Warm Lentil Soup (Dal Shorba)
A steaming bowl of soup is the ultimate monsoon comfort. Dal shorba, a simple Indian-spiced lentil soup, is both nourishing and incredibly easy to make. It's packed with protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. For a simple version, pressure
cook yellow moong dal until soft. In a separate pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee or oil, and sauté finely chopped ginger and garlic until fragrant. Pour in the mashed dal, add water to reach your desired consistency, and season with salt, turmeric, and black pepper. A final squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavour. This warm, light soup is great for digestion and helps keep you warm from the inside out.
Steamed Moong Dal Dhokla
Instead of fried snacks that can feel heavy, try a light, spongy, and savoury steamed cake. Moong Dal Dhokla is a classic Gujarati snack that's perfect for the season. Made from a batter of soaked moong dal (yellow lentils), it's easy to digest and a great source of protein. To make it, grind soaked moong dal with ginger and green chillies into a smooth batter. For a quick, no-fermentation version, you can add a pinch of fruit salt (eno) just before steaming to make the dhoklas fluffy. Steam the batter for 15-20 minutes until a knife inserted comes out clean. A simple tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves poured over the top completes this healthy treat.
Baked or Air-Fried Pakoras
No monsoon is complete without pakoras, but they don't have to be drenched in oil. Baking or air-frying your favourite fritters is a fantastic way to cut down on fat without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. You can make a batter with besan (chickpea flour) and add your choice of vegetables like onions, spinach, or grated cauliflower. Instead of deep-frying, simply place spoonfuls of the batter on a baking sheet and bake at a high temperature (around 200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or use an air fryer. They come out surprisingly crispy and are much lighter on the stomach, letting you enjoy this quintessential rainy-day snack without the guilt.
Roasted Corn on the Cob (Bhutta)
The smoky aroma of roasted bhutta is synonymous with rainy days in India. This street-food classic is one of the healthiest and simplest snacks you can make at home. Roasting corn on an open gas flame gives it that signature charred flavour. It takes just about 10 minutes. Once roasted, rub it with a slice of lemon dipped in a mix of salt and chaat masala. This iconic monsoon food is not only delicious but also rich in fibre. It's a far safer and healthier option than buying it from street vendors, where ingredients might be exposed to the elements.
Spiced Immunity-Boosting Tea
Sometimes, the most comforting thing is a warm beverage. During the monsoon, when the risk of colds and flu increases, a spiced tea can be both a treat and an immunity booster. Masala chai is a classic, but you can also make a simple infusion. Boil water and add freshly grated ginger, a few crushed peppercorns, and a stick of cinnamon. Let it simmer for a few minutes. You can add a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon for extra flavour and vitamin C. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight infections and soothe a sore throat, making this the perfect companion for a cozy evening indoors.
