The Classic Crispy Pakora
No rainy day in India feels complete without a plate of hot, crispy pakoras. These delectable fritters are the quintessential monsoon snack, loved across the country for their simplicity and comforting crunch. The most common version, Kanda Bhaji or onion
pakora, involves thinly sliced onions coated in a spiced gram flour (besan) batter and deep-fried to a perfect golden brown. The beauty of pakoras lies in their versatility; you can make them with potatoes, spinach, paneer, or even sweet corn. Preparing them at home is straightforward: whip up a batter of besan with spices like ajwain (carom seeds), turmeric, and red chilli powder, mix in your vegetable of choice, and fry until crisp. Served with a side of tangy green chutney or sweet tomato ketchup, they are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea.
Aromatic Masala Chai
What’s a plate of pakoras without a steaming cup of Masala Chai? This spiced tea is more than just a beverage; it's a ritual, especially during the monsoon. The warmth of the tea combined with a fragrant blend of spices provides immense comfort on a cool, damp day. Making it at home allows you to customize the blend to your liking. The process involves boiling water with a mix of whole spices like crushed ginger, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon, and black peppercorns before adding black tea leaves. After the tea has infused and the water turns a rich colour, milk and sugar are added, and the mixture is simmered for a few more minutes to allow the flavours to meld perfectly. Straining it into a cup releases an aroma that instantly makes any home feel cosier.
Street-Style Bhutta
The earthy smell of roasted corn, or bhutta, is synonymous with rainy days in India. This popular street food is incredibly simple to replicate at home and offers a healthier, yet equally satisfying, snack option. All you need is fresh corn on the cob. To get that authentic charred flavour, you can roast the corn directly over an open gas flame on your stove, turning it intermittently until the kernels are tender and slightly blackened. The magic, however, is in the seasoning. While the corn is still hot, rub it with a lemon wedge dipped in a mix of salt, red chilli powder, and chaat masala. The combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavours is a true delight for the senses.
The Evergreen Samosa
Another titan of the Indian snack world, the samosa is a beloved treat that becomes even more appealing during the monsoon. These triangular pastries, with their flaky crust and flavourful filling, are a joy to bite into on a rainy evening. The classic filling consists of a spiced mixture of boiled and mashed potatoes and green peas. While making the dough from scratch can be rewarding, you can easily simplify the process by using store-bought pastry sheets. For a healthier twist, instead of deep-frying, you can bake the samosas in an oven or an air fryer until they are golden and crisp. Whether fried or baked, a hot samosa served with tamarind chutney is a guaranteed mood-lifter.
Wholesome Moong Dal Cheela
For those seeking a lighter but equally delicious option, the Moong Dal Cheela is an excellent choice. These savoury pancakes, made from a batter of soaked and ground moong dal (split mung lentils), are both healthy and comforting. The batter is easy to prepare by blending soaked lentils with ginger, green chillies, and cumin seeds. You can add finely chopped onions, coriander, or grated carrots to the batter for extra flavour and nutrition. The cheelas are then cooked on a hot tawa (griddle) with a little oil until they are golden and crisp on both sides. They are light on the stomach, packed with protein, and pair wonderfully with a simple green chutney, making them a perfect guilt-free indulgence for a rainy day.
