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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-

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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-

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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-

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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-

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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-

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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 .

Homemade Nutella for all your cravings- Simple homemade recipe!

Who doesn’t get excited after sighting a bottle of Nutella in your refrigerator? Although Nutella is widely craved for by kids and adults alike, it may always be advisable to make your own jar of Homemade Nutella as a healthier option. If you think it’s a hassle, you’re wrong!

Here is a quick and healthy recipe for you to try on ‘World Nutella Day’-

Ingredients to make Homemade Nutella-

Hazelnuts (1 cup), Milk Chocolate chunks (12 ounces), canola oil(1 tablespoon), powdered sugar (2 tablespoons), unsweetened cocoa powder (1 Tablespoon), vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)

Directions to make Homemade Nutella-

Toast hazelnuts until the skin begins loosening up; wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and rub vigorously to remove the skin as much as possible.
Blend hazelnuts in a food processor until a smooth paste and further add oil, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and a pinch of salt. Also, add in the chocolate (pre-melted in an oven).
Strain the paste for leftover hazelnut chunks, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Loving the idea of making some homemade Nutella for the kids, or even better, for yourself? Then you will definitely love the idea of being a home chef and earn some money. Register now as a home chef with Masala Box!

Top 3 Tricolor recipes to prepare this Republic Day!

Republic Day is around the corner and it’s time to make things bright in the kitchen as well as your table! This week, we intend to make your day extra special with some Tricolour recipes. Here are the top 3 Tricolour recipes for our Republic Day-

Tricolour flavoured rice-
Tricolor Rice

A perfect lunch for the day is a plate of tri coloured rice which not only appeals to your eye but also lets you savour on a myriad of flavours. A tri coloured rice is generally prepared with 3 different flavours of rice on a single plate, or you can also attain the colours with just adding food colouring to 3 different layers of the rice. The most common rice flavours prepared to attain the Republic Day feel are- Tomato Rice, Coconut Rice and Pudinah rice; you can also use other combinations like Carrot Pulao, White rice and Spinach Rice.

Tricolour sandwiches-

Tricolour sandwiches are the perfect start to your day as breakfast or as even starters or snacks. Prepare layered sandwiches using tangy and Spicy Tomato Chutney, mayonnaise/ cheese and Pudina Chutney. These sandwiches are the perfect snack to munch on while watching the Republic Day parade.

Tricolour Dosa-

Tricolour dosas may seem a bit out of the usual and is also a perfect way to break your fast! Prepare tangy tomato chutney and spread it evenly on the dosas, and add a dollop of Pudinah chutney and butter in the centre of the dosa. You can also make Republic Day even more special by using a spicy or sweet carrot filling in the dosas along with some green chutney to boost up the spice factor.

Picturing your tricoloured theme lunch already? Subscribe to Masala Box’s special menu and make your Republic Day even more vibrant. Start your subscription today!

Chicken Mulligatawny for the soul!

‘Chicken Mulligatawny’ is a soup based dish derived from the Indian origin and the word ‘Mulligatawny’ literally means ‘pepper water’. This dish is mostly an interpretation of curry with some chicken pieces and is cooked in various forms. The dish was common in British India as well as England since those times.

Here is the recipe for Chicken Mulligatawny to touch your soul-

Ingredients for Chicken Mulligatawny-

Canola oil, chopped onions, celery, garlic, diced apples, curry powder, cumin, coriander, ginger, chicken broth, tender chicken breasts, coconut milk, lemon juice, salt, pepper, sliced almonds

Directions to prepare Chicken Mulligatawny-

Heat oil in a Dutch oven and add onions, garlic and celery; stir until soft.
Add apples, curry powder, cumin, coriander, and ginger; cook until apples get soft.
Add broth and then rice, and bring it to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer and add chicken; cook until chicken and rice get tender.
Add coconut milk and stir continuously and thoroughly.
Remove from heat and season it with lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Garnish with almonds.

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Quick and Easy recipe for ‘Murgh Saagwala’!

‘Saag‘ is a typical leaf based dish or gravy and is mostly eaten with Indian breads or rice. ‘Murgh Saagwala’ is most popular in Nepal, Odisha, Kashmir, Haryana and West Bengal. Although spinach is the most common base used for the ‘Murgh Saagwala’ gravy, it can also be made using other greens and spices like broccoli, kale, mustard leaves and much more.

Here is a quick and easy recipe for ‘Murgh Saagwala’, or also known as ‘Chicken saagwala’-

Main Ingredients for ‘Murgh Saagwala’ –

Whole Chicken – 1
Spinach – 2 bunch
Large Onions – 2
Garlic – 5 cloves
Ginger – 1 inch
Tomatoes (blended) – 3
Cardamom – 2 pods
Cloves – 2
Milk – ¼ of a cup
Sour cream – 6 tablespoons
Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper – ½ teaspoon
Turmeric – ½ teaspoon

Directions –

Heat oil in a skillet and fry the chicken pieces until brown and set it aside.
Boil spinach in a separate pot along with water; ensure that the lid is covered.
After boiling for about 10 minutes, blend it to a semi-paste texture.
Fry onions, garlic and ginger in the same skillet until brown.
Add the tomato puree, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, turmeric powder, cardamom and cloves.
Add salt as per requirement.
Add a tablespoon of water and stir continuously.
Pour milk and also add the chicken chunks to it after stirring.
Leave it to a simmer until the chicken is tender.
Add in the spinach and garam masala and let the gravy start thickening.
Add in the sour cream and bring it to a simmer.
Remove from heat and add some butter if needed.

Your ‘Murgh Saagwala’ is ready!

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