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Top 5 Yoga Foods for International Yoga Day- a guide to a balanced yogic diet!

Yoga is a cure not just for the body, but also for the spirit and the mind. Along with Yoga, there are certain Yoga foods that will help you maintain the physical, spiritual and mental endurance. Here are the top 5 yoga foods for a yogic diet-

Whole Grains-

Whole grains like brown rice, barley and quinoa are high in several nutrients like selenium, magnesium and protein. You can consume a toast made out of whole grains before your yoga session for extra energy due to carbohydrates. This makes whole grains one of the best yoga foods.

2. Beans-

Beans like black beans, kidney beans, and navy beans, are highly packed with nutrients like carbs, fibre, potassium and much more. Beans aid in weight loss, heart health, and the overall betterment of health. This makes beans one of the best yoga foods.

3. Sweet Spices-

Sweet spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg have various health benefits overall. While cinnamon benefits the heart, cardamom helps in digestion and nutmeg has antibacterial properties. Now you know spices are one of the best yoga foods.

4. Fruits-

Fruits of different kinds have various benefits for various body parts and functions. They are not just a natural energy booster, but also richly packed in various nutrients. This makes fruits as one of the best yoga foods.

5. Herbal Tea-

A strong cup of herbal tea before or after your workout can help in reducing muscle pains, prevent chronic diseases, boost your immune system and much more. Some of the best herbal teas are lemon tea, Passionflower tea, turmeric tea and much more. Now you know herbal tea is one of the best yoga foods.

This International Yoga Day also eats balanced healthy and homemade meals from Masala Box. Masala Box is a homemade meals delivery service that operates from within the premises of Bangalore and Kochi. Subscribe to healthy and homemade meals now!

Top 5 Fathers Day Recipes- Treat your Dad with food and love!

A father is one figure whom we strongly look up to, and it is time to treat him with some break from the usual. This Fathers’ Day, we have come up with the top 5 Fathers Day recipes to make your dad feel extra special. These recipes are not only delicious and easy to prepare but can also be considered as a proper Sunday treat for daddy.

Peanut Butter Cookies-

fathers Day recipes — Peanut Butter Cookies

If your dad is someone with a minimal sweet tooth, a box of these homemade peanut butter cookies will make him go bananas. These cookies can be made with less sugar content or more, based on his preference and health. This makes the cookies go to the first of the list of the top 5 Fathers Day recipes.

2. Apple Maple Syrup Pie-

Apple Maple Syrup Pie is the perfect endnote to a sumptuous meal, especially for a dessert lover! It can be prepared in a healthier manner by adding more chunks of apple, wheat flour and less sugar content. This dessert makes one of the best Fathers Day recipes this year.

3. Grilled Spicy Chicken-

This is the perfect meal to pamper your dad with! Grilled chicken, be it spicy or not, is healthier and tastier when compared to fried chicken; and can be paired with some amazing steamed/flavoured rice, or an Indian Bread, or even eaten just with a salad. Almost everyone loves some spicy grilled chicken, hence it makes it to the list of Fathers Day recipes.

4. Bailey Irish cream Mousse-

Here is a dessert for someone who loves flavours which are out of the blue! With a strong hint of Bailey’s flavour and yoghurt and the lack of sweetness of the dish, this will surely be relished by someone with a choice of classy tastes. This is why this dessert makes one of the best Fathers Day recipes this year.

5. Baked Beef/Chicken Rice Casserole-

This is the ultimate brunch meal any father would love to have this fine Sunday! Toss in some onions, ground beef, and shredded cheese to your casserole and make it a cheesy and flavourful meal. This definitely goes to the list of Fathers Day recipes.

While you pamper him with such lovely recipes, do not forget to treat with something and homemade too. This Father’s Day, avail 25% OFF on any meal plan for him to unbox every day at work. Subscribe to his favourite meal plan now!

Top 5 Foods for eyes and vision- Eat away for perfect healthy eyes!

Eye health is of great importance, especially when the world has focused its vision towards bright screens throughout the day. Apart from that, a hectic lifestyle has led to a quick and unhealthy diet. All these factors have led to a population with diminishing eye health at a very young age. Here are the top 5 foods for eyes & it’s health-

Seeds-
Seeds

Seeds are highly packed with nutrients like omega-3 and vitamin E. Seeds can be used as a garnish or can be blended in juices or smoothies. Some of the best seeds which fall under best foods for eyes are chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp seeds.

2. Citrus fruits-

Citrus fruits are also one of the best foods for eyes, due to its high content of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in fighting age-related eye damage. Some of the best citrus fruits are lemons, oranges, and grapefruits.

3. Eggs-

Eggs are not only good for eyes but are also good for various other health issues too. Eggs contain multiple nutrients like Vitamins C & E, lutein, zeaxanthin etc. These help in avoiding age-related eye damage, which makes them one of the best food for eyes.

4. Water-

Water, as we all know, is one of the major requirements for our very existence. Every function in our body is directly dependent on the water content in our bodies, including our eyes which requires fluid. This makes one of the most important foods for eyes, as plenty of water can avoid symptoms of dry eyes.

5. Sweet potatoes-

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, just like carrots (which are also good for the eyes). They are also a good source of the antioxidant Vitamin E, which helps in the overall eye health. This makes sweet potatoes one of the best foods for eyes.

Just like eyes, the majority of our body parts requires extensive attention. This requires a balanced diet, which mostly starts from home. Get a balanced and homemade diet/meal with Masala Box now!

Top 5 recipes for bachelors – Its yummy, healthy and easy!

With a growing hectic life schedule, cooking at home has become a once-in-a-blue-moon affair, which is why here are some recipes for bachelors. People staying far away from home for career or other purposes fail in leading a healthy lifestyle most of the time. Although cooking may be enjoyed by some, the lack of time leads to ordering in food.

Here are the top 5 recipes for bachelors-

Upma-

Upma is one of the most common and easy breakfast options, hailing from South India. Rava ( a form of wheat), being the most important ingredient, is a low-fat and nutritious substance to start the day with. Add some chopped veggies to it, and you get one of the top healthy recipes for bachelors.

2. Paneer Makhanwala-

A recipe so loved by both vegetarians, and non- vegetarians; Paneer Makhanwala is a perfect side curry for your lunch as well as dinner. Make your lunch box a quick and delicious one, with some steamed rice paired with Paneer Makhanwala, while the leftover of the curry can be finished with hot parathas or chapathi by night. Now you know why this makes one of the best recipes for bachelors.

3. Egg Salad-

Egg Salad can be your delicious protein- packed snack, or even dinner! Slice boiled eggs (maximum 2 eggs per person) and whisk it up with lettuce, salad dressing, pepper and some veggies. Not just healthy, but also delicious- this makes it to the list of one of the top recipes for bachelors.

4. Curd Rice-

Curd rice is one of the simplest rice dishes, and can be made plain as well as with some ‘tadka’. With this dish, not only do you save time to prepare your lunch box, but you also intake something filled with calcium and other nutrients. This makes curd rice to the list of top recipes for bachelors.

5. Moong Dal-

This is one of the easiest and healthiest dal curry recipes of India, and it goes well at any time for the day with anything. Be it rice, Chapathis or ‘puttu’, moong dal is always an amazing side dish. Prepare it for your lunch box and savour on the left over at night, to make it one of the best recipes for bachelors.

If you still find it difficult to cook as well as cope up with a healthy lifestyle, subscribe to homemade meals from Masala Box. Masala Box employs a network of home chefs who are passionate about food and nothing more. Start a healthy lifestyle with homemade meals now, only from Masala Box!

Top 5 Ramzan dishes to make this season even more festive!

The holy month is here and it’s time to make it festive with exquisite Ramzan dishes and recipes. Although the month is significant for fasting, the end of the day is made remarkable with a grand feast which is known as ‘suhoor’ or ‘sehri’. Here are the top 5 dishes for the holy month-

Kabuli Pulao-

Kabuli Pulao is the national dish of Afghanistan and is an intensely flavourful dish with a mixture of sweetness and spice. The main meat used for the rice is usually lamb and beef and involves ingredients like onions, cloves, cardamom, garlic, raisins, almonds, cumin, carrots, cinnamon and much more. This makes it to the top of the list of top 5 Ramzan dishes.

2. Kaghzi Kebab-

Kebabs are marinated meat chunks grilled on a skewer and garnished with onions or served with a dip. With Turkish origin, Kaghzi Kebab is a unique recipe, where chicken drumsticks are stuffed with pine-hut, herbs, spices and then grilled to perfection. Now you know why this is one of the top 5 Ramzan dishes.

3. Haleem-

Haleem is a spicy stew made with a meat like mutton as its base. It is generally slowly cooked and is of Arabic origin. Pair it with some breads, and you will know why it makes to the list of top 5 Ramzan Dishes.

4. Sheer Kurma-

Sheer Kurma is a must recipe for every Ramzan. It is a sweet dish made of vermicelli and is enjoyed all over India, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Now you know why this is one of the top 5 Ramzan dishes.

5. Shahi Tukda-

This Hyderabadi delicacy will make you go all bananas, especially if you have a sweet tooth. This is an easy and quick recipe made of dry fruits, condensed milk, and nuts. Being the perfect ending to a feast, this dish makes it to the top 5 Ramzan dishes of the year.

Celebrate the month of Ramzan with Masala Box Weekends by Masala Box. Masala box Weekends is an exclusive set of weekend recipes ranging from starters to the main course to desserts. Enjoy your Weekend Feast now!

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.