Monsoon showers bring the much awaited relief from sultry weather conditions. A true Indian welcomes the rain and cherishes the essence of monsoon with an array of food. The intoxicating smell of wet earth adds to the beauty of falling raindrops and gourmet bliss can elevate your soul even more. Go for a guilt free indulgence once in a while during monsoons, because there is nothing more comforting than enjoying the rain with a mug of coffee or hot drinking chocolate and pakodas.
Every region in India has its own monsoon delicacies, be it a bowl of piping hot soup, kadak , spicy chaat, or a sizzling brownie with chocolate sauce. The comfort food for rain differs from region to region. For instance, people in Ahmedabad celebrate the first downpour with hot dal vadas and fried green chilies. It’s bhajiyas all the wayfor Mumbaikars. Bengalis savor their plate of hot khichdi with fried fish, like nothing better.
Soup prepared with a concoction of your favourite veggies and a dash of minced garlic is not only relaxing for your soul but also has therapeutic properties, and is a must have during the monsoons. It will help you to maintain distance from cold, fever, throat infection and above all food poisoning.
The damp streets and pot holes overflowing with stagnant rain water might act as a breeding place for insects and mosquitoes, and thereby leading to various diseases. Germs and bacteria tend to thrive in the unhygienic roadside eateries, so even if pani-puris and bhel-puris tempt you, it is best to stay away from them. Monsoons are best enjoyed when you get to curl up in the bed with a book on a rainy day, or even better if you get to pick up your favourite DVD and then enjoy the movie with finger foods.
But Be Careful!
Rains also bring with them health irritants like infections, allergies and indigestion. The increased humidity in atmosphere takes a toll on the body’s digestive system. You hardly got to panic if you incorporate small variations in eating habits. Avoid oily and street food if your immunity level is low, to keep away from an upset stomach. It is a good bargain to keep it simple and increase the intake of green leafy vegetables and fruits, which builds immunity. But make sure to wash them properly as they carry the risk of infection the most. Remember the monsoons for their cool breeze, enchanting rains, and hot bhuttas, instead of fungal and bacterial infection.
Photo by Suman J Singh
