MasalaBox Blog

Top 5 Foods To Burn That Stubborn Belly Fat

Belly Fat is a common problem recurring in the present lifestyle. It is a result of stress, consumption of alcohol and sugars, hours of physical inactivity and much more. Here are the top 5 foods to burn belly fat efficiently-

Yogurt-A creamy cup of Yogurt everyday helps in consuming good gut bacteria which eliminates other bacteria that causes bloating. It consists of necessary carbs and proteins and is also delicious to eat. This makes it to the top of the list of foods to burn belly fat.

2. Berries- Berries are effective anti-oxidants which helps in ab build-up. Pair some yoghurt with berries before each workout to pump out oxygen to your blood and muscles. This definitely stands important in one among the foods to burn belly fat.

3. Avocados- Avocados are heavily packed with nutrients and monounsaturated fats. This helps in absorbing carotenoids, cancer-fighting components and much more. This is considered as one of the most efficient foods to burn belly fat.

4. Bananas- Bananas are highly packed in minerals and potassium. This helps in eliminating excess sodium content in the body. This makes it an important part of a diet for foods to burn belly fat.

5. Chocolate Skim Milk- Believe it or not, Chocolate Milk helps in losing belly fat! Chocolate milk is packed with carbohydrates and proteins and helps in body toning post workouts. This definitely stands important in one among the foods to burn belly fat.

Apart from workouts and quick fat – burning foods, making a habit of eating a balanced homemade meal also leads to a healthy lifestyle. Is homemade food a dream impossible for you? Get customised homemade meal plans delivered to your doorstep now with Masala Box.

Savour on to some ‘Naadan’ style ‘Beef Ullarthiyathu’-

‘Beef Ullarthiyathu’ is a dish which is relished by most Malayalees in the hearty land of Kerala. The dish is a combination of flavours and spices which leaves you smacking your lips! Here is a recipe for the perfect ‘Beef Ullarthiyathu’-

Ingredients for the ‘Beef Ullarthiyathu’ recipe–

2½ lb beef
25 shallots (thinly sliced)
2-3 green chilies (slit)
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
¼ tbsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp red chili powder
1½ tbsp coriander powder
2 tbsp pepper powder
1 tsp meat masala
½ tsp garam masala
4-6 sprigs curry leaves
¼ cup coconut bites
a pinch of mustard seeds
salt (as required)
oil (as required)

Directions for ‘Beef Ullarthiyathu’–

Clean and cut the beef into shredded meat or chunks (as per choice).
Pressure cook the beef for 2 whistles with salt, pepper, meat masala and enough water.
Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard seeds; add curry leaves, shallots (sliced), green chillies, and saute until the shallots turn translucent brown.
Add ginger garlic paste; add spices – chilli powder, coriander, turmeric, garam masala and mix well in low flame.
Add the cooked beef along with the remaining water and cook until the water dries out; keep stirring to avoid sticking of the meat at the bottom of the pan.
Add salt as much as needed.
In the meanwhile, fry Coconut bites along with curry leaves until brown.
When the gravy dries out, add the coconut bites and curry leaves and mix well in the pan in low flame. Do this until the meat is blackish – brown and dried out.
Serve hot with Rice, Kerala Porotta, Appam or any other South Indian Bread.

Are you a fan of such ‘Naadan’ exotic recipes like ‘Beef Ullarthiyathu’, especially for the Weekends? Try out some homemade and authentic Naadan Food from Masala Box Weekends. Order now!

Top 5 Delicious Bowl Meal recipes for a quick foodgasm!

Bowl Meal is a trend now and is also a meal that can be easily prepared, easily packaged and easily consumed. This type of meal was introduced due to its convenience, especially for people with a hectic work schedule. Here are some of the best must-try bowl meal recipes-

Tomato Mint Pulao & Paneer Chutneywala-

This is one of the best bowl meal recipes in the Indian Cuisine! Tomato Mint Pulao with its tangy and spicy flavour leaves a rush of flavours in between your boring work hours. The Paneer Chutneywala is a dish with a spicy and minty flavour and is mostly prepared as a dry dish/ starter.

2. Mattar Pulao & Butter Chicken-

Mattar Pulao, with its subtle flavour, can be paired with any side dish. Butter Chicken, on the other hand, is a creamy and aromatic gravy with tender chicken pieces marinating in the gravy. This is the perfect bowl meal for people who love non-spicy yet aromatic and heavy flavours.

3. Coconut rice & Vegetable Stew-

Coconut rice is a famous south Indian Rice Dish and can be eaten with no condiments. A vegetable Stew, a perfect gravy for veg lovers, and leaves a soothing flavour in your mouth due to its lack of spice. This is the perfect bowl meal for someone who loves mild flavours.

4. Karivepaku Annam & Chicken Chettinad-

Karivepaku Annam is usually a perfect dish for the weekends rather than for a day at work. This is because it is more of an oily and crispy nature, with roasted curry leaves, nuts and other flavours. This dish, combined with a spicy Chicken Chettinad, gives you the best foodgasm of the day as a bowl meal.

5. Tamarind Rice & Banarasi Dum Aloo-

Are you someone who loves to have the perfect kick of flavours in your mouth? Then, a bowl meal of Tamarind Rice and some Banarasi Dum Aloo is the perfect bowl meal for you! Tamarind rice gives a tangy flavour, while the Dum Aloo gives you a journey of all the Indian spices in your mouth.

Drooling over the bowl recipes already? Get them now with ‘The Relish Bowl’ meal plan by Masala Box. Subscribe now!

A leaf Licking good experience with these Top 5 Vishu Sadya recipes!

Vishu is one of the times when Malayalees anticipate for that perfect Vishu Sadya! A Sadya is a plethora of veg curries that are spread on a banana leaf to resemble a sumptuous meal. A typical Sadya features flavours from tangy to spicy to sweet. Here are the top 5 Vishu Sadya dishes of Vishu 2019–

Olan–

Olan is a non-spicy dish with a coconut milk curry base and its major ingredients being Black-eyed beans, pumpkin, and green chillies. Although it commonly appears in white, it can also be made in a slight brown coloured prep. Olan is a recipe that is mandatory in every Sadya and it is so for Vishu 2019 as well.

Tamarind Rasam–

This is an exclusive recipe for the people who love tangy flavours. Rasam is a dish that can be made in many ways like tangy, spicy, etc and much more. Tamarind Rasam can add the extra touch of tanginess and spiciness to your Vishu 2019.

Pachadi–

Pachadi is a sour curd based dish and can be made into varieties depending on flavours. Some of the common Pachadi flavours are Beetroot, raw mango, Bitter gourd and much more. Make this Vishu 2019 fabulous with a colourful Beetroot Pachadi.

Naranga Achar–

‘Naranga Achaar’ typically means lemon pickle. With its sour and spicy flavour, it is all set to add fire in your mouth. Vishu 2019 cannot be any more grandeur!

Payar Mezhukkupetti–

This is a fried and healthy dish made of long beans. It is the perfect side dish for a curry like Sambhar. Add some healthy note to Vishu 2019 with this dish.

This Vishu 2019, Masala Box brings you authentic homemade Vishu Sadya to your doorsteps. With our specially curated Sadhya, you can now easily make a party food order or a bulk order of Sadhyas by pre-booking. Our home chefs bring to you some of their best masterpieces in the form of a Sadya with dishes like Manga curry, Naranga curry, Pachadi, Chena Mezhukkupurutti, Moru Kachiyathu, Pappadam, ghee, Inji Thayir, Upperi and much more. Indulge in the best homemade Vishu Sadya in town!

Top 5 benefits- why you must drink water!

Drinking water is a habit that is skipped by many of us in the rush of our lives. Almost all of us overlook the benefits of staying hydrated. The apt amount required in a day for a woman is around 3 litres while for men it is around 4 litres a day.

Here are some of the benefits of drinking water –

Flushing out toxins-

water

H2O helps you to flush out toxins from your body by letting your body release it through sweat and urine. When the body is dehydrated, it finds it difficult to flush out the toxins due to the less amount of fluid inflow in the body. The lungs, liver and kidneys help in the detoxification, and it is the fuel for it.

2. Improving complexion-

water

Studies show that water helps in improving complexion since the skin is also an organ which requires hydration. Staying dehydrated can lead the body to be dry, flaky and tight. Good skin requires a good amount of hydration, in order to avoid wrinkles, dry skin and much more.

3. Regulating body temperature-

water

Sweat is the natural cooling system of our body, and hence drinking water helps to regulate the perspiration levels of our body. Perspiration helps in cooling down the body and shows the hydration level of the body. Perspiration also helps in detoxifying the salts of our body, as mentioned before.

4. Preventing Backaches-

water

Yes, water helps in preventing backaches. Our discs in our vertebrae are composed of it, hence dehydration can lead to backaches. Staying hydrated supports the water system of your vertebrae.

5. Increasing brain power and energy-

water

The human brain is composed of 73% of water, hence needs constant hydration. Dehydration can lead to constant mood swings, lack of concentration, lack of alertness and much more. If you feel tired at work, drink up some fluid instead of some caffeine.

Today is World Water Day and many organisations are recognising the importance of it through various campaigns. We, at Masala Box, gave out bottles to our subscribers of the day to spread the word. We ensure that it is not wasted and that it is used in the most efficient manner.

Top 5 Salads to beat the heat this Summer!

Summer is the season for you to whisk up the perfect salads to keep you hydrated all day long! Using the right ingredients and drinking ample water throughout the day can help you stay fresh the whole season.

Here are some of the top 5 Salads you should be munching on for ‘Healthy and Nutritious Week’-

Kachumber Salad-

Kachumber, meaning cucumbers, are some of the best ingredients that can be used for almost any kind of salads. Kachumber Salad is the perfect crunch this summer due to its heavy content of cucumber. Cucumbers have high water content, hence can keep you hydrated all long. Get the recipe!

2. Green Salad-

With the goodness of the greens pumping in, green salads are amazing for their freshness factor. A salad so easy to prepare and light! Get the recipe.

3. Sprout Relish Salad-

One of the best salads to get you going all day long! Packed with multiple nutrients and proteins, a single bowl of sprout salad with a perfect workout regime can give you the body you have always dreamt for. Get the recipe now!

4. Carrot Sambharo Salad-

Carrots are also a perfect ingredient for salads due to its high mineral content. This salad has carrots as the major ingredient, hence giving you a nutrient-packed day. Get the recipe now!

5. Pasta Salad-

Who wouldn’t love pasta in salads??? Pasta salads can be your perfect bowl of dinner when you blend the perfect ingredients along with it. Get the recipe now!

6. Chicken Caesar Salad-

For all the meat lovers, add some chicken to your favourite salad. The best salad for a meat lover is the Chicken Caesar Salad; toss some chicken into your green salad along with some Caesar dressing now.

Lazy to prep these salads on your own? Get them now with your favourite meal plan from Masala box! Subscribe now!

Battling the heat- Women chefs around the world!

The culinary world is an outstanding world which is made picture perfect with the image of a female chef cooking some of the most exquisite cuisines. Although that’s the image generally portrayed, very few women are able to battle out and emerge as notable chefs. This international womens day 2019 , let’s have a glimpse in the world of cooking.

Just like any other field, women are still battling their way out, even in the culinary domain. Looking at a general household, kitchens are the most favourite spot for anyone to hang out. It is that place where our moms cook some of our favourite dishes which is irreplaceable in terms of taste, hygiene, and love.

Ironically, millions of moms are out there who are left unrecognised for their talent and passion, be it by the family, friends or anyone. The moment they decide to step out of the comfort zone of their kitchens, it becomes a tough battle to compete and come up in this still male-centric society. Various factors are meant to be challenged apart from the everyday prejudices of being a woman.

However, many women have been able to step out in the big picture with their culinary skills, while still are some struggling fiercely. At present, very few female chefs have been able to make it to the top and share the world kitchen with the top chefs like Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Wolfgang Puck and much more. They are namely- Ina Garten, Elena Arzak, Ana Ros, Padma Lakshmi, Bethenny Frankel, Julia Child, Garima Arora, Emma Bengtsson, Dominique Crenn and the like.

Many women like them have been able to move forward and fight for other women to get opportunities as them. Some are doing their best although they still remain unsung heroes. However, with the progress made by both men and women in creating an equal stratum for both genders, many platforms have come up to support various talents of different women across the globe.

These days, the growth of food techs have hiked due to constant demand, especially when healthy and homemade food is a booming market. Many platforms like Masala Box have come up with the concept of distributing homemade food fresh from home kitchens by using home chefs and their talent for cooking. Although such platforms exist, the accessibility to such information of such opportunities still remains a dream to many.

This International Women’s Day, let’s take the moment to applaud for all the women out there, recognised or not, who have been able to make a difference and be a role model.

Top 5 Indian Bread recipes you must try-

Indian Breads are some of the most varied, delicious and healthy recipes! It is well known that bread is better than rice due to its less amount of carbs and calories. If you are looking to lose weight try switching to bread rather than rice.

Here are the top 5 Indian Breads you will love-

Poori-

Who doesn’t love waking up to some hot Pooris and Aloo Bhaji with some coffee for breakfast? The wonderful thing about Pooris is that although it is eaten mostly with delicious curries like Chole, it can also be paired with something sweet, maybe some caramel sauce or Jam. This makes Poori top of the list for our Indian Breads.

2. Pav Bhaji-

Already imagining the streets of Delhi where you just run into a Pav Bhaji vendor? The amazing mash of veggies and spices with ample flavouring to give your taste buds the right kick paired with some hot buttered breads! Yes, this makes Pav Bhaji one of the best Indian Breads.

3. Amritsari Kulcha-

Are you this hardcore Punjabi food fan? Then the Amritsari Kulcha is a must try; a plethora of flavours like potatoes, chillies, chaat masala, and coriander bursting in your mouth! Hence, Amritsari Kulcha can be one of the best Indian Breads.

4. Sheermal-

Sheermal is one of the best Indian breads for all those who have a sweet tooth! The recipe is a sweet amalgamation of flour, ghee, saffron and milk. Eat it plain or pair it with some sweet yoghurt or even a spicy Murgh curry.

5. Moong Dal Chila-

These are also one of the best Indian breads due to its health and nutrition factors. The bread is highly nutritious due to its strong ingredient- moong dal lentils, and are also yummy due to its spices and herbs. Simple as it is to prepare, simple as it is to eat with some green chutney or tomato ketchup.

Too lazy to prepare these breads but still want to relish on them? Catch up with the ‘Bread fest’ by Masala Box! Start a new habit with Masala Box by eating homemade food.

Top 5 Foods for excellent hair growth-

With our busy lives to cope up, we all barely have the time to give our hair the needed care and nourishment. Most of the times, we also forget that food is an integral part of that excellent long and silky hair growth you have always dreamt of. Here are some of the top foods for hair growth-

Spinach-

Spinach is one of the best foods for hair growth as it is rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, folate and much more. Vitamin A helps is nourishing the scalp by letting the glands promote sebum. Hair loss is mainly caused due to the lack of these nutrients.

2. Fatty fish-

Fatty fish is also one of the best foods for hair growth, especially salmon, herring and mackerel. The presence of Omega 3 fatty acid helps in providing increased hair density. Fatty fish is also a great source of nutrients for hair growth like Vitamin D3, Vitamin B, proteins and much more.

3. Sweet peppers-

Sweet Peppers are also one of the best foods for hair growth as it is rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C promotes the strengthening of hair strands and is also rich in antioxidants. Sweet peppers are also an excellent source of Vitamin A which helps in nourishing the hair.

4. Oysters-

Oysters are also one of the best foods for hair growth due to its high zinc content. Zinc helps in hair growth and repair. Oysters are much safer when compared to taking zinc supplements.

5. Eggs-

Eggs are also one of the best foods for hair growth as it is rich in protein and biotin. They are also rich in zinc and selenium. Biotin is a nutrient essential for producing keratin which smoothes hair.

Have a varied and balanced diet like this with homemade food from Masala Box. Masala Box is all about the goodness of homemade food. Subscribe to homemade meals now!

The perfect Mutton Biriyani!

Biriyani is always a hearty dish that is enjoyed by children and adults alike, and Mutton Biriyani is the classic biriyani fancied by all. Imagine the layers of mutton and masala in the rice to give you the perfect ‘Dum’! Here is a recipe for the most sought-after Mutton biriyani of the year-

The Marination for the Mutton biriyani–

Mix curd, ginger-garlic paste, raw papaya paste, chilli powder, salt, lemon juice and garam masala as the marinating paste.
Marinate the mutton and leave it for at least 3 hours.

2) Prepare the fried onions for the Mutton biriyani-

Heat oil in a pan and add a few pieces of sliced onion; fry until brown.
Remove them from the pan and place them separately; these fried onion slices are called ‘Barista’.

3) The Mutton for the Mutton biriyani-

Heat ghee in a deep bottomed pan and add the remaining sliced onions, green chillies and stir well until onions are golden brown.
Add ginger and garlic paste and stir well.
Add the marinated mutton and let it cook for 7-8 minutes.
Add masalas like Coriander, Cumin Powder and Red chilli powder; mix well.
Pour in 3 cups of water, mix and bring it to boil; let the mutton cook in low heat.
Further add in tomatoes, salt, Garam Masala and coriander leaves.
Let it cook for 15 minutes; the texture of the gravy should be thick.

4) The Rice for the Mutton biriyani-

Boil water and add in long basmati rice along with spices- Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Black Peppercorn, Cumin, Star Anise, Bay leaf and Salt.

5) The Saffron-milk for the Mutton biriyani-

Add saffron strands, kewra essence and rose water in 1/4th cup of warm milk.

6) Time to Layer the Mutton biriyani-

In a deep vessel, heat ghee and spread the melted ghee throughout the bottom and sides by rotating the pan.
Add a layer of rice, meat, fried onion slices, ghee, and sprinkle saffron water.
Continue the layering and make sure the top layer is of rice.
Garnish with chopped onion, green chillies, mint and coriander.
Cover the biriyani with aluminium foil or dough and close lid, let the biriyani cook in this ‘dum’ for a few minutes without burning the bottom.

Serve hot and experience heaven in the form of this aromatic ‘Mutton Biriyani’.

Loving the recipe but finding it difficult to cook? Order the same from the Masala Box weekends Menu and get a chance to win exciting goodies by placing orders. All you have to do is drop a HI to http://bit.ly/partymb .