Swap Fried Pakoras for Baked Jowar Tikkis
The quintessential rainy day snack, pakoras, are undeniably delicious but often leave you feeling heavy and greasy. A fantastic alternative is a baked jowar (sorghum) tikki. Jowar is a gluten-free millet rich in protein and fibre. To make these, you can
mix jowar flour with mashed potatoes, chopped vegetables like carrots and peas, and spices such as cumin and coriander powder. Shape the mixture into patties and bake them in an oven or an air fryer until they are golden and crisp. You get the same satisfying crunch and savoury flavour of a pakora without the excess oil, making it a much lighter yet equally comforting option for a late-night indulgence.
Swap Instant Noodles for Foxtail Millet Upma
A steaming bowl of instant noodles is a common late-night go-to, but it's typically high in sodium and refined flour. Instead, whip up a quick and flavourful foxtail millet upma. Foxtail millet is packed with protein, iron, and magnesium, and it has a low glycemic index, which helps in managing blood sugar levels. To prepare, simply sauté mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, and your favourite vegetables. Add roasted foxtail millet and hot water, and let it cook until fluffy. This warm, savoury dish is easy to digest and provides sustained energy, making it a far superior choice for a rainy evening. It’s the perfect comfort food that nourishes your body.
Swap Sugary Hot Chocolate for a Warm Ragi Malt
When you crave something warm and sweet, a homemade ragi (finger millet) malt is a wonderful substitute for sugary hot chocolate or other sweet drinks. Ragi is a powerhouse of calcium and iron, making it excellent for bone health. To make a simple ragi malt, create a smooth paste with ragi flour and water, then cook it on a low flame with milk until it thickens. Sweeten it naturally with jaggery and add a pinch of cardamom for a delightful aroma. This soothing, creamy drink not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides essential nutrients, making it a comforting and guilt-free late-night beverage.
Swap Heavy Rice Dishes for Light Barnyard Millet Khichdi
A heavy plate of rice for a late-night meal can often feel too filling. A light, one-pot barnyard millet khichdi is the perfect solution. Barnyard millet is incredibly easy to digest, low in calories, and rich in fibre. This makes it an ideal grain for a late dinner or snack. Cook the millet with moong dal, a pinch of turmeric, and finely chopped vegetables for a wholesome meal. The resulting khichdi is a warm, mushy, and deeply comforting dish that’s perfect for a rainy night. It’s a complete meal that’s both light on the stomach and satisfying for the soul.
Swap Murmura Bhel for Crunchy Jowar Puff Bhel
Bhel puri made from murmura (puffed rice) is a popular snack, but you can give it a healthier, gluten-free upgrade by using jowar puffs. Puffed jowar is light, crunchy, and packed with the goodness of sorghum. Making a bhel is incredibly simple and requires no cooking. Just toss the jowar puffs with chopped onions, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. Add a dash of lemon juice and some green chutney for that tangy, spicy kick. This creates a refreshing, crunchy, and flavourful snack that’s low in calories and high in nutrients, perfect for munching on while you listen to the rain.
