During the rainy season, when the world is wet, grey, and seemingly dreary, there is no better way to warm up the body and soul than a bowl of soup or stew. The monsoon season is a melody of eyes, ears, and nostrils, which indicates the arrival of nature’s treasure trove and a break from the burning heat.
But it also brings with it several health risks, as the inimitably wet and humid conditions are conducive to bacterial and viral growth. During these rainy seasons, it is imperative to nourish one’s body with food to ward off these diseases.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this is through the consumption of soups and stews. Not only are they easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, but they also offer a convenient way to pack a myriad of nutrients into a single bowl. In this article, we delve into the world of Indian soups and stews, exploring a diverse range of recipes that are tailor-made for the monsoon season. From soothing broths that warm you from the inside out to hearty stews that stick to your ribs, these dishes are guaranteed to lift your spirits and bolster your immunity, one spoonful at a time.
- Spicy Tomato Rasam
Rasam is a quintessential South Indian soup that is cherished for its tangy flavour and aromatic spices. Made with ripe tomatoes, tamarind, and a fragrant blend of spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves, this fiery broth is guaranteed to warm you up on a rainy day. Not only is it bursting with flavour, but it's also packed with immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, thanks to the abundance of tomatoes and spices. Served piping hot with a steaming bowl of rice or enjoyed on its own as a light meal, spicy tomato rasam is the perfect antidote to the monsoon blues.
- Vegetable Mulligatawny Soup
Originating from the Anglo-Indian kitchens of colonial India, Mulligatawny soup is a hearty blend of Indian spices and British sensibilities. This vegetarian version of the classic soup is brimming with colourful vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas, simmered in a rich coconut milk broth flavoured with ginger, garlic, and curry powder. Not only does it provide comforting warmth on chilly monsoon evenings, but it's also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre to boost your immune system and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Chicken Shorba
For meat lovers seeking comfort during the rainy season, chicken shorba is the ultimate soul-soothing dish. This light and aromatic broth, infused with the flavours of ginger, garlic, and green chilies, is simmered with tender chicken pieces and fragrant spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Not only does it boast a robust flavour profile, but it's also brimming with protein and essential nutrients that are vital for maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, chicken shorba is sure to chase away the rainy day blues.
- Spinach and Lentil Soup (Palak Dal)
Palak dal is a comforting Indian staple that combines the earthy goodness of lentils with the vibrant flavours of spinach and spices. Rich in protein, fibre, and iron, this hearty soup is not only incredibly nourishing but also boasts immune-boosting properties that make it perfect for the monsoon season. The combination of lentils and spinach provides a double dose of nutrients, while aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric add depth and complexity to the dish. Whether served as a standalone meal or accompanied by rice or bread, palak dal is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
- Mixed Vegetable Stew (Avial)
Hailing from the southern state of Kerala, avial is a traditional mixed vegetable stew that is as nutritious as it is delicious. Packed with an assortment of seasonal vegetables like carrots, beans, pumpkin, and drumsticks, this vibrant dish is simmered in a coconut milk gravy flavoured with green chillies, curry leaves, and cumin seeds. Not only does it offer a burst of flavours and textures, but it's also a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help bolster your immune system and keep you healthy during the rainy season. Served with steamed rice or warm rotis, avial is the perfect comfort food for a gloomy day.
- Mutton Paya Soup
Mutton paya soup is a hearty and flavourful dish that is cherished for its rich taste and nourishing properties. Made with tender mutton trotters simmered in a fragrant broth infused with spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, this traditional Indian soup is a favourite during the monsoon season. Not only does it provide comforting warmth on chilly evenings, but it's also packed with protein, collagen, and essential nutrients that are vital for maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Served with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, mutton paya soup is sure to lift your spirits and keep you feeling cosy all season long.
- Butter Chicken Soup
Butter chicken soup puts a delicious twist on the classic Indian dish, transforming it into a comforting and nourishing soup that's perfect for rainy days. Made with tender chicken simmered in a creamy tomato-based broth infused with aromatic spices like garam masala, fenugreek, and coriander, this soup bursts with flavour and warmth.
Not only does it offer all the comforting goodness of butter chicken, but it's also packed with immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, protein, and antioxidants. Served with a dollop of yoghurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, butter chicken soup is sure to become a new favourite in your rainy-day repertoire.
- Sweet Potato and Coconut Stew
Sweet potato and coconut stew is a wholesome and satisfying dish that is perfect for rainy days when you crave something warm and comforting. Made with creamy sweet potatoes simmered in a fragrant coconut milk broth infused with spices like ginger, garlic, and turmeric, this stew is a celebration of flavours and textures. The sweetness of the potatoes is beautifully complemented by the richness of the coconut milk, while the aromatic spices add depth and warmth to the dish.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, sweet potato and coconut stew is not only incredibly nourishing but also boasts immune-boosting properties that can help keep you healthy during the monsoon season. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or served with rice or bread, this hearty stew is sure to bring comfort and satisfaction on even the dreariest of days. So, the next time the rain comes pouring down, why not cosy up with a bowl of one of these nourishing soups or stews? Your body and soul will thank you for it.