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The sweet smell of the rain-soaked mud, the pleasing sound of the rain drops, the pleasant wind and last but definitely not the least — hot chai and pakodas! No rainy evening is ever complete without a hot cuppa with a side of savoury Indian snacks for the soul. Whether you choose to Netflix and chill with bae, spend some time with your fam or are simply stuck in the office, there’s something about the rains that makes you crave hot ‘n’ crispy munchies.
While pakodas may top the charts when it comes to go-to monsoon snacks, there’s plenty of fish in the deep, deep sea of mouth-watering Indian dishes that go perfectly with the rain. Here’s presenting 15 options that you’ve got to try this monsoon season.
P.S. We’ve kept all you fitness-conscious folks in mind and have included some healthy snacks for the rainy season in the list as well. Check them out:
1. Pattanam pakoda
Hey pakoda lovers, it’s time to add some southern flavour to this classic monsoon snack and give Chennai’s much-loved Pattanam Pakodas a try. A mix of rice flour, fried gram flour, Bengal gram flavour, lots of onions and some savoury South Indian spices are all you need to make golden-brown, crispy fried Pattanam Pakodas. Check out the recipe here.
2. Onion kachodi
If pakodas are the most craved for monsoon snacks, then kachodis are right next in line. Fried, crispy and absolutely delicious, this traditional Indian snack goes perfectly with the vibe of the rainy season. If you’re looking for a recipe to make crunchy and masaaledaar kachodis at home while it’s pouring outside, check this out.
3. Jalebi
If there’s any monsoon snack that can beat the popularity of good-old pakodas in Indian households, it is hot jalebis, for sure! If you’re longing for some while stuck indoors on a rainy day, you can make them at home too. Here’s the recipe.
4. Dahi bhalla papdi chaat
You know the feeling when you’re craving street food but just can’t step out because of the rain? Well, what if we told you that you can make your own chaat at home easily and satisfy the craving? Yes, you heard that right. Here, check out the recipe.
5. Healthy chips
Chips are another rainy season favourite. But instead of digging into a pack of sodium and preservative-laden chips available in the market, you can make your own healthier version of them. All you need to do is to marinate thinly-sliced potatoes/beetroot/sweet potatoes/bananas with some olive oil, salt and spices of your choice and bake or air-fry them until they’re crisp and golden brown. Here’s how:
6. Rasiya dhokla
Feel free to indulge in this healthy monsoon snack packed with protein, fibre and probiotics. Made with ingredients like soaked rice, chickpea, curd and spices, Rasiya Dhokla is a blessing in disguise for all you health freaks wanting to binge on a rainy day. Here’s a detailed recipe for some help.
7. Bread halwa
When you’re craving something sweet but even the food delivery peeps have given up because of the rains, it’s time to make the most of what you already have in the kitchen. After all, even stepping out for grocery shopping can be a nightmare when it’s raining cats and dogs. Some bread, ghee, milk and sugar are all you really need for this quick and easy dessert. Check out its detailed recipe.
8. Foxtail millet upma
If you’re yearning for something spicy and savoury but also high in nutritional value, the Foxtail Millet Upma is a great monsoon snack for you. The fibre-rich millet will keep you fuller without causing an instant spike in your blood sugar level. It is also great for bone health, cardiac health, digestion and immunity. You can refer to the recipe and garnish it with your favourite veggies and spices for the healthiest and tastiest monsoon snacking experience ever.
9. Onion paratha
Make way for delicious whole wheat flat bread stuffed with piquant onions, green chillies and savoury spices. Pyaaz waala paranha is definitely one monsoon snack that’s simply perfect for satisfying those rainy evening cravings. In fact, a big-sized one can be your entire meal that can be enjoyed with some curd or pickle. You can also make a couple of them in one go, reheat and keep snacking on them the whole day while it pours outside. Here’s a detailed recipe of this snack for all you foodies out there:
10. Vada pav
This Maharashtrian dish is one of the most popular monsoon snacks across the country. Made with a crispy fried vada placed between two soft buns, this one’s a treat for the soul if you love flavoursome snacks. Here’s an easy recipe if you’re planning to try making it at home this monsoon season.
11. Roasted bhutta
Now, you may think that roasted corn is all carbs and no good. But here’s the deal — Bhutta is a power-packed monsoon snack that’s high on fibre and antioxidants. It’s also low on calories and can be made in minutes very conveniently. Here’s how you can roast a corn cob at home:
12. Moringa pancake
Moringa leaves are rich in iron, potassium, calcium and vitamin A. Imagine getting all these nutrients while being able to satisfy your craving for a savoury monsoon snack. Look no further because a moringa pancake is exactly what you need to make those rainy days happier and healthier. Here’s how to make these delectable pancakes at home easily.
13. Bread pakoda
Again, a classic and easy-to-make monsoon snack — bread pakodas. You can make a thin mix of gram flour, salt and spices, dip the bread and deep-fry it in the oil of your choice. You can also stuff cottage cheese or mashed potatoes between two slices of bread, dip the sandwich in the gram flour mix and fry it. Here’s the recipe for some help.
14. Samosa
There’s nothing like a plate of hot samosas and chutney on a rainy day. From paneer to potatoes to noodles, you can stuff them with anything you like and enjoy the blissfully crispy bites on a rainy evening. Here’s an easy samosa recipe for you:
15. Indian-style noodles
Nothing can beat the joy of enjoying a plate of Indian-style noodles topped with the spiciest sauces and lots of veggies. Here’s how you can make it at home easily:
Feeling like you’re spoilt for choice? Try them all one by one, we say. Happy monsoon!
Photo: Shutterstock