Roasted Corn (Bhutta)
The quintessential monsoon snack, the aroma of bhutta roasting on hot coals is inseparable from a rainy day. This humble street food is not just delicious but also incredibly healthy. Unlike deep-fried snacks, roasted corn is a whole grain packed with
dietary fibre, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. It provides sustained energy through complex carbohydrates, preventing the unhealthy spikes in blood sugar associated with processed snacks. Corn is also a source of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are beneficial for eye health. For a healthy twist, ask the vendor to go easy on the butter and salt, and enjoy the smoky flavour with a generous squeeze of lime.
Moong Dal Cheela
Instead of reaching for oily bhajiyas, consider the wholesome moong dal cheela. This savoury pancake, made from split green gram batter, is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fibre. These nutrients work together to keep you feeling full and satisfied, curbing the urge to snack on less healthy options. Light on the stomach and easy to digest, moong dal cheelas are a perfect meal for the monsoon when digestion can be sluggish. You can make them even more nutritious by adding finely chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and capsicum to the batter. Served hot with a side of mint chutney, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
Steamed Momos
A plate of hot momos is pure comfort on a cool, rainy evening. By opting for steamed versions instead of fried, you can enjoy these dumplings without the excess oil and calories. Steaming helps retain the nutrients in the filling, which can be packed with vegetables like cabbage and carrots, or lean proteins like chicken or paneer. This makes them a balanced snack. To make them even healthier, you can prepare them at home using whole wheat flour for the wrappers and avoid MSG (Ajinomoto), which is often used in commercial preparations. Paired with a spicy, homemade tomato-based chutney, they are a satisfying and sensible choice.
Sweet Potato Chaat (Shakarkandi)
Chaat is a monsoon must-have, but the typical aloo tikki or papdi chaat can be heavy. Enter sweet potato chaat, a flavourful and nutritious alternative. Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins, particularly beta-carotene, and are rich in fibre. Roasting or boiling the sweet potato instead of frying keeps it light and healthy. These complex carbohydrates provide a steady release of energy, helping to combat the fatigue that can accompany gloomy weather. Toss the roasted sweet potato cubes with chopped onions, coriander, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of chaat masala for a snack that is sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once.
Aromatic Masala Chai
No monsoon experience is complete without a steaming cup of masala chai. This beloved beverage does more than just warm you up; the spices used in its preparation come with their own health benefits. Ginger is known for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties, while cardamom and cloves have antioxidant qualities. Brewing tea with these spices can provide a comforting and immune-supporting boost, which is especially welcome during a season known for colds and flu. To keep your chai healthy, you can control the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like jaggery. You can also opt for low-fat or plant-based milk.
Nourishing Moong Dal Khichdi
For those times when the rain is relentless and you need a truly comforting meal, nothing beats a bowl of hot khichdi. Made from a simple combination of rice and lentils, typically moong dal, it is renowned for being light and easy to digest. This one-pot meal is balanced and nourishing, making it an ideal choice when your digestive system might be sensitive during the monsoon. Seasoned with turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and a tempering of cumin and ghee, khichdi is the very definition of soul-soothing food. Serve it with a side of yogurt or a simple pickle for a complete and restorative meal.
