Crispy Millet and Vegetable Pakoras
Pakoras are a quintessential monsoon snack, and giving them a millet-makeover makes them even better. By replacing some of the gram flour (besan) with ragi (finger millet) or bajra (pearl millet) flour, you get a crispier texture and an earthy flavour.
Millets are rich in fibre and essential minerals, making these pakoras easier to digest. Simply mix your choice of millet flour with besan, add thinly sliced onions, spinach, and green chillies, along with spices like carom seeds and turmeric. Instead of deep-frying, you can pan-fry or air-fry these fritters until golden brown for a healthier indulgence that pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of chai.
Warm and Savoury Millet Khichdi
For those days when the rain makes you crave a warm, comforting bowl of food, a savoury millet khichdi is the perfect answer. This one-pot meal is both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. You can use foxtail millet or bajra, cooking it with moong dal, a pinch of turmeric, and finely chopped vegetables like carrots and peas. A tempering of ghee, cumin seeds, ginger, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) poured over the cooked khichdi elevates its flavour. This dish is not only a great way to stay warm but is also light on the stomach, making it an ideal meal for a damp monsoon evening.
Spiced Jowar Tikki or Cutlets
If you love the satisfying bite of a good tikki or cutlet, try making them with jowar (sorghum). These pan-fried patties are a fantastic alternative to deep-fried snacks. To make them, combine boiled and mashed potatoes with cooked jowar, finely chopped onions, coriander, and spices like chaat masala and cumin powder. The jowar adds a delightful, slightly coarse texture and a boost of nutrients. Shape the mixture into patties and pan-fry them with minimal oil until they are crisp and golden on both sides. Serve them hot with mint chutney for a tangy and wholesome snack.
Steamed Bajra Muthia
Originating from Gujarat, muthia are steamed dumplings that are both healthy and flavourful, making them a wonderful monsoon snack. Traditionally made with gram flour, they can be adapted using bajra flour for a nutritious twist. The dough is prepared by mixing bajra flour with grated bottle gourd (lauki), fenugreek leaves (methi), ginger-green chilli paste, and spices. This dough is shaped into cylinders and steamed until cooked. The steamed muthia are then cut into thick slices and can be tempered with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves for extra flavour. They are light, spongy, and incredibly delicious.
Sweet Ragi Halwa or Sheera
Monsoon cravings are not just about savoury snacks; sometimes, you need a touch of sweetness. A warm bowl of ragi halwa is the perfect healthy dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. Made from ragi flour, this dish has a rich, nutty flavour and a smooth, comforting texture. To prepare it, roast ragi flour in ghee until it releases a pleasant aroma. Then, add hot milk or water and cook until the mixture thickens, sweetening it with jaggery for a more wholesome option. Garnish with cardamom powder and chopped nuts for a dessert that is not only delicious but also packed with calcium and iron.
