Masala Corn Chaat
Nothing captures the essence of monsoon like roasted corn, or bhutta. An easier, and arguably less messy, version to make at home is the vibrant Masala Corn Chaat. It’s a delightful explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours that comes together in minutes.
All you need are boiled sweet corn kernels. Sauté them in a little butter for a minute or two until they are slightly toasted and aromatic. Transfer them to a bowl and toss with finely chopped onions and tomatoes, a pinch of red chilli powder, a generous sprinkle of chaat masala, and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with fresh coriander for a pop of colour and freshness. It’s a relatively healthy snack that is both light and satisfying, perfect for an evening treat.
Classic Vegetable Pakora
A rainy day feels incomplete without a plate of hot, crunchy pakoras. These deep-fried fritters are the ultimate comfort food and surprisingly easy to whip up. The batter is the star of the show: a simple mix of gram flour (besan), a pinch of turmeric, red chilli powder, salt, and water to form a thick, smooth paste. You can add a teaspoon of hot oil to the batter to make the pakoras extra crispy and less oily. The choice of vegetable is yours. Thinly sliced onions for the classic 'kanda bhaji', potato slices, spinach leaves, or even cauliflower florets work beautifully. Just dip your chosen vegetable in the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, and deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown and crisp. Serve them immediately with mint chutney or tomato ketchup for a truly nostalgic experience.
Quick Aloo Tikki
Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Aloo Tikki is a beloved street food across India. Making these savoury potato patties at home is a simple affair. Start with boiled, peeled, and mashed potatoes. To the mash, add a mix of spices for that authentic flavour: cumin powder, dry mango powder (amchoor) for tang, chaat masala, and a bit of red chilli powder. Finely chopped coriander and green chillies add a fresh, spicy kick. For a better bind, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornflour or breadcrumbs. Mix everything well, shape the mixture into flat, round patties, and shallow-fry them on a tawa or frying pan with a little oil until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides. Enjoy them as is or with a dollop of yoghurt and chutney.
Moong Dal Cheela
If you're looking for a healthier option that doesn't compromise on taste, the Moong Dal Cheela is an excellent choice. These savoury pancakes are packed with protein and are naturally gluten-free. The preparation starts by soaking yellow moong dal for a few hours. Once soft, grind it into a smooth batter, adding a little water, a piece of ginger, and a green chilli for flavour. To this batter, add salt, turmeric, and finely chopped coriander leaves. You can even stir in grated vegetables like carrots or finely chopped onions for extra nutrition. Heat a non-stick tawa, pour a ladleful of batter, and spread it into a thin circle like a dosa. Drizzle a little oil around the edges and cook until it's golden and crisp before flipping. Serve hot with green chutney for a wholesome and delicious snack.
Speedy Onion Poha
When hunger strikes and you need something fast, light, and comforting, Poha is the answer. Made from flattened rice, this classic Western Indian dish can be ready in under 15 minutes. Start by gently rinsing the poha in a colander and letting it drain; this softens it without making it mushy. In a pan, heat a little oil and temper it with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Add sliced onions and sauté until translucent. You can also add peanuts at this stage for extra crunch. Add the drained poha, turmeric powder for that lovely yellow hue, and salt. Mix everything gently until well combined and heat through for a couple of minutes. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a garnish of chopped coriander. It's a simple, wholesome snack that perfectly complements the cozy monsoon weather.
