MasalaBox Blog

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.

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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.

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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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TOP 5 PASTA DISHES FOR A LOVELY SUNDAY BRUNCH!

Pasta is a dish which is vibrant, flavourful and light, and does not compromise on the health factor. There is no person who doesn’t skip the idea of having pasta dishes for a brunch plan or a dinner idea. Be it for your child’s tiffin, or for a lovely dinner date, pasta is always a saviour and is a dish which can be easily experimented.

Here are top 5 pasta dishes for that much awaited Sunday brunch-

Sicilian Spicy Pasta-

This is the perfect recipe for a quick healthy and cheesy pasta dish and is also a perfect dish for all the spice lovers. All you need is to throw in some broccoli, parmesan cheese, garlic, and some red chilli. This is one of the easiest of pasta dishes and is a must-have for all the gym lovers.

2) Wheat pasta in Mushroom sauce-

The mushroom sauce is a sauce which has to be nailed to perfection and you can also add in some chicken chunks into this mind-blowing pasta dish. This recipe works really well with whole wheat flour and is a must try for all the pasta lovers. Wheat Pasta in mushroom sauce is also one of the most delicious pasta dishes.

3) Spaghetti Alio Olio Peperoncino-

Give it 20 minutes time and you can gobble upon this amazing pasta recipe. This is also one of the most delicious and easy pasta dishes and all you have to do is some simple tossing. The 3 major ingredients are garlic, chillies, and olive oil.

4) Cheesy baked pasta-

Are you a cheese lover? Then here is one of the best pasta dishes for all the cheese lovers in town! Add in some chicken chunks along with other ingredients, top it with some cheese, bake it to perfection and your good to go.

5) Pasta Con Pomodoro E Basilico-

This can be suggested as one of the pasta dishes that make the benchmark of Italian cooking. Add your pasta to an amazing tomato sauce base with lots of garlic and olive oil. Serve it hot and you will find yourself craving for more.

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TOP 5 NEW YEAR COCKTAILS TO WELCOME 2019!

As 2018 ends, we all have certain things to bid goodbye to, and we also plan on inviting good vibes and welcome in the new year. New year is also a time where you spend good times with your loved ones, through food, music, parties, and much more happiness. Here are top 5 New Year Cocktails to welcome 2019 with an amazing toast-

Gibson Martini-

Gibson Martini is one of the best New Year Cocktails and is the most sought-after New Year drink of the year. With its exclusive flavour of dry mouth giving you the perfect midnight New Year kiss, this cocktail will end your year with the perfect bang. Add in some cocktail onions and vermouth to your gin and your good to go!

2. Red velvet cake martini-

One of the best New Year Cocktails for the red velvet lovers! All you need is vodka, creme de cacao, buttermilk and some food colour to give you the rich redness. To make it even more visually appealing, dip the rims of the martini glass to some frosting and then on some red sugar.

3. Ginger Cosmopolitan-

This is one of the most exciting New Year Cocktails which will spice up the party! Blend in some ice, vodka, liquor, cranberry juice, lime juice with some muddled ginger root. Strain out the ice and muddle root to have the perfect pungent touch to your New Year.

4. Royal Blue Cocktail-

The Royal Blue Cocktail is one of the most tantalizing drinks and is the most eye- appealing drink to serve for a fancy New Year Party. The secret behind its rich blue hue is of Blue Curacao. All you need for the cocktail is cranberry juice, citron vodka, blue curacao, and lime; decorate the rim with some granulated sugar.

5. French 75 Cocktail-

One of the most classy and light New Year cocktails for all the wine lovers! All you need is some gin, lemon juice, simple syrup to be poured into a champagne flute. Add some sparkling wine further and garnish with lemon peel to make your drink of the year.

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Top 5 Christmas Cakes you must be baking this year-

It’s the festive season and what’s a Christmas without baking some cakes! Over the years, cakes have been baked as a tradition for every Christmas, all around the world and have been evolved over the years. Here are the top 5 Christmas Cakes that you must be baking this year-

Classic Waldorf Red Cake-

Christmas cakes — Classic Waldorf Red Cake

This is a cake that will kick in the holiday colour to your day and will be an element of decor on your table. The famous Classic Waldorf Red Cake is mostly baked as a cake tower with layers of buttercream frosting in between. The secret ingredient is almond milk and it definitely tops the chart among Christmas Cakes.

2) Rum Cake-

A simple yet divine cake for the perfect Christmas dinner! The cake is prepared using rum and pecans as the highlight with a simple vanilla batter mix. Rum Cakes are popularly baked around the world making it to the top list of Christmas Cakes.

3) White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake-

Cheesecakes are always a succulent party in the mouth and are a must bake goodie for this Christmas. This cheesecake is simple to prepare yet adds a slight twist in flavour by bringing in the white chocolate blend along with the sour cream cheese. While chocolate biscuits are added as the base, pure raspberry sauce is drizzled over, hence making it one of the best Christmas cakes ever.

4) Gingerbread Cake-

Gingerbread was first introduced in Europe during the 10th century. This cake is just a twist to the famous gingerbread and is a party for ginger lovers. These cakes are a must try among Christmas Cakes due to its simple preparation methods.

5) Figgy Pudding cake-

The name of this one of the best Christmas cakes will sort of lead to confusion. Well, confuse not! This bliss of a cake is a dense and moist cake immersed in flavours like nutmeg, cinnamon, orange marmalade and lots of figs.

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Top 5 easy Salad recipes for a healthy you!

Salads are the healthiest and refreshing option when you crave for a healthy life. Although to kickstart a healthy life, it may seem difficult initially to get into the habit of eating healthy, especially eating salads. Here are some of the top 5 easy salad recipes for a healthy you-

Tomato- peach salad-
tomato & peach salad

If you are a sweet tooth, this is definitely one of the easy salad recipes you can nail. Toss in some diced tomatoes and peach along with some red onion slices. Drizzle it with cider vinegar and olive oil, along with some sugar, salt and pepper seasoning.

2) Creole Green Beans-

Beans can be easily used as one of the easy salad recipes for a healthy you. Blanch some green beans along with some red onion slices. Drizzle it with creole mustard, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper.

3) Caesar Salad-

Caesar salad is also one of the most delicious easy salad recipes. Prepare a puree with garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper and egg yolk, by slowly adding a bit of olive oil while blending. Drizzle this puree over lettuce, onions and tomatoes, and if needed, some chicken chunks.

4) Hearty Tuna Salad-

Here is one of the healthiest easy salad recipes for the gym lovers. Mix in some oil- canned tuna with your favourite veggies like pickled mushrooms, beans, celery, and olives. Drizzle it in with some mustard, lemon juice, salt and pepper; toss in some cherry tomatoes if needed.

5) Chicken Mango Salad-

Again one of the yummiest easy salad recipes for both chicken and sweet lovers. Toss in some diced chicken and mango with some lemon juice, ginger and olive oil. Serve it chilled!

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Top 5 Party Menu Recipes-

Hosting a party at home is quite simple yet tough to nail in terms of food! Party menu recipes are quite the trick to make your party a grand success among your guests. Here are the top 5 party menu recipes that you can easily execute-

Galouti Kebabs-

These are one of the best party menu recipes to nail if you have a lot to feed for the party. Kebabs are quick to make by using some minced meat of your choice or veggies and deep fried in light ghee. They can be served as the perfect starter as well along with an amazing mint chutney.

2) Dum Aloo Lakhnavi-

This is one of the most finger-licking good party menu recipes you can have for the day. The key to a ‘Dum Aloo Lakhnawi’ is the flavour of the yoghurt blended with cashews, tomatoes and onion gravy. It is usually of a mild spicy flavour yet very aromatic.

3) Makhwali Kofta-

This dish is also one of the best among party menu recipes due to its rich flavour content. The koftas are made from khoya and are immersed in a rich gravy made of khus-khus, coconut and milk. This is the best dish to nail if you are looking forward to serving some hungry vegetarian guests for the night.

4) Dal Makhani-

This may sound too simple to be one of the best party menu recipes, although can kick in amazing flavours if made in the right way and served with the right dish. Dal Makhani along with some flavoured rice, chapatis and other main side dishes can bring in delight to the menu. Top it with some melted butter to make it more aromatic.

5) Dum Paneer Kali Mirch-

This is one of the most top guaranteed party menu recipes for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian lovers alike. Paneer cubes are soaked in a gravy made of yoghurt, cinnamon, crushed black pepper, fried onions, ginger and garlic. Serve it with butter naan or other amazing Indian breads or even steamed rice.

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Masala Box weekends are all set to make your weekend fun through food with dishes ranging from North Indian to South.

Top 5 healthy Chicken recipes to kick up your protein intake-

Healthy chicken recipes are something which everyone loves to experiment with, especially when chicken is a much flavourful meat. It is highly rich in protein and is easy to prepare no matter what the recipe is. Even a simple dish where the chicken is just boiled gives a unique flavour for chicken lovers.

Here are some of the top 5 healthy chicken recipes-

Chicken Biriyani-

Yes, a plate of Chicken Biriyani can actually be healthy! Biriyani can be made healthier by using brown rice instead of white rice, and the ghee content can also be reduced. Further, consume chicken more than the rice and add more natural spices than artificial ones, making it a healthy chicken recipe.

Honey and garlic chicken wings-

Chicken wings are avoided by everyone who is a tad- bit health conscious! But what if these delicious wings can be made healthier? Use garlic and honey as marination to make your chicken ooze out healthy and yummy aromas; also semi-fry it and bake it from there to avoid excess oil, making it a healthy chicken recipe.

Chicken Tikka Masala-

A dish which mostly involves adding in a lot of spices and fats. This dish is a favourite of almost many chicken lovers but is generally a matter of concern due to its oozing fat. The dish can be prepared by reducing the amount of fat and using more of natural spices, in order to make it a healthy chicken recipe.

Garlic Chicken-

Garlic is a very healthy ingredient whether used as raw, cooked or fried. Use garlic as a marinade, and also use it heavily in the gravy to make it much richer. Garlic is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fights cholesterol etc., hence making it a healthy chicken recipe.

Chicken Salad-

Salads are the ultimate health kickers, although may be boring for most. Add in some flavoured chicken chunks to your salad with some Caesar dressing if required. Devour on the tastiest healthy chicken recipe of the day.

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