Posted on by — Leave a comment

Have you tried this Desi Sauce? It is giving Ketchup Run for its money

Meethi Amchur ki Chutney by Masala Monk

We Indians are known for the different variants of spices we use in our cuisine and we are proud to introduce these delicious aromas to the world. But the secret of using these spices are still locked safe with our naanis and dadis (grandmothers). No matter how far we travel and how many cuisines we explore, the Indian in us wakes up once in a while to crave for that favourite dish made by our mother or grandmother.

And when that hunger for desi food strikes, it strikes hard to make all your taste buds scream at the same time. Deep-fried samosa, kachori, pakoda, or paanipuri is all you can think of. All it takes for you is to make a quick run to grab your favourite bhajji or just shake up the hidden cook in you and fry some pakodas at home.

But wait. What do you generally pair it with? If your answer is ketchup or any random chutney you come across, then let me remind you about that the chutney which has the right amount of spices, saltiness, sweetness and tanginess in it. If the bells are still not ringing, let me tell you, if you are an Indian, you must have had this chutney at least once in your life and had thought that this is the best match for your deep-fried snacks.

Meethi Amchur ki Chutney or Saunth is what we call it, the authentic recipe of which is still kept in Indian homes and is the best accompaniment for any Indian dish, be it paranthas, dahi ke gulgule, mathis, or fried snacks. With such a versatile flavour, this desi sauce can easily knock all other international sauces out of the park. No other chutney can enhance the flavour of Indian food the way Saunth dose.

Being the most chatpata chutney, Meethi Amchur ki Chutney contains several Indian ingredients, but the primary ingredient is dry ginger powder, also called saunth and that’s how it got the name. Apart from holding the nutritional benefits of dry ginger, Saunth is a condiment which can be stored for a long period.

Meethi Amchur ki Chutney or Saunth is what we call it, the authentic recipe of which is still kept in Indian homes and is the best accompaniment for any Indian dish. Amchoor ki meethi chutney is very popular in North Indian households and you might come across it in street-side chaat and pakoda stalls. If your tongue is rolling already, waiting to make that chatkara sound post the first taste of saunth, here is good news for you. Masala Monk is all set to bring this Indian delicacy to your doorstep with our new Nani Maa’s Meethi Saunth. This authentic Meethi Saunth has been whipped up using a recipe straight from Nani Maa’s kitchen and is a must-have for those who love chatpata Indian snacks.

Meethi Amchur ki Chutney
The right amount of spices, saltiness, sweetness and tanginess to spark any meal

Why is Nani Maa’s Meethi Saunth better than any regular ketchup and sauce?

  • Versatile flavour: Be it paranthas, dahi ke gulgule, mathis, or fried snacks. Saunth has a versatile flavour and this desi sauce can easily knock all other international sauces out of the park. No other chutney can enhance the flavour of Indian food the way Saunth dose.
  • Not only delicious, but also healthy: Being the most chatpata chutney, Meethi Amchur ki Chutney contains several Indian ingredients, but the primary ingredient is dry ginger powder, also called saunth and that’s how it got the name. Apart from holding the nutritional benefits of dry ginger, Saunth is a condiment which can be stored for a long period.
  • Elevate the taste of your healthy diet: After bragging a whole lot about the chemistry between this amchoor ki meethi chutney and fried food, it will be an injustice to not tell you the healthier part about this chutney. For all those who believe in a healthy diet, you can mix this to your fruit bowl to assemble a healthy and tasty chaat. Don’t forget to try this with your good old shakarkandi ka chaat as well.
  • Homemade: Nothing tastes better than the taste of homemade food that are made with love and no preservative. Store-bought ketchup and sauces are generally adulterated, make it rather harmful to consume.
Saunth by Masala Monk
Use it for your fruit chaat or as an accompaniment to your favourite Indian dish

So whatever be your go-to evening snack, paanipuri, aaloo tikki chaat, dahi bhalle, papdi chaat, bhel puri, or fruit salad, relish it like a real Indian and take a generous helping from Naani Maa.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Valentines Special : 5 Gifts for Someone who Loves Good Food

A whole new definition of love in sealed jars of magical sweetness


This Valentine, gift your loved ones and make them feel special by gifting these handcrafted products which are made with premium ingredients and LOVE.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” – George Bernard Shaw.

With love in the air and cupids playing around, we, at Masala Monk, inexorably believe that there’s nothing quite like the goodness of homemade food. The love, the dedication and the honesty that goes into homemade food cannot be replicated. So we bring to you a carefully curated collection of gifts. A collection good to woe your valentine’s and love in style with our ever exotic preserves & spreads with a twist of fruity, citrusy, boozy, salty & chilly flavours. Every jar is made and packed mindfully, fastidiously, with the same care that we give to the food that we cook in our kitchens. You’ve not only received food, but you’ve also received a piece of someone’s heart. Use it well. Bon Appétit!

Masala Monk’s exclusive range of spreads includes Banoffee, Gin Berry, Intensity, Pina Colada, and Sweet Chilli. A range, wide enough to suit every palate! What are you going to choose?

6 Awesome gifts, Ready for Valentines Day!

Valentine Special Spreads

Gin Berry~ Strawberry & Gin Jam

Gin Berry – Strawberry & Gin Jam

Intensity~ Cholcolate & Rhum

Intensity 54% – Chocolate and Rhum Spread

Orange & Whiskey Marmalade

Orange and Whiskey Marmalade

Pinacolada Rum Jamalade

Pina Colada & Rum Jamalade

Banoffee

Banoffee Spread – 380 Gms

SweetChilli

Sweet Chilli Jam {HOT}

Pick the best Love for your Loved ones!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

5 Benefits of Almond Butter on Hair

How often do you come across snacking options that are not only delicious but also healthy?

Well, let’s make it easy for you with just one ingredient – almond. We all are aware of the numerous health benefits of almonds and raise hands all those who consume five almonds regularly and follow it as a ritual. But now, it’s time to make this healthy habit even more scrumptious, while you keep flaunting your lustrous hair.

5 Benefits of Almond Butter on Hair

• It helps stimulate hair growth.
• Reduces hair fall due to breakage.
• Makes hair glossy by maintaining the keratin level.
• It helps treat scalp infections like dandruff and itchy scalp.
• Prevents hair from premature graying.

That’s right. Several studies made in the past have proved that almond butter is the best cure for almost all hair problems. It contains healthy elements such as magnesium, iron, vitamin E, biotin, potassium, zinc, magnesium, omega 3 and 6, fatty acids and is loaded with protein which helps stimulate hair growth.

Almond Butter by Masala Monk
100% natural almond butter

I understand almond butter tastes yum, but you won’t mind sparing a spoonful or two to apply on your scalp in return of healthy hair. As healthy as it is to consume almond butter, you can also massage it on your scalp to penetrate the goodness of almond into your hair follicles and strengthen them. This reduces hair fall due to breakage and makes your hair glossy by maintaining the keratin level.

And if you have dandruff issues, just add a few drops of lime juice to almond butter and apply the mask on the scalp. Almonds have anti-fungal properties that help treat scalp infections like dandruff and itchy scalp by fighting against yeast multiplication.

Moreover, almond butter is the best solution for regenerating and repairing tissues. Also, good news for those who are apprehensive about greying of hair at an early age. Almond butter also contains catalase, a form of antioxidant and copper which helps prevent loss of hair pigments and building up of hydrogen peroxide in the hair follicle.

Take it from the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra or from Meghan Markle, almond butter (in its purest form) if used and consumed in moderation, can defeat the best of cosmetic brands.

A healthy dessert spread
A quick solution of add a twist to your regular dessert

Note: Almond butter should not be overused as it can lead to greasy skin by developing excess oil. Moreover, only pure almond butter can give you the best result. Mass-produced almond butter available in local markets generally contain additives that are rather harmful. Check out Masala Monk’s 100% Natural Almond Butter to enjoy the goodness of pure almond.

Not only on your head, to know more how this is awesome for the inside of your head Click Here.

http://masalamonk.com/2020/01/20/lick-it-or-munch-it-your-brain-needs-almond
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ever tried Butter made from Almonds or Cashews? Here are 10 reasons that you MUST

Almond Butter by Masala Monk

Going nuts about how to make your vegetarian diet equally nutritious as non-veg diet?

It is true that since vegetarians avoid meat and egg, it limits their intake of certain nutrients. But we have got you covered, in a rather delicious way! Did you know that 1-oz (28-gram) serving of nuts contains 5–12 grams of protein, which is as good as meat infused diet? So how about including the oh-so-delicious range of nut butters in your regular diet? Well, we are lucky to survive in an era when nut butters need not necessarily be the good old peanut butter, but we have options like cashew butter, almond butter, and hazelnut butter.

Need more reasons to convince yourself? Here are 10 reasons why you should include nut butter in your diet:

  1. Nuts butters are nutritious and are rich in protein, folic acid, niacin, copper, potassium, iron, fibre, zinc, selenium, vitamin E and B6 and contain a good amount of antioxidants, making them a good alternative to protein-rich animal products.
  2. Nut butters can make for a perfect filling snack for vegetarians if combined with fruits or toast and can fuel your body for hours. Say goodbye to unhealthy snacking.
  3. Almond butter is a good source of calcium, healthy fats and protein, which helps your body to absorb certain vitamins. It is a great source of vitamin B7 as well, which is essential to help your body process the fat, sugar, and protein intake. It also helps keep your blood sugar stable and your skin healthy.
  4. The high protein and fibre in nut butter keep you full and active, helping you consume lesser calories and lose weight. It can be used as a post-workout snack as well.
  5. A good dose of flavonoids, phenols, polyphenols, and other substances in nut butter help protect your cells, keep your heart healthier and protect against colon cancer.
  6. Nut butter aids in cholesterol control, eliminating health issues such as hardening of arteries that lead to stroke.
  7. Nut butter contains a great amount of magnesium which is good for your nerves, muscles, bones, blood sugar, blood pressure, and even your genetic material, or DNA.
  8. Peanut butter helps decrease the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Moreover, iron and folate in it help prevent anaemia which is extremely important for a healthy pregnancy. It contains potassium which is good for your muscles, magnesium for your bones, vitamin E for your skin and to fight cancer, and vitamin B6 and zinc for your immune system. Also, it helps you to sleep well!
  9. If you have a sweet tooth and often suffer from guilty sweet consumption, switch to a spoon full of cashew butter instead. The naturally sweet-tasting nut butter acts as a great dessert along with all its nutritional goodness. It is one of the best sources of monounsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, and magnesium which are beneficial for blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol control, bone health, the immune system, and metabolism. Also, put an end to your hunt for eggless desserts.
  10. In a high-pressure environment, peanut butter can be turned into diamonds. Imagine what wonder it can do to your body!

With all being said, you must also note that overconsumption of heavily processed nut butter can have an adverse effect on your body. Here is little information for you:

FAQs

Why are nut butters good for you?

Nut butters are loaded with minerals like selenium and manganese, phenols, polyphenols, vitamins C and E, flavonoids and more, which work as a team to help protect human cells.

Which nut butters are the healthiest?

All nut butter are good if consumed at proper amount, based on the needs of individual body needs. Find out yours from the list of nutritional facts from our range of nut butters (of serving size of 30 g).

Peanut Butter

Energy (kcal): 241 
Protein (g): 11.5
Carbohydrates (g): 7.5
Sugar (g): 2.4
Total Fat (g): 18.3

Almond Butter

Energy: 190.3 kcal
Protein: 7.3 g
Carbohydrate: 6.5 g
Sugar: 1.3 g
Total Fat: 15 g

Hazelnut Butter

Energy (kcal): 220.9
Protein (g): 6.7
Carbohydrates (g): 13.2
Sugar (g): 0.8
Total Fat (g): 15.6

Cashew Butter

Energy (kcal): 110.6
Protein (g): 3.6
Carbohydrates (g): 6
Sugar (g): 1.2
Total Fat (g): 8.8

Is nut butter healthier than peanut butter?

Well, peanut butter is the oldest form of nut butter consumed. But then some suffer from allergies. Almond butter has more vitamins, minerals, and fiber but peanut butter has more protein than almond butter. While both the nut butters are roughly equal in calories and sugar. So it is completely up to your body needs.

Are nut butters bad for cholesterol?

Wait for it… The answer is NO. Because not all delicious food needs to be unhealthy. Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, and hazelnut butter is loved by all and also good for all. As long as the nut butters don’t contain hydrogenated fat, you are good to go. But keep a check over the quantity.

Is it okay to eat peanut butter everyday?

I know it is hard to keep off your hands from the jar full this heavenly deliciousness. So here is a win-win condition…how about a very small portion now and then?

Is almond butter inflammatory?

It is actually the opposite.

Also, unblanched and unroasted nut butter is ideal as a great portion of the nutrition gets diffused while roasting or blanching them. Thus, always look for natural nut butter.

Where can you find 100% Natural Nut Butters?

In our quest to find delicious and healthy nut butters we realised that most of the products that we buy from the shelves have high levels of added sugars, fats and god knows what. Instead of the goodness and benefit from the nut, by consuming those products you might end up doing more harm to yourself than benefit.

When our creator’s frustrations level rose up, we asked him to design perfect nut butters minus all the artificial things that popular brands were adding to them. The results were awesome and now we have an array of delicious and healthy nut butter, right here at Masala Monk.

Dark Chocolate Almond Butter

The name itself gives it away. The goodness of almonds combined with all-natural cocoa powder makes for a perfect snacking partner. It has no added fats, colour enhancers or preservatives. Spread on pancakes, use as a topping or for baking, blend in shakes, pair with fruits, or just lick off a spoon.

Home-Made Cashew Nut Butter

Your gluten-free dessert partner! Be it on a well-toasted slice of bread, in your favourite smoothie bowl, on top of your favourite oatmeal, or your before gym snack, this cashew butter packs flavour and will tingle your taste buds with its nutty flavour.

100% Natural Almond Butter

Use it as a topping on oats, parfaits, or flavoured yoghurt. This KETO friendly, vegan and gluten-free nut butter is made using only one ingredient – almonds. There is no added sugar, no added oil and of course and no added preservatives. A jar full of just homemade love and nutrition.

Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

Made using just Turkish Hazelnuts and the best quality cocoa powder, this nut butter spread can be one of the most delicious healthy condiment you can add to your diet. With no added sugar, fat or preservative, this product is apt for KETO or vegan-friendly diet.

Chocolate Peanut Butter

The good old peanut butter with a chocolaty twist! Made keeping in mind chocolate lovers, this jar of deliciousness has all the goodness of peanut butter with just the added taste of chocolate. Spread it on a well-toasted slice of any bread, use it as a dessert sauce, spread on pancakes, cakes, and of course just pick a spoon and lick!

Peanut Butter

We all love peanut butter. But while some like it creamy, some like it chunky. We don’t want to disappoint any. Thus we have the option for both. This home churned stuff has a very simple ingredient – peanuts and nothing else. Blended to suit your preferred texture, this jar of peanut butter will take care of your health and taste both.

And did we tell you how good all of these actually taste? So go away and enjoy those nut butters while helping yourself build a better yourself.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Cows with VR sets – Coming soon to a farm near you

Well, we all need a good ambiance at our workplace for better performance. Don’t we? While we, modern humans, have very conveniently customized our surroundings according to our needs with the help of advanced technology, here is something not all of us could have thought of.

Instead of artificially inseminating cows before age and breaking the natural cycle, why not use modern technology to make the cows produce more milk? As much as it is painful for the animals, artificial insemination (AI) can also reduce the nutrition of cow milk.

But then RusMoloko, a dairy farm in Russia, came up with this unique idea of making a herd of cows wear VR and send them on a vacation. Researches have proved that dairy farms around the world with a calm atmosphere produces higher and better quality milk. Now, sending the cows overseas for a vacation is quite a task. Besides the cows look better with those VR glasses on!

That’s right, technology can do wonders, but innovation is the key. This dairy farm has been using VR glasses, designed specifically for these dairy cows to reduce their anxiety and enable them to relax into producing more milk.

Source : MOSCOW MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

Combining its years of experience in the dairy farming industry with modern technology, the team developed VR views in accordance with a cow’s vision. Did you know cows have a higher perception of the colour red but weaker tones of blue and green? Moreover, the virtual reality architects designed a unique program for simulating the feel of green summer fields within the cows. The cows are definitely in a happy place now, so are the animal right activist.

Now only time will tell how efficient and cruelty-free milk production would be using this and other technologies like these. Please do share your thoughts in the comments. Do share with friends who care.

Why do we care?

At Masala Monk, we believe not only in delivering the most unadulterated food products at your doorstep but also aim to eradicate the global issue of food additives. Cow milk is consumed by many, including a huge section of children and aged and if this VR project reaches success, it might reap interesting results.