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Revel in tri-colour

It’s the day Indians are most proud of: Independence Day!

With a population of about 2.6 million, India represents the largest single expat community in the UAE and accounts for 30 percent of the country’s total population. No wonder Indian food and Bollywood films are so popular among the Arabs!

On 15th August 1947, India gained independence from the British Raj, a day all Indians hold close to their hearts.

We caught up with a few Indians in Abu Dhabi to find out what makes this day, and their country, so special.revel_in_tri_color_india_02

Nikita Gandhi from Gujarat, the most recent winner of MasterChef India

“I was born and raised in Abu Dhabi and what I like most about this city is the diverse cultures, the peacefulness and, of course, the comfort of home.

“The only life I have lived in India so far was through the MasterChef journey so I definitely miss that the most.

“Independence Day to me is more than just India gaining its independence. It is more about the people here – the life, the way you feel when you step off the plane. The country is so dynamic, there’s never a dull moment. It is a day we look around and realise the struggle we’ve faced and how far we have come.”

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Subash Rajani Balan from Kerala, CEO of a chain of retail outlets in Abu Dhabi

“I have been in Abu Dhabi all my life; it is my first home. I guess it’s the respect and tolerance for a fellow human being that makes me love this place. Abu Dhabi is right in the centre of everything exciting happening around the world, be it at Yas or at an Indian chai shop. I am right where I want to be.

“I do miss the rush India gives; it’s busy and buzzing. And this rush takes up most of your time.

“Independence means ownership. It is being able to do what you want at your own free will.  Once you have a sense of responsibility towards your country, you would never do anything to cause it harm. “

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Bhavya Sharma from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, financial coordinator at NYUAD

“I’ve only been in Abu Dhabi for a year but I love it here. The people are so friendly and helpful and it’s a very safe environment to live and grow up in.

“I miss my family and friends back home. The kind of bond you feel there with the country and the people is something that’s hard to replace.

“Independence day reminds me of all the great people like Gandhiji and Bhagat Singh who sacrificed their lives to give us the freedom we enjoy today. The stories of their struggle and victory inspire me and give me courage.”

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 Gajar ka tiramisu

Here’s an original Indian-fusion recipe from MasterChef Nikita’s own cookbook. She takes two popular recipes – gajar ka halwa (carrot pudding) from India and a traditional tiramisu from Italy – to create a new dessert with double the flavour.

 

INGREDIENTS

 

For the carrot halwa layer:

  •  500g carrots, finely grated
  • 500g full-fat milk
  • 125g sugar
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder

 

For the mascarpone layer:

  •  250g mascarpone
  • 250ml double cream
  • 3 tablespoons icing sugar
  • Beans from a vanilla pod

 

For garnish:

Pistachios, roughly chopped or finely ground

 

Method

 

For the carrot halwa layer:

1. Heat butter in a non-stick pan, add carrots and cook for
three minutes.

2. Add the milk and cook until it is reduced and all the moisture
has evaporated.

3. Add the sugar and mix. Continue cooking for another five to seven minutes or until the halwa starts to leave the sides of the pan.

4. Turn off the heat and add in the cardamom. Mix and keep aside to cool until you’re ready to assemble the dessert.

 

For the mascarpone layer:

1. Mix together mascarpone, icing sugar and vanilla beans.

2. Whip the cream till soft peaks form.

3. Gently fold it into the mascarpone mixture.

 

To assemble:

1. Place some carrot halwa in individual shot glasses.

2. Pour over the mascarpone mixture. Refrigerate till set.

3. Repeat the layers (optional) one more time and finish the final mascarpone layer with ground pistachios.

 

infobox

 

Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi

www.indembassyuae.org

Indian Embassy’s Community Welfare Portal

www.uaeindians.org

Indian Social and Cultural Centre, Abu Dhabi

www.iscabudhabi.com

 

 

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