The Science of a Craving
There’s a reason you reach for something hot and flavourful when the skies turn grey. The drop in temperature and sunlight can lead to a dip in serotonin, our natural mood booster. Our bodies then crave carbohydrates and warm foods to regulate our temperature and lift
our spirits. The damp, humid air can also dull our senses of taste and smell, making us seek out stronger, spicier flavours. This is why that plate of pakoras or a bowl of steaming soup feels so intensely satisfying. It’s a combination of nostalgia, emotional comfort, and a genuine physiological response to the weather.
Nourishing Soups and Stews
Lentil soups, or dals, are a cornerstone of monsoon comfort. A simple bowl of masoor or moong dal soup, lightly tempered with cumin, ginger, and turmeric, is both easy to digest and incredibly nourishing. In South India, a peppery rasam provides warmth and helps clear congestion, while bele saaru from Karnataka offers a complex flavour profile with its toor dal base. Khichdi, the humble one-pot meal of rice and lentils, becomes a national favourite during this season. It’s light on the stomach, which is ideal as digestion can become sluggish in humid weather, and provides a sense of wholesome comfort that few other dishes can match.
The Irresistible Fried Delights
No monsoon experience is complete without a platter of freshly fried snacks. Pakoras, or bhajiyas, are the undisputed champions of the rainy season. Whether made with onions (kanda bhaji), potatoes, or paneer, these gram-flour fritters are perfectly crispy and best enjoyed with a zesty mint chutney and a cup of hot tea. Another beloved classic is the samosa, with its flaky pastry and spicy potato filling. In Mumbai, the Vada Pav—a spiced potato fritter in a soft bun—is the ultimate street food answer to a rainy day. These snacks offer a delightful textural contrast to the damp weather, providing a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavour.
Hearty Street-Style Meals
Beyond snacks, some heartier street-style meals also find a special place in the monsoon menu. Pav bhaji, a spicy mash of vegetables served with soft, buttery buns, is a go-to comfort dish. The rich, bold flavours of the bhaji are particularly welcome on a cool, rainy evening. Steamed momos, served with a fiery red chutney, offer a different kind of warmth that is equally satisfying. And you can’t forget roasted corn on the cob, or bhutta. Often sold on street corners, it’s charred over open flames and rubbed with lemon, salt, and chili powder, delivering a smoky, tangy, and spicy flavour that is quintessentially monsoon.
The Perfect Sip: Chai and More
The perfect companion to any monsoon meal or snack is a warm beverage. Masala chai, a spiced tea brewed with ginger, cardamom, and cloves, is a staple in almost every Indian household during this season. The warmth of the tea and the aromatic spices help to ward off the chill and can also aid digestion. For a healthier alternative that still provides comfort, many turn to herbal teas or a traditional kadha, an Ayurvedic concoction of herbs and spices like tulsi, black pepper, and cinnamon known for its immunity-boosting properties. These drinks are not just about hydration; they are an integral part of the ritual of enjoying the rain.
