1. Immunity-Boosting Ginger and Turmeric Tea (Kadha)
Start your day or wind down in the evening with a warm, soothing cup of traditional kadha. This herbal tea is a powerhouse of immunity-boosting properties, perfect for keeping seasonal colds and coughs at bay. The combination of ginger, turmeric, and other
whole spices works to reduce inflammation and fight infections. To prepare it, take two cups of water and add an inch of crushed ginger, a small cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and black peppercorns. Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and let the mixture boil for 5-7 minutes until the water is infused with the flavours. Strain into a cup, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey for taste. Sip it warm to soothe your throat and keep your body resilient.
2. Hearty Moong Dal and Vegetable Soup
When the rain leaves a chill in the air, a hot bowl of soup is the ultimate comfort food. This moong dal and vegetable soup is light, easy to digest, and packed with protein and essential nutrients. Moong dal is gentle on the stomach, which is ideal as digestion can become sluggish during the monsoon. To make it, pressure cook half a cup of washed moong dal with finely chopped vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas. Once cooked, blend the mixture into a smooth consistency. In a separate pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee, add cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida (hing), and minced garlic. Pour this tempering over the soup, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot. It’s a nourishing one-bowl meal that keeps you warm from the inside out.
3. Spiced Sweet Corn Chaat (Masala Bhutta)
No monsoon is complete without enjoying corn, but you can easily replicate the flavour of street-side bhutta at home. This healthy and delicious snack takes minutes to prepare. All you need are sweet corn kernels, either fresh or frozen. Boil the corn for 3-5 minutes until tender, then drain the water completely. In a bowl, toss the warm corn with a teaspoon of butter, a sprinkle of chaat masala, red chilli powder to taste, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with fresh coriander. This snack provides a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours without the hygiene risks associated with street vendors during the rainy season.
4. Savoury Moong Dal Cheela (Lentil Pancakes)
Craving something crispy like pakoras but want to avoid deep-fried food? Moong dal cheelas are the perfect healthy alternative. These savoury pancakes are rich in protein and incredibly versatile. To make the batter, soak one cup of yellow moong dal for at least three hours. Drain the water and grind the dal with ginger and green chillies into a smooth paste, adding a little water if necessary. To this batter, add finely chopped onions, carrots, fresh coriander, salt, and turmeric. Heat a non-stick tawa, lightly grease it with oil, and pour a ladleful of batter, spreading it into a thin circle. Cook on both sides until golden brown and crisp. Serve hot with mint chutney for a filling and nutritious breakfast or evening snack.
5. Roasted Makhana (Fox Nuts)
For a light, crunchy, and guilt-free snack to munch on while watching the rain, roasted makhana is an excellent choice. Makhana is low in calories and rich in protein, calcium, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a highly recommended snack for its antioxidant content. Making it is simple: heat a teaspoon of ghee in a pan and add two cups of makhana. Roast on a low flame for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until they become crisp. Once crunchy, turn off the heat and sprinkle with rock salt, a pinch of black pepper, and chaat masala for extra flavour. You can store these in an airtight container, but they are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
