plantbasednutrition #viralreels #gujarati #gujaratifood #gujjus #gujjulove #gujjuness #surtifood #surti

    2 months ago
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    Life isn’t easy on any of us. We all battle our own struggles and this was mine. Inaaya is my fierce and warrior child. She was worth the wait. She came into my life when I needed her the most. When I was broken to the point where healing didn’t seem to be in the horizon. She knows to constantly remind of the love I craved for years. Inaaya means gift of god. She is the light of our lives, she is my light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Someone has rightly said, a quote I go back to again and again.

    “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only option“

    If you are in a similar situation as I was, know that there is light at the end of tunnel, and everything happens for a reason.

    #infertilityjourney #infertilitysupport #ivfjourney #ivfsuccess #ivfpregnancy #ivfcommunity #ivfwarrior #ivfbaby #ivfbabies #momanddaughter #momanddaughter #motherdaughter #browngirls #pinkvilla #shethepeople #mamasjaan

    2 months ago
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