Monsoon in India is a vibrant celebration of the changing season and the rich tapestry of Indian life. As we leave the gruelling summer months behind, we celebrate life in its myriad hues. And in India, no celebration is complete without food and beverages.
So, when you are letting your hair down with your friends and family this monsoon, there is lots to add to your platter. Either you can choose to go desi with masala chai and piping hot samosas, pakoras, batata vadas, methi gotas, dalwadas, roasted makai, or you can choose your fusion platter. Give your calorie count a miss and enjoy the hot snacks platter.
Here’s a guide to the delightful treats that enhance the monsoon experience.
Masala Chai: Masala chai is a perfect mood booster during the monsoon. Across India, chai kitlis (tea stalls) become bustling social hubs where people gather for steaming cups of chai and engaging conversations. Masala chai, with its thick, milky sweetness and a blend of ginger and cardamom, is a cherished favourite, perfect for savouring as the rain pours down. All that you can do is sip your garam masala chai and soak in the deliciousness.
Makai Matters: Monsoon in most parts of India means it’s corn season. A walk through popular markets springs up makai surprises. One can see a number of stalls in different city markets selling roasted or boiled corn, a popular rainy-day snack. Whether enjoyed with butter, lime, and salt or the traditional Gujarati dish Makai no chevdo—a creamy, sweet-salty one—corn is a monsoon staple in many parts of India. For a quick and tasty treat, try making a corn salad at home with tomatoes, finely sliced onions, green chillies, coriander leaves, lime juice, and chaat masala.
Fried to Perfection: Golden, crispy and fried to perfection, pakoras are hot favourites of Indians across the country. In India, one can make pakoras out of paneer, potato, cauliflower, onions, green chillies, brinjal, tomatoes and bananas. As legend goes, even the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, used to sip hot tea with freshly fried assorted pakoras/bhajiyas. These fried crispy delights add much warmth to a rainy evening. Different regions in India have their own signature fried wonder dishes like batata vada in Maharashtra, aloo chop in Odisha, parippu vada in Kerala, and dalwada and methi gotas in Gujarat. For Gujaratis, the image of piping hot dalwadas straight out of a karai is a sure visual delight. So, if you are enjoying a hot cuppa with your friends over the latest filmi gupshup, then make sure to have it with sliced raw onions and fried green chillies. Methi gota is one of the most favoured snacks in Gujarati households. On a rainy evening, it is best enjoyed with a cup of chai. Easy to prepare, methi gota is all about dried fenugreek mixed in chickpea batter fried to a perfect golden brown. And nothing can beat that unique mild bitter yet delicious taste.
Triangular Temptations: Samosas are known as hot favourites during monsoon. They are also known as shingara or shingada in Eastern India. These triangles top most people’s favourite snack during the rainy season. From classic aloo-mutter (potato and pea) to kheema (minced meat) and veggie-paneer varieties, the fillings are diverse and delicious. If you are in Ahmedabad, then Navtad na samosa, bite-sized samosas with a lentil filling, are a must-try. First sold in Navtad ni pol, these mouthwatering snacks have become a beloved part of Ahmedabad’s culinary heritage.
A Taste of Fusion Platter: Urban India is now reveling in culinary creativity, resulting in unique fusion dishes like cheese masala dosa, pineapple sandwiches, Chinese samosas, and Chinese bhel. Chinese samosas are square-shaped, stuffed with hakka noodles and vegetables, and deep-fried to perfection. Chinese bhel, made with fried noodles and vegetables like cabbage and capsicum, is a popular choice for a rainy evening with friends. Chilli potatoes, quick to make with a dash of chilli garlic spread, are another spicy and satisfying option for a session of chai and conversation during the monsoon season.
These monsoon treats are all about celebrating India’s culinary diversity.
Deepika Sahu has been a journalist for 29 years and she has worked with some of India’s leading media houses. Right now, she is independently engaged in content creation and curation. Twitter: @menondeepika; Instagram: @moodydeepika; Facebook: Deepika Sahu
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