Delicious Monsoon Snacks in India: Perfect Treats for Rainy Days

Monsoon in India is a season of rejuvenation and joy. As the rains bring relief from the scorching summer heat, they also awaken our craving for delicious, hot, and comforting snacks. There's nothing like enjoying a cup of steaming tea with some crispy and spicy snacks while watching the rain. In this article, we'll explore some of the best monsoon snacks in India that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

1. Pakoras (Fritters)

A Classic Indian Monsoon Snack

Pakoras, also known as bhajis, are a staple during the monsoon season. These deep-fried fritters are made by dipping various vegetables like potatoes, onions, spinach, and cauliflower in a seasoned gram flour batter. They are then fried until golden and crispy. Pakoras are best enjoyed with a cup of masala chai and a side of mint chutney.

Recipe for Onion Pakoras:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup gram flour (besan)
  • 1 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Water, as needed
  • Oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, carom seeds, red chili powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add water to form a thick batter.
  3. Add the sliced onions to the batter and mix well.
  4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
  5. Drop spoonfuls of the onion batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
  6. Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with chutney.

2. Samosas

The Irresistible Triangular Treat

Samosas are another favorite snack during the rainy season. These triangular pastries are filled with a spicy potato mixture and deep-fried to perfection. The crispy outer layer and the flavorful filling make samosas a beloved snack across India.

Recipe for Potato Samosas:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 cup green peas (optional)
  • Oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, mix flour, oil, and salt. Add water gradually to make a firm dough.
  2. For the filling, heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
  3. Add mashed potatoes, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
  4. Add green peas if using and cook for a few minutes.
  5. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin oval.
  6. Cut the oval into two halves. Shape each half into a cone and fill it with the potato mixture.
  7. Seal the edges and deep-fry the samosas until golden brown. Serve hot with tamarind chutney.

3. Vada Pav

Mumbai's Beloved Street Food

Vada Pav is often referred to as Mumbai's burger. It consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a bun (pav) and served with chutneys and fried green chilies. It's a filling and satisfying snack, perfect for the monsoon season.

Recipe for Vada Pav:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 pav buns
  • 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup gram flour (besan)
  • Water, as needed
  • Oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and ginger-garlic paste.
  2. Add the mashed potatoes and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes. Let it cool.
  3. Form small balls from the potato mixture.
  4. Make a thick batter with gram flour, water, and salt.
  5. Dip the potato balls in the batter and deep-fry until golden brown.
  6. Serve the vadas inside pav buns with chutneys and fried green chilies.

4. Corn on the Cob (Bhutta)

A Healthy Monsoon Delight

Roasted or boiled corn on the cob, known as bhutta, is a popular monsoon snack in India. The corn is seasoned with a mix of spices and lemon juice, making it a healthy and tasty treat.

Recipe for Spiced Corn on the Cob:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 ears of corn
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon chaat masala
  • 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Roast the corn on an open flame or grill until slightly charred.
  2. Mix butter, chili powder, chaat masala, and salt.
  3. Rub the mixture over the hot corn.
  4. Squeeze lemon juice over the corn and serve hot.

5. Pani Puri

The Ultimate Street Food Experience

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a favorite street food that becomes even more enjoyable during the monsoon. These crispy hollow puris are filled with spicy and tangy water, tamarind chutney, and a mixture of chickpeas or potatoes.

Recipe for Pani Puri:

• Ingredients:
  • Ready-made puris (available in stores)
  • 1 cup boiled chickpeas or mashed potatoes
  • 1 teaspoon chaat masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup tamarind chutney
  • 2 cups spiced mint water (pani)
• Instructions:
  1. Mix chickpeas or mashed potatoes with chaat masala, cumin powder, and salt.
  2. Make a hole in each puri and fill with the chickpea/potato mixture.
  3. Add a spoonful of tamarind chutney.
  4. Serve immediately with spiced mint water on the side.

Conclusion

The monsoon season in India is not just about the rains; it's also about indulging in these delectable snacks that bring warmth and comfort. From crispy pakoras to spicy pani puri, these snacks are perfect for enjoying the rainy weather. So, gather your ingredients, brew some hot chai, and savor these delicious monsoon treats!