In the hot season, everyone enjoys cold and sweet desserts. However, there are concerns about additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors in commercial ice cream. Therefore, if you want to treat children and family to something delicious and healthy, you can make creamy custard apple ice cream at home.
Custard apple, also known as sershifa or Custard Apple, is rich in natural sweetness, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. Ice cream made from this fruit is not only very tasty but is also an excellent choice from a health perspective.
The following components are needed to prepare the ice cream: flesh of a ripe custard apple (without seeds) — 1 cup; whole milk — 2 cups; fresh cream or butter — 1 cup; condensed milk or sugar — 1/2 cup (to taste); milk powder — 2-3 tablespoons (for a creamy texture); and cardamom powder — 1/4 teaspoon (optional).
First, you need to peel the ripe custard apple, remove the seeds using a sieve or hands, and then extract the pulp into a bowl. In a thick-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. After the milk reduces to half its volume, add the sugar or condensed milk and milk powder, mix thoroughly, and let the mixture cool.
Add the fresh cream and half of the custard apple pulp to the cooled milk, then blend all of this in a blender for 1-2 minutes to achieve an absolutely smooth consistency. Next, add the remaining half of the custard apple pulp (for chunks) and cardamom powder to this uniform mixture, stirring gently with a spoon. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container, cover it with parchment paper or foil, close the lid, and place it in the freezer for 7-8 hours or overnight for complete freezing.
The new annual multiple-entry Umrah visa introduced by Saudi Arabia has provided pilgrims with an additional opportunity to perform the pilgrimage. However, since four main visa categories are now available, travel agents note that many UAE residents are having difficulty choosing the most suitable option for their travel plans.
In addition to the new multiple-entry Umrah visa, pilgrims can use a multiple-entry tourist visa, a single-entry tourist visa, or a single-entry Umrah visa. Although all four options allow for pilgrimage, each is intended for different purposes.
Sihab Farwad from Rehan Al Jazeera Tours and Travels noted that the choice of the optimal visa depends on how often a person plans to visit Saudi Arabia and whether they intend to visit the country solely for Umrah or combine it with tourism.
The latest visa program is aimed at pilgrims who plan to perform Umrah several times within a year. According to Sihab, this visa is valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and grants permission to stay in Saudi Arabia for a total of up to 90 days during its validity period. These days can be distributed across various trips.
The cost of this visa is approximately between 600 and 650 dirhams, depending on the travel agency, and processing usually takes about two business days. Unlike the tourist visa, it can be used exclusively for Umrah purposes.
Travel agents point out that the existing annual multiple-entry tourist visa remains one of the most sought-after options among UAE residents. Its cost is around 425 dirhams, and it allows travelers to enter Saudi Arabia multiple times within a year. Processing times can vary from one week to a month depending on the application.
Jassim from Al Shammar Hajj and Umrah Service emphasized that the tourist visa is suitable for those who wish to perform Umrah while also visiting other cities or spending time in the Kingdom for tourist purposes.
For those planning only one trip, the single-entry tourist visa is another way to perform Umrah. Agents reported that it typically costs between 300 and 350 dirhams and is processed within two to five business days. Like the multiple-entry tourist visa, it can be used by travelers wishing to combine Umrah with tourism.
The single-entry Umrah visa is intended for pilgrims making a one-time visit. According to agents, its cost is usually in the range of 350 to 450 dirhams, and the application process takes two to three business days. This visa is specifically designed for Umrah and does not offer the flexibility provided by tourist visas.
Regardless of the chosen visa, agents strongly emphasized that completing the necessary procedures on the Nusuk platform remains a mandatory requirement before performing Umrah.
Abdullah from Bin Karam Hajj and Umrah Services stated: 'Regardless of whether a person has an Umrah visa or a tourist visa, the required procedures on Nusuk must still be completed before performing Umrah.' He added that pilgrims planning to visit Rawdah (Madinah al-Jannah) at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina should register through Nusuk, as appointment scheduling is done via this platform.
Agents clarified that pilgrims are free to book their own flights and hotels. Nevertheless, necessary trip details, including accommodation, return tickets, and transportation arrangements, must be provided as part of the application process. For those using the new multiple-entry Umrah visa, fresh trip details are required for each visit, even if the visa itself remains valid for a year.
During long flights, when many hours must be spent waiting for the next flight, there is a strong need for rest. However, sleeping on standard airport chairs or dozing while holding luggage is uncomfortable and unsafe. Because of this, many major international airports around the world have started providing passengers with special sleep capsules, known as sleeping pods. These capsules are actively discussed on social media.
Travel blogger 'Lounge Guru' shared a video of a sleep capsule at Istanbul Airport, Turkey. He mentioned that since his flight was delayed by four hours, he booked a two-hour capsule. This blogger regularly publishes such videos, sharing information about various amenities in airports and on board airplanes.
According to the blogger, last October, the rental cost for a capsule at Istanbul Airport was 12 euros (approximately 1200 rupees) per hour. For two hours, he spent 24 euros. Currently, the price has increased to 14 euros (about 1400 rupees) per hour. Additionally, if a pillow and blanket are required, they can be obtained for 5 euros (approximately 500 rupees). The blogger noted that the staff provided him with a clean pillow and blanket.
In the international terminal of Istanbul Airport, at Exit D, there are 44 such capsules. They are semi-open capsules, not fully enclosed rooms designed for resting for several hours. Each capsule provides various amenities: a USB port for charging mobile devices, a regular electrical outlet, a separate storage compartment for luggage, a disposable blanket, a mattress, and a space for luggage under the bed, which ensures the safety of belongings.
Based on his personal experience, the blogger reported that he managed to sleep well, but there was some heat inside the capsule during the day. Furthermore, because the capsules are not completely isolated, some light and noise from the airport penetrate inside. He also emphasized that these capsules lack an alarm call function upon waking, so setting a personal alarm is crucial if you have a subsequent flight.
According to The New York Post, sleep capsules are also available at Port Airport in Australia. They offer flat beds, USB charging and power, and curtains for privacy. Prices start from 50 Australian dollars (more than 3000 rupees) for 4 hours and from 90 Australian dollars (about 6000 rupees) for 8 hours. Disposable sheets, a pillow, and a blanket are provided upon booking, and eye masks and earplugs are provided for longer bookings.
Many major global airports are implementing similar amenities for comfortable waiting. Among them are: Changi Airport in Singapore, Incheon International Airport in South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Schiphol in Amsterdam, Dubai, Helsinki, and Munich. If your next international flight involves a long layover, a sleep capsule can be the best alternative to sleeping on airport chairs. Nevertheless, before booking, you should check the current price and availability, as conditions may vary across different airports.
This recipe offers a way to prepare a delicious shrimp and potato curry that can transform your dinner.
First, you need to clean the shrimp of their shells. Then, they should be thoroughly washed, rubbed with coarse salt, and rinsed several times to remove excess water. After this, the shrimp must be dried as much as possible by squeezing out excess moisture or using paper towels. Next, the shrimp are marinated using Kashmiri chili powder, garlic, cumin, and salt, and then left in the refrigerator for half an hour.
Heating two tablespoons of oil, the shrimp are sautéed, preferably in batches, for about 20 seconds on each side. It is important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the sauce even if slightly underdone.
In the same pan, add another two tablespoons of oil. Then, sauté one cinnamon stick, bay leaves, mustard seeds, and fennel seeds until fragrant and the seeds begin to sizzle. Add chopped onion, curry leaves, and hot peppers, frying until the onion is golden brown.
After this, add the ginger and garlic paste to the skillet and fry for one minute. Then pour in the tomato puree, made from two small Roma tomatoes, and simmer for five minutes. The next step is to add masala, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, and fennel, along with a small amount of water. This mixture simmers for another two minutes.
Add the potatoes, cut into quarters, to the curry and stir well, seasoning with salt. Fry the potatoes for one minute. Then mix the tamarind with hot water and strain this liquid into the dish. The amount of water may vary depending on the height, requiring less or more than one cup. Let the curry simmer until the potatoes are tender. As soon as the potatoes are fully cooked, add the already fried shrimp. Bring the dish to a quick boil for two minutes, then turn off the heat.
Garnish the finished curry with cilantro and serve hot.
