Posted on Leave a comment

Love Non-Veg? 7 ways this pickle can save the day

Imagine a scenario where you have a kid who stays in a hostel – whatever might be the age – how do you ensure that your child gets better nutrition? Or if you are a grown kid who lives by yourself and manages your meals, then also achieving proper nutritional macros and doing it quickly is of top priority. Even if you are a parent and are responsible for your kids’ daily Tiffin Box, then also you should probably pay attention. And of course, consider who you consider kid, this should work if you are responsible for anyone’s Lunch or tiffin in the family as well.

Pickles have been a traditional part of the meals and you can see from our collection here, we have all kinds of them in-store, from most exotic to most mundane. But here this is particular one we are super excited about. Though our regular patrons can make a guess, however, this still is one of the pickles that not many know about. And it is so amazing that have listed down 7 ways, in which it can help you do so much more with your meals.

Yes, we are talking about Chicken Pickle. It is made using traditional recipes and it enjoys a shelf life of several months in almost all conditions, anywhere in the country. What that really means is that you can keep a jar handy and use the same as and when you want.

Here are 7 ways that kids – young and grown can use Chicken Pickle to get the most out of it – both taste as well as nutrition-wise.

  1. Lets get the usual off the list first – enjoy it with a parantha. Boring breakfast in hostel mess or office cafeteria? Well, just spice it up with couple of pieces of chicken from your own jar of Masala Monk Chicken Pickle and add some incredible spunk along with a little shot of proteins to your meal. Tip – It goes like a charm with humble aloo parantha, elevating it few levels.


  2. Lets talk about rice – be it a regional biryani or or simple pulao made at home – Masala Monk Chicken Pickle is always there to add that extra zing. Even if you have a plate of hot steamed rice, add some of the oil and spices from pickle to them along with a few chunks of course and let your hands do all the good work – you can thank me later. That’s said, finishing off your meal with curd rice, topped with some of Masala Monk’s Chicken Pickle takes the game to a whole new level.


  3. Lets talk about your favorite Instant Noodles. I know, I know we all have that favorite packed of noodles, however if you have ever been to South East Asia, you will realise how experimental they are with their noodles. So if you do not mind experimenting, then Masala Monk’s Chicken Pickle would go extremely well with Maggi, which I am sure your kids or grown kids in your lives will love. Adding some protien and flavor to it is not going to hurt anyone. Just saying. So yes, Masala Monk Chicken Pickle can be enjoyed as a side condiment after your Maggi noodles are cooked or you can just add the chunks and spices while cooking the same. Tip – patrons with kids in hostels – focus.

  4. Chicken achari Sandwich? Singles and Bachelors amongst us would know how many times a sandwich comes to save our lives. This pickle is highly recommended if you like your sandwiches to be grilled and are a fan of that mustardy zing. You can get really experimental with what combinations you can try, with Chicken Pickle, to fill and grill in the sandwich.


  5. Achari Chicken Pizza – hehe! the world has topped pizza with so many types of curated meats and toppings – well here is our contribution and twist to the same. Make a pizza in the way you usually would – top with chunks of Chicken Pickle, lets some of that Masala and Oil flow and see the magic happen.


  6. Ahem Chakna Ahem anyone 😛 – You get the trip, beer, whiskey, vodka or gin – a pinch of pickle works so well as a chakna – amuse bouche or palate cleanser if you prefer that kind of parlance – but you get the drift – it does work really well.


  7. Like to keep it simple? Life is good and god has blessed you with dal, subzi and roti on your plate. Though most of the times it makes up for a soulful meal however there are times when we need that little extra. Ofcourse there are so many other vegetarian pickles to help you do that – but having a non-veg pickle has its own charm – the flavor is gonna add so much more to the entire meal and give it a feeling of a feast.

It makes for an excellent gift to anyone who is a non-vegetarian and appreciates good food. Gift them a jar or a few of Masala Monk Chicken Pickle and see them jump with joy. It is an item that is not available on the shelf next door and would give the receiver would feel the thought and effort that would have gone behind the gift.

In the lap of Himalayas

By the way, the jar of Masala Monk Chicken Pickle might sound slightly on the expensive side, but it is probably still cheaper than a portion of butter chicken you would get delivered from a decent restaurant – and the pickle is definitely more exotic and longer-lasting. Besides that, the pickle is actually made using premium breast cuts of Himalayan Chickens which are bred in far better conditions than the chicken you will usually find next door. The pickle is made in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh and is part of our endeavor to support local women and farmers in the area. So when you arrive e buying a jar, it is directly getting shipped from a home in Himachal Pradesh and you are making a direct contribution to a lot of lives in the Valley.

Thakur and Verma at Work!

Posted on Leave a comment

Pickle it Right: Are you storing it well?

MM_Blog_Pickleitright

Shakespeare contributed most of the phrases and metaphors to the English literature which is commonly used in our daily life all across the globe. His artistic freedom authorized him to introduce many more idioms and adjectives to the language, just like the roadside Dhabha wala bhaiya loads my plate of Rajma Chawal with chopped onions, green chillies, and a variety of vegetable pickles.

In 16th century, he peppered his plays “The tempest” with a phrase:

TRINCULO:
I have been in such a pickle since I saw you last that,
I fear me, will never out of my bones:
I shall not fear fly-blowing.

I wondered what pickle he was eating that made him pen down this statement and the following conclusion, because I am sure if he had tasted an Indian pickle (Achar), his tide would have turned.

Personally, dreaming about “Achar” fills me with a euphoric feeling. It takes me back to my childhood summer visits to my grandmother’s kitchen, which had lined up big glass jars, filled with mangoes pieces soaked in spices and mustard oil, covered with cotton cloth, and soaked in the bright summer sun. These mango pickles were then packed in airtight jars. A carefully prepared procedure of do’s and don’ts was followed so that these delicious pickles can last as long as possible while retaining its true taste. (And of course, she used to add a ton of love too).

In India, three main types of pickling techniques are practiced. These are preserving in oil, vinegar, or saltwater brine, out of which the oil recipe is most commonly practiced. As these recipes have passed on from generations, so here comes the real question “Are we storing our pickles in the right way?” “Do you think you are the deserving heir of your family pickling techniques?” or “Are you ready to pass your family traditional pickling technique to your kids?

As most of the ingredients used in Indian pickles are natural preservatives, the amount and ways to use those preservatives play an important role while storing these pickles. Here are some tips straight from my grandmother’s diary which will help you to store your pickle like a pro!

  • While using oil as a preservative, you should always dry the fruits, vegetables or berries after slicing so that it releases all its moisture
  • Each slice of a pickle should be soaking in oil, which will prevent it from future air contact. You can ensure this by shaking the jar after filling
  • Always store your pickle in ceramic or glass jars
  • Make sure that your pickle jar is washed, dried, cleaned, and sterilized properly
  • Make sure you fill the jar to the brim and leave no space for air
  • Before closing the jar lid, place a makhmal/cotton cloth on the jar top. This further soaks any left out moisture inside
  • Occasionally, it’s recommended to keep your pickle jars in the sun for a few hours
  • Always use a dry stainless steel spoon to mix or to serve
  • Always store the jar in a cool and dry place
  • In case of pickles preserved in vinegar, avoid using metal lids
  • Add a desi delight to your Indian meal
  • karonda mirchi pickle Masala Monk
  • Homemade Kamrakh ka Achar
  • Homemade Tattaiya Chilli Pickle
  • Winter Special - Red Radish Pickle

As I dig into ancient Egyptian history and English literature, Cleopatra attributed her good looks to a hearty diet of pickles, but not to forget it was not just the good looks that made her the queen of the Nile. She was a great philosopher, mathematician, astronomer and knew a dozen of languages that made her so desirable. Pickle is like Cleopatra. It cannot be defined by just its taste and tanginess, it also carries a ton of healthy bacteria, along with a range of essential minerals & vitamins like B12, which helps in food digestion and provides antioxidants for the body. So why to regret tempting and drooling over a good jar of homemade pickle? Our love for anything in this universe isn’t supposed to be easy. But it should be worth it, so is making, storing & having a tasty pickle.

Before you enter your next pickle binge, do keep in mind that pickles have high levels of sodium and fats. Gorging it can cause an increase in body cholesterol level. So in order to keep enjoying your pickle, “eat your pickle like a pickle so you don’t end in a pickle”.

Posted on Leave a comment

How to receive deliveries in Covid19 outbreak?

As you know we have started with special deliveries in Lockdown and are catering to Delhi and Gurgaon – after listening to numerous patrons we introduced a few items and a Stay at Home Menu you help you stay and inside and maintain some sanity and happiness while doing so.

Our boys are trained in zero contact delivery and are approved by the government for deliveries in lockdown – they use gloves, masks, etc – you do not have to go near them and they will keep the pack where ever you want them to – keeping a distance of course.

You get the package, sanitize the outer bag – remove the main Tub / Jar from the bag – sanitize it and let it sit for a while – wash your hands thoroughly wait for some time, chill the tub and then enjoy it. You can use these precautions and processes not only for Masala Monk products but for all kinds of deliveries edible or otherwise that you receive at your home.

Homes, where items are made, are cleaned several times a day and people wear hairnets, gloves, masks, aprons, etc while preparing the food. 🙂

So stay at home, stay healthy and order away from our Stay At Home Menu or simply from the Desserts/Cakes section and keep celebrating the lids.

Posted on Leave a comment

5 reasons Gulkand deserves to be in your daily diet

sun-cooked preserve of Damask rose petals.

Did you know that gulkand acts like a wine! No, not in giving you a buzz, but that like wine, it also gets better as it ages. A favourite among the ancient Indo-Persians, gulkand brings in the aura along with its essence. Used in several gastronomies these days, gulkand also works as a mouth-freshener and is thus consumed with paan. But the most important part about gulkand is that more than a delicacy, it is a natural healer…if consumed properly in the right quantity and with the right ingredient.

To read our detailed and latest post on Gulkand, please Click Here.

So here is a pro tip, to get the best benefit of gulkand, mix a spoon or two with a glass of milk and relish it regularly. Or, if you are in the mood of whipping a glass full of thandai, mix gulkand with cold milk and thandai mix.

Now the question is why would you bother to incorporate the habit of drinking a glass of gulkand mixed milk regularly? Apart from the fact that it tastes delicious, here is why:

  • It acts as a natural coolant: Gulkand when used in desserts, create a lip-smacking flavour that not only soothes your sweet-tooth but also cools your entire system. It helps to cool off the body from the scorching heat during the summers. Thus, gulkand + milk= solution for all heat-related issues such as fatigue, laziness, burning, stomachaches, mouth ulcers, headaches, nose bleeding, sunstroke, redness and inflammation of the eyes, or body pain.
  • A great dose of calcium: Gulkand when mixed with milk, can fulfil your body’s daily calcium quota. This helps treat and make teeth and gums strong and fight women problems like leucorrhea and heavy menses.
  • It acts as a digestive stimulant: This is a great cure for any digestive issue. It improves body metabolism appetite, thus keeping you fit. Also, gulkand, when consumed with milk, reduces acidity, constipation, peptic ulcer, and gastritis, keeping your intestine away from ulcers and swelling.
  • Great stress buster: Gulkand mixed with milk at night is medicine for sound sleep as well. It keeps the heart and nervous system under control, reducing stress.
  • Get a flawless skin: This rose jam when consumed with milk purifies your blood and can bring a rosy glow to your skin by reducing pimples, acne, redness, rash, inflammation, itching and blemishes.

Well, now since you know that gulkand is not just for taste, but also for nutrition, let me also tell you that the best benefits of gulkand can only be derived from a quality product, free of any kind of adulteration. So, at Masala Monk, we have curated this homemade Gulabo to help you get gulkand in its purest form.

To read our detailed and latest post on Gulkand, please Click Here.

An often asked question is – Does Gulkand increase Weight? Well I think with some confidence we can say – No Gulkand does not increase weight, given that you stick to a teaspoon or two a day. If you are having 2 teaspoons a day, you essentially would be consuming 1 Teaspoon of sugar, you can always count in that your Macros and Calorie intake and plan accordingly. We know it is delicious and as tasty tempted as you might be, eating the whole jar at once is highly NOT recommended.

Posted on 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