Bhutta To Beguni, 8 Monsoon Snacks Enjoyed Across India

The arrival of the monsoon brings relief from the scorching summer heat and a wave of culinary delights across India. From sizzling pakoras to piping hot chai, the monsoon season is synonymous with indulging in the country's diverse and flavorful delicacies. As the raindrops dance on the streets, it's time to explore the enticing world of monsoon dishes that evoke a sense of warmth, nostalgia, and culinary adventure.

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Pakoras:

Pakoras are undoubtedly the reigning champions of monsoon snacking. These crispy fritters are made by dipping various ingredients like onions, potatoes, spinach, or even paneer (Indian cottage cheese) into a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying them to perfection. The aroma of sizzling pakoras wafting through the air is enough to make anyone's mouth water. Accompanied by a cup of steaming masala chai, pakoras offer the ultimate comfort during the rainy season.

Bhutta (Roasted Corn on the Cob):

When the monsoon showers bless the fields, it's time for bhutta—a simple yet irresistible treat. Fresh corn on the cob is roasted over an open flame until it develops a smoky char. It is then brushed with a mix of lemon juice, salt, and spices like chaat masala or red chilli powder. The combination of the juicy kernels and the tangy-spicy flavours creates a harmonious symphony in every bite.

Mirchi Bajji:

Hailing from the southern regions of India, mirchi bajji is a popular monsoon snack. Long green chilli peppers are dipped in a gram flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The heat from the chillies is balanced by the spiced batter, creating a delectable contrast of flavours. Mirchi bajjis are often served with a side of coconut chutney or tomato sauce.

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Chakka Ada:

Chakka Ada is a traditional dish from the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is a sweet delicacy made from jackfruit, which is known as "chakka" in the Malayalam language. The monsoons in Kerala bring heavy rainfall and abundant jackfruit harvests. The dish is essentially a steamed dumpling or pancake filled with a sweet mixture of jackfruit, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), grated coconut, and sometimes cardamom for flavour.

Masala Corn:

Masala Corn is a popular monsoon snack enjoyed by people of all ages. Boiled corn kernels are seasoned with a blend of spices like chaat masala, red chilli powder, salt, and lemon juice. It can be served as a quick and easy snack or as a side dish to complement your monsoon meals.

Kanda Bhajiya (Onion Pakora):

Kanda Bhajiya, or onion pakora, is a classic monsoon snack that has a special place in the hearts of Indians. Slices of onion are mixed with a gram flour batter, seasoned with spices, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The caramelized sweetness of the onions combined with the spiced batter creates an irresistible combination of flavours.

Beguni:

Beguni is a popular snack and a traditional Bengali dish made from deep-fried batter-coated eggplant (aubergine) slices. The dish is known for its crispy texture and distinct flavour. While Beguni is enjoyed all year through, Bengalis love to indulge in it the moment monsoon season hits in Bengal. The crispy and flavorful nature of Beguni, combined with the soft and tender texture of eggplant, makes it a delightful treat that is enjoyed by many during the monsoon season.

Bonda:

Bonda is a South Indian snack that is particularly popular during the monsoon season. It is made by deep-frying a spiced potato filling coated with a chickpea flour batter. The outer layer becomes crispy, while the potato filling remains soft and flavorful. Bonda is often enjoyed with coconut chutney or sambar, adding an extra dimension to its taste.

The preparation of these monsoon delicacies often becomes a family affair, with everyone lending a helping hand in the kitchen. The fragrant spices fill the air as generations come together to recreate age-old recipes and pass down culinary traditions. There is a sense of comfort and togetherness that accompanies these dishes, making them a cherished part of Indian culture.

While indulging in these monsoon delicacies, it's important to ensure hygiene and quality of ingredients. Opting for homemade snacks or trusted street food vendors is recommended to savour the authentic flavours without compromising on health and safety.

As the raindrops patter against the windows, it's time to embrace the monsoon magic and delight in India's seasonal delicacies. So, grab an umbrella, put on your favourite monsoon playlist, and allow the flavours of these delectable treats to transport you to a world of culinary bliss. Indulge in the warmth, the nostalgia, and the sheer joy of experiencing India's monsoon through its diverse and flavorful delicacies.

Here are the recipes for two of the monsoon delicacies mentioned:

Masala Corn:

Ingredients:

2 cups corn kernels, boiled

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon chaat masala

1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder

1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon black salt

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the boiled corn kernels to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until they are slightly roasted.
3. Sprinkle chaat masala, red chilli powder, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and salt over the corn. Mix well to coat the corn evenly with the spices.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and drizzle fresh lemon juice over the masala corn. Toss gently to combine.
6. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
7. Serve hot as a snack or side dish.

Enjoy these delicious Aloo Tikki and Masala Corn recipes as you embrace the flavours of the monsoon season!