MasalaBox Blog

TOP 5 RECIPES FOR A SPLENDID DIWALI-

Diwali, also known as the festival of light, marks the celebration of spiritual victory over darkness, evil and ignorance. No matter how varied are the customs in different parts, no Diwali passes by without sharing joy and love through sweets and chocolates. Here are some of the top recipes for a splendid Diwali-

Matar Chola-

Matar Chola is a spicy curry made which can be eaten as both a side dish as well as a curry. The spicy combination of chickpeas, tomato, onions, green chillies etc. give a unique blend of flavours in the mouth. If you do not have much of a sweet tooth, you can always opt for ‘Matar Chola’.

2) Namakpara-

A replacement to Namkeens, these treat bites are the perfect evening snack after a whole day of festivity. Namakparas are salty treats that can be made out of simple ingredients. You can also give them a sweet twist if you are someone who loves crunchy sweet treats.

3) Chana Dal Bhajiya-

chana dal bhajiya diwali — chana dal bhajiya

Looking forward to some guests coming over? Then this is the perfect snack for everyone to relish on, be it a child or an adult. These are similar to ‘Pakories’ and are best served with chutney as a side dish.

4) Lauki Ki Barfi-

Who thought that a bottle- gourd can be used to make something sweet and delicious like this! This same recipe can be made using coconut instead of bottle gourd. This recipe is not only delicious but is also light and healthy.

5) Seb ka Halwa-

As the name suggests, this halwa is made out of apples and can be considered as one of the most easiest Halwa recipes. Using simple ingredients like grated apples, cashew, ghee etc., this is a simple and quick recipe you can pull off for sudden guests. You can make it more exciting by adding extra flavours like cinnamon or cardamom, and much more.

Make this Diwali more ravishing with enticing homemade sweets, savouries and chocolates. Customise your ‘Mithaai Dabba’ from Masala Box with assorted sweets and chocolates. PREORDER NOW!

Top 5 kids snacks for Children’s Day!

Top 5 kids snacks for Children’s Day!

Children’s Day is around the corner and you may be racking your brain wondering what to serve for that kitty party you are organizing. Most of us try to make it easier by serving easy snacks like chips, burgers, fries etc. Why not try out something much healthier, tastier and different.

Here are top 5 snacks that can make your kids go bananas-

Quesadilla-

Wrap up a flavourful and healthy quesadilla platter for your little stars of the party. A healthy quesadilla for kids can involve veggies, cheese, corn and many more interesting sauces and flavours. You can also make it even more interesting by adding soft chicken chunks to add in some protein.

2) Macaroni and cheese-

mac n cheese Children's day — mac n cheese

Mac and Cheese is a favourite among all kids and gives a fulfilling cheesy flavour. It can be even more yummy and healthy by adding in little pieces of shredded chicken and veggies. One of the easiest and tastiest recipes of all time!

3) Pancakes-

Pancakes are one of the top favourites of kids and adults alike! Its nutritious and yummy at the same time, and can experiment with different flavours and ingredients. Make your pancake, even more, healthier by using wheat powder instead of flour, and by topping it with berries, bananas, honey and much more.

4) Truffles-

Truffles are a party in the mouth especially if you have got the flavours right! They are mostly made in chocolate and coffee flavours and can be made into smaller balls. Make your truffle balls even more fun by making them colourful with different flavours.

5) Whole grain pizza-

Pizzas are not always the healthiest option in spite of how succulent they are! But they could be made healthier by making the dough using whole grains rather than flour. A whole grain pizza dashed with a lot of veggies, or meat amongst other flavours can be an exciting option for Children’s Day.

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Top 5 benefits of eating chocolates-

Feeling guilty every time you grab a piece of chocolate? Not anymore! Chocolates have been scientifically proven to have many benefits, but only when consumed in the desired amounts.

Here are top 5 benefits of eating chocolates-

Reduces the risk of heart diseases–

Chocolates are known to reduce the risk of cardio diseases by one-third. This is mainly because chocolate helps in reducing blood clots which lead to heart attacks. Blood platelets tend to clump lesser if you are a chocolate eater.

2. Reduces the risk of strokes–

Just as how chocolate reduces cardio diseases, studies show that people who ate these sweet treats had fewer chances of stroke in comparison to people who didn’t. It is also suggested that one must consume around 100gms of chocolate a day. Not feeling guilty now, are you?

3. Improves fetal growth–

Eating chocolate during pregnancy can improve fetal growth and development. The recommended amount for expecting women are around 30 gms a day. Finally a chance to satisfy those cravings again!

4. Improves athletic performance–

Chocolate can seem helpful when consumed during your workout breaks to boost your energy levels. In this case, consuming it dark is advised, and studies have shown that athletes covered more distance after consuming dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains flavonols which increase the release of nitric oxide in the body.

5. Reduces cholesterol levels–

Eating chocolates have proven that it reduces the risk of LDL or “bad cholesterol” levels in the blood. Regular consumption can also improve blood pressure and hence cholesterol levels as well. This is especially true if the chocolates consumed contain Plant sterols (PS) and Cocoa flavonols (CF).

Are you imagining a piece of chocolate melting in your mouth now? Enjoy the taste and joy of eating chocolates this Diwali with the ‘Mithaai Dabba’ by Masala Box! Click to preorder or Call now +91 7899854545 OR +91 7899857746.

TOP 5 UNIQUE SWEETS FOR DUSSEHRA-

Dussehra is one of the most popular festivals in India and is the tenth and final day of Navrathri. In southern India, it marks as the day when Lord Rama won over the demon king Ravana. In certain parts of India, it commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

With victory all over, India celebrates this day by various dance forms like ‘Garba’, and also not to forget the special sweets and savouries made for the day. Here are some of the top 5 unique sweets made for Dussehra-

Coconut Barfi-

For all the coconut lovers, this ‘barfi’ oozes out the mixture of ghee and coconut flavours in your mouth. It is a very sweet and chewy dessert and is prepared using fewer ingredients for Dussehra. This is most commonly prepared in the Central states of India.

2) Kheer Khas Khas-

Kheer Khas Khas is a different variant of the common yet famous ‘kheer’. When the ‘kheer’ is prepared using rice, rose water and nuts, it becomes more flavourful. This variant of ‘Kheer’ is known as ‘Kheer Khas Khas’ and is commonly prepared in North India during Dussehra.

dussehra - kheer khas khas — Kheer Khas Khas

3) Jaggery Rasgulla-

Jaggery Rasgulla is commonly prepared in many parts of North and Western India. This absolute festive treat is made by dipping soft and spongy rasgullas in a jaggery syrup. This adds a unique flavour to the entire feel of Dussehra.

dussehra- jaggery rasagulla — Jaggery Rasagulla

4) Besan Ladoo-

This is commonly known as the healthier version of laddus. This laddoo is made out of ‘besan’ (gram flour) and is lighter and more flavourful than the common laddoo. This is commonly made during Dussehra in the Western parts of the country.

5) Badam Halwa-

‘Halwa’ is a sweet confectionary ranging in many Asian parts of the world. However, it is most exquisite in India, especially when prepared with the unique flavours of almonds. ‘Badam’ refers to almonds, and this recipe is most commonly prepared in South and North India.

Craving for an assorted box of sweets right now? Customise a special ‘Mithaai Dabba’ this Diwali, and also get a plethora of flavours from Masala Box with our Special Treat menu for the day. Subscribe now!

Top 5 benefits of eating peanuts everyday-

Peanuts are the most commonly consumed variant of nuts and are also known as ‘groundnuts’. They can be consumed raw, roasted, flavoured and are even widely used in many recipes like in some kinds of pasta, peanut butter, milkshakes etc. They can also be simply roasted and mixed in flavours like pepper, herbs, or even simple salt. However, eating these nuts in the rawest form can help you in many ways.

Some of the benefits of eating peanuts every day are-

Helps in growth-

Peanuts are highly rich in proteins. This helps them in boosting growth in children through proper body development. They can be even used in your child’s snacks like a peanut butter sandwich, cookies, or just give them as a snack every day, while they are still raw.

Fighting stomach cancer-

Poly-phenolic anti-oxidants are highly present in these nuts. These help in fighting cancerous symptoms in the stomach. The risky growth of cancerous agents is reduced.

Regulating blood sugar-

Peanuts help in regulating your blood sugar! This is due to the high presence of manganese in the nuts. Manganese helps in regulating the blood sugar levels and also by boosting metabolism.

Fighting depression-

Peanuts contain tryptophan which helps in reducing the levels of depression and anxiety in you. Tryptophan eliminates low serotonin, which is one of the major reasons for depression. An ounce of it a day can boost up your mood for the day.

Protecting skin-

They also contain a high level of Vitamin E which protects from skin damage. These nuts help in increasing cell integrity. Higher the cell integrity, lesser the skin damage.

Enjoyed reading this piece on peanuts? Then you will also love the idea of eating something healthy and homemade from Masala Box. Subscribe or download the app NOW!

Get up to 5 FREE meals – MASALA BOX – Bangalore | Kochi

Masala Box has launched a referral program wherein you and your friends get to savour on delectable healthy and homemade meals for free.

Masala Box is a homemade meals delivery service which tries to resonate the vibes of homely food through every morsel. Presently operating in Bangalore and Kochi, we leverage a network of passionate home chefs who cook the meals as per our standards in terms of health, quantity and quality. We ensure that our food is 100% homemade by ensuring that no sorts of additives or preservatives are implemented in the food.

Here is how you can get the FREE meals –

1)Sign up by entering your NAME, PHONE NUMBER and EMAIL ID.
2)You will receive a unique referral link which you can share via any medium (Whatsapp, Facebook, E-mail etc).
3)You will get a FREE meal credited to your account once your friend(s) register by clicking the link shared by you.
4) Your friend(s) can claim their FREE meal by registering and referring us, just like how you did!
5) You will be issued with a free meal from the MASALA BOX site/ app.

Remember, the more you refer, the more you get!

Invite 1 friend for 1 free meal.
Invite 3 friends for 2 free meals.
Invite 5 friends for 3 free meals.
Invite 10 friends for 5 free meals.

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Top 5 anti- ageing foods-

Anti– ageing is something, which we all crave for especially in this age of stress, unhealthy lifestyle, pollution etc. Skin problems can be cleared with a simple, healthy food lifestyle. Here are some of the top 5 anti- ageing foods-

Avocado-

Avocados are on the top of the list of anti- ageing foods due to its high nutritional value. They contain Vitamin A, which helps in shedding dead skin cells and thus giving a glow to the skin. They also assist in blocking toxins arising due to sun damage and pollution.

Ginger-

Ginger is a major helper when it comes to anti- ageing. It contains gingerol, an antioxidant that helps in cellular degradation. Add ginger to your everyday meals, or you can always have a chill spiced up drink made with ginger.

Berries-

Berries contain an anti- ageing antioxidant called anthocyanine, which helps in slowing down the ageing process. This gives the nourishing deep colours, and they also contain high levels of Vitamins A and C. They further help in preventing collagen loss arising due to sun damage, stress and pollution.

Watermelon-

The antioxidant called lycopene in watermelons reduces the level of ‘ free radicals’, which are culprits of skin ageing. It also contains a high nutritional as well as water level. This helps in keeping the skin young and supple forever.

Garlic-

Garlic contains high levels of antioxidants, which again reduce the growth of ‘free radicals’ in the skin. Further, they also help in preventing various skin diseases and cancers. Have a clove of garlic everyday for a better skin and a better body.

Achieve a healthy lifestyle by avoiding junk and eating something homemade. Subscribe to homemade meals now, only from Masala Box.

You can also download the app now (available both in android and app store)!

Unravel the journey of RELISH- worthy flavours…!

With a mission to promote a healthy society, Masala Box has catered to many health-conscious foodies by providing yummy, healthy and homemade meal plans across Kochi and Bangalore. Using a network of home chefs who are nothing less than gourmet cooks, Masala Box curates the menu, procures the food from the chefs, and finally delivers the food to the customers. The main range of meal plans offered by us is namely ‘Classic’ and ‘Treat’, and now we have ‘Relish’.

Masala Box launches the all new RELISH meal plan which will tickle your taste buds by bringing you flavours from North and South India, Italy[once a week], and the Orient[once a week].The meal will consist of a healthy combination of a protein/ veggies, and a carbohydrate all in the comfort of a bowl. Every recipe is made with love and passion by our home cooks, using only authentic flavours and no preservatives or additives.

RELISH is all about bringing you a plethora of flavours within a single week, starting from a ‘Hariyali tawa pulao’ and ending the perfect week with ’Pesto spaghetti’. Apart from these, the menu plan will also kick in some South Indian dishes like ‘Chettinad Chicken’ along with other North- South fusion dishes. ‘Relish’ will let you indulge in flavours so fresh and original, that it will make you crave for even more.

Talking about the North Indian cuisine, RELISH will give in the exact vibe of the North through bold flavours and aromas. Some of the delicacies involved in the menu are ‘Bhutte Ki pulao’, ‘Murgh Saagwala’, ‘Mutter Pulao with Butter Chicken’ and many more. Relish promises a blend of flavours from Gujarat, Punjab, Kolkata and all the exquisite flavours from the North.

The South Indian Cuisine, on the other hand, gives you pleasant and mild flavours from the colorful South India. Some of the delicacies involved in the menu are ‘Karivepaku annam’, ‘chicken Nilgiri korma’, ‘Citranna with Kai kari kurma’ and many more. Relish promises a blend of vibrant flavours from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and all the exquisite flavours from the South.

Coming to the International cuisine, it consists of the succulent mouth watering flavours of Italy and the Orient with our specially curated menu. Some of the delicacies involved in the menu are ‘Veg Thai curry’, ‘Stir fried Soya Chicken’, ‘Sichuan noodles with stir fried veggies and chilli garlic sauce’ among others. Apart from these, the menu is also specially curated with a segment of a North and South Indian fusion to give a complete twist to the week.

‘Relish’ is presently delivered only in Indiranagar . Try out the new cuisine only from Masala Box and get the perfect week.

Unravel the journey of RELISH– worth flavours now!

The season of Onam is back…

Onam

Onam is the harvest season of Kerala which is celebrated with high fervour and excitement. It is celebrated amongst the Malayalee Diaspora in the entire world. The festival is celebrated with a lot of grandeur and can also be called as the homecoming of ‘Mahaballi’.

It celebrates the prosperity and culture of Kerala, and also centers around the tale of ‘Mahabelli’ and ‘Vamana’. The tale tells about how the latter conquers the earth, sky, and ‘Mahabelli'(who is sent to hell) himself in just 3 footsteps. Although being sent to hell, the king wishes to visit Kerala on a particular day, which is known as Onam today.

Onam sadya

Dozens of traditions are practiced for Onam, like ‘Pookalam’ (flower arrangement), ‘Vallam Kali’ (boat race), and ‘Puli Kali’ (tiger dance). However, ‘Pookalam’ is the most prominent when it comes to the season, and the size and complexity of the flower arrangement gradualy increases in 10 days. The boat race is witnessed most commonly in Alapuzha, and people from different parts ok Kerala join in to watch the enthralling boat race.

These days, various organizations and informal groups organize events and games for Onam which gives a memory of a lifetime. Floral swings are fixed to add a playful yet decorative element to the whole festival. The beautiful women of Kerala are witnessed in the famous ‘Kasavu Saree’ while the men adorn themselves in ‘Kasavu Mundu and Kurtas’.

After a tiring day of celebrations, the festival is completed by noon after a delicious Sadya. ‘Sadya’ is nothing but the assortment of various Onam delicacies along with rice on a banana leaf, and the flavours vary from being sweet to spicy. The ‘Sadya’ is completed with a dessert called ‘Payasam’ to give a sweet end note to the day.

Pookalam
This Onam, Masala Box is all set to deliver you the perfect homemade ‘Sadya’. Get bulk Sadyas to have a splendid Onam this year.
Call +917899854646 /+917899857746 or order from the website now.

Also avail ‘Vellupperi’ and ‘Sharkara upperi’ from Varma’s for Masala Box to make your Onam extra flavourful. (Order from website now.)

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!