Tag: desserts

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7 Secrets Benefits of Eating Cardamom

The sweet, intense flavored spice that originated in India has made its way to sweet and savory dishes all across the globe. Much more than rendering a peculiar flavor, cardamom comes with immense health benefits.

Cardamom found its roots from India. It was an essential part of the ancient ayurvedic medicine system. Since then, it is a well-known home remedy to get rid of flu and common cold. Cardamom is naturally rich in a phytochemical “Cineole” that is responsible for its secret health benefits. An important antiseptic, cardamom renders an antimicrobial effect on the body along with many others.

Please do have a look at our wide variety of products prepared using Cardamom:

Ammiji’s Chai Masala
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Imli Ka Amlana
Butterscotch and Cashew Thandai
Kesar Pista Thandai Powder
Rose Thandai or Shardai Powder
Zero Sugar Thandai Powder
Guava Atoms
Calcutta Paan~ Homemade Calcutta Style Dry Paan
Delhi Chocolate Paan – Homemade Chocolate Dry Paan
Nani Maa’s Meethi Saunth
Khajur Or Dates Pickle – Sweet & Sour
 Anardana Atoms – Homemade Churan Goli

Cardamom flower seed
Dry cardamom

Here are 7 secrets to eating the cardamom, a superfood that comes with magical health benefits that will blow your mind:

1. Lowering Blood Pressure

Cardamom have shown its positive effects to combat high blood pressure. In a recent study, 20 adults who had been diagnosed with high blood pressure were asked to include cardamom in their diet. After 12 weeks, there was a drop in the blood pressure numbers within the normal ranges. Cardamom is naturally very high in antioxidants and this blood pressure-lowering effect was studied to be the result of that. By the end of the study, the antioxidant status of the patients had subsequently increased, further proving the effect.
Moreover, cardamom has a natural diuretic effect as well which is also the reason for lowering blood pressure.

2. Helps in Fighting Cancer

Cardamom contains compounds that help in combating cancer. A study showed that cardamom powder naturally hypes up the activity of enzymes that help in fighting cancers. A study was carried out on the mice in which they were exposed to a compound that can cause skin cancer and then given 500 grams of cardamom/kg weight of the mice every day. After 12 weeks, only 29% of the exposed mice developed cancer. However, human research is yet to be done.

3. Helps in Combating Digestive Problems

Using cardamom to aid in digestion has been a practice dating back thousands of years. Research has shown the ability of cardamom’s anti-ulcer effect. A study was carried out on rats that showed cardamom extract prevents and reduces the size of gastric ulcers by as much as 50%.

Please do have a look at our wide variety of products prepared using Cardamom:

Ammiji’s Chai Masala
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Imli Ka Amlana
Butterscotch and Cashew Thandai
Kesar Pista Thandai Powder
Rose Thandai or Shardai Powder
Zero Sugar Thandai Powder
Guava Atoms
Calcutta Paan~ Homemade Calcutta Style Dry Paan
Delhi Chocolate Paan – Homemade Chocolate Dry Paan
Nani Maa’s Meethi Saunth
Khajur Or Dates Pickle – Sweet & Sour
 Anardana Atoms – Homemade Churan Goli

4. Prevents Chronic Diseases

Cardamom is rich in providing natural anti-inflammatory effect. Inflammation in our body results from multiple factors and when prolonged leads to several chronic diseases. A study has shown that antioxidants found in the cardamom protect the cells against cell damage and also stop inflammation.

5. Improves Oral Health

Since ancient times, cardamom helps to improve oral health and bad breath. It is a common practice to eat cardamom after meals to freshen up the breath and mouth. Cardamom has an antibacterial effect and can fight up to five bacteria that can cause dental cavities. The minty effect of cardamom is also because of this antibacterial effect.

6. Prevents Against Infections

The anti-bacterial effect of cardamom is not only limited to oral health. Instead, research has proven that the extracts and essential oils found in the cardamom help in fighting various common strains of bacteria. From fighting fungal infections to fighting bacteria causing stomach inflammation, cardamom does it all.

Dry green cardamom
Dry black cardamom

7. Improves Breathing and Oxygen Supply

A surprising benefit of cardamom is that it helps in improving airflow to the lungs as well as improving breathing. Often used in Aromatherapy, cardamom increases the body’s ability to use oxygen more efficiently during any physical activity. In a study conducted, in which the participants were appeal to inhale the cardamom essential oil before hopping on the treadmill. Results showed that the participants who inhaled the oil had a high oxygen uptake as compared to those who didn’t. Cardamom has a relaxing effect on the airway that also plays its role in improving breathing and oxygen uptake.

Key Takeaway:

With so many immense benefits of cardamom, you have got every reason to include this ancient remedy in your daily diet. The best part about cardamom is you can add it to a variety of dishes as well as drinks to gain health benefits from this amazing superfood gifted by mother nature.

Read 4 Benefits of Cinnamon for Weight Loss, click here

For 7 Benefits of Mustard Oil, click here

5 Benefits of Jaggery for Skin, click here

For videos related to Health and Wellness, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
Masala Monk – The Gourmet Store

Please do have a look at our wide variety of products prepared using Cardamom:

Ammiji’s Chai Masala
Almond and Dates Milk Mix
Imli Ka Amlana
Butterscotch and Cashew Thandai
Kesar Pista Thandai Powder
Rose Thandai or Shardai Powder
Zero Sugar Thandai Powder
Guava Atoms
Calcutta Paan~ Homemade Calcutta Style Dry Paan
Delhi Chocolate Paan – Homemade Chocolate Dry Paan
Nani Maa’s Meethi Saunth
Khajur Or Dates Pickle – Sweet & Sour
 Anardana Atoms – Homemade Churan Goli

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Top 5 Benefits of Sesame Seeds

Seeds are one of the smallest superfoods available on the planet. They are rich in fiber, fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and are super tasty, and nutritious. They are quite versatile to use and can incorporate into the everyday diet in various ways. Apart from various seeds available in the market, one such powerhouse of nutrients is the sesame seeds.

Sesame seeds are one of the oldest, domesticated oilseed crops which is small, hard, round in shape. They are extracted from the sesame plant which belongs to the genus Sesamum. It is a flowering plant, which is cultivated across the tropical regions for its edible seeds. They have a nutty flavor and are known to make famous tahini paste in the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

Please do have a look at our products prepared using Sesame seed:

Idli Podi/ Milagai Podi – Homemade Spices and Sesame Podi

Sesame seeds
Golden, White & Black Sesame Seeds

There are 3 common types of sesame seeds are found across the world: Golden/brown, white, and black sesame seeds. As people have been growing them for years and it has been a very common ingredient in various cuisine worldwide. Let’s get to know the 6 major health benefits these tiny superfoods offer if we incorporate them in our daily meals:

1. Moisturizes skin & prevents aging

The fats compounds found in the sesame seeds help to lock moisture into the skin by keeping it soft and hydrated. The presence of vitamin B2, vitamin E, and zinc compounds in sesame seed oil prevents acne and intercepts premature aging by protecting the skin from UV rays respectively. The antioxidant in the oil helps to even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation over time which reduces the appearance of dark spots, freckles, and other blemishes.

2. Sesame seeds for weight loss

Sesame seeds are an excellent source of fiber. As 100gms of sesame seeds contain 8gms of fiber which keeps you full for a longer duration, thus stopping you from grabbing onto snacks between the meals. Fiber also maintains the flow of sugar and fat into the bloodstream and makes you feel less hungry.
They are also high on protein, which increases the body’s metabolism and restrains hunger by avoiding excessive calorie intake.

Please do have a look at our products prepared using Sesame seed:

Idli Podi/ Milagai Podi – Homemade Spices and Sesame Podi

3. Promote hair growth & reduces dandruff

The antibacterial and antioxidant properties found in sesame oil help fight off bacteria that irritate or inflame the hair follicles and reduce dandruff by killing the fungus which causes them.
Vitamin B1 found in sesame oil promotes hair growth by stimulating cell metabolism and blood flow to the scalp. It also provides the hair strands with the essential nutrients to grow long, shiny, and strong hair. The proteins found in sesame seed oil help your hair stay moisturized so that they are less likely to fly out of place. The presence of vitamin B6 in sesame oil prevents hair loss.

4. Lowers cholesterol level

The Lignan compound found in sesame seeds helps the body to release more fat-burning liver enzymes (bile acid). It decreases fat metabolism and hinders the formation and absorption of body cholesterol. These seeds are also rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats which are healthy fat and reduce heart disease risk.

5. Reduces morning sickness during pregnancy

The presence of nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin B3, copper, iron, etc. in sesame seeds is crucial for pregnant women. The intake of sesame seed keeps the mom healthy helps in the baby’s bone and brain development. It also reduces morning sickness by preventing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Prevents anemia, low birth weight and reduces the risk of gestational diabetes which can lead to preterm birth. The fatty acids found in these seeds are responsible for fetal brain development in the unborn child.

Baked buns topped with sesame seeds
Sesame seeds on baked breads
Bagel garnished with sesame seeds

Summary

Sesame seeds are a good source of healthy fats, containing both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. The seeds are also very high in many essential nutrients, including copper, manganese, calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus – just to name a few. With so much to offer in terms of health and nutrition, start today by cooking your meals in sesame seed oil, or just sprinkle them on your morning salad, smoothies, oatmeal, etc. You can also use sesame seed as a topping to garnish your bagel, burger, bread, etc.

Continue reading Top 5 Benefits of Sesame Seeds
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Top 5 Gulab Jamun Recipes on Internet

MM Blog_Gulab Jamun

In Indian culinary culture, a festival, or celebration, or even a small family dinner/meal is incomplete without sweets. A traditional Indian sweet dish holds that charm to make most of us go weak on our knees. If Indians are asked to pick one of their favorite sweet dishes, the dessert that will top the list and be picked by many will be “Gulab Jamun” – the fried milk-solid balls soaked in sugar syrup. It is irreplaceable, adds sweetness and soul to celebrations be it birthdays or marriage ceremonies. No one is ever too full for these sweet delicious delights.

Gulab Jamun lay its origin in Persia and the Mediterranean. But it was the Mughal who brought this dessert to India during the reign of Babur in the 16th century. The word “Gulab jamun” is derived from the Persian word ‘gol (flower)’ and ‘ab (water)’ which referred to rose water-scented syrup. The other word ‘Jamun’ is a dark purple Indian fruit/berry. It is commonly known as ‘Black Plum’ which is almost of the same shape and size.

Being served hot during winters and top it up with kulfi during summer Gulab Jamun has finds its way to reach everyone’s plate. But do you know that the delicious these sugar syrup balls are, the easier it is to make them at your home? Yes, you can make them in your kitchen in no time.

Let’s dive into the top 5 quick, easy and tasty recipes on the internet to make Gulab jamun at home. Also, keeping in mind your busy lifestyle, all the recipes listed below describe the stepwise process to make Gulab Jamun with Khoya as well as with milk powder.

  1. Swasthi’s Recipes

Swasthi recipes shares both the ways of making Gulab Jamun. Preparing it in an old traditional way with khoya, and with milk powder. If you do not want to toil up in the process of long making khoya at home just use milk powder instead. About the preparation of sugar syrup, Swasthi’s recipe kept it simple by adding just sugar and cardamom. It provides just the perfect flavor to the milk solid fried balls.

Image: Swasthi’s recipe
  1. Dassana’s Veg Recipes

Dassana’s veg recipes, process of making Gulab jamun is different and interesting. They add grated paneer, fine Rava (semolina) and cardamom powder to the khoya while kneading the dough. They also add some rose water to the sugar syrup to provide a delightful fragrance and flavor to it.

Dassana's recipe
Image: Dassana’s recipe
  1. Hebbar’s Kitchen

Hebber’s kitchen recipe talks about the preparation of Gulab jamun with milk powder. They add desi ghee and milk to the flour while kneading the dough. Adding ghee and milk to the flour keeps the dough moist and helps in making round smooth balls. Hebber’s kitchen recipe makes the sugar syrup more relishing by adding sugar, cardamom, rose water and few strands of saffron to it. All these ingredients provides the perfect flavor and fragrance to it. They also add lemon juice to the sugar syrup to prevent it from crystallizing.

Image: Hebber’s kitchen
  1. Food Viva

Food Viva also lists both the ways of making Gulab Jamun, with khoya and with milk powder. Also, they drench their soft, spongy balls in delicately flavored sugar syrup prepared from sugar, cardamom, rose water, and few strands of saffron.

Image: Foodviva
  1. NDTV Food

NDTV food keeps it simple to make the dough. They prepare the milk solid balls by mixing khoya, Maida, and baking soda. Regarding sugar syrup, they adds sugar, milk, cardamom seeds, and powder with few strands of saffron to it. The ingredients above fills the milk solid balls with perfect sweetness and fragrance.

Image: NDTV Foods

All the above-listed recipes are easy, quick, and simple to make at home in no time with basic ingredients. And, if you still get stuck somewhere in these recipes most of them have already provided the FAQs, Pro-tips, and do’s & don’ts to follow.

Why wait for a celebration or occasion to dive into the sweetness of Gulab Jamun. Just choose your favorite recipe to prepare at home and serve it hot at your dinner table. So, what are you waiting for, let you and your loved ones delve into this culinary masterpiece and relish the sweetness and goodness of Gulab jamun.

Check out our more Blogs on:

7 Benefits of Almonds during Pregnancy, click here

Benefits of Almonds, click here

For Benefits of Gulkand during Pregnancy, click here

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This Mother’s Day Melt Your Mom’s Heart

If we were to look for the best example of the word ‘constant,’ it has to be ‘mother.’ Mothers are our best friends and the ones we can count on, no matter what. They stand as a pillar of strength for the family and are always special to us. Be it mother, mother-in-law, or grandmother, to celebrate motherhood, the entire world comes together on Mother’s Day.

Though this year, with the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a massive tension globally, that should not stop us from celebrating this super special day. With limited options to do something special for your mother at this time of crisis, how about surprising her with a sweet gesture?

Remember those days when she made your favorite dessert or baked the most delicious cakes for your special days? Well, the secret to that was homemade love and now it’s your turn to make her feel the same. To make it a little easier for you, we have come up with a wide variety of Mother’s Day cake tubs which are completely homemade and prepared using the premium quality of ingredients. Choose your mom’s favorite cake from our array of yummy treats in the Lockdown menu.

These blissfully divine cake tubs are heavenly rich, creamy, soft, spongy and will definitely bring that smile on her face and make her feel loved. We know that your mother means the world to you and what better than these delicious, mouth-melting, and fresh cake tubs to convey your gratitude?

Shipping all over Delhi & Gurgaon, you can see our complete range by when you Click Here

Blueberry Cheese Cake – Tap on the image to know more.
Red Velvet Cake in a Tub – Tap on the image to know more.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cake – Tap on the image to know more.
Banoffee Pie in a Tub : Tap on the image to know more.
Cheesecake Topped with Fresh Mangoes : Tap on the image to know more.

Shipping all over Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad & Ghaziabad you can see our complete range by when you Click Here

For more information please email us on order.MasalaMonk@gmail.com or send us a message on Facebook Messenger.

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Father’s Day Special – Sweet Gratitude for your Father’s Selfless Love

Masala Monk Fathers day stickers

Every father deserves one for every time he covered for your innocent mistakes, he deserves one for encouraging you every time you were about to give up, he deserves one for every small thing he did for you without even being noticed. Father’s day is around the corner and you just got another reason to express your gratitude to your father for all the thankless job he had been doing since days you don’t even remember about.

Fathers day Special cakes Masala monk

Though this year, with the outbreak of COVID-19, there has been a massive tension globally, that should not stop us from celebrating this super special day. With limited options to do something special for your fathers at this time of crisis, how about surprising him with a sweet gesture?

To place your orders for fathers day – just mention ‘For Father’s Day’ in order notes while ordering – all orders with that written are going to be delivered on Father’s day and with special stickers on the cake tubs.

What better than starting this special day with a box full of happiness, made of sweet delicacies. Choose your dad’s favourite flavour(s) from Masala Monk’s special range of homemade cake tubs and surprise him on this father’s day.

Banoffee pie cake tub

banoffee pie Fathers day Campaign Masala Monk-min
Does daddy have a Sweet Tooth? Well, our Banoffee Pie is going to charm him for sure.

Mango cheesecake tub

mango Fathers day Campaign Masala Monk-min
Favourite Dessert of your Favourite Fruit…

 Blueberry cheesecake tub

blueberry Fathers day Campaign Masala Monk-min
Blueberries on a Cheesecake – a classic that always works.

Red velvet cake tub

red velvet Fathers day Campaign Masala Monk-min

Chocolate hazelnut cake tub

Chocolate Hazelnut Fathers day Campaign Masala Monk-min
Chocolate Hazelnut cake : Because, even Dad’s love Chocolate.

Cherry and Roasted Almond Cheesecake

cherry cake in a tub Fathers day Campaign Masala Monk-min
Cherry Cheesecake is definitely going make your Dad smile 🙂

Made with utmost hygienic concerns and best quality ingredients, a tub or two of the heavenly rich, creamy, soft, spongy cake can be an instant mood lifter and is sure to make your father feel special. Every bite of the freshly homemade cakes is filled with tons of love and natural flavours, soothing enough to convey your personalised father’s day message.

Shipping all over Delhi & Gurgaon, you can see our complete range by when you Click Here

To place your orders for fathers day – just mention ‘For Father’s Day’ in order notes while ordering – all orders with that written are going to be delivered on Father’s day and with special stickers on the cake tubs.

fathers day cakes in a jar
Masala Monk Fathers day campaign


To place your orders for fathers day – just mention ‘For Father’s Day’ in order notes while ordering – all orders with that written are going to be delivered on Father’s day and with special stickers on the cake tubs.

For more information please email us on order.MasalaMonk@gmail.com or send us a message on Facebook Messenger.