Grey skies and the pitter patter of rain on window panes has been known to incite cravings, especially for fried food and chai. While a steaming hot cuppa and greasy snacks are the to-go for when the monsoons hit, there are other foods that are eaten throughout India to achieve that comforting feeling that accompanies munching while it’s pouring outside. We list some of the go-to foods that people indulge in during the monsoon:
Khichuri
Bengalis turn to khichuri as a source of comfort during the monsoon. It is made with a generous amount of ghee and served with fritters and curries made with fried fish like hilsa. Warm and filling, the dish is made with moong dal and rice, to which vegetables are sometimes added. Khichuri is best enjoyed with spicy pickles.
Samosas
Crunchy samosas can take the gloom out of rainy weather. When freshly fried, their aroma can tempt even the healthiest of eaters. Biting into a hot samosa and watching steam come out of it has been the favourite rainy day activity of people in India for years. Samosas taste even better when accompanied by a cup of sweet masala chai that cuts through their spiciness.
Bhutta
Out in the rain and looking for a snack? There’s likely a local vendor selling bhutta that has been roasted over charcoal. Hot and coated with a mixture of spices and lemon juice, the humble bhutta becomes a tasty snack to eat when you’re drenched to the bone and looking for some comfort.
Momos
Although momos are a mainstay at menus and street stalls in Tibet and Northeast India, people across the country enjoy these dumplings as a snack during the rainy season. They taste especially good with the spicy red chutney that street vendors serve them with, adding a kick to an otherwise bland dish.
Maggi
Be it soupy or dry, a bowl of Maggi never fails to lift spirits. Loved equally by both children and adults, the instant noodles have always been associated with nostalgia. Some people add vegetables to make their bowl of Maggi more wholesome, or melt cheese into it for added flavour. Some street vendors also serve egg Maggi, which hungry customers pick up as a rainy day treat.
Pakoras
This one’s a no-brainer. As soon as it begins to rain, people in India begin to either cook pakoras or ask for them. Ranging from potato, onion and paneer to green chilli and even colocasia leaves, pakoras can be made with nearly any ingredient lying in your fridge. Enjoy them with ketchup or green chutney.