Top 5 must-have recipes for Onam-

Onam is the annual festival of harvest originated in the rich state of Kerala. The festival is celebrated by relishing on Onam special food which is also known as Onam Sadya or Sadhya, just like the Onam food we all grew up eating. Here is a list of the top 5 must-have recipes for Onam this year.

Onam sadya

  • Thenga Choru-

‘Thenga Choru’ or Coconut rice is rice cooked with grated coconut or coconut paste. If you are looking for a simple twist to Onam this year, coconut rice is surely a best option. Apart from being easy to make, it is a lot more flavourful with all its aromatic ingredients, hence making it to the top of this list of must-have recipes for Onam.

 

recipes for onam

 

  • Pachadi-

Pachadi is a thick broth made out of a base made of curd and coconut. This tangy broth is commonly made in different flavors like green mango, pineapples, beetroots etc. and can also be made sweet to an extent. It can also be made fierier by adding green chillies than the usual numbers.

pachadi

 

  • Kalan-

Almost close to the flavour of Pachadi, but less tangy and more intense in terms of heat. Kalan is a delicacy mandatorily made out of raw bananas, curd and coconut. Since no Onam passes by without the thought of Kalan, we have added it to this list of top 5 must-have recipes for Onam.

kalan

 

  • Ulli Theeyal-

A delicacy where the sweet and pungent flavor of onions are highlighted! Shallots are slowly stir fried along with coconuts and is made into a spicy and tangy broth. Make ‘Ulli Theeyal’ instantly this Onam by using the Handcrafted Ulli Theeyal mix.

theeyal

 

  • Rasam-

Rasam is a clear aromatic broth made out of a lot of crushed peppers, tomatoes and tamarind. It is usually consumed as a soup or with steamed rice, making it also a must-have recipe for Onam. Apart from its flavour, it also has many medicinal properties like encouraging digestion, weight loss, and is also rich in vitamins.

rasam

 

Get Onam Sadya meals from Masala Box delivered to your party or office with our Party and Corporate orders respectively! You can now also make the best sweet memories out of Onam this year, with our special Onam desserts and other Onam delicacies. Place your orders now!

 

Top 5 Health Benefits of Mustard-

Mustard is a common ingredient used in almost many cuisines and in different manners. These tiny seeds may seem insignificant, but are actually home to many health benefiting properties. Here is a piece on the top 5 health benefits of mustard.

health benefits of mustard

  • Fights dermatitis-

dermatitis

Mustard can be consumed in different ways- as seeds, oil, leaves etc. Dermatitis is a skin disease which is caused due to unknown factors, but is at times assumed due to environmental factors. Mustard contains many anti- bacterial and anti- fungal properties, which helps in preventing or toning down dermatitis, making it to the top of the list of health benefits of mustard.

  • Improves cardiovascular health-

heart

Mustard when consumed as oil has many health properties such as reducing the risks of many heart diseases. This is because of its presence of omega- 3 fatty acids among its many other helpful properties. Studies have shown that people, who have used mustard as their cooking oil, had lesser risks of chest pains and attacks.

  • Hair and Skin care-

hair and skin care

Mustard seeds and oil are used for various beauty treatments as well. While mustard oil promotes healthy hair growth, coconut oil heated with mustard seeds helps in giving you a clear complexion. This makes it one of the best health benefits of mustard due to its richness in various vitamins.

  • Heal the nerves-

nerve

Mustard is also used as a relaxing and nerve calming agent. Apart from that, mustard when consumed also heals or prevents nerve related ailments. It arouses the impulses as well as leaves an invigorating and calm effect on the nerves.

  • Reduces the risk of cancer-

cancer

Mustard seeds contain glucosinolates which are agents that reduce the risks of cancer like colon, bladder and cervical cancer. Studies have shown that various anti- cancer properties in mustard inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. This makes it as one of the top health benefits of mustard.

 

 

 

Masala Box is a homemade meals delivery service which uses a lot of beneficial ingredients like these in their food. They presently operate within Bangalore and Kochi. Subscribe to their meals now from their website or via their app.

 

 

Foods for a flat belly- The Top 5-

Wondering why your diets are not helping you out in getting a flat belly? We often fail to realize that there are many foods which actually help us in reducing our belly fat. Here is a list of the top 5 foods for a flat belly-

  • Almonds-

foods for a flat belly

 

Almonds are strong antioxidants which contain a high amount of proteins and fibers. These delicious nuts also help in maintaining a proper blood sugar level, which further reduces unwanted cravings.  Almonds also block calories, which makes it to the top of this list of foods for a flat belly.

  • Beans and legumes-

 

beans and legumes

 

Beans and legumes contain the essential nutrients, which helps your body in maintaining the necessary nutrient quotient.  They help in eliminating body fat and also improve on digestion.  With their fat reducing properties, they definitely deserve to be in this list of foods for a flat belly.

  • Dark leafy veggies-

spinach

They do not directly help you in losing fat, but they are a good source to fuel up your workouts. Dark leafy veggies like spinach contain small amounts of calories and also contain cancer preventing carotenoids. They are also a great source of calcium which is essential for muscle contraction.

  • Apples-

apples

An apple a day not only keeps the doctor away, but it also helps in flattening out your belly because of many of its properties. An average sized apple contains 85% of water, which makes you feel full and hence reduce your cravings. Apart from that, they contain essential fibers, and also help in combating cancers and cholesterol.

  • Seafood-

seafood

Seafood like mackerel, salmon and tuna contain omega- 3 fatty acids which help in burning fat and also improves your metabolism. Eating fish everyday helps in slow digestion, and hence lesser cravings. Apart from that, they have a high amount of proteins which makes them to the list of top 5 foods for a flat belly.

 

 

Avoiding junk food and eating homemade is also a major way of maintaining a healthy body weight. If cooking is a tedious task, then you can definitely subscribe to healthy homemade meals from Masala Box. With varied meal plans, Masala Box helps you in inculcating all the essential nutrients and proteins in your daily diet.

 

5 METHODS ON HOW TO AVOID JUNK FOOD-

How to avoid junk food seems to be a common issue of the present generation and is a tough one to tackle with. Studies have shown that fast food acts with the same effect of cocaine or heroin by triggering the pleasure centres of our brain. This trigger results in the form of addiction but this article will talk about 5 ways on how to avoid junk food.

  • Understand the ‘Right’ and ‘Wrong’ foods-

how to avoid junk food

The first key to avoiding unhealthy food is to completely understand the complexities of junk food like obesity, chronic diseases, heart attacks etc. Research on why junk food is known as “junk”, and ultimately understand what the benefits of ‘right’ foods. That is when you start your self-therapy to cut in your cravings.

  • Don’t diet, just change your lifestyle-

walking

This is one of the key stages of how to avoid fast food. Make small lifestyle changes like incorporating more of walking for short distance travels, starting out on eating homemade food, and also by keeping yourself mentally and physically engaged. Try to stay active by doing simple workouts, cooking, meditation or anything else that you enjoy.

  • Calculate your expenses-

calculate expenses

Calculate on how much you spend on unhealthy food per month, and calculate how much you have saved after switching over to homemade food. You will stick to homemade food eventually when you realize your expenses. If you find homemade food boring, you can always incorporate cooking interesting healthy recipes on your weekends.

  • Keep yourself motivated-

motivation

When the craving kicks in, remind yourself of why you chose this lifestyle. Remind yourself of the benefits you will be reaping from this. Understand the importance of this stage on how to avoid junk food.

  • Don’t be too harsh on yourself-

hanging out

Treat yourself thrice a month on fast food. Give yourself a break from all the deadlines, homemade food, and other stress-related factors. Remember to have only 1-3 meals of junk food a month.

 

These 5 methods on how to avoid unhealthy food may seem challenging. If you have no access to homemade food, you can always subscribe to Masala Box. Do check out the website or download the app for a healthier eating habit!

Top 9 foods to eat every day-

There are multiple kinds of healthy food that we must intake throughout a week, but some foods are mandatory to be eaten every day. These foods are beneficial to keep us healthy throughout the day as well as for a long period of time. Here are the top 9 foods to eat every day for taking care of us from head to toe-

  • Garlic-

Garlic coming from an onion family has many antibacterial properties which boost our immunity and also helps us in fighting the common cold. A small clove consumed every day can do wonders by also detoxifying our body, reduce our blood pressure and also lessen the risk of cholesterol. Well, now you know why garlic is at the top of the list of 9 foods to eat every day.

Garlic- Foods to eat every day

 

  • Tomatoes-

Tomatoes are known to be good for avoiding heart attacks or any other blood or heart-related problems. They are also a very good source of anti-cancer agents and help us in fighting mainly prostate, lung, and stomach and breast cancers. Apart from that, tomatoes are very good in taking care of our skin, especially for people who are prone to sunburns frequently.

Tomatos

  • Avocados-

Avocados, also known by other names like ‘butter fruit’ and ‘alligator pear’, are a highly recommended fruit due to its various health benefits. One of the best reasons to eat an avocado is that it maintains our blood pressure levels due to its high levels of potassium. Avocados are also super heart healthy and also help in weight loss; which makes it the third in our list of top 9 foods to eat every day.

Avacado

  • Spinach-

Nothing is as awesome as this dark leafy superfood which contains high levels of magnesium, calcium and iron. Some of the top benefits of having spinach every day are that it helps in controlling our diabetics level, and also helps in preventing cancer and asthma apart from other benefits. Now you know why spinach is listed as one of the top foods to eat every day.

Spinach

  • Yogurt-

A cup of yogurt a day is beneficial to our body in many aspects, especially if you are on a diet as it helps in appetite and weight control. It also helps in combating many digestive related issues like constipation, bloating and diarrhoea. Apart from that, yogurt is a very good source for boosting your immunity levels.

Yogurt

  • Kale-

This leafy veggie has proven its magic in many aspects of health and is one of the highest recommended foods by doctors. Kale is mainly consumed for a better eye health, detoxifying the body, and also for a better wellbeing of your skin. These are just some of the reasons as to why it is on the list of foods to eat every day.

Kale

  • Cucumbers-

This yummy vegetable contains a lot of water and nutrients and hence is a must to eat every day. Cucumbers are generally very good in reducing the risks of chronic diseases like heart problems, cancer and autoimmune diseases. They are also a very good source of water, hence helps in hydration and also in weight loss.

Cucumber

  • Grapefruit-

One of the major reasons as to why people love grapefruit is that it helps in weight loss aggressively. The citrus factor of the fruit reduces chances of strokes in women and also helps in controlling our blood pressure and heart health. This is exactly why it is one of the foods to eat every day.

Grapefruit

  • Bell peppers-

These beauties are a wonder when it comes to maintaining our eye health. Due to its high vitamin C properties, it also helps in boosting our immunity to high levels. If you are pregnant, capsicums area great source of nourishment to your foetus.

Bell peppers

Now maybe you are not a person who can easily eat all this every day as you are a busy bee. But you can definitely incorporate healthy eating by simply eating homemade. Subscribe to healthy homemade meal plans now only from Masala Box, or simply download the app.

Top 5 Indian foods which are not Indian at all!

We all are people who enjoy our Indian cuisine no matter how many Burger outlets start nearby. The Indian food is unique when it comes to flavours, aroma and its vibes; but what if the delicious Indian meal that we all enjoy so much is actually not Indian? Here is a list of top 5 Indian foods that are bound to break your heart-

  • The all famous ‘Samosa’-

samosa

Yes, ‘Samosas’ it is; that too at the top of the list of these 5 Indian foods! ‘Originally called ‘samosa’, the Indian delicious potato filled spicy savoury travels all the way from the Middle East. It was introduced in India during the 13th or 14th century through Middle Eastern traders.

 

  • The succulent ‘Gulab Jamuns’-

gulab jamun

This sweet party in our mouths is not Indian either! Originally known as ‘luqmat al qadi’, our sweet dough balls called ‘Gulab jamuns’ in India are actually from the beautiful Meditteranean cities like Persia. It was originally deep fried and then soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with sugar, while we Indians modified it and adopted it as ‘Gulab Jamuns’.

 

  • Spicy ‘Vindaloo’-

vindaloo

This spicy meat curry is born with Portuguese roots and is usually made with pork, chicken or beef. Known originally as ‘carne de vinha d’alhos’, this yummy hot dish is actually made with pork, wine (vin), and garlic (alhos); hence the name ‘vinha d’ alhos’. We Indians have further modified it with by adding potatoes and hence the name vindaloo (aloo means potato) became one of the top 5 Indian foods in this list.

 

  • The compulsory evening ‘chaai’–

chai

Tea was originally used as a medicinal drink in China, which was later adopted and enjoyed by the Britons. Thanks to the British colonizers, we now have the habit of drinking tea quite often during a day. While they drank a strong cup of tea with no milk, we Indians made it more flavourful by adding milk, sugar and at times even spices like cardamom.

 

  • The all-rounder ‘rajma chawal’ –

indian foods

The ‘rajma’ (kidney) bean is bought from Central Mexico and Guatemala. The Mexicans love spice and hence they boiled the kidney beans and added spices to it. We Indians borrowed it and modified it into a delicious and nutritious dish and hence this is one among the top 5 Indian foods which are not Indian.

 

Craving for that yummy homemade North Indian meal? Why wait then? Subscribe now to Masala Box or simply download the app now.

 

 

Top 5 reasons to eat homemade!!!

There is around plenty of reasons why you must eat homemade, although we will be listing down only the top 5 reasons to eat homemade here. Starting from healthy to being tasty, homemade food is always the best option if you are someone who loves to enjoy an active and blissful life. Negative associations like dull, bland, boring etc. are usually given to homemade food; but the rest of the article will definitely help you in changing your perspective on homemade food.

Moving on to the top 5 reasons to eat homemade-

1) Be healthy as Popeye-

Popeye

Homemade food ensures that you are eating something healthy due to the lack of additives and preservatives. Restaurants and other food outlets usually focus on just the ‘yum factor’ rather than the health of the consumer. As a result, they add unwanted amounts of sugar, oil and salt; while homemade food is always made by preserving our nutrients and by not adding excess amounts of oil, sugar and salt making this at the top of the 5 reasons to eat homemade.

2) More money in your piggy bank-

Piggy bank

Homemade food has an advantage of not burning out money from our pockets so soon. Homemade food requires ingredients which are usually healthy and are bought at a minimal cost. On the other hand, restaurants use cheap ingredients and enhance the taste using additives, making it so yummy that we are willing to pay.

3) No more embarrassing moments with allergies-

Allergies

It seems quite humiliating at times when you have a food allergy reaction during a fancy dinner.  Allergies are not only embarrassing but can also be dangerous in some cases.  Homemade food does not exactly trigger food allergies as we are aware of the ingredients that go in it making this one of the best reasons in this list of top 5 reasons to eat homemade.

4) Eat like an ant-

Ant

Homemade food helps you gain a control over your food portions. Restaurant foods usually contain bad germs which also makes the person crave for more junk food, while homemade food initiates good germs which makes the person want more of healthy food but at the same time knows when to stop eating. Portion control is also one of the best 5 reasons to eat homemade food.

5) Be a “Monica”-

Monica

We are all aware of how Monica Geller from ‘Friends’ is a total OCD and is strict when it comes to hygiene. Knowingly or unknowingly, we all look for the hygiene factor in our food, which is quite important. Homemade food is always safe when it comes to hygiene that even Monica approves of it.

 

If cooking is quite a hassle, you can always order homemade food from online outlets. Order healthy, yummy and homemade food now from Masala Box! Subscribe now or download the app available in both Android and iOS.

5 Reasons To Eat Homemade

 

Top 5 foods for yoga to heal your soul on INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY!

‘The more you bend, the less you break ‘ is the saying when it comes to yoga. June 21st is witnessed as International Yoga Day and India is always at the top of the game when it comes to Yoga. Here is a list of top 5 foods for yoga for an intense yogic like you.

  • Dark green leafy vegetables-

Leafy vegetables

Dark leafy veggies like spinach, lettuce and broccoli are rich in vitamins like A, C, K etc. and also contain high levels of iron, magnesium and fibre among many others. A yogic diet with these goodies helps us in protecting our cells, strengthening our bones and also helps in achieving a healthy body weight.  Many yummy recipes can be made out of these fine green veggies like salads, soups, and in some cases even energy drinks; which is why this is listed first for the top 5 foods for yoga.

 

  • Quinoa-

Quinoa

Quinoa is a flowering plant and is botanically related to spinach and amaranth. It is very nutritious as it contains a good amount of fibre, carbohydrates and protein among others.  It also helps in achieving weight loss, healthy bones and also in repairing tissues.

 

  • Fruits-

Top 5 foods for yoga

Although it sounds cliché, fresh fruits are a very important part of your yogic diet. Fruits contain high levels of vitamins, minerals and fibre among many others. When you stretch out for an hour of the day make sure you have a fruit because it helps us in boosting energy, maintaining healthy bones, and also in losing weight.

 

  • Lemon water-

Lemon water

If you are into yoga it’s better to have warm lemon water although it can be consumed both warm and cold. Lemons, apart from the fact that it tastes good, contain folates, potassium, and most importantly vitamin C. It helps us in staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and also in reducing muscle pains.

 

  • Tofu-

Tofu

Soy milk is processed and curdled to make Tofu. It contains proteins, magnesium and calcium and can be used in preparing many tasty and healthy recipes like scrambled tofu, wraps and even curries. Further, it helps in maintaining bone density and also helps in weight loss.

 

A  healthy diet of our top 5 foods for yoga, helps us in healing our soul and also lead us to an active life.

Celebrate International Yoga Day with Masala Box by eating healthy and homemade. Subscribe now or download the app!

 

TOP 5 KERALA DISHES YOU MUST TRY-

Kerala is truly ‘God’s Own country’ when it comes to food! Ranging from spicy to sour to sweet, we have multifarious dishes that will make your mouth drool at the very thought of it. Here is the list of the top 5 Kerala dishes that are a must try-

  • Malabar chicken biriyani-

Chicken biriyani is quite famous amongst Indians! But Malabar biriyani stands out for its very unique blend of spices and flavour. Using mostly chicken, this biriyani is the most common amongst people from the beautiful district of Kozhikode, and is the first thing in this list of top 5 Kerala dishes that you must try.

Biriyani

 

  • Puttu and Kadala-

A soft piece of ‘puttu’ along with some hot flavorful ‘Kadala curry’, is the most wanted breakfast in the stunning land of Kerala. ‘Kadala’ refers to Bengal gram or chickpeas, and is mostly prepared in a spicy and aromatic gravy made of coconut milk. Although ‘puttu’ or rice cake can be eaten with banana and sugar (for those who have a sweet tooth), it is more amazing when eaten with the curry.

 

  • Sadya-

‘Sadya’ is extremely unique to South India, especially to Kerala. With a beautiful plethora of dishes spread on a banana leaf, ‘Sadya’ consists of rice and a variety of side dishes and curries like sambar, pickle, pappad etc. and is quite exotic in terms of flavour and presentation. What makes it unique is that every dish has a fixed place and no matter what the position is not meant to be changed.

Top 5 kerala dishes

 

  • Appam and Egg Roast-

Appam is a pancake made out of fermented rice powder and coconut milk. It is usually thin at the edges and made thick at the centre like a dome. The most common side dish is egg roast while we also eat it with veg stew, ‘kadala’ curry, chicken stew etc.

Appam and stew

 

  • Semya payasam-

The famous ‘Semya payasam’ of Kerala will be a party in your mouth if you have a sweet tooth. ‘Payasam’ refers to a dessert which is liquid and the key ingredient is mostly milk. ‘Semya’ refers to vermicelli and it is cooked in a broth of milk, sugar, condensed milk and is garnished with fried cashews, raisins, and butter.

 

 

This list of the top 5 Kerala dishes is a must try if you are ever in Kerala. Looks like your tummy is growling with hunger! Add a ‘ payasam’ to your meal only with Masala Box.

 

 

 

UNIQUE BREAD RECIPES FOR A HUNGRY YOU!

Bread is the most common leftover factor in every home, which is why we have unique bread recipes! No one is a perfect cook, but when it comes to bread, anyone can be a unique chef. Here we list down the top 5 unique bread recipes for a hungry you…

unique bread recipes

 

  • Bread fritters–

Nothing is as simpler and tastier as bread fritters! Simply dip bread slices into a spicy or sweet batter made of flour and deep fry until golden brown. You have the perfect snack for the evening, which is why it is at the top of our list of 5 unique bread recipes.

 

  • Cheese bread balls–

Same as the bread fritters, but more flavorful! Break bread into crumbs and add loads of cheese and spices, along with the required amount of salt. Mix water of the required consistency to make cheese balls, and deep fry them later on; you have the perfect snack for a boring Sunday.

 

  • Bread pizza–

If you are crazy of pizzas, but no one is there to pay the bill for your home delivery, simply grab bread and make a pizza out of it! Top loads of mozzarella cheese and all your favorite toppings on bread and heat it on a pan or in an oven till the cheese melts.  Voila!

 

  • Bread upma-

Let’s add a bit more of flavors and also give it an Indian touch!  ‘Upma ‘may seem boring for some, but can be made delicious if made out of bread. Break the bread into crumbs and shallow fry it with onions, curry leaves and spices, to give you that exact hit of aroma.

 

  • Stuffed bread fritters–

May seem complicated yet easy and appetizing! Create a unique stuffing for your bread and seal it within folded bread (you could also cut the bread into halves and make it like a sandwich.). Enclose the bread using a bit of water to dip into a batter of your choice; deep fry until golden brown.

 

Looks like your mouth is watering with our list of 5 unique bread recipes! Grab some bread now, or even better, subscribe to Masala Box for delicious door delivered homemade meals. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram too.