The latest research from McAfee Labs has just been announced, and the numbers are staggering. If you think you’re immune to scams because you’re “too smart” or “too careful,” you might want to think again. Scammers have stepped up their game in 2026, and they’re coming for everyone.

The Job Scam Tsunami That’s Crushing Dreams

Let’s start with the most shocking stat: job-related scams exploded by over 1,000% from May through late July 2025. Yes, you read that right. One thousand percent.

Think about that for a moment. In a world where finding decent work feels harder than ever, scammers are weaponizing our most basic need for employment. They’re not just sending random “work from home” nonsense anymore. These criminals are getting sophisticated, using terms like “resume,” “recruit,” “maternity,” and “paternity” to exploit our hopes around benefits and career opportunities.

Here’s the brutal reality: Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have received a job offer scam by text message. That means if you’re in a group of three people, at least one of you has been targeted. Even more disturbing? 45% of Americans have either experienced a job search scam personally or know someone who has. This isn’t some distant threat anymore; it’s hitting close to home.

Shopping Scams Are Playing the Long Game

Amazon Prime Day was a goldmine for scammers. Text scams in the shopping category jumped 250% from May to late July, with much of that spike happening right around Prime Day. Coincidence? Absolutely not.

Scammers know exactly when we’re most vulnerable. They know we’re hunting for deals, expecting delivery notifications, and clicking faster than we’re thinking. Amazon and Apple are the top brand names being impersonated because, let’s face it, we all interact with these companies constantly.

Shopping email scams climbed 60% during this same period, with Amazon holding the top spot, Target moving into second place, and Apple rounding out the top three. The fact that Target surged into the number two spot tells us something important: scammers are diversifying their approach and studying our shopping habits more carefully than we might be studying theirs.

Your Money Is Under Siege

Personal finance scams aren’t just growing; they’re surging nearly 150% from May to late July. Email scams in this category literally doubled between June and July. The top bait words? “Loan” and “money.” Because nothing says desperation like targeting people who are already financially stressed.

Credit cards topped the list of email scam keywords, which makes perfect sense. In an economy where everyone’s feeling pinched, the promise of easy credit or debt relief hits different. URL-based finance scams rose 10% in July alone, proving that scammers are hitting us from every digital angle.

Tech Scams Are Getting Personal

Here’s what’s really clever (in a completely evil way): technology scams grew 40% in text messages and saw a staggering 160% increase in email scams across June and July. Apple dominated the scam landscape, but here’s the kicker: Nvidia drove much of the late-July growth.

Think about why that matters. Nvidia isn’t just any tech company; it’s the company behind the AI revolution everyone’s talking about. Scammers are literally using our fascination with AI and cutting-edge tech against us. They’re banking on our FOMO around technology trends.

The Psychology Behind the Surge

Let’s step back and think critically about what’s really happening here. These aren’t random increases. Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, more targeted, and more successful because they’re exploiting fundamental human psychology:

• Economic anxiety: With inflation concerns and job market uncertainty, financial scams hit when people are most vulnerable.
• Technology overwhelm: As tech evolves rapidly, scammers exploit our confusion and excitement about new developments.
• Social proof manipulation: Using trusted brand names like Apple, Amazon, and Target because we’ve been conditioned to trust these companies.
• Timing exploitation: Hitting during Prime Day, benefit enrollment periods, and job hunting seasons when our guard is down.

But there’s another layer we need to call out, the long-term impact of falling for a fake job. When you’re unemployed, every lead matters. Chasing a fraudulent one doesn’t just waste time; it effectively pauses your real job search. Many people say job hunting is a full-time job in itself, so losing that time can feel like being pushed back to square one. That setback compounds stress and deepens the economic anxiety you were already feeling. It’s not just about losing money; it’s about losing momentum, confidence, and critical opportunities in a competitive market.

What This Means for You Right Now

Advice like “just be careful” doesn’t cut it anymore. Scammers have leveled up, and their tactics are sophisticated enough to fool even the smartest of people. That’s why having the right tools and awareness matters more than ever. Staying informed isn’t about fear; it’s about empowerment. The more you know, the harder it is for scammers to win.

• For job seekers: If someone contacts you about a job you didn’t apply for, especially mentioning benefits or asking for personal information upfront, pump the brakes. Real recruiters don’t typically lead with benefit details or ask for sensitive data in initial communications.
• For online shoppers: Those delivery notifications and deal alerts you’re getting? Slow down before clicking. Go directly to the retailer’s official website or app instead of clicking links in texts or emails.
• For anyone with financial concerns: If an offer sounds too good to be true (instant loans, credit repair miracles, investment opportunities), it probably is. When you’re stressed about money, that’s exactly when scammers strike hardest.
• For tech enthusiasts: Being excited about new technology is great, but scammers are counting on that excitement to make you click faster than you think. Always verify tech-related communications through official channels.

Final Thoughts

The data is crystal clear: scams aren’t just increasing, they’re exploding across every category that matters to everyday people. Job hunting, shopping, managing money, and staying current with technology. These criminals are systematically targeting the most essential aspects of modern life.

But here’s what the scammers don’t want you to know: awareness is your best defense. They rely on speed, emotion, and distraction. The moment you slow down, verify independently, and think critically, their whole game falls apart.

The 2026 scam landscape isn’t just more dangerous, it’s more personal. These aren’t random attempts anymore. They’re calculated attacks designed to hit you exactly when and where you’re most likely to let your guard down.

To help job hunters and others, McAfee has launched Scam Detector, an all-in-one protection solution to help keep you safer across text, email, and video. McAfee’s Scam Detector runs continuously in the background across all your devices, analyzing incoming emails, texts, and videos to detect potential scams in real-time. When it detects something suspicious, you get an instant alert that explains what raised the red flag and walks you through the specific tactics scammers use, so you can spot similar attempts on your own. For job seekers, Scam Detector can be an invaluable tool to help prevent fraudulent scams.

Stay sharp out there. Your financial security, career prospects, and digital safety depend on it.

The post Scam Alert: The Alarming Reality Behind the Surge in Digital Fraud appeared first on McAfee Blog.

Sam M. has spent more than 20 years building websites, testing systems, and managing technology projects. He knows code, he understands how the internet works, and he’s trained to spot digital red flags. None of that stopped him from losing $13,000 to scammers.

“I’ve been around long enough that I should have seen it coming,” Sam admits. “But when you’re looking for work, you’ve got blinders on. You just want something to work out.”

His story reflects a growing reality. McAfee data shows that job-related scams have exploded by over 1,000% from May through July 2025, making Sam part of a massive wave of Americans facing increasingly sophisticated employment fraud. But here’s what’s empowering: with the right protection, these scams can be spotted before they hit you and your wallet.

The Perfect Setup

Sam’s scam started with what looked like a legitimate opportunity: a polished website offering part-time work reviewing products online. The site had all the right elements: professional design, user authentication, and a logical process. Even his wife, who warned him that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” had to admit the pay rates weren’t unrealistic.

“I thought it was worth a try,” Sam said. “I’ve built websites, and this one looked okay. You had to log in, authenticate. Everything seemed legit.”

This sophisticated approach reflects how job scammers have evolved. They’re no longer sending obviously fake emails with spelling errors. Today’s scammers study real job platforms, mimic legitimate processes, and exploit the specific language that job seekers expect to see. McAfee’s analysis shows scammers are particularly focused on benefits-related terms like “resume,” “recruit,” “maternity,” and “paternity” to make their offers sound more credible. The good news? Advanced scam detection technology can automatically identify these sophisticated tactics before you even encounter them.

The Hook and the Trap

The scam followed a classic pattern – establish trust, then exploit it. Sam was paired with a trainer, guided through reviewing products, asked to upload screenshots. Then came the crucial moment.

“That first payout, a couple hundred dollars, hooked me,” Sam recalled. “I thought, this is working. This is real.”

But once Sam was invested, the ground shifted. A “special product” appeared, and suddenly his account showed a negative balance. The trainer explained he needed to deposit money to continue. It seemed reasonable at first, but it was the beginning of a financial death spiral.

“They kept telling me, ‘Just a little more and you’ll unlock it,'” Sam said. “And I kept chasing it.”

This “advance fee” model has become increasingly common in job scams. Victims are asked to pay for training materials, background checks, or equipment. Each payment is followed by a request for more money, creating a cycle that’s psychologically difficult to break.

The Scope of the Problem

Sam’s experience fits into a much larger crisis, but understanding the scope helps us stay ahead of it. According to McAfee data, 45% of Americans say they’ve either personally experienced a job search scam or know someone who has. That means nearly half the country has been touched by employment fraud in some way.

The reach extends beyond individual stories. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans (31%) report receiving job offer scams via text message, showing how these schemes have moved beyond email into our daily conversations. People now receive an average of 14 scam messages daily across all platforms. Email job scams alone rose 60% between June and July 2025, with “resume” being the most frequently used lure word. But here’s what’s encouraging: when scams can be identified automatically, people can stay one step ahead of scammers before any damage occurs.

The Real Cost

By the time Sam extracted himself from the scam, he was down more than $13,000. His loss reflects broader trends: McAfee research shows scam victims lose an average of $1,471 per scam, with $12 billion reported lost to fraud in 2024 alone, up 21% from the previous year. But the financial loss wasn’t the worst part for Sam.

“I was furious at them, but also at myself,” he said. “I’m supposed to know better. I felt stupid. I felt worn out.”

This emotional impact extends beyond individual embarrassment. These schemes attack people when they’re already vulnerable, turning the search for legitimate work into another source of stress and suspicion.

“It wears you down,” Sam explained. “Every time you think you’ve found something good, it turns out to be a scam. You get beat down again. And you start to wonder if you’ll ever find something real.”

The solution isn’t to stop trusting altogether. It’s having the right tools to confidently distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake before you click.

Staying One Step Ahead

Despite his losses, Sam maintains perspective about his situation. He knows people who’ve lost everything to scams, including their homes and savings.

“As hard as this was, I didn’t lose everything,” he said. “My family’s life didn’t have to change. Others aren’t so lucky.”

Now Sam sticks to established job platforms like LinkedIn and Glassdoor, avoiding websites that promise easy money. He’s also committed to sharing his story as a warning to others.

“I got caught, I admit it,” he said. “But I’m not the only one. And if telling my story helps someone else stop before it’s too late, then it’s worth it.”

The reality is that in today’s digital landscape, where people receive 14 scam messages daily, individual vigilance alone isn’t enough. What’s needed is automatic protection that works in the background, identifying suspicious texts, emails, and videos before you even encounter them. McAfee’s Scam Detector provides exactly that: real or fake? Scam Detector knows.

Know What’s Real Before You Click

Sam’s experience highlights several warning signs that job seekers should recognize, but modern scam protection goes far beyond manual vigilance:

Traditional Warning Signs:

• Upfront payments (legitimate employers don’t ask employees to pay for the privilege of working)
• Vague job descriptions (real jobs have specific requirements and clear responsibilities)
• Pressure tactics (scammers often create artificial urgency to prevent careful consideration)
• Too-good-to-be-true pay (research typical salaries for similar roles in your area)
• Poor communication (legitimate companies use professional email addresses and clear contact information)

Lightning-fast alerts: With McAfee’s Scam Detector, you get automatic alerts about suspicious texts, emails, and videos before you click. The technology automatically identifies risky messages using advanced AI, so you don’t have to wonder what’s real and what’s fake online.

The explosive growth in job scams, with their 1,000%+ increase over just a few months, shows this challenge isn’t disappearing. But as scam technology evolves, so does scam protection. Intelligence and experience alone aren’t enough to combat well-crafted deception, but automatic detection technology can identify these sophisticated schemes before they reach you.

Sam’s story reminds us that anyone can be targeted, but with the right protection, you can spot scams before they hit you and your wallet. In a job market where people receive multiple suspicious messages daily, confidence comes from knowing you have technology working in the background to distinguish what’s real from what’s fake. With proactive scam protection designed with you in mind, you can enjoy the peace of a scam-free search and focus on finding legitimate opportunities. Real or fake? You’ll know before you click.

The post How a Tech Expert Lost $13,000 to a Job Scam appeared first on McAfee Blog.

In today’s digital age, online payment platforms like PayPal have become essential tools for our everyday transactions. Unfortunately, they’ve also become prime targets for cybercriminals looking to steal personal information and money. McAfee Labs has uncovered a concerning trend with a spike in PayPal-related scams, with February 2025 seeing a dramatic seven-fold increase in fraudulent emails compared to January. 

The Current PayPal Scam Landscape 

While PayPal works diligently to protect its users, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. The recent surge has been traced to a single, highly effective campaign where attackers send official-looking emails with “Action Required” warnings, demanding users update their account details within 48 hours or face account suspension. 

Figure 1. Phishing email example which generated over 600+ emails in a single day

 

Unlike some scams, which target multiple communication channels, McAfee Labs found that this particular campaign has focused primarily on email. 

Common Types of PayPal Scams to Watch For 

Scammers use several approaches when impersonating PayPal, including: 

• Account suspension notices requiring immediate “reinstatement” 

• Fake PayPal gift card offers 

• Fraudulent invoices for purchases you never made 

• Deceptive surveys promising payments 

• Fake customer support scams about billing issues 

• Phony payment confirmations or requests 

Red Flags That Reveal PayPal Scams 

Learning to spot these scams can save you from becoming a victim. Watch for these warning signs: 

• Links to websites that aren’t official PayPal domains 

• Emails not originating from PayPal.com 

• Messages claiming you’ve been charged for unknown products, urging you to call “customer service” 

• Emails containing images of PayPal receipts or invoices rather than actual PayPal formatting 

Real-World Examples: What These Scams Look Like 

These emails (see below) threatened account suspension or incentivize users, creating urgency to manipulate recipients into clicking malicious links. 

 

Figure 2. While some scams threaten the user with account closures, others incentivize them with payments for surveys

 

Other common scenarios include fake gift card promotions, phony invoices with unauthorized charges, and bogus billing corrections requiring you to call non-official phone numbers. 

How to Protect Yourself from PayPal Scams 

Now for the most important part – here’s how you can keep yourself safe:  

1. Verify all communications directly with PayPal. Never click links in emails or texts claiming to be from PayPal. Instead, open a new browser window and log in directly at PayPal.com, or use the official PayPal app to check for notifications. 
2. Scrutinize web addresses and email senders. Legitimate PayPal emails will come from addresses ending in @paypal.com. Be wary of similar-looking domains like paypal-account.me or service-ppal.com. 
3. Never call phone numbers provided in suspicious messages. If you need to contact PayPal support, use only the official contact methods listed on their website: https://www.paypal.com/us/cshelp/contact-us 
4. If an email says it’s from services@paypal.com proceed with vigilance. Some scammers spoof email addresses or use real PayPal tools like their invoices to fool you.
5. Check your PayPal account regularly. Frequent monitoring allows you to spot unauthorized activity quickly and report it before significant damage occurs. 
6. Be skeptical of urgency and threats. Legitimate companies don’t typically threaten immediate account closure or demand urgent action within short timeframes like 28 hours. 
7. Use PayPal’s built-in security features. Familiarize yourself with PayPal’s security center and take advantage of their fraud protection tools. 
8. Report suspicious activity immediately. If you receive a suspicious message or notice unauthorized activity, report it to PayPal and change your password right away. 
9. Turn on two-factor authentication. If you do so, if someone gets your password, they still can’t access your account without a code sent to your phone or authenticator.  
10. Skip messages that offer gift cards or say you’ll get paid for filling out a survey. PayPal doesn’t typically send these, but scammers often do.  

Remember, cybercriminals rely on creating a sense of panic and urgency to cloud your judgment. Taking a moment to verify communications through official channels is your best defense against these increasingly sophisticated scams. Online protection with McAfee+ will keep you one step ahead of phishing scams. 

The post Stolen with a Click: The Booming Business of PayPal Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.

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          Staying in Seattle you get used to graying weather in winter months every single day. I mean literally every day. And this gloomy weather makes me crave more spicy foods and this dish tops the quick-cooking foods. Alugadda ellipaya Karam or Garlicky Potato fry is a quick and easy stir-fry served as a side dish.

             This Telangana Style Potato Roast is a gluten-free, vegan, spicy side dish. It gets ready in under 15 minutes and makes a perfect winter dish to cook on busy weekdays. The reason why I say it’s perfect for winters is the generous usage of garlic, as garlic is considered warming food. Warming foods produce more heat in your body and keep your body warm enough to endure the chilly winter. Hence we include warming foods like sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, chilies, etc in our diet. 

What makes this Alugadda ellipaya karam special ?

         Telangana regional cuisine is all about spice and garlic, and this dish just depicts the true flavors of this beautiful cuisine. Alugadda is a potato in the Telangana Telugu dialect and ellipaya karam refers to garlic spice. We eat lots of garlic and we make this special garlic spice Ellipaya karam every winter to have it in our daily meals. Some people call this dish Alugadda fry, vellulli alugadda vepudu or Alugadda vepudu. You can also call it Garlicky Potato Roast, Potato Stir-Fry, Aloo Fry, or crispy Indian potatoes. 

       In this recipe, potatoes are tossed in basic Indian spices and quick-roasted in the pan on high flame till they turn golden and crispy! Oh Yum! writing this I’m salivating already. There was a time in my life, I used to carry only potato fry and rice in my lunchbox every single day during my schooling days. That’s how much I love this dish and I promise once you try this, you’re going to love it. Also, contrary to many beliefs, potatoes are a source of good carbs when consumed in moderation!  So do include this Alugadda ellipaya karam in your weekly menu! 

Checkout more vegetarian sides and curries from my blog

Jackfruit ghee roast

Stuffed peppers in creamy tomato gravy

Dondakaya Barada

Lauki palak pakoda kadhi

Chana aloo masala

Potlakaya perugu pachadi

Munagaku podi pappu kura

Chamakura kadala pappu

Gobhi fry

Now let’s get into the recipe!!

Print

ALUGADDA ELLIPAYA KARAM

Alugadda ellipaya karam is a quick and easy potato stir fry, loaded with garlic and Indian spices making a best side for Indian meals.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Telangana, Telugu

Keyword Side dish, vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 8 minutes minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes minutes

Servings 3 Servings

Author Shravani Abhishek

Ingredients

• 4 no Potatoes medium size
• 2 tsp Red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp Turmeric powder
• 8 cloves Garlic small size, coarsely crushed with cumin seeds
• ½ tsp Mustard seeds
• ½ + ½ tsp Cumin seeds
• 1 sprig Curry leaves
• 2 tbsp Desiccated coconut

Instructions

Let's prep the potatoes

• Wash and peel the potatoes. Chop the potatoes into medium size cubes.
• Add the chopped potatoes to a bowl of water to get rid of excess starch.
• Peel the garlic cloves and coarsely crush them with ½ tsp cumin seeds in a mortar & pestle.

Let's start making Alugadda ellipaya karam

• Heat a well-seasoned cast-iron or nonstick skillet, add oil and once it's hot add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and let them crackle.
• Add curry leaves and let them crisp up. Now add the chopped potatoes and on high flame toss it well.
• Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt. Toss the potatoes to the coat the spices and cook on high flame for 3 mor min.
• Add the coarsely crushed garlic cloves with cumin seeds and toss the potatoes.
• Keep the flame high and toss it regularly and roast it till the potatoes start crisping up and turning nice and golden brown.
• Now add in red chili powder and give it a good toss.
• Finally add in desiccated coconut / grated dry coconut and coat the potatoes.
• Turn off the heat and serve hot alugadda ellipaya karam with rice and dal/rasam of your choice.
  

Notes

• You can add ground coriander/dhaniya powder and garam masala for additional flavor.  

 If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also, you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook. Also follow @taste.of.telangana on Instagram for more traditional recipes, culture, and stories.

The post ALUGADDA ELLIPAYA KARAM appeared first on mycurryveda.

              SALLA MIRAPAKAYALU, also known as buttermilk/curd chilies is one of the most loved pantry items from South Indian Kitchens. Now buttermilk chilies don’t refer to some kind of chilies, but it’s a preservation process. Mildly spicy chilies are slit and soaked in buttermilk, and then sun-dried during the day. This process is repeated for about a week until the chilies absorb as much buttermilk cure as possible and the chilies are dried to a crisp by the sun.

         During this preservation process, the chilies develop a tangy, yogurty, salty, and slightly cheesy flavor. These flavor packed Buttermilk chilies make a great accompaniment with mild dishes like Curd rice, Dal rice, Sambar rice, etc. But hey your options aren’t just limited to that, you can add these buttermilk chilies to the tempering. Imagine the ton of flavor it would impart in tempering of chutneys or raita and Dal tadka.

         The sign of a perfectly made Salla mirapakaya is that when you break a fried one it should crumble easily. Less spicy, little salty, and tangy is the perfect definition for this Salla mirapakayalu. I know that the process seems a little intimidating for beginners, but trust me this is one of the easiest processes you could ever make.

A tradition of making sun-dried vegetables

    When Summer is here, then begins the tradition of making of Wadiyalu/Papads/fryums. And apart from that we also Sun-dry vegetables, fruits, seeds which have been in our culinary tradition for ages. When there is an excess of produce, our ancestors came up with ways to utilize them smartly. So that they come in handy on a rainy day.

       They are equally healthy as the process which they undergo like pickling, drying, marinating, and curing which makes it even more delicious. The tiring scenarios of the womenfolk in the scorching Sun bring out the best goodies in their pantry. These sun-dried goodies appear out of nowhere during mealtime.

More avatars of these SALLA MIRAPAKAYALU / Buttermilk chilies

       These yogurt/curd/buttermilk-soaked chilies are inseparable from the menu of South Indian Cuisine mainly because of their spicy taste. Now call these buttermilk chilies or we Telugu people call it Oora Mirapakayalu, majjiga mirapakayalu, uppu mirapakayalu. Mor milagai in Tamil, Sandige menasu in Kannada, Dahi Mirchi in Hindi, Dahi ke mirchiyaan in Dakhani, Mahi mircha in Chhattisgarh region and Takla mirsang in Konkan region. The beauty of diverse cuisines across India, one dish with many names. 

       With diverse cuisines across India, these buttermilk chilies come in various flavors across the country. Some stuff the chilies with spices like carom seeds, fenugreek powder, etc. And they add another layer of flavor profile to these chilies.

Checkout more traditional Indian recipes from my blog.

Dibba rotte

Palli chutney

Bebberla garelu

Sunnundalu

Odappalu

Ulava charu

Chegodilu

Barada

If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . 

The post SALLA MIRAPAKAYALU appeared first on mycurryveda.

    This Instant Quinoa oats dosa is one of my favorite and go-to recipes when I am in a hurry to make something healthy and delicious. Being a South Indian and a Dosa fanatic, I get these cravings of Dosa frequently and this recipe is a perfect option.

     

           This tried and tested recipe uses quinoa instead of rice making it a great high protein option. Plus there is no need to ferment the batter, making it a great meal for busy lifestyles. But as we are adding few fenugreek seeds, it not only helps in digestion but also helps in fermentation if you like. Just let the batter sit on the kitchen counter at a warm place and voila, I promise you to get a lovely fermentation there. 

 Ingredients needed for this QUINOA OATS DOSA

• Organic Quinoa – Any color, black, white, or red, or a mix of both. And it makes a great substitute for rice that is high in protein and fiber.
• Rolled Oats – Quick or rolled oats. This adds fiber to the dish.
• Rice – Gives the dosa a crispy texture
• Urad Dal – Adds the traditional earthy dosa taste with creamy texture and proteins
• Chana Dal – Helps make the dosa crispy
• Fenugreek seeds – Helps in digestion and fermentation if you like it to be. 
• Salt

Is this DOSA vegan-friendly?

As we are using only plant-based and vegan ingredients it makes a great dish to add to your vegan diet. And it’s gluten-free too. 

Look at that even golden crisp texture !! Shall we get into the detailed recipe now. But before that check out more delicious recipes from my blog.

Dibba rotte

Gluten-free Moringa thepla

Corn Dosa

Instant oatmeal and banana pancakes

Eggless sourdough waffles

Peanut chutney

 

If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . 

The post QUINOA OATS DOSA appeared first on mycurryveda.

               Gil-e-firdaus, a classic Dakhni dessert from the kitchens of Hyderabad has its presence in wedding feasts, celebrations and gatherings. A luscious and melt in the mouth dessert made with Sabudana, bottle gourd, khoya, cashew paste and milk. I remember having this dish during my stay in Hyderabad, I fell in love with this kheer instantly. This divine dessert can be served chilled or warm and traditionally served in earthen bowls, which lends an earthy taste. Hence the name GIL-E-FIRDAUS, meaning clay of paradise. 

         This classic dessert Gil-e-firdaus is commonly known as Kaddu ka kheer/ Kaddu ki kheer, as Bottle gourd is known as Kaddu in Hyderabad. As The holy month of Ramadan sets in, the intoxicating aroma of Haleem, Kababs and various desserts linger in the air around the bustling streets of Hyderabad. This divine Gil-e-firdaus a.k.a Kaddu ki kheer is also sold in the small eateries and stalls on the streets. It’s rich and luscious consistency makes it absolutely irresistible. 

The addition of khoa(khoya), cashew paste, and simmering sabudana and bottle gourd in full-fat milk makes it utterly creamy and divine.We have used Sabudana and kaddu(bottle gourd) here, but some add finely ground basmati rice as well to make it aromatic and more creamier. But simmering everything on low flame for longer period time is the key for this divine pudding. 

Ingredients needed to make GIL-E-FIRDAUS

• Bottle gourd
• Sabudana / Tapioca pearls
• Full fat milk
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Khoya
• Nuts

How to make this dessert VEGAN?

Substitute the full fat milk with plant based milk like coconut milk/soy milk/almond milk. And also substitute the Khoya with Cashew paste or Almond paste to get that rich consistency. 

Let’s get into the recipe now, before that check out more desserts from my blog.

Basava Kajjam

Kanda gadda Bakshalu

Pappu Bakshalu

Badusha

Pala poorilu

Godhuma thalikala paasham

Aanapakaya shegala paasham

Kesar mewa phirni

Gajar ka halwa

Healthy Sabudana payasam

If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . 

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             Palli chutney, an utterly creamy and nutty peanut condiment served alongside Dosa, Idli, Wada and other South Indian tiffins. The green chilies and garlic lends a bit of heat and spice to the creamy peanuts. Then we add a crackling tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chilies that elevates the flavor and aroma. This Palli chutney / peanut chutney is equally loved by adults and kids, because of it’s nutty and creamy taste. 

          Chutneys are a quintessential accompaniment to every Indian meal, we always have some kind of chutneys in everyday meals. And this Palli chutney is a regular thing at home in every Telugu household for tiffins like Dosa, Idli, Wada and Upma. It’s super simple, healthy, delicious and comes together quickly under 15 mins. 

         Like every other recipe, each household or region has their own variation and in Telangana we use only peanuts, chilies, garlic cloves and a basic tempering. You can find peanut chutney with urad dal or some add roasted gram dal or chana dal to make it more nutritious. Below recipe of palli chutney is something I’ve grown up eating and found across Telangana.

Is this recipe Vegan ?

As all the ingredients we are using here are completely plant based, vegan and gluten-free. 

Note : Please do not try this recipe if you have peanut allergy.

Ingredients needed for Palli chutney

• Peanuts
• Green chilies
• Garlic cloves
• Salt
• Tempering – oil, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, garlic cloves, dry red chilies, urad dal and curry leaves

How to make Palli chutney

1. Firstly we need to roast the peanuts, peeled garlic cloves, green chilies, cumin seeds in a tbsp of oil until peanuts are well roasted. 
2. Let this roasted peanuts to completely cool down, then grind everything to a smooth paste by adding some water.
3. Add salt, blend it again, taste and adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
4. Let’s make a tempering now. Heat a small tadka pan, add oil, once it’s hot enough add in mustard seeds, cumin seeds and urad dal. Let them splutter.
5. Now add in chopped garlic cloves, curry leaves, dry red chilies and fry until garlic turns golden brown.
6. Transfer this tempering to the Palli chutney. Voila, that’s it!!

Let’s get into the detailed recipe now, before that check more delicious recipes from my blog.

Nalla nuvvula roti thokku

Bachali aaku kadala thokku

Ellipaya karam

Potlakaya perugu pachadi

Kobbari avisala karam podi

Munagaku nuvvula podi

If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . 

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      An irresistible savory cake with a crispy exterior like Dosa and a soft interior like an Idli, yes I’m talking about this classic Andhra Breakfast DIBBA ROTTE. Serve this delicious Dibba rotte with Aavakaya, chutney, or sambar, this recipe is filling and absolutely delicious. Dibba rotte is a classic recipe that is very easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser.

 

       

           Traditionally Dibba rotte is made with freshly ground Idli batter, and Idli Rava or Rice Rava is used here. The Telugu-speaking regions use Idli Rava for their Idli batter instead of parboiled rice/uppudu biyyam. The coarse texture of the Rava gives it’s signature crisp exterior and granular soft interior. I bet once you try this, you’ll end up making Dibba rotte every time you make Idli batter. And the good part is you needn’t ferment the batter, just add the tempering to it and make Dibba rotte right away. But we have tried making it with fermented batter and the beautiful sour notes adds more magic. Now to get the perfect color and crunch, the key is to use a heavy cast-iron Kadai/pan. Let the Dibba rotte cook on low flame for longer to get the irresistible crunchy exterior.

        I have learnt making this dish from my best friend who hails from Machilipatnam and they make it quite regularly. I remember tasting this dish at her home and I fell in love with the dish instantly and I’m telling you if you are a person who loves slightly crispy bits in the bottom of the pan(like me) in dishes like upma, then this is just for you.

What is Dibba rotte and how to make it?

      The word Dibba means plump or fat and rotte means bread/flatbread. And traditionally rice Rava or Idli Rava is used instead of rice. As throughout Telugu-speaking regions, Idli is made with Rice Rava or Idli Rava, the granular idli texture is just irresistible.

        First, we need to soak the Urad dal and later grind it to a fine consistency, and then we add soaked rice Rava/Idli Rava to this batter. You can let this batter ferment to make idlis or use it to make Dibba rotte instantly. You can take a portion of this batter and add a simple tempering to the batter, using mustard seeds, cumin seeds, green chili paste. If you are making for younger kids, you can skip green chilies or omit them.

       Traditionally we use a heavy and shallow cast-iron Kadai or brass Kadai(itthadi ginne) to make this Dibba rotte. But any thick bottomed pan will work, just make sure to keep an eye on Dibba rotte and it’s not burning. Our goal is to achieve a golden-brown crispy exterior and cook through completely. While making spread light cooking oil on the Kadai and then pour the batter. Cover the pan and cook on a slow flame until it turns crispy on the bottom. Flip it through and cook until done. Then Serve hot Dibba rotte with pickle or chutney of your choice. Ginger chutney makes a great combination with this.

More names of Dibba rotte

   This Dibba rotte is also known as Dibba rotti or minapa rotti in some parts of Telugu-speaking regions.

Serving suggestions 

       Dibba rotte is traditionally cut in wedges and served as you get to taste the outside crusty exterior and the soft fluffy texture inside. The taste is not like that of idli as there is no sourness in the batter (since the batter is not fermented), but you can make it with fermented batter too. The crisp texture is what makes the dish more interesting.

    This Dibba rotte is a savory cake and has a similar color, shape, and texture. One of the reasons why people call it Andhra cake and most loved by kids. Serve with your favorite pickle or chutney or Podi of your choice. But I’d recommend you try with Ginger chutney.

So what all Ingredients do we need?

   All you need to make this dish is idli batter. So, you can use your favorite idli recipe. To make the Andhra way, use urad dal and idli Rava. You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe:

• urad dal – either whole or split. 
• Rice Rava or idli Rava – Look for idli Rava in your nearby Indian grocery stores. The key for its signature granular crispy exterior is Idli Rava. 
• Fenugreek seeds – Helps indigestion
• Salt
• Tempering – Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, green chilies, ginger, curry leaves.

Please check out more delicious festive treats and tea-time snacks from my blog.

Chegodilu

Odappalu

Makka garelu

Palm jaggery whole wheat biscuits

Perugu wada

Vegan millet cutlet

Vegan potstickers

Let’s get into the recipe now

If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . 

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Basava Kajjam, a divine dessert and one of the ancient recipes from the Land of Telangana. Tiny wheat flour balls cooked in milk and creamy moong dal, sweetened with jaggery and topped with roasted nuts. Any Celebration is incomplete without a nice sweet dish to relish, and this dessert is just the one to brighten your day. The people of Telangana savor a special porridge/pudding kind of preparation made of moong daal, wheat flour, milk, sugar and dry fruits. This delicious dish has a nice rich aroma that is enhanced with the use of fresh ghee.

More about Basava kajjam 

Basava kajjam is an age-old traditional dessert prepared using Moong dal, whole wheat flour, milk, jaggery and nuts. And what makes this dessert special is the mini wheat flour balls, we call them as undalu. Traditionally they are shaped as tiny balls similar to the size of split moong dal. Making these tiny wheat flour balls requires huge amount of patience, but trust it is all worth it. Just a tablespoon of this dessert will take you back to your grandma’s kitchen. 

This traditional dessert is absolutely comforting, and nourishing, each spoon of this dessert feels like a warm hug. Even though I’m from Telangana, I have never tasted or heard about this dish until my dear friend Chandana has shared her heirloom recipe with me. She was sweet enough to share the details of the recipe and allowed me to share it with you all. Please do checkout her Instagram page, she’s a passionate cook and has immense love for her culinary heritage of Telangana.

She told me that her Grandma used to make this dessert specially for her in her childhood. And that this dessert is traditionally made on festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Bathukamma as an offering to the deity. Also I have done a little research on this regional delicacy, where some people call this dish as BASAVA GARJANAM. With the rustic Telangana dialect, the name could have been slowly settled as BASAVA KAJJAM. 

Ingredients needed for BASAVA KAJJAM

• Moong dal
• Whole wheat flour
• Jaggery
• Milk
• Nuts
• Ghee

How to prepare this Dessert?

Initially we need to soak the lentils for about an hour or two, which helps in cooking the lentils quickly. In the meanwhile we need to make a firm dough of whole wheat flour. Rest the dough for 30 min, later make tiny balls/undalu using dry flour and keep aside. 

Now we need to cook the wheat flour balls in the boiling water, add soaked moong dal and cook until the wheat flour balls are 90% cooked. Add in jaggery, milk and cook for 5 more min. Later roast some nuts in ghee and add it to the cooked moong dal and wheat flour balls. Basava Kajjam is all ready to Serve now.

Is this dish VEGAN ?

You can make this dish VEGAN-FRIENDLY by substituting the regular cow milk with plant based milk. Skip roasting the nuts in ghee and add them directly while cooking the wheat flour balls.

And if you have GLUTEN INTOLERANCE, I would suggest you to use gluten-free flour to make Undalu/balls.

Checkout more traditional festive foods and more Telangana delicacies.

Godhuma thalikala payasam

Kanda gadda Bakshalu

Pappu bakshalu

Nuvvula bakshalu

Vadapappu bellam panakam

Godhuma Nooka sheera

Shegala payasam

Sattu Pindi

 If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . Also follow @taste.of.telangana on Instagram for more traditional recipes, culture and stories.

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Kanda gadda bakshalu is an authentic sweet potato stuffed flatbread savored on Maha Shivaratri in the Telangana region. These Bakshalu have an utterly creamy, healthy and divine sweet potato stuffing, and my kid absolutely loved it. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, they support Healthy Vision, enhance Brain Function and Boost Your Immune System.

Sweet potatoes have a dense fiber composition, and it satiates the hunger for longer periods. Hence, in Indian subcontinent we widely use it as fasting food. On Maha Shivaratri, majority of devotees observe a special fast consisting largely of fruits along with plenty of water and milk which keeps them hydrated. And sweet potatoes are fast friendly, filling and healthy. So these Bakshalu makes a great recipe to make on this coming Maha Shivaratri.

Significance of Maha Shivaratri

The festival of ‘Maha Shivaratri’ which literally translates to ‘the greatest night of Shiva’ is one of the most revered Hindu festivals across the Indian subcontinent. The Temples across the nation witness an outpour of devotees who gather around the Shiva Linga with their abundant offerings to appease Lord Shiva. Prayers and vigils go on throughout the night of Maha shivaratri. But what makes the festival special is its characteristic fasting or the Maha Shivaratri Vratam. The vratam marks a very high significance for every Shiva devotee, with some opting to even go on fasting through the day without a single drop of water. But majority of the devotees observe a special fast consisting largely of fruits along with plenty of water and milk which keeps them hydrated.

What are Bakshalu?

Bakshalu are a traditional delicacy, that we make on festivals or special occasions as an offering to the deity. These bakshalu are stuffed flatbreads, which can be made sweet or savory. In the Telangana region, Bakshalu are a traditional dessert or sweet and it has various stuffings. And stuffings like chana dal, moong dal, sesame seeds, sweet potato, Kova, etc. are used.

Now call this bakshalu poli or Holige, obbattu, bobbatlu, burelu, polelu, vedmi, boli this one dish has many names and avatars across diverse India.

In certain regions of Telangana, people call these Kanda gadda bakshalu as Mouram gadda polelu or mouram gadda bakshalu. This Kanda gadda bakshalu are specially prepared for the Maha Shivaratri festival for the kids, as they are fasting friendly and filling too. 

Ingredients needed for Kanda gadda bakshalu

• Kanda gadda – Sweet potatoes, they are also known by Mouram gadda, Ratnapuri gadda in the Telangana region. 
• Jaggery / Sugar – As sweet potatoes alone are sweet enough, we will be using minimal amount of sweetener.
• Cardamom – this is completely optional
• Whole wheat flour – You can also use Maida / All purpose flour instead.
• Oil
• Ghee

How to prepare this Kanda gadda bakshalu?

 Like every other flatbread, this bakshalu can be either made with Maida/all-purpose flour or Whole wheat flour. And I like to use whole wheat personally as it’s more healthy and that’s what I have grown up eating. So if you prefer using All purpose flour or maida please feel free to use it according to your convenience.

Stuffing – First step steam the sweet potatoes, later mash them with jaggery / sugar, and keep them aside.

Now the kind of sweet potatoes we get in India are quite fibrous and stays firm when boiled or steamed. They doesn’t require any further cooking after steaming them. You can just steam/boil them, peel the skin, mash them with jaggery powder/sugar.

And as I’m staying in the US, the sweet potatoes, which I get here are quite soft, when I steam/boil them they turn very mushy. Hence, I cook the mashed sweet potatoes slightly until they turn firm.

Dough – This bakshalu can be made with two kinds of dough, One is the wet dough that has been soaked in oil for hours and the other is a semi-hard dough that we regularly use to make roti. If you are using slightly firm sweet potatoes that we get in India, I would recommend you to use the firm dough. And if you are using the American variety of sweet potatoes then go for the wet dough.

Is this recipe VEGAN ?

You can skip the ghee part while roasting the Bakshalu or stuffed flatbread to make it vegan-friendly. If you have Gluten-intolerance, please substitute the whole wheat flour with gluten free flour to make these Bakshalu.

Serving suggestion

These Kanda gadda bakshalu/polelu are  traditionally served with warm milk. But a simple drizzle of ghee on warm Bakshalu is good enough for savoring.

Checkout more traditional festive foods and more Telangana delicacies.

Godhuma thalikala payasam

Pappu bakshalu

Nuvvula bakshalu

Vadapappu bellam panakam

Godhuma Nooka sheera

Shegala payasam

Sattu Pindi

 If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . Also follow @taste.of.telangana on Instagram for more traditional recipes, culture and stories.

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Banka laddu, made using edible gum resin (banka/gond), cashews, almonds, khajoor, and all the wintery goodness. A quintessential winter food, which is utmost divine, delicious and nourishing which keeps you warm in chilly winters. These energy balls are rich in calories and nutrients and hence ideal for kids and the elderly. Also, these are given to Lactating or postpartum mothers to regain strength, helps in speedy recovery and provides nutrition. Hence these laddus are more of a medicinal confection than indulgent food.

What is Banka or Gond ?

Banka or Gond is an edible gum collected from hardened sap sourced from wild-growing acacia plants. Banka is a Telugu(more in Telangana) term for glue or gum substances, hence the name. 

Edible gum has a lot of medicinal value. It not only cures heat-stroke yet it even combats constipation, improves the health of skin and hair along with increasing our overall immunity. My grandmother used to say that winter is the perfect time when your body has the maximum capacity in absorbing calcium. And this edible gum helps in soothing inflammation, lubricates joints, and reduces joint stiffness caused by arthritis. Besides protecting against cold, gond is used to heal wounds. It is also known to treat cardiovascular ailments and chronic kidney diseases. 

More about Banka laddu

 Banka laddu or Dinkache ladoo or Gond Ke laddu, as the name suggests are prepared with Gond or Edible Gum. It is a popular sweet, that is made in Many regions across India during winters. 

The recipe I’m sharing here is an heirloom recipe that has been passed down from many generations. And our version of Edible gum laddu calls Dry Fruits, Nuts, Seeds, and lots of ghee. This laddu is usually looked at and served as a medicinal food rather than a delicacy. Hence it is mostly served with a glass of warm milk first thing in the morning. 

These nourishing energy balls are considered very healthy to consume in Winters due to their rich ingredients which are warm and keeps our body protected from the chilly winters. Also, these are made for postpartum mothers or lactating mothers, which helps to keep the body warm and helps in lactation. These Banka laddus are great nutritious snacks for kids and toddlers, as they are rich in iron, calcium, and protein.

Ingredients needed for Banka laddu

• Banka / Gond –  Edible gum sourced from the Acacia plant. It is quite odorless and tasteless. 
• Nuts – Nuts are the essential part of these laddus and I have used Cashews, marking nut, Pistachios, and walnuts here. 
• Dried fruits – Traditionally we use khajoor powder(dried dates powder), as I could not find the dried dates here, I used Medjool dates instead.
• Ghee – Ghee acts as the binding agent here, so do not skip on the ghee. It adds richness, flavor, and essential nutrition to the ladoo.
• Seeds – I have used Almonds and Melon seeds here. You can also add poppy seeds for extra nuttiness and richness. 
• Dry Coconut – We add a little amount of dried coconut here, which adds a lovely coconut flavor and nutrition.
• Spices – We are going to add Ginger powder(sonti podi/ saunth), pepper powder, and Nutmeg. They provide flavor and helps in providing warmth to our bodies. 
• Sugar / Jaggery 

How to make these Banka laddus?

 With diverse cultures and cuisines across India, the foods have regional influence and hence it varies with each region. You can see many Gond ke laddu recipes on the internet, where some add whole wheat flour, and some just use dried fruits and nuts. Unlike many recipes of Gond ke laddu you find on the internet, we don’t roast or puff of gond crystals. Instead, we just grind them as is, and we do not roast any ingredient too, just powder up everything and add piping hot ghee to shape the laddus. 

Check out more delicious desserts and Indian sweets from my blog.

Sunnundalu

Shakkarpara

Motichoor laddu

Shegala payasam

Sabudana payasam

Palm jaggery whole wheat biscuits

Penilu

Badusha

 If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . Also follow @taste.of.telangana on Instagram for more traditional recipes, culture and stories.

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 Bread Bonda is a deep-fried Indian snack with spicy potato filling wrapped in a moist bread slice and deep-fried until crisp and golden brown. This is one of the nostalgic tea time snack I have grown up eating.  I remember tasting this irresistible snack at home, when amma saw it on a cooking show and tried at home. We all loved it, although we love eating traditional Aloo bonda that we grew up eating, this bread bonda has surely made its special place in our hearts.

What is Bread Bonda ?

Bread Bonda, an indulgent deep-fried snack, which is utterly crispy bread on the outside and flavor-packed soft filling on the inside. This dish is a twist to the traditional snack, Aloo Bonda which is also known Potato Vada, is flavor-packed with Indian spices. That one bite of these hot and crispy Aloo Bondas will surely make you fall in love with them. 

While You find Aloo Bonda in almost all the tiffin centers and in Many Indian restaurants across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka popularly served for tea time snack. Bread bonda is more kind of made only at homes. This tea time snack will surely make your day brighter on rainy days. Also, this bread bonda makes a great snack to serve for guests or get togethers. 

What all ingredients do we need ?

For the Covering: Bread slices

For the Stuffing

• Potatoes
• Spices – Turmeric powder, green chilies, salt
• Onion
• Curry leaves
• Cilantro
• Lemon/lime
• Mustard seeds
• Cumin seeds
• Ginger
• Garlic

You can adjust the amount of green chilies, as per your taste. If making for kids, you can avoid adding green chilies and add some grated paneer or cheese.

Please check out more delicious festive treats and tea-time snacks from my blog.

Bebberla garelu

Chegodilu

Odappalu

Makka garelu

Palm jaggery whole wheat biscuits

Perugu wada

Vegan millet cutlet

Vegan potstickers

If you’ve tried this recipe, please share your valuable feedback in the comments below. Also you can Tag your photo and share it with #mycurryveda on Instagram @mycurryveda  or on Facebook . 

The post BREAD BONDA appeared first on mycurryveda.

00:00 – PreShow Banter™ — Talkin’ Bout [Elon] News00:51 – BHIS – Talkin’ Bout [infosec] News 2022-12-1902:46 – Story # 1: Antivirus and EDR solutions tricked into acting as data […]

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