When the winter sniffles strike, many in India bypass the pharmacy and head straight to the kitchen for a trusted desi nuskha. Proving this point with his signature humour, popular singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh recently took to Instagram to share his go-to home remedy while battling a runny nose.
A Solo Culinary Adventure Against the Cold
In a candid video, Dosanjh announced he was under the weather. "I have a cold... what do you call it, I have a runny nose. So, besan cheela and remedies with besan I will be using," he declared. The clip, humorously titled "solo trip," showed him preparing the savory pancake. He cheerfully admitted that his first besan cheela turned out a bit thick but was delicious nonetheless. "Pehle cheela thoda mota bana hai, par swaad bahut hai," he said, adding that he enjoyed one so much standing up that he finished it before it even touched a plate.
An Unexpected Kitchen Revelation
The cooking session led to a lighthearted educational moment. Dosanjh revealed a new discovery he made while searching for ingredients. "I wanted besan and then I googled that it's called chickpea flour in English. Then I found out that Garbanzo flour is besan. This is the first time I learnt," he shared with genuine amusement. Alongside the besan, he showcased his other winter essentials: ghee, honey, and poppy seeds (khus-khus), noting that eggs and milk would have also made the list if available.
Diljit's Winter Wellness Toolkit
Beyond the cheela, the actor hinted at another traditional remedy he swears by for the cold season. He described a mix of poppy seeds and desiccated coconut blended with ghee as particularly helpful. His entire approach, shared with self-deprecating humour and warmth, highlighted a common Indian preference for time-tested home foods over medicine for minor ailments like the common cold.
Diljit Dosanjh's Besan Cheela Recipe:
- Take one cup besan (chickpea flour) and add one cup milk, whisking well. Add more milk if the batter is too thick.
- Add powdered jaggery to taste.
- Traditionally, include a pinch each of dry ginger powder, turmeric powder, and black pepper powder. Mix well.
- Heat ghee in a pan. Pour a ladle of batter, spread evenly, and allow it to cook.
- Cover the pan and keep the flame low. Flip to cook the other side, adding more ghee if needed.
- Serve and eat warm for comfort.
