Why Steam is Supreme This Season
The monsoon brings relief from the heat, but it also brings high humidity, which can make our digestive systems a bit sluggish. This is why that plate of oily bhajiyas, while tempting, often leaves you feeling heavy and lethargic. Fried foods are harder
for the body to break down, especially when your metabolism is already working at a slower pace. Steaming, on the other hand, is a gentle cooking method that preserves nutrients and keeps food light and easy to digest. It provides the warmth and comfort you crave without burdening your system, helping keep monsoon-related tummy troubles at bay.
1. The Timeless Comfort of Idli
There’s a reason why idli is a breakfast staple across the country. These soft, fluffy cakes made from a fermented rice and lentil batter are perhaps the epitome of healthy comfort food. The fermentation process not only imparts a lovely tangy flavour but also enriches the idlis with probiotics, which are fantastic for gut health—something especially important during the monsoon. They are incredibly light on the stomach and provide sustained energy. Served with a hot bowl of vegetable-packed sambar and a side of coconut chutney, it’s a wholesome, nourishing meal that warms you from the inside out.
2. The Spongy Delight of Dhokla
Hailing from Gujarat, dhokla is the savoury, steamed cake that has won hearts everywhere. Made from gram flour (besan), it's naturally gluten-free and a great source of protein. Its airy, sponge-like texture is incredibly satisfying, and the simple tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies adds a burst of flavour. It’s a snack that feels substantial yet doesn't weigh you down. A plate of fresh, warm dhokla with a drizzle of tamarind chutney on a rainy afternoon is a simple pleasure that is both delicious and kind to your digestive system.
3. The Himalayan Hug of Momos
These delightful dumplings have journeyed from the Himalayas to become a beloved street food across India. Whether filled with finely chopped vegetables, paneer, or chicken, a plate of steamed momos is the perfect rainy-day treat. The steaming process cooks the filling and the delicate wrapper to perfection without adding any extra oil. Paired with a fiery red chilli dip or a milder soy-based sauce, they offer a complete and satisfying experience. They are a brilliant way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a single, comforting bite.
4. The Leaf-Wrapped Wonder of Patra
Patra, also known as alu vadi, is a unique steamed snack from Western India. It involves rolling colocasia (arbi) leaves smeared with a spiced gram flour paste, steaming them until cooked, and then slicing them into pinwheels. The result is a delightful interplay of textures and flavours—slightly sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once. The leaves become tender and the filling firm, creating a snack that is both rustic and sophisticated. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy leafy greens during the monsoon while avoiding the pitfalls of deep-frying.
5. The Sweet Surrender of Pitha
Who says steamed food can't be a dessert? Across Eastern India, especially in Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, the monsoon and winter seasons are celebrated with a variety of pithas. Many of these are steamed sweet dumplings, like Bhapa Pitha, which is made from rice flour and filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery and grated coconut. These treats are subtly sweet, aromatic, and have a wonderfully soft texture. They offer a guilt-free way to indulge your sweet tooth when the weather calls for a comforting, traditional dessert.
