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Showing posts from November, 2023

Ind v SA : Few combacks , few missouts as India announces squads

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 BCCI has announced the Indian squads for the multi format South Africa series . While Rohit as expected will lead in the 2 tests , it is Suryakumar Yadav again who will lead in the T20I series while KL Rahul will lead India in the ODIs . Both Rohit and Virat have been rested for the white ball leg as per their request .  The most surprising aspect of the selection was the absence of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the ODI squad . However Sai Sudharsan has bagged an ODI spot deservingly .  Sanju Samson has found a spot in the ODI squad along with the recalled duo Deepak Chahar and Yuzi Chahal  The teams :  India ODI Squad Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar. India T20I Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Ki

Beaverages : Pisco sour - Peru's national cocktail - how to make

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  **Pisco Sour Recipe:** *Pisco Sour* is a classic Peruvian cocktail that combines Pisco, a grape brandy, with lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, and a dash of bitters. It's a refreshing and tangy drink with a frothy texture. Here's a simple recipe for you to make it at home: ** Ingredients :** - 2 oz (60 ml) Pisco - 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) fresh lime juice - 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste) - 1 egg white - Ice cubes - Angostura bitters (for garnish) ** Instructions :** 1. **Prepare Simple Syrup:**    - If you don't have pre-made simple syrup, mix equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using. 2. **Combine Ingredients:**    - In a cocktail shaker, add Pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white. 3. **Dry Shake:**    - Shake the ingredients in the cocktail shaker without ice (dry shake) for about 10-15 seconds. This helps emulsify the egg white for a frothy texture. 4. **Add Ice and Shake Again:*

Cuisine : Aji De Gallina - How to make this delicious Peruvian Dish

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  **Aji de Gallina Recipe:** *Aji de Gallina* is a popular Peruvian dish featuring shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce. It's known for its rich flavors and vibrant yellow color. Here's a step-by-step recipe for you to try: ** Ingredients :** - 1 1/2 lbs (about 700g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded - 2 yellow chili peppers (*aji amarillo*), seeded and deveined - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 slices white bread, crusts removed - 1 cup evaporated milk - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color) - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 boiled potatoes, sliced - Hard-boiled eggs, sliced (for garnish) - Black olives (for garnish) ** Instructions :** 1. **Prepare Aji Amarillo Paste:**    - In a blender, combine the yellow chili peppers, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed. 2. **Make Bread Mixture:**    - Soak the bread slices in the evapora

Cuisine : Lomo Saltado - How to make this Peruvian dish

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  **Lomo Saltado Recipe:** *Lomo Saltado* is a delicious Peruvian stir-fry dish that combines marinated strips of beef with vegetables, spices, and Peruvian flavors. Here's a simple recipe for you to try: ** Ingredients :** - 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 1 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 large tomato, sliced into wedges - 1 yellow pepper, sliced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Vegetable oil for cooking - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - French fries (for serving) ** Instructions :** 1. **Marinate the Beef:**    - In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, red wine vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. 2. **Prepare Vegetables:**    - Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.    - Stir-fry the marinated beef until browned. Remove from the skil

Travel: Peru - mesmerizing travel spots & other details

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  Peru is a country in South America known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, including the iconic Machu Picchu.   Peru offers a variety of breathtaking destinations. Here are some must-visit spots: 1. **Machu Picchu:** A UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city nestled in the Andes. The awe-inspiring ruins attract visitors from around the globe. 2. **Cusco:** Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture and vibrant indigenous culture. It's often a base for those heading to Machu Picchu. 3. **Sacred Valley:** This picturesque valley is dotted with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and agricultural terraces. Pisac and Ollantaytambo are key stops offering historical and cultural richness. 4. **Lake Titicaca:** Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca is one of the highest navigable lakes globally. Explore the floating Uros Islands and Taquile Island t

Cuisine : Llapingachos - how to make this Equadoran popular item

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  Llapingachos are traditional Ecuadorian potato patties that are often served as a side dish. Here's a detailed recipe for making llapingachos: ** Ingredients :** **For the Potato Patties:** - 4 large potatoes, peeled and boiled until tender - 1 cup queso fresco (fresh cheese), grated - 1/2 cup cooked and finely chopped chorizo (optional) - 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon butter or oil for frying **For the Aji Sauce (optional, but commonly served with llapingachos):** - 2-3 aji amarillo peppers, seeded and finely chopped (substitute with jalapeños if aji amarillo is not available) - 1 small red onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons white vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste ** Instructions :** **1. Prepare the Potato Patties:**    - Mash the boiled potatoes in a large bowl until smooth.    - Add the grated queso fresco, chopped chorizo (if using), green onions, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a

Cuisine : Ecuadorian empanadas & how its prepared

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  Ecuadorian empanadas, also known as "empanadas de viento," are a popular and delicious snack. Here's a basic recipe: Ingredients : **For the Dough:** - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced - 1 egg - 1/2 cup cold water **For the Filling:** - 2 cups queso fresco (fresh cheese), crumbled - 1 cup diced onions - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro - 2 teaspoons achiote powder (optional, for color) - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying Instructions : 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the cold, diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 2. Beat the egg and add it to the flour mixture. Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. 3. Cover the dough and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together the crumbled queso fresco, diced onions, chopped cilantro, achiote powder (if usin

Cuisine : How to prepare Locro De Papa ( Equadorian soup)

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  Locro de papa is a traditional Ecuadorian potato soup. Here's a basic recipe: Ingredients : - 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced - 1 large onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon achiote powder (optional, for color) - 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 2 cups milk - 1 cup queso fresco (fresh cheese), crumbled - Salt and pepper to taste - Avocado slices and chopped fresh cilantro for garnish Instructions : 1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic in vegetable oil until softened. 2. Add the ground cumin and achiote powder (if using), stirring to combine. 3. Add the diced potatoes to the pot and continue cooking for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. 4. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender. 5. Using a potato masher, partially mash some of the potatoes to thicken the soup. 6. Add the milk and continue simmer

Video : Amazing rescue act saves lives of 41 labourers trapped in Uttar Kashi tunnel

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   The 17-day wait is finally over.  National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel rescued 41 workers trapped in a tunnel in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, one by one on Tuesday night.  To rescue them, the workers trapped in the tunnel were rescued with a lame 'rat hole' (which is called 'rat-hole mining').  Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister and former Army Chief General (Retired) VK Singh were present at the spot.  Jharkhand's Vijay Horo was the first to come out of the tunnel at 7:52 pm.  After that the rest one by one.  'Operation Zindagi' ended at 8:38 PM.  After the rescue, the workers were taken to Chinialisaur Hospital in Uttarkashi by ambulance through the pre-arranged green corridor.  In the early morning of November 12, the Silkiara tunnel collapsed in Uttarkashi.  41 workers were trapped inside.  For so long, various efforts were being made to rescue them.  But it was not possible to dig the rubble and reach the worke

Maxwell magic dwarfs Ruturaj special as Aus steals a thriller to stay in the series

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  Australia has registered a resounding victory in the third T-20 match held in Guwahati and has made a comeback in the ongoing series against Team India in an absolute thriller .  In this high scoring match, the fans held their breath till the end, because Australia's Glenn Maxwell was in breathtaking form .  When only 2 runs were needed on the last ball to win, Glenn Maxwell hit a four and gave his team victory in sensational style .  Despite this defeat, Team India is still ahead 2-1 in the series and two matches are still left.  In this match, India had given a target of 223 to Australia, in response Australia chased this target on the last ball.  Glenn Maxwell proved to be a hero for the team, Maxwell scored a brilliant century and single-handedly led his team to victory.  Australia scored 225 runs after losing 5 wickets in 20 overs.  Glenn Maxwell hit 8 fours and 8 sixes in his astonishing innings of 104 runs in a mere 48 balls , which overshadowed Team India.  The strokeplay

Travel : Ecuador - Best spots to visit & other details

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  Ecuador is a country in South America, known for its diverse geography that includes the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and the Galápagos Islands. Quito is the capital, and Spanish is the official language.  Here's a more detailed breakdown of some of the best spots to visit in Ecuador, along with the best seasons for each: 1. **Galápagos Islands:**    - **Best Time to Visit:** June to December (dry season) for better underwater visibility and pleasant weather.    - **Highlights:** Unique wildlife, snorkeling, and diving. Visit iconic sites like Darwin Bay and Tortuga Bay. 2. **Amazon Rainforest:**    - **Best Time to Visit:** The Amazon experiences some rain throughout the year, but the dry season from June to September is more comfortable.    - **Highlights:** Explore diverse flora and fauna, go on guided jungle tours, and experience the rich biodiversity. 3. **Quito:**    - **Best Time to Visit:** Year-round destination due to its consistent mild climate.    - **Highl

IPL2024 : Gill to lead Gujarat , Rohit to remain Mumbai skipper

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  Gujarat Titans on Monday appointed Shubman Gill as the captain for the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) following Hardik Pandya's decision to return to Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile all rumours that Hardik will replace Rohit as Mumbai captain gas been quashed as Mumbai Indians have retained  Rohit as the captain and now Hardik as his deputy .   Apart from Rs 15 crore, Gujarat Titans will also get a huge amount as transfer fee from Mumbai Indians, a part of which will also go to Hardik.  After Pandya's departure was confirmed, 24-year-old opening batsman Gill was the obvious first choice as captain having won the coveted 'Orange Cap' with 890 runs last season.  Gill's performance is second only to Virat Kohli's all-time record of 973 runs in a season.  Gill said in the statement, “I am happy and proud to take over the captaincy of Gujarat Titans and thank the franchise for trusting me to lead such a great team.  We have had two extraordinary seasons a

Cuisine : Ajiaco - How to make this Columbian soup

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  **Ajiaco** is a traditional Colombian soup, particularly popular in Bogotá. It is known for its rich and flavorful broth, hearty ingredients, and the use of a specific type of potato called "papa criolla." Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare Ajiaco: ** Ingredients :** **For the Soup:** 1. **Chicken:** 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces. 2. **Papa Criolla:** 1 pound (small, yellow potatoes with a unique flavor). 3. **Regular Potatoes:** 2-3, peeled and diced. 4. **Corn on the Cob:** 2-3 ears, each cut into 2-3 pieces. 5. **Guascas:** Dried herb native to South America, approximately 1 tablespoon (can be substituted with oregano). 6. **Onions:** 1-2, finely chopped. 7. **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced. 8. **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups. 9. **Cilantro:** A handful, chopped. 10. **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. **For the Garnishes:** 1. **Avocado:** Sliced. 2. **Capers:** 1 tablespoon. 3. **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. 4. **Rice:** Cooked separately. ** Instructions :** 1. **Prepare th

Cuisine : Empanadas - How to make this awesome Colombian dish

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  *Empanadas** are a popular and delicious dish in many Latin American countries, including Colombia. Here's a general overview of how to make Colombian-style empanadas: ** Ingredients :** **For the Dough:** 1. **Harina de Maíz (Cornmeal):** 2 cups 2. **Water:** 2 cups 3. **Salt:** 1 teaspoon 4. **Oil or butter:** 1-2 tablespoons (optional, for added richness) **For the Filling:** 1. **Ground Beef or Chicken:** Cooked and seasoned with onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt. 2. **Potatoes:** Boiled, mashed, and seasoned. 3. **Hard-Boiled Eggs:** Sliced. 4. **Green Onions:** Chopped. 5. **Cilantro:** Chopped. 6. **Cumin, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper:** To taste. ** Instructions :** 1. **Prepare the Dough:**    - Combine the cornmeal, salt, and water in a bowl. Mix until you have a smooth, pliable dough.    - Optionally, add oil or butter to the dough for added flavor and texture. 2. **Make the Filling:**    - Cook the ground meat with onions, garlic, cumin, paprika, and salt until fu

Cuisine : Bandeja Paisa - how to prepare this Columbian food

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  **Bandeja Paisa** is a hearty and iconic Colombian dish, particularly popular in the Antioquia region. Here's a basic breakdown of how it's traditionally made: ** Ingredients :** 1. **Carne Molida (Ground Meat):** Typically includes seasoned ground beef.    2. **Chicharrón:** Deep-fried pork belly or pork rinds. 3. **Arroz (Rice):** White rice is commonly used. 4. **Frijoles (Beans):** Usually red beans, cooked and seasoned. 5. **Huevo (Egg):** A fried egg, often served on top. 6. **Aguacate (Avocado):** Sliced or mashed avocado. 7. **Patacón:** Fried green plantains, flattened and fried again. 8. **Morcilla:** Blood sausage, a type of sausage made with pig's blood. 9. **Arepa:** A type of cornbread, usually served as a side. 10. **Hogao:** A sauce made from tomatoes, green onions, and spices. ** Preparation :** 1. **Cook the Rice and Beans:** Prepare white rice and red beans separately. Season the beans with spices for flavor. 2. **Prepare the Ground Meat:** Season groun

Travel : Columbia: Top spots to visit & other information

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  Colombia is a country in South America, known for its diverse culture, vibrant cities like Bogotá and Medellín, as well as natural wonders like the Amazon rainforest and Andes mountains. It has a rich history, and Spanish is the official language.   Colombia offers a variety of beautiful and culturally rich destinations. Here are some notable places to visit: 1. **Bogotá:**    - Explore the historic La Candelaria neighborhood with its colonial architecture.    - Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) to see an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.    - Take a cable car or funicular to Monserrate for panoramic views of the city. 2. **Cartagena:**    - Wander through the charming, walled Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada).    - Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress with a strategic location.    - Enjoy the vibrant street art and lively atmosphere of Getsemaní. 3. **Medellín:**    - Experience the transformation of Comuna 13, once a troubled area, now known for its

Jaiswal , Ishan , Rinku powers India to empathic win as Aussies trail T20I series 0-2

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  Team India defeated Australia by 44 runs in the second T20 match to get a 2-0 series lead .  Team India, batting first, scored 235 runs losing four wickets in 20 overs due to the half-centuries of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad.  In front of this huge score, the Australian team could score only 191 runs after playing 20 overs, losing nine wickets.  Ravi Bishnoi took three wickets for India.  With this, India has taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20 series.  Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 53 runs, Gaikwad scored 58 runs and Ishan Kishan scored 52 runs.  In the end, Rinku Singh once again demonstrated his finishing skills and scored an unbeaten 31 runs in nine balls.  Marcus Stoinis made the highest score of 45 runs for Australia.  Australian batting failed today again. Steve Smith and Matthew Short tried to give a fast start to the Australian team chasing the target of 236 runs.  Both of them were successful in the first two overs but Suryakumar Yadav, who was captainin

IPL2024 : Major drama after cutoff retention time as Hardik finally ditches Gujarat

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   After the end of hot speculations for 2 days Hardik Pandya has returned to Mumbai Indians in another sensational development.  Hardik Pandya, who was the captain of Gujarat Titans for two years, has once again returned with 5-time champion Mumbai.  Hardik joined Mumbai after being retained in just 2 hours amidst tremendous drama on the retention day on Sunday 26th November.  With this, the rumors and speculations that had been going on for three days were finally confirmed.  Hardik's return to Mumbai also became the most high-profile trade in IPL history, which had already surprised everyone.  Since November 24, there were reports that Hardik Pandya can once again return to his old team Mumbai Indians after staying with Gujarat for 2 years.  However, there was no reaction on this from both the teams.  Since the deadline for players' retention was on Sunday 26th November, it was expected that an official announcement would be made during this time itself.  Retention was annou

IPL 2024 : List of retained and released players of all teams

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  The IPL auction of 2024 season is closing in . The  full list of retained and released players of IPL 2024 is announced  . The trade window will still remain open till before the Auction day on 19th December 2023 and therefore there might be a few more movements . The biggest news is that contrary to hot rumours Hardik Pandya has remained with Gujarat Titans  . Thus his anticipated return to Mumbai Indians did not happen . Amongst other releases  , RCB releasing Josh Hazlewood  who was very good in the ODI World cup was expected to be easily released by RCB but that did not happen . Also RCB released their lead spinner Hasaranga . Delhi Capitals have kept their faith on Prithvi Shaw  contrary to expectations that he might be released due to poor form for a while .  KKR has surprisingly released all their lead fast bowlers and may be they will now have to purchase a few lead quicks . However the release of so many quicks gives the impression that Eden Gardens may prepare spinning pitc

Cuisine : Cachapa - How to prepare this Venezuelan pancake

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  Cachapa is a traditional Venezuelan and Colombian dish made from fresh corn. It's a type of pancake or flatbread, typically served with cheese, ham, or other toppings. Here's a simple guide on how to prepare cachapa: ### Ingredients : - 4 cups fresh corn kernels (or thawed frozen corn) - 1 cup cornmeal - 1 cup milk - 1/4 cup sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or queso de mano (Venezuelan cheese) - Butter or oil for cooking ### Instructions : 1. **Blend Corn:**    - In a blender, combine fresh corn kernels, cornmeal, milk, sugar, and salt.    - Blend until you have a smooth batter. The consistency should be like pancake batter. 2. **Preheat Griddle or Pan:**    - Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. 3. **Prepare Cachapa:**    - Pour a ladleful of batter onto the hot griddle, spreading it out into a round shape.    - Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top of the batter. 4. **Cooking:**    - Cook the cachapa until bubbles form on

Cuisine : Hallaca - Venezuelan dish & steps to make

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  Hallaca is a traditional Venezuelan dish, often prepared during the Christmas season. It consists of a masa (dough) made from cornmeal, filled with a flavorful mixture of meats, olives, capers, and raisins, all wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to prepare Hallaca: ### Ingredients : #### For the Dough (Masa): - 3 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (warm) - 1 cup lard or vegetable oil - Salt to taste #### For the Filling: - 2 cups cooked and shredded beef - 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken - 1 cup cooked and shredded pork - 1 cup cooked and shredded ham - 1 cup raisins - 1 cup pitted green olives, sliced - 1/2 cup capers - 2 large onions, finely chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 tomatoes, peeled and chopped - 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped - 1 cup chickpeas (garbanzo beans), cooked - 1/2 cup vegetable oil - Salt and pepper to taste #### For Assembly: - Banana leaves, cut into rectangles an

Cuisine : Pabellón Criollo - steps to make this Venezuelan dish

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  "Pabellón Criollo" is a traditional Venezuelan dish that typically consists of shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to prepare Pabellón Criollo: ### Ingredients : #### For Shredded Beef: - 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak - 1 onion, chopped - 1 bell pepper, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup beef broth - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - Salt and pepper to taste #### For Black Beans: - 1 cup black beans (canned or cooked) - 1 onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste #### For Rice: - 2 cups white rice - 4 cups water - Salt to taste #### For Fried Plantains: - 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced - Vegetable oil for frying - Salt to taste ### Instructions : #### Shredded Beef: 1. Season the steak with salt and pepper. 2. In a large pot or pressure cooker, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. 3. Sear the steak until browned on all sides. 4. Add chopped onio

Cuisine : Arepa - How to prepare this Venezuelan dish

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An arepa is a traditional Venezuelan and Colombian food, made from pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa). It's a flat, round bread that can be grilled, baked, or fried. Arepas are versatile and can be served plain or stuffed with various fillings such as cheese, ham, avocado, or other ingredients. They are a staple in the diet of many South American countries and are enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to prepare arepas: ### Ingredients : - 2 cups pre-cooked cornmeal (masarepa) - 2 1/2 cups warm water - 1 teaspoon salt - Optional: Filling of your choice (cheese, ham, avocado, etc.) ### Instructions : 1. **Prepare the Dough:**    - In a large mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, warm water, and salt.    - Knead the mixture with your hands until you achieve a smooth, soft dough. 2. **Rest the Dough:**    - Allow the dough to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the cornmeal fully absorb the water. 3. **Shape the Arepas:**    - Divid