Dombolo Recipe — Soft South African Buns to Serve with Stew and Curry

As we age, the level of natural collagen in the skin decreases, leading to sagging, wrinkles, fine lines, and overall loss of elasticity. Commercial anti-aging and collagen creams often contain harmful chemicals that may not suit all skin types. However, it is possible to prepare a highly effective and completely natural cream that stimulates collagen production using ingredients available at home: rice flour, flaxseeds, and fresh aloe vera gel.

The combination of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds, the anti-aging properties of rice flour, and the moisturizing qualities of aloe vera provides deep hydration, tightens the skin, and gives the face a beautiful rosy tint. Below is a simple method for preparing and using this cosmetic mask.

The following components are required for preparation: 1 tablespoon of rice flour, 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds, 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel, 2-3 tablespoons of rose water, and 1 teaspoon of almond oil or a vitamin E capsule.

First, bring 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds to a boil in a pot, simmering over low heat for 5-7 minutes. When the water thickens and acquires the consistency of a viscous gel, it must be strained through cheesecloth or a sieve while still hot.

In a separate pan, heat the rice and rose water over low heat for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth, creamy paste from the rice flour.

Next, add the prepared flaxseed gel, the ready rice flour paste, fresh aloe vera gel, and almond oil (or vitamin E) to a bowl. All these ingredients must be thoroughly whisked with a spoon or whisk until a soft, silky, and creamy texture is achieved, comparable to commercial products.

The finished cream should be transferred to a clean, dry glass jar and stored in the refrigerator; it can be used for 10-12 days.

Before bedtime, thoroughly cleanse the face. Then, apply a small amount of the homemade collagen cream to the face and neck, massaging gently from the lower part upwards for 2-3 minutes. Leave the cream on the face overnight and wash off with plain water in the morning. Regular use helps increase skin elasticity and gives the face a natural rosy glow.

If you are craving something spicy, tangy, and quick, the famous dish from Kathiyawad, Gujarat, can be the perfect choice. This refers to 'Lilli Dangri Batata Nu Shaak'—an aromatic mixture of green onions and potatoes. A feature of this recipe is the rich, spicy seasoning, as well as the wonderful flavor of garlic and peanuts, which give the simple combination of green onions and potatoes exceptional tastefulness.

Preparing this dish is very simple and takes only 10 to 15 minutes. It is served with hot millet flatbreads (bajra), roti, puri, or paratha, making the meal even more enjoyable. Below is an authentic and simple instruction for preparing this dish at home.

Kathiyawadi Lilli Dangri Batata Nu Shaak (Recipe)

The following ingredients are needed for preparation: 2 cups of green onions (finely chopped, separated into green and white parts), 2 potatoes (boiled or finely chopped), 1 large tomato (finely chopped), 2 tablespoons of roasted peanut powder (coarsely ground), 1 teaspoon of besan (lightly roasted), 1 tablespoon of garlic and red pepper paste (the secret to Kathiyawadi flavor), 1/2-1/2 teaspoon of cumin and coriander seeds, 1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tablespoon of coriander and cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon of palm sugar (optional, for flavor balance), 3 tablespoons of oil, and salt to taste. Fresh coriander for garnish.

The cooking process begins by heating the oil in a pan. Then, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and asafoetida are added to make them sizzle. After this, the garlic and red pepper paste is added and fried for 30-40 seconds.

Next, the white part of the green onion and the finely chopped tomato are added. The mixture is cooked over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Then, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander and cumin powder, salt, and roasted besan are mixed in. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed and fried for one minute.

After this, the boiled/chopped potato and the green part of the green onion are added. The coarsely ground peanut powder and sugar are also added. All components are thoroughly mixed. If the dish seems dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water. The pan is covered and simmered over low heat for 4-5 minutes so that all spices are evenly distributed throughout the potato and onion.

At the end of cooking, the heat is turned off, and it is sprinkled with garam masala and finely chopped fresh coriander. The finished Kathiyawadi Lilli Dangri Batata Nu Shaak is served hot with parathas or millet flatbreads.

The Casa Mori, designed by Aires Mateus, is characterized by the idea of permanence, containment, and a deep connection to the natural environment. This residence was built among native tea trees situated on Port Phillip Bay and was conceived to serve as a gathering place for various generations, designed to interact with time and be passed down over the years.

The name of the house, derived from the Japanese word for 'forest,' evokes Japanese spatial practices and the appreciation of simplicity. Gardens, patios, and sheltered areas were incorporated throughout the architectural structure, promoting moments of rest while introducing the surrounding landscape into the daily routine of the home.

The client's Japanese influence is reflected in a specific tatami room, which offers a tranquil environment for contemplation, rituals, and the maintenance of family tradition. The selection of materials was deliberately restricted, using exposed concrete and natural wood, complemented by rigorously controlled natural lighting, allowing the texture, shadow, and essence of each component to remain visible.

Instead of trying to resist the aging process, the house was planned to evolve over time, accumulating marks of use, climatic effects, and seasonal variations. Although it possesses a monumental presence in its form, the experience lived within it is intimate, finding beauty in longevity, the created atmosphere, and the lasting bond with the location.