The term "kachchi" means raw referring to the biryani ingredients being combined raw in layers instead of first cooking the meat or rice separately.

The coming Eid UlAdha, while remaining purely holy in its essence, has also become quite a celebration of the culinary world. The Eid mornings themselves have gone on to become the stuff of a foodie's legend and this year promises to be no different. This week Star Lifestyle dedicates its pages to this delicious extravaganza and our recipe writers bring in some of the most scrumptious servings they could think up. To make it even more worth your while, we dig in deeper and do not restrain ourselves to only beef, bringing you the pick of the baked fishes and vegetarian splendour. Of course, there's plenty of kebabs, steaks and lamb chops to go around as well, so get your pots and pans ready and prepare a feast worth fighting over this Eid!

Peel the fruit, separate the seeds (there are usually three segments) and cut off the fibres with a pair of scissors.

Taro, or the humble 'kochu' as we know it, is versatile – if not anything else. Although cynics will pursue their argument --poison food-- others will vouch for its taste and the variation this can offer to a Bengali lunch, or dinner. Come to think of it, 'kochu' can serve just well as a snack! This week, our recipe columnist Selina Parveen puts the spotlight on this famous vegetable, but of course with her own little, magical twist.

Dates have been a staple food of the Middle East and the Indus Valley for thousands of years. They are an important traditional crop in Iraq, rabia, and northern Africa till as far as Morocco.

Nimki, also known as 'namakpara,' is a traditional North Indian snack.

Pui-shak (basella alba) is a green, leafy vegetable rich in calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and lots of soluble fibre.

The term pickle is derived from the Dutch word 'pekel', meaning 'brine'. Pickling began 4000 years ago using cucumbers native to India.

Mustard seeds are from the mustard plant. Every part of this plant is edible, including the leaves, the flowers and the seeds.

Rice is a staple food in many countries around the world.

Yes, flowers can be eaten! They can also be candied, frozen into ice, made into rings, jams and jellies. Flowers are part of many regional cuisines, including Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Poush Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti is celebrated all over South Asia. Known by different names, it is celebrated with

Using a sharp knife, score the skins of the duck breasts, season well and keep aside. To make the marinade, place all of the remaining...

Chhana, or cottage cheese, is a fresh curd product with a mild cheesy flavour.

Pitha is a traditional food item in our country. Different types of pitha are made during the year in Bangladesh. But the winter season is the best season for making and having pitha.

Methi pulao is a healthy dish prepared with fenugreek leaves and vegetables. I have added carrot and peas to make the methi favours mild and to balance its slight bitterness. You can use other vegetables like potatoes, cauliflower, capsicum or veggies of your choice.

With advancement of technology we now have many ways of preserving meat. Drying meat under normal temperatures, humidity and circulation of the air, including direct influence of sun rays, is probably the oldest method of meat preservation.

Heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degree F). Grease a one kg loaf tin. Melt butter in a frying pan, add liver and fry over briskest until browned on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain and cool on absorbent paper, then mince.

Hunter beef is a great dish for Eid-ul-Adha; ideal for cool evenings with tea or coffee. A simple meaty dish for meat lovers to enjoy.

The word 'marinade' was derived from French, Spanish word 'marino', which means 'pickle in brine', in the late 17th century.