Reimagined Pakoras: Baked or Air-Fried
The quintessential monsoon snack, pakoras are an irresistible classic. However, their deep-fried nature can make them a heavy choice. The simple solution is to change your cooking method. Instead of deep-frying, try baking or using an air fryer. For baked
pakoras, preheat your oven to 200°C, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and arrange your pakoras on it. A light spray of oil helps them crisp up beautifully. The same principle applies to an air fryer, which circulates hot air to achieve that signature crunch with significantly less oil. You can use your standard besan (chickpea flour) batter, packed with vegetables like onion, spinach, and potato. For an even healthier twist, consider mixing in other flours like rice flour for extra crispiness or oats for added fibre.
The Smarter Samosa: Baked with Whole Wheat
A hot, crisp samosa with a cup of chai is a match made in monsoon heaven. To give this beloved snack a healthy makeover, two key changes make all the difference: the pastry and the cooking method. Swap out the traditional maida (all-purpose flour) for whole wheat flour (atta) when making the dough. You can also make a dough using a mix of flour, yogurt, and a little oil to keep it soft. For the filling, stick to the classic spiced potato and pea mixture, but consider adding other vegetables like carrots or paneer for extra nutrients. Instead of heading for the kadai of hot oil, bake these samosas in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and crisp. This drastically cuts down the fat content without sacrificing the comforting experience.
Classic Bhutta, Without the Guilt
Roasted or boiled corn on the cob, or bhutta, is already one of the healthier monsoon street-side snacks. It's naturally high in fibre and a good source of energy. The comfort is in its simplicity and earthy flavour. The trick to keeping it low-calorie lies in the toppings. Instead of slathering it with butter, opt for a generous squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of black salt (kala namak), and a dash of chaat masala and red chilli powder. This classic combination enhances the corn's natural sweetness with tangy and spicy notes, delivering all the flavour without the added fat.
A Lighter Cup of Masala Chai
Monsoon evenings feel incomplete without a warm, aromatic cup of masala chai. While the spices like ginger, cardamom, and cloves are inherently healthy, the sugar and full-fat milk can add up in calories. For a lighter brew, switch from refined sugar to natural sweeteners like stevia, or use a small amount of jaggery for its mineral content—just be mindful of the quantity. You can also opt for skim or low-fat milk to reduce the overall calorie count. Another option is to brew a stronger spice-and-tea decoction and use less milk, which maintains the robust flavour while keeping the drink light.
Hearty Soups: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
When you crave warmth and comfort, a bowl of soup can be more satisfying and nutritious than a plate of fried snacks. Soups are hydrating and easy to digest, which is beneficial during the monsoon when digestion can be sluggish. A simple, tangy tomato shorba, rich in Vitamin C, can be prepared in minutes and helps boost immunity. For a protein-packed option, a dal shorba made from lentils like masoor or moong dal is both filling and nourishing. These Indian-style soups use warming spices like cumin, ginger, and black pepper that are perfect for the rainy weather and offer a comforting hug in a bowl.
