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Why OATBARS are Amazing as a Snack or Breakfast!

oat bars on a tray

Hello, food lovers! 🍽️💕 Today, we’re diving into a delightful snack or breakfast recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at your next gathering. We’re talking about Oatbars, a snack that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also easy to make and packed with protein! This fantastic recipe comes from the YouTube channel Felu – Fit by Cooking, a wonderful resource for anyone looking for simple yet tasty meal ideas.

🍫 The Magic of Oatbars 🍽️

Oatbars are a snack that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the creamy richness of peanut butter and the sweet, chocolaty flavor of cocoa. The result is a snack that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s a versatile snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, from a quick breakfast to a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

🍽️ The Recipe: How to Make Oatbars 🍫

The recipe starts with 150g of rolled oats, which are preferred for their thicker and chewy texture. However, quick oats, which are softer and smaller, can also be used and will work perfectly fine.

Next, 30g of cocoa powder is added. You can use natural or Dutch cocoa, also known as baking cocoa. Dutch cocoa is a more processed version that removes the acidity and makes it sweeter and mild.

Then, 50g of creamy peanut butter is added. If you want to add more protein, you can also use the same amount of powdered peanuts, which has double the amount of protein.

Next, 60g of casein vanilla protein powder is added. If you don’t have casein, you can use a blend or pure whey protein. Just keep in mind that with whey protein, baked goods always get a bit drier than with casein or blends.

The last ingredient is a pinch of salt. Then, 150g of skimmed milk is added as a sweetener instead of sugar. The lactose in milk is quite sweet, so it’s perfect for this recipe.

The ingredients are mixed together until smooth and then cooked on low heat until thickened. The mixture is then transferred into a baking tin and baked in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 F for 25 minutes.

🍴 Enjoying Oatbars: Tips and Suggestions 🍽️

When enjoying Oatbars, here are a few tips and suggestions:

  • Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
  • This snack is best served chilled, so consider making it a day ahead and storing it in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Oatbars make a great snack for any time of the day. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

🎉 Join the Foodie Community! 🍽️

If you try this recipe or have other delicious recipes to share, join the vibrant and engaging food lovers community on Facebook. It’s a place where you can share your culinary experiments, discover new recipes, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts.

🙏 Credits 🙏

A big thank you to Felu – Fit by cooking for sharing this fantastic Oatbars recipe. Their channel is a treasure trove of delicious recipes that are easy to follow and absolutely delightful to taste : Felu – Fit by cooking on youtube.com

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The Perfect Pair: Harnessing the Power of Oatmeal and Peanut Butter for Effective Weight Loss and Enhanced Nutritional Value

Introduction 🚀

When it comes to supporting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet is key. Oatmeal and peanut butter are two versatile and nutritious ingredients that, when combined, can provide a powerhouse of benefits for your weight loss journey. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve deeper into the numerous advantages of incorporating oatmeal and peanut butter into your diet, explore their individual nutritional profiles, discuss their impact on satiety and energy levels, highlight their role in nutrient balance, and provide practical tips on how to maximize their weight loss potential.

The Benefits of Oatmeal 🌾

  1. Rich in Fiber: Oatmeal is a fiber-rich grain, primarily known for its soluble fiber content, which forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract. This soluble fiber helps slow down digestion, promotes feelings of fullness, and supports healthy bowel movements. By increasing satiety and aiding in digestion, oatmeal can be a valuable addition to your weight loss journey.
  2. Complex Carbohydrates: Oatmeal is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing a sustained release of energy. The slow digestion of these complex carbs prevents blood sugar spikes, helping to regulate appetite and maintain steady energy levels throughout the day. Stable energy levels can prevent cravings and provide the necessary fuel for physical activity.
  3. Nutrient-Dense: Oatmeal is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and B-vitamins. These nutrients support energy metabolism, contribute to a healthy nervous system, and play crucial roles in overall health and well-being.

The Benefits of Peanut Butter 🥜

  1. Healthy Fats: Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which have been associated with heart health and improved satiety. The combination of healthy fats and protein in peanut butter can help you feel fuller for longer, reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods.
  2. Protein Powerhouse: Peanut butter contains a significant amount of plant-based protein, making it a valuable addition to a weight loss diet. Protein helps promote feelings of fullness, supports muscle recovery and growth, and has a higher thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories during digestion.
  3. Vitamin and Mineral Content: Peanut butter contains important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Magnesium is involved in numerous enzymatic reactions in the body, contributing to energy production and metabolism. Potassium is essential for maintaining fluid balance and heart health.

Combining Oatmeal and Peanut Butter for Weight Loss Success 🥗💡

  1. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal: Start by cooking your oatmeal according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter until it melts and combines with the oatmeal. Top it off with sliced bananas for added natural sweetness and a boost of potassium. This combination provides a balance of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients to keep you satisfied and energized.
  2. Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter: Combine rolled oats, your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based), a tablespoon of peanut butter, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup in a jar. Mix well, seal the jar, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, give it a stir and enjoy creamy and ready-to-eat overnight oats that offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
  3. Peanut Butter Energy Bites with Oatmeal: In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, peanut butter, a touch of honey or agave syrup, and additional ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or dark chocolate chips. Form the mixture into bite-sized energy balls and refrigerate for a convenient and protein-packed snack. These energy bites provide a balanced combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, keeping you satisfied between meals and supporting your weight loss efforts.

Conclusion 🏁

Incorporating oatmeal and peanut butter into your weight loss journey can provide a multitude of benefits. Oatmeal’s fiber content promotes feelings of fullness and aids in digestion, while peanut butter’s healthy fats and protein contribute to satiety and overall nutrition. By combining these two ingredients in creative ways, such as in oatmeal breakfast bowls or energy bites, you can enjoy a satisfying, nutrient-dense, and weight-loss-friendly diet. Experiment with different recipes and variations to find your favorite combinations and maximize the benefits of this powerful duo.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.

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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.

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5 Food Items That Are Surprisingly Vegan

Go Vegan

For all the vegan monks out there, let’s add some masala to your platter! Turning vegan or being a vegan is no more a tasteless affair with Masala Monk’s array of products that shout ‘delicious’ in every possible form.  With the rising awareness on animal rights and global warming happening due to human consumption of animal meat, veganism is on the march, and even we jumped into the vegan wagon, but with a twist. We curate food products that are deliciously sinful, but not ethically. Moreover, the usage of fresh wholesome ingredients balances the nutrition missing in a vegan diet.

To be honest, all we had in mind was to help small vendors grow fresh products and deliver them directly to our customers post-processing. And in the process, we never realized we are contributing to the vegan world as well. With our unique creation of ‘vegan in a jar’ using fresh and exotic ingredients, we bet being vegan had never been this delicious and exciting.

Selecting a vegan dish is not an easy task as it involves a lot of research on whether every ingredient in the dish is vegan. But this blog will spice up your vegan lifestyle and make your animal-free eating simple and easy to maintain.

Vegan Spreads: In Masala Monk we care and respect the vegan diet and here we present to you a range of spreads to add flavour and nutrition to your daily breakfast. The unsweetened Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is just a raw mix of roasted hazelnuts and 100 per cent natural cocoa powder. Use it as a spread on a well-toasted slice of your favourite bread or use it as a dessert sauce and spread over pancakes and cakes, or just lick it like that. For a healthier version, check out Almond Butter, a jar full of nutrition and deliciousness. Or, how about Chocolate Peanut Butter for a change? The gooey peanut butter blended with the rich flavour of pure chocolate is the perfect product to say out loud, ‘vegan is not a tasteless diet’. But if you like the taste of classic peanut but, you get the option to choose how you like the texture of your peanut butter – chunky or smooth.

Oh, did you know that nuts are high on proteins! So go, spread the word that one need not be cruel to animals to suffice their protein intake. And with Masala Monk’s wide array of nut butters, protein intake for vegans just got delicious.

Jamun Relish: Paint your tongue purple and say hello to the new item in your vegan menu. This lip-smacking jam made out of fresh, juicy, plump jamuns, will make your vegan snacking more interesting. Dive into your fond childhood memories as you relish the sweet-sour fruit with a dash of green chilly. Available in a preserve able jar, pair it with your favourite snack and forget about boring vegan snacking.

A healthy tangy relish post monsoon

Ammiji’s Chai Masala: Hey chai can be vegan too! Just replace animal milk with any plant based milk of your choice and there you are ready to rock India’s favourite beverage. On that note, we have something to make the taste of your chai perfect. Our collection of Ammiji’s Chai Masala ranging from Immunity, Vitality, and Digestion can be easily used in your cup of vegan milk tea or black tea to enhance the flavour and nutrition. This homemade product, straight from Ammiji’s kitchen is an exotic blend of aromatic and nutritionally enriched spices to add the right flavour to the tea. You can even use this masala in your vegan cakes or pancakes or for that matter, use it in your nimbu paani as well and feel the burst of exotic flavours.

Imli Ka Amlana: This instant power mix is the best product for your on-the-go ‘sippy’. Completely plant-based, your favourite age-old Imli Ka Amlana is now available in an easy-to-take form. The blast of taste from dried raw pulp along with pepper, mint leaves, black salt and cardamom makes for great refreshment which helps in your digestion as well. Moreover, this product is a rich source of vitamin B, C, potassium, magnesium and loads of antioxidants which helps balance out the nutritional deficiencies of your vegan diet.

Imli ka Amlana by Masala Monk

Instant Thandai Powder: Nope, not making you cheat your diet here. But did ever you realize that vegans can also relish the delicious thandai, a Holi special Indian milk-based drink. With a variety of plant-based milk available in the market and with Masala Monk’s array of instant thandai powder, all you need to do is mix the both to enjoy the taste of real thandai and add some good dose of nutrition as well. Made with premium and exotic nuts, spices and dried fruits the product will not only cool you down but will also give your body the strength to fight the heat. Out of Kesar Pista Thandai Mix, Zero Sugar Thandai Powder, and Rose Thandai or Shardai Powder, select your favourite flavour or go for all of them and enjoy the taste of original thandai.

Orange and Whiskey Marmalade: Well, for all those who think vegan is boring, it is time to add some boozy twist to your diet. We have infused Jack Daniels and Jameson Irish whisky (which are 100 per cent vegan) in a jar full of Seville orange marmalade, a spoon full of which will make you go ‘oh so yum’.

Celebrating a year since this yummiliciousness happened