Ingredient Ideology | THE TRIVIA OF SEEDS IN COOKING. by Dr. Kaviraj Khialani – Celebrity Master Chef

Healthy & Versatile ways to use seeds in day-to-day cooking

Introduction to Seeds:
Seeds are an integral part of our culinary world, offering a diverse
range of Flavors, textures, and nutrients to enhance the taste and
nutritional value of various dishes. In this introduction, we will explore
10 commonly used kitchen seeds that have found their way into
cuisines around the world
 Mustard Seeds: For pungent flavors in Indian cuisine.
 Cumin Seeds: Nutty and earthy, used globally.
 Coriander Seeds: Citrusy, sweet, and versatile.
 Sesame Seeds: Tiny with a nutty kick, ideal for garnishing.
 Chia Seeds: Superfood for puddings and smoothies.
 Onion Seeds (Nigella Seeds): Peppery seasoning in Indian dishes.
 Poppy Seeds: Nutty topping for bread and pastries.
 Sunflower Seeds: Healthy, crunchy snacks or salad toppers.
 Flax Seeds: Rich in omega-3, perfect for smoothies.
 Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): Sweet and nutty, great for snacking.
These seeds add flavor, texture, and nutrition, enhancing dishes
worldwide. From spicy curries to wholesome salads, kitchen seeds are
culinary essentials.

Health Benefits of Seeds
 Nutrient-Packed: Seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and
essential fatty acids.

 Heart Health: Omega-3-rich seeds reduce cholesterol and
promote heart health.
 Antioxidants: Seeds combat cell damage and lower disease risk.
 Weight Management: Fiber in seeds curbs appetite and aids
weight control.
 Blood Sugar Control: Some seeds help stabilize blood sugar levels.
 Bone Health: Calcium-rich seeds support strong bones.
 Digestive Health: Fiber eases digestion and prevents constipation.
 Skin and Mood: Seeds contribute to healthy skin and better mood.
 Inflammation: Seeds can reduce harmful inflammation.
 Cancer Prevention: Some seeds contain compounds studied for
cancer prevention.

Uses of Seeds in Cooking and Baking:
 Flavorful Seasoning: Mustard, cumin, and onion seeds for
seasoning in various cuisines.
 Spice Blends: Coriander and cumin seeds in spice mixes.
 Texture and Flavor in Baking: Poppy, chia, and sesame seeds in
bread, muffins, and cakes.
 Snacks: Sunflower and pumpkin seeds as healthy, roasted
snacks.
 Smoothies and Breakfast: Chia and flax seeds in smoothies and
as egg substitutes.
 Salads and Garnishes: Sesame and pumpkin seeds for added
texture and flavour.
 Health-Focused Recipes: Flax, chia, and sunflower seeds for
nutritional benefits in various dishes.

5 recipes using seeds in them with ingredients quantity method and
garnish.

1. Chia Seed Pudding:
   Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1 cup almond milk

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A pinch of cinnamon
  Method:

1. In a bowl, combine chia seeds, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract,
   and cinnamon.

2. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Before serving, top with fresh berries, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of honey
   
   2.Quinoa and Roasted Pumpkin Seed Salad:
   Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa

• 2 cups water

• 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

• 1/4 cup diced cucumber

• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste
  Method:

1. Cook quinoa in water as per package instructions and let it cool.

2. Toss quinoa with roasted pumpkin seeds, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.

3. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle
   over the salad.

4. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and a few extra pumpkin seed

   3.Sunflower Seed-Crusted Baked Salmon:
   Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets

• 1/4 cup ground sunflower seeds

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste
  Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a bowl, mix ground sunflower seeds, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic
   powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat each salmon fillet with the sunflower seed mixture.

4. Place the fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.

5. Garnish with fresh dill and lemon wedges.

   4.Sesame Crusted Tofu Stir-Fry:
   Ingredients:

• 1 block of firm tofu, cubed

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  Method:

1. In a bowl, marinate tofu in soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic for 15
   minutes.

2. Coat the tofu with sesame seeds.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan, add tofu, and cook until golden brown.

4. Remove tofu and stir-fry mixed vegetables.

5. Serve tofu over stir-fried vegetables and garnish with sliced green
   onions.

   5.Lemon-Poppy Seed Muffins:
   Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2/3 cup milk

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 2 large eggs
  Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a muffin tin with paper
   liners.

2. In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, poppy seeds, lemon zest, baking
   powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, milk, lemon juice, and eggs.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

5. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes.

6. Garnish with a lemon glaze made from lemon juice and powdered
   sugar once they've cooled.

Conclusion
On a Concluding note, seeds are versatile, nutritious, and elevate both
cooking and baking. The showcased recipes featuring chia, pumpkin,
sunflower, sesame, and poppy seeds highlight their diverse
applications. Whether for flavour, texture, or health benefits, seeds are
a small ingredient with big culinary potential.

Where Gurugram Stays, Meets & Celebrates Ramada by Wyndham Gurgaon Central

In a city that moves as quickly as Gurugram, having a hotel that can keep up makes all the difference. Ramada by Wyndham Gurgaon Central, located in Sector 44, has been part of the city's hospitality landscape for more than 15 years. With 94 rooms, convenient access to the Millennium City Centre Metro, and close proximity to Gurugram's corporate hubs, the hotel is a natural choice for business travellers, families and guests looking for a short break within the city.

What makes the hotel particularly interesting is the way it brings different occasions together. With more than 28,500 sq. ft. of event space, including a choice of indoor venues and the Emerald Garden, it caters to conferences, business meetings and intimate celebrations. The focus for weddings is on smaller, more personal occasions, celebrations where families can spend time together, enjoy good food and have the important moments in one place.

Staycations are another part of the hotel's growing appeal. You don't always have to leave Gurugram to take a break from it. With a breakfast in bed approach, a rooftop pool, wellness facilities and dining options within the property, a weekend can easily turn into a change of pace without the long drive. The hotel's current offers also include staycation packages with rooftop pool access.

Food has its own place in the experience. Atrium Deli brings a relaxed world cuisine dining experience to the hotel, while Kokkinos Restro Bar offers an alfresco setting that works just as well for an evening drink as it does for catching up with friends or colleagues. And for those moments that call for something sweet, Atrium Deli Pâtisserie brings together freshly prepared pastries, desserts and cakes, whether it is a quick indulgence or something made for a celebration.

Looking Ahead: Hospitality That Stays Relevant

As Gurugram continues to grow, the role of a city hotel is changing too. Guests want more from a stay than just a room, while businesses want venues that can handle everything from a focused meeting to a full-scale conference. Weddings, meanwhile, are becoming increasingly experience-led.

Ramada by Wyndham Gurgaon Central is building around these changing needs with its focus on curated staycations, wedding celebrations and conferences, while continuing to keep the everyday essentials of good food, comfortable rooms and accessible hospitality at the centre of the experience.

VERTICES PARTNERS advises Curaa on INR 40 Crore Fundraise in Series A led by 3ONE4 CAPITAL

New Delhi, 2026: One of India’s leading legal advising firm with a notable track-record in private equity and venture capital space through their complex legal processes, VERTICES PARTNERS, recently advised Curaa - a New Delhi-based kitchen and lifestyle brand operated by Mojojojo Creators Private Limited, on its INR 40 crore Series A fundraise. Led by 3one4 Capital, the round also saw participation from existing investors including Kae Capital, Lumikai Fund and Better Capital.

The funding will aid Curaa to scale its operations in the direct-to-consumer kitchen and lifestyle segment. The newly raised capital will help support the company’s plans across product development, brand building and supply chain capabilities, while also helping it expand its omnichannel presence.

VERTICES PARTNERS played a vital advisory role in the transaction, with Partner Vishal Mehta leading the engagement. He was supported by Associate Manager Nisha Dharod and Associate Abhishikha Moyal, while Founder and Managing Partner Vinayak Burman provided strategic inputs through the transaction.

Operating in the D2C space, Curaa focuses on kitchen and lifestyle products. The freshly raised capital will help the company with additional resources to continue expanding its product portfolio and bolstering the infrastructure needed in scaling up presence across both online and offline channels.

On the investor side, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas advised 3one4 Capital. The team was led by Partner Manish Gupta, with Principal Associate Rashi Singh and Associate Mannshree Sikchi also involved in the transaction.

IC RegFin Legal Partners LLP represented Lumikai Fund, with Partner Anish Jaipuriar leading the matter alongside Associate Utsav Vats.

Speaking about the transaction, Vinayak Burman, Founder & Managing Partner, VERTICES PARTNERS, said, “The Series A investment will provide Curaa the opportunity to deepen its product portfolio and strengthen the capabilities that will support its forthcoming growth phase. We are focused on helping the brand build a robust presence across the kitchen and lifestyle space. The transaction was an interesting opportunity for our team to work closely with the company and its investors.”

For VERTICES PARTNERS, the Curaa transaction adds to its work in advising growth-stage businesses and investors on private equity and fundraising transactions. The firm’s involvement covered the transaction from the advisory side, with its team working alongside the company and other stakeholders through the funding process.

The INR 40 crore fundraise comes as consumer-focused brands continue to build businesses around specialised product categories, direct customer engagement and omnichannel distribution.