As the pitter-patter of raindrops fills the air, there's no better time to relish the delightful assortment of Indian snacks. From crispy pakoras to steaming hot samosas, the rainy season brings a host of culinary delights that tickle your taste buds.
In this blog, we'll take you on a mouthwatering journey through the diverse and flavorful world of Indian snacks, perfectly suited for the monsoon season.
1. Pakoras:
Rainy days are incomplete without the quintessential pakoras. Crispy, deep-fried fritters made with a variety of vegetables like onions, potatoes, and spinach, these snacks are best enjoyed with a cup of steaming masala chai.
Most-Loved Pakoras:
- Onion Pakoras: Thinly sliced onions are mixed with a spiced gram flour batter, then deep-fried to perfection. These crispy fritters have a sweet and savory taste that pairs well with mint chutney or tangy tamarind chutney.
- Paneer Pakoras: Cubes of paneer are coated in a flavorful batter, often infused with spices like cumin and coriander, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The result is a delightful combination of crispy exterior and soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer inside.
- Aloo Pakoras: Thinly sliced or grated potatoes are mixed with gram flour and spices, then fried until golden and crispy. These pakoras have a satisfying crunch and a mild spiciness, making them an ideal comfort snack during the rainy season.
- Palak Pakoras: Fresh spinach leaves are dipped in a batter made from gram flour and a blend of aromatic spices, then deep-fried until crispy. These pakoras are not only visually appealing but also provide a nutritious snacking option that can be enjoyed guilt-free.
WARNING: Don't forget your Chai (Tea)
2. Samosas:
This triangular delight needs no introduction. Stuffed with a savory filling of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat, samosas are the epitome of Indian street food. Pair them with tangy tamarind chutney for an explosion of flavors.
Best Way to have your Samosa:
- Solo Snacking: Take a piping hot samosa, preferably freshly fried, and savor each bite. The crispy outer layer combined with the flavorful spiced filling of potatoes, peas, and spices creates a harmonious explosion of taste. Pair it with a tangy tamarind chutney or mint chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
- Samosa Chaat: Crush a samosa into smaller pieces and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and tangy yogurt over the crushed samosas. Sprinkle chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander leaves, and sev on top. This fusion of flavors and textures creates a delightful chaat experience.
- Samosa with Chole: Take a warm samosa and place it on a plate alongside a generous serving of spicy chole curry. Break open the samosa and spoon some chole inside. The combination creates a delightful blend of flavors that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Samosa Sandwich: For a unique twist, use samosas as a filling for a sandwich. Cut a samosa into halves or quarters and place the pieces between two slices of bread. Add some sliced onions, tomatoes, and a spread of mint chutney or ketchup to enhance the flavors. Grill or toast the sandwich for a warm, crispy bite.
P. S: Calm your spicy snack with a glass of Lassi!!
3. Bhajiyas:
A close cousin of pakoras, bhajiyas are batter-fried snacks made with besan (gram flour). From mirchi (chili) bhajiyas to onion bhajiyas, these spicy treats are an absolute delight to munch on during the monsoon.
Best Way to have your bhajiyas :
- Solo Snacking: Whether it's onion bhajiyas, mirchi bhajiyas (chili fritters), or any other variety, serve them piping hot with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney. The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make them an irresistible treat for solo snacking, especially during the monsoon season.
- Chaat-style Delight: Arrange the bhajiyas on a plate, drizzle them with tangy tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and yogurt, and sprinkle some finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and sev on top. This combination of textures and flavors creates a mouthwatering chaat experience that is sure to impress.
- Bhajiya Pav: Take a soft bun (pav) and stuff it with a generous serving of your favorite bhajiyas. Add some mint chutney and tamarind chutney for an extra kick. The contrast of the crispy bhajiyas with the soft pav creates a delightful sandwich that is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Bhajiya Platter: Prepare a mix of onion bhajiyas, mirchi bhajiyas, and other favorites like potato or spinach bhajiyas. Arrange them on a platter, along with a selection of chutneys and dips, to create a tempting spread for sharing with friends and family.
Also, order yourself a Masala Cutting Chai!!
4. Vada Pav:
Hailing from the streets of Mumbai, vada pav is a popular and satisfying snack. A deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) is sandwiched between a soft bun (pav) along with a tangy chutney, creating a perfect combination of flavors.
Must Try Flavours:
- Classic Vada Pav: It features a soft, fluffy bun called "pav" that is stuffed with a spicy and flavorful potato vada. The vada is made by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with a blend of spices, such as ginger, garlic, chili, and turmeric. Served with spicy chutneys and a sprinkle of garlic and coriander on top, this iconic street food is a must-try.
- Cheese Vada Pav: Similar to the classic version, it consists of a potato vada, but with the addition of a generous layer of melted cheese. The cheese adds a creamy and gooey texture, elevating the taste and making it a delight for cheese lovers.
- Schezwan Vada Pav: The potato vada is infused with the fiery flavors of Schezwan sauce, which is a spicy and tangy Chinese condiment. The vada is then assembled in a pav along with garlic chutney, additional Schezwan sauce, and some sliced onions.
- Masala Vada Pav: The potato vada is enhanced with a mixture of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, fennel, and black pepper. It is served in a pav with tangy tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and onions, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Rain does bring a humid weather, so pair your vada pav with a glass of Shikanji!
5. Pani Puri:
This iconic street food is an absolute favorite among snack enthusiasts. Crispy puris filled with a tangy and spicy mixture of tamarind water, chutneys, potatoes, and chickpeas make for a refreshing snack experience during the rains.
Most-Loved Varieties:
- Traditional Pani Puri: The quintessential Pani Puri consists of crispy hollow puris filled with a tangy and spicy mixture of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and onions. The highlight of this classic version is the refreshing green "pani" made with mint, coriander, tamarind, and a mix of spices.
- Dahi Puri: The puris are filled with a combination of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and sweetened yogurt. Topped with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and a sprinkle of sev, Dahi Puri offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the yogurt adding a cooling element.
- Masala Puri: Masala Puri is a variant of Pani Puri where the puris are stuffed with a spiced mixture of mashed potatoes, chopped onions, and a generous drizzle of tangy tamarind chutney. The puris are then dipped in the tangy green pani to create a burst of flavors.
- Ragda Puri: Ragda Puri is a heartier version of Pani Puri that includes a hot and flavorful ragda, which is a thick curry made with boiled white peas, spices, and a touch of tamarind. The puris are filled with ragda and topped with a combination of chopped onions, tamarind chutney, green chutney, and sev.
Don't Forget to ask for your Sukhi Puri and refreshing green "pani" at the end!!
6. Corn Bhel:
Made with boiled corn kernels, tangy tamarind chutney, and an assortment of crunchy ingredients, corn bhel is a healthy and flavorful snack option. It offers a unique combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Must Try Flavours:
- Classic Corn Bhel: The classic style of corn bhel features boiled corn kernels mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and green chilies. It is then seasoned with tangy tamarind chutney, zesty lemon juice, and a blend of spices like chaat masala and black salt. The addition of crispy sev provides a delightful crunch to this traditional variation.
- Spicy Masala Corn Bhel: In this style, boiled corn kernels are tossed with a fiery masala mix, including red chili powder, cumin powder, and a pinch of garam masala. Finely chopped onions, cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice enhance the flavors, creating a fiery and flavorful snack.
- Cheesy Corn Bhel: Boiled corn kernels are combined with grated cheese, chopped bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The mixture is then seasoned with a blend of spices, including black pepper and oregano. The addition of grated cheese adds a gooey and creamy texture, making this style a favorite among cheese lovers.
- Sweet and Sour Corn Bhel: Boiled corn kernels are mixed with diced pineapple, pomegranate seeds, and finely chopped bell peppers. The dressing consists of a balance of tamarind chutney and a touch of honey, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
We know it's Corny but it's Amazing!!
So, grab an umbrella and treat your taste buds to the delightful flavors of Indian snacks this rainy season.
