Air-Fried Pakoras: All the Crunch, Less Oil
Is it even monsoon without a plate of hot pakoras and a cup of chai? This timeless snack is often deep-fried, but you can achieve that same satisfying crunch with a fraction of the oil. The secret lies in using an air fryer. Prepare your favourite batter—whether
it's with onions, potatoes, or spinach mixed into besan (gram flour)—and add spices like ajwain and chilli flakes. Instead of dropping them into hot oil, simply arrange the spoonfuls in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket. A light spray of oil is all you need. In about 15-20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly golden, crispy pakoras that are lighter on the stomach but just as big on flavour. Serve them hot with a fresh mint-coriander chutney for the ultimate experience.
Baked Samosas: The Classic, Reimagined
The beloved triangular pastry filled with a savoury potato and pea mixture is another monsoon staple. Traditionally, samosas are deep-fried, but a baked version can be just as delicious. To make them healthier, opt for a whole wheat flour (atta) crust instead of refined flour (maida). This adds a nutty flavour and extra fibre. Prepare your classic spiced potato filling, but feel free to get creative with additions like paneer, sprouts, or even sweet potato for a different twist. After shaping your samosas, brush them lightly with oil and bake them in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and flaky. You get the same comforting taste and aroma without the excess grease.
Masala Bhutta: Street-Style Corn at Home
The smoky aroma of roasted corn on the cob, or bhutta, is synonymous with rainy days. This is one snack that is already quite healthy, but you can easily replicate the street-style magic at home. Simply roast a corn cob over an open flame or on a grill until the kernels are slightly charred. While it's still hot, rub it with a lemon wedge and a mix of salt, red chilli powder, and chaat masala. For a different take, you can use boiled sweet corn kernels. Just toss the warm kernels in a pan with a tiny bit of butter, then add your spices and a squeeze of lime juice for a quick and flavourful corn chaat. It’s a low-fat snack packed with fibre.
Moong Dal Cheela: The Protein-Packed Pancake
Light, savoury, and incredibly nutritious, the moong dal cheela is an excellent comfort food for the monsoons. Made from a batter of soaked and ground moong dal (split green gram), these thin pancakes are rich in protein and easy to digest. You can make the batter more flavourful by blending the dal with ginger, green chillies, and cumin seeds. To boost the nutritional value, add finely chopped vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and coriander to the batter. Cook the cheelas on a non-stick pan with minimal oil until they are golden and crisp. They are wonderfully satisfying on their own or served with a side of green chutney.
Hearty Vegetable and Lentil Soup
When the rain is relentless, nothing feels more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. Instead of reaching for a packet, a homemade soup using seasonal vegetables and lentils is both nourishing and delicious. A simple tomato soup seasoned with Indian spices, or a mixed vegetable soup with a base of masoor dal (red lentils) can be incredibly satisfying. Lentils add protein and fibre, making the soup a complete meal. Temper it with cumin, black pepper, and a touch of ginger to aid digestion and add warmth. It’s the perfect way to stay cosy and healthy while watching the rain fall.
