When it’s raining heavily, comfort food is a must! Plus it adds to the joy of the monsoon season. But you don’t have to dive into junk food, just be creative and make your options tasty but healthy.
Here are 10 delicious alternatives to pakodas or bhajjiyas that are healthier and perfect for a rainy day:
1. Sweet Potato Fries:
– Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Slice sweet potatoes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake until crispy. Serve with a yogurt-based dip.
2. Vegetable Soup:
– Mixed Vegetable Soup: Simmer a mix of vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans in vegetable broth, adding herbs and spices for flavour.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms:
– Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushroom caps with a mixture of spinach, low-fat cheese, and breadcrumbs, then bake.
4. Chickpea Salad:
– Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: Combine chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese with a lemon-olive oil dressing.
5. Fruit Chaat:
– Spicy Fruit Salad: Mix seasonal fruits with a sprinkle of chaat masala, lemon juice, and a pinch of black salt for a tangy twist.
6. Grilled Sandwiches:
– Vegetable Grilled Sandwich: Use whole grain bread filled with grilled vegetables, a slice of low-fat cheese, and a smear of pesto.
7. Corn on the Cob:
– Spicy Grilled Corn: Grill corn on the cob and season with a mix of lime juice, chili powder, and a touch of butter or olive oil.
8. Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts:
– Warm Oatmeal Bowl: Cook oats in milk or water, and top with fresh fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
9. Paneer Tikka:
– Grilled Paneer Skewers: Marinate paneer cubes in yogurt and spices, then grill or bake until golden.
10. Homemade Popcorn
– Spiced Popcorn: Pop kernels in a little oil and season with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
These options are not only healthier but also delicious and comforting, making them perfect for enjoying while listening to the rain.
