It’s no surprise that Barbie fever is still raging on across the world; Barbie-themed parties and events are still a hit with most people. However, a Mumbai baker has got everyone talking with her Barbie-themed food for a children’s birthday party. Heena Kausar Raad took to her Instagram page, @creamycreationsbyhkr to share videos of her Barbie-themed pink biryani which she made for the party. To go with the pink biryani she also whipped up some pink raita as well!
“Barbie biryani hai toh raita bhi Barbie hona chahiye na?” said the Mumbai chef. Heena shared a separate video where she showed off another vessel with pink pav halwa topped with some nuts. So, the Mumbai baker even prepared a pink-coloured raita to go with the theme. “Is Barbie-themed dessert ki shall dekh kar bataiye ki kya ho sakta hai? She said.
“Yah hamare purane zamaen ka pav ka halwa hai lekin hamne isko aesthetic style mein banaya hai,” she remarked. Heena who had appeared in the second season of the reality show Baker’s Studio hasn’t shared specific details on how she perfected the colour on her Barbie-themed food but Netizens have guessed she has primarily used food colouring for the biryani, raita and halwa.
While some followers found the idea to be unique and funny, most foodies found the idea gto be quite weird. “Justice for biryani,” quipped one follower on Instagram. “Itna colour kisnay khana hai? Plz don’t destroy original biryani,” wrote another. "Is that pink coloured ingredient is healthy or only used for taste purpose?" asked another user.
Needless to say, the Intenret can’t agree on whether it’s the right movie to alter biryani or halwa to this extent. However, if you’re planning to make themed desserts at home and want to try natural colours, here are some foods which can offer pink colour naturally.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a versatile ingredient known for its vibrant pink color. By juicing or pureeing fresh beets and incorporating the liquid or pulp into your recipes, you can achieve a beautiful natural pink shade. Beetroot works well in smoothies, soups, salads, and even baked goods like cakes and muffins.
Pitaya (dragon fruit)
Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit, has a vivid pink hue that can elevate any dish. Simply blend the fresh of the fruit into smoothies, sauces, or desserts to impart a delicate pink colour. Additionally, using thinly sliced dragon fruit as a garnish adds visual appeal to dishes like fruit salads and cocktails.
In fact, you can also use a the powder of the fruit derived from dried dragon fruit and offers a convenient way to add a pop of pink to your foods without altering their flavor significantly. Mix pink pitaya powder into yogurt, smoothie bowls, frosting, or dough to achieve a subtle pink hue and a hint of fruity sweetness.
Hibiscus Flowers
Dried hibiscus flowers impart a lovely pink colour and a subtle floral flavour to foods and beverages. Steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water to make tea or infusing them into syrups, sauces, or dressings can add a natural pink tint to your recipes. Hibiscus flowers are commonly used in beverages like agua frescas, cocktails, and herbal teas.
Raspberry
Raspberries are not only delicious but a great way to add natural pink colour to various dishes. Mash fresh raspberries and strain out the seeds to create a vibrant pink puree. This puree can be incorporated into sauces, vinaigrettes, yoghurt, or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream and pancakes.