19 Must-Try Monsoon Recipes for Perfect Rainy Evenings

533

Key Highlights

• Whether you’re after deep-fried delights or lighter bites, these easy monsoon recipes have you covered.
• Relive the charm of indian recipes for monsoon, by bringing these timeless favourites into your home kitchen.
• Discover recipes that are the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea during chilly, rainy weather.
• Satisfy your cravings without compromise by choosing from these indulgent deep-fried treats and healthier alternatives.
• These monsoon snack recipes are designed to excite your palate and bring joy to every rainy bite.

The monsoon doesn’t just bring rain, it brings cravings! One moment you’re enjoying the cool breeze, and the next, you’re dreaming of warm, aromatic food that soothes the soul. Because rainy days have a funny way of turning us all into foodies.

Whether it’s the nostalgic aroma of mom’s pakoras sizzling in hot oil that brings instant comfort in the form of healthy food in rainy season. A steaming cup of masala chai or coffee that offers warmth with every sip. Rainy days naturally call for comfort food that warms you from the inside out. And let’s be honest, very few things are as satisfying as munching on your favourite monsoon snacks while listening to the rain tap on the window.

In this guide, we’re celebrating the flavours of the season with a handpicked collection of monsoon food recipes. So grab a cup of chai, settle in, and let’s celebrate the beauty of monsoon flavours.

Rainy Evening Vibes? These 19 Monsson Recipes Are a Must-Try!

To truly savour the season, indulge in these carefully curated monsoon special recipes that bring comfort to every rainy evening. From quick and easy comfort food recipes to traditional favourites, there is a delightful snack for every mood. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and create unforgettable memories during this beautiful rainy weather.

Let’s explore some of the most beloved dishes that will warm your heart and home.

1. Crispy Onion Pakoras

Perfectly crispy onion pakoras are a must-try during the monsoon season. Made with gram flour batter and a blend of aromatic spices, offer an irresistible crunch. These delightful snacks pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea.

Serve with tangy tamarind chutney for a flavourful twist. This is a beloved treat among the monsoon recipes, Indian veg options that are both spicy and satisfying.

Here’s how you can make them at home:

• Thinly chop 2 large onions, green chillies, and coriander leaves.
• Mix everything in a bowl with besan (gram flour), cumin seeds, red chilli powder, and salt to taste.
• Deep-fry small portions of the mixture in hot oil until golden and crisp.

Don’t miss: Vegetable fritters, the ultimate chai-time snack.

2. Spicy Aloo Samosa

Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, spicy aloo samosas are an ideal monsoon treat. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea. Stuffed with a flavorful spiced potato filling made with cumin seeds, green chillies, and a hint of lemon juice. T

his rainy season food brings warmth and comfort during rainy weather. You can enjoy them with tangy tamarind chutney or a sprinkle of red chilli powder. These samosas are perfect for satisfying monsoon cravings. Every bite of this spicy snack is a celebration of comfort and joy.

Here’s the recipe:

• Prepare a filling by combining mashed potatoes, chopped green chillies, and other spices.
• Make dough of all-purpose flour (maida), and roll into circles, cut in half, and shape into cones.
• Fill these cones with the potato mixture, and seal the edges with water.
• Deep fry samosas on medium heat until golden and serve hot with green chutney.

You might also like: How to make Mini Samosas.

3. Moong Dal Kachori

Moong Dal Kachori, also known as Khasta Kachori, is famous for its signature flaky texture. This iconic Indian street food is a must-try, especially during the monsoon season. These are deep-fried pastries filled with a spicy mixture of moong dal, cumin seeds, and other fragrant spices.

Each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by a soft, savoury filling that melts in your mouth. They are best enjoyed with a side of tangy tamarind chutney, which complements the richness of the fried pastry and the spiced dal.

Here’s how it’s done:

• Prepare a filling by cooking soaked moong dal with spices until it is dry.
• Stuff this filling into small discs of dough, seal them, and flatten slightly.
• Deep-fry on low heat until they are golden brown and perfectly crisp.

4. Dhokla with Green Chutney

Looking for a healthy yet traditional Indian snack? Dholka is your answer. This beloved monsoon snack from Gujarat is made from a fermented gram flour (besan) batter. Its high nutritional value makes dhokla a guilt-free indulgence to be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Best when paired with tangy green chutney for a refreshing and satisfying treat. This is an ideal rainy season food, offering both comfort and flavour.

Here’s how you can make it at home:

• Create a batter with gram flour, water, and leavening agents, and let it ferment.
• Pour the batter into a greased plate and steam to create a light, spongy, and savoury cake.
• Top it with a tempering of oil, mustard seeds, and curry leaves before serving.

You might also like: Sprouts Dhokla recipe.

5. Corn Bhel

If you want a unique monsoon recipe that is both quick and refreshing, Corn Bhel is an excellent choice. This delightful snack is a creative twist on the classic bhel puri.

This snack offers a burst of different flavours like sweet, spicy, and tangy, which will awaken your taste buds. It’s a light and healthy option that requires no frying, making it perfect for guilt-free snacks on a rainy day.

Here’s how you can make it at home:

• In a bowl, mix boiled corn kernels with chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander.
• Add tamarind chutney, green chutney, and chaat masala to taste.
• Toss everything together and garnish with sev before serving immediately.

Spice things up with this Potato Cheese Sev recipe.

6. Bread Pakoras

Bread Pakoras are a classic evening tea snack, especially during the monsoon. This popular street food is made by dipping slices of bread in a savoury gram flour batter and deep-frying them until they are golden brown and crispy. They can be made plain or stuffed with a delicious spiced potato filling for a more substantial snack.

Here’s the recipe:

• Prepare a spiced gram flour batter with a medium consistency.
• Dip triangular bread slices into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Deep-fry in hot oil until both sides are golden brown and crisp.

7. Moong Dal Chilla

For a healthy monsoon recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, Moong Dal Chilla is an excellent choice. These are savoury Indian pancakes made from a batter of soaked moong dal. They are packed with protein and have a high nutritional value, making them one of the best snacks for health-conscious individuals.

Cooked in a pan with minimal oil, these chillas are light, crispy, and incredibly satisfying. Serve them with green chutney for a complete and wholesome meal.

Here’s how it’s done:

• Grind soaked moong dal into a smooth batter and season with spices.
• Pour a ladleful of batter onto a hot, lightly oiled pan and spread it into a circle.
• Cook on both sides until golden and crisp.

Another recipe worth making:  Besan Chilla.

8. Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is an iconic street food that becomes an appealing rainy season snack. This hearty dish consists of a flavorful medley of mashed vegetables cooked in a blend of aromatic spices, served with soft, buttery bread rolls (pav). It’s a complete meal in itself and a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Indian street food.

Here’s how you can make it at home:

• Cook a mix of vegetables like potatoes, peas, and bell peppers, and mash them.
• Sauté onions and tomatoes with pav bhaji masala, then add the mashed vegetables.
• Serve the hot bhaji with butter-toasted pav, chopped onions, and a lemon wedge.

9. Chilli Cheese Toast

Chilli Cheese Toast is a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious snack that is perfect for evening tea. The combination of gooey, melted cheese and the sharp heat from the chillies is simply irresistible. It is the perfect rainy snack, a modern classic that everyone loves.

Here’s the recipe:

• Top bread slices with a mixture of grated cheese, chopped green chillies, and coriander.
• Sprinkle with a pinch of red chilli powder or chaat masala.
• Toast on a pan or in an oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Cheese Corn Balls

Cheese Corn Balls are a delightful snack that will surely hit the spot for an easy comfort food recipe. Each bite offers a crunchy exterior that gives way to a soft, gooey, and cheesy centre. These cheese balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun snack to make at home during the monsoon.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Combine mashed potatoes, corn, grated cheese, and spices to form a dough.
• Shape the mixture into small balls and coat them with breadcrumbs.
• Deep-fry until golden brown and serve hot with ketchup or chutney.

11. Methi Thepla with Curd

Methi Thepla is a traditional Gujarati flatbread that makes for a fantastic monsoon snack. They are perfect for satisfying your monsoon cravings and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as an evening snack.

While not typical street food, they are a staple in many Indian homes. The slightly bitter taste of methi combined with the spices creates a unique and addictive flavour. They are best served with a side of plain curd or pickle.

Follow these simple steps to recreate it:

• Knead a soft dough using whole wheat flour, chopped methi leaves, yoghurt, and spices.
• Roll out thin circles from the dough.
• Cook on a hot tawa with a little oil until both sides have golden brown spots.

12. Rava Upma

Rava Upma is one of the most delicious snacks that also doubles as a healthy food in the rainy season. With its high nutritional value and comforting warmth, rava upma in many South Indian households. It’s quick to prepare and can be made as light or as rich as you prefer.

Here’s how you can make it at home:

• Roast rava until fragrant and set aside.
• Temper mustard seeds, dal, and curry leaves in oil, then sauté the vegetables.
• Add hot water, salt, and roasted rava, stirring continuously to avoid lumps until cooked.

13. Eggless French Toast

For a quick vegetarian monsoon treat, try this savoury Eggless French Toast. It’s a fantastic alternative for those who don’t eat eggs or are looking for a different kind of snack. This dish pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea and can be enjoyed for breakfast or as an evening snack.

Here’s the recipe:

• Whisk gram flour with water, salt, turmeric, and other spices to create a smooth batter.
• Dip slices of bread into the batter, ensuring they are well-coated.
• Pan-fry on a lightly oiled griddle until both sides are golden brown.

14. Vegetable Frankie Rolls

Vegetable Frankie Rolls are another must-try street food, perfect snacks for a rainy day. This popular wrap consists of a flatbread (roti) lined with a spicy and tangy vegetable filling.

These snacks are filling, flavorful, and easy to eat on the go, although they are best enjoyed fresh and hot. The combination of soft roti and a savoury vegetable filling is sure to please your taste buds.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Prepare a savoury vegetable filling using boiled potatoes and sautéed veggies.
• Spread the filling over a warm roti or paratha.
• Roll it up tightly and serve immediately for the best experience.

You might also like:

15. Steaming Hot Tomato Soup

Comfort awaits with a steaming hot tomato soup, an iconic monsoon soup recipe that is perfect for the season. This delightful soup, made from ripe tomatoes and aromatic spices, warms both the body and soul. The combination of fresh herbs, a splash of lemon juice, and cumin makes it an ideal companion for crispy pakoras or a slice of crusty bread.

Here’s how you can make it:

• Chop tomatoes, onion, garlic, and carrot, and sauté them in butter/oil until fragrant.
• Add tomatoes and carrots. Cook until soft, then pour in water or stock. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.
• Cool the mixture slightly, blend until smooth, and strain for a silky texture (optional).
• Simmer with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Serve hot with cream and coriander garnish.

Double the flavour with this Cream of Tomato Soup.

16. Medu Vada with Sambar

Medu Vada is a classic South Indian street food that tops the rainy season food list. These savoury fritters are shaped like doughnuts and made from a batter of urad dal, with a touch of rice flour for crispiness.

They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. When served with hot, tangy Sambar and coconut chutney, Medu Vada becomes a hearty and comforting meal that is simply irresistible.

Follow these simple steps to recreate it:

• Grind soaked urad dal into a thick, fluffy batter, adding spices and herbs.
• Wet your hands, shape the batter into a doughnut, and slide it into hot oil.
• Deep-fry until the vadas are golden brown and crisp, then serve with sambar.

17. Cabbage & Carrot Momos

A delightful snack, cabbage and carrot momos redefine comfort during the monsoon season. Encased in a soft rice flour wrapper, these steamed dumplings burst with flavour from the spiced vegetable filling. Enhanced by green chillies and aromatic spices, they can be served with tangy tamarind chutney for a perfect accompaniment.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Mix flour, salt, and water to form a soft dough.
• Cover and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
• Prepare the Filling by pan-frying garlic, cabbage, carrot, onion, and optional chilli in oil.
• Roll the dough into small circles, fill it with the veggie mix, then fold and pleat to seal.
• Steam for 10–12 minutes until translucent.
• Serve hot with chilli-garlic chutney or soy sauce.

18. Hara Bhara Kabab

Hara Bhara Kabab is a healthy and delicious appetiser that gets its name from its vibrant green colour. “Hara Bhara” translates to “full of greens,” and these kababs are packed with spinach, peas, and potatoes. They are seasoned with aromatic spices and green chillies, offering a wonderful burst of flavour.

With their high nutritional value, these pan-fried patties are a much healthier alternative to deep-fried street food. They are soft on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior, making them one of the guilt-free monsoon snack recipes.

Follow these simple steps to recreate it:

• Blanch spinach and peas, then grind them into a coarse paste.
• Mix the paste with mashed potatoes, paneer, and spices, then shape into patties.
• Shallow-fry or pan-fry the kababs until both sides are golden brown.

19. Poha Nuggets

If you’re in the mood for unique monsoon treats, Poha Nuggets are a must-try. These creative hot snacks offer a delightful crunch that is reminiscent of crispy pakoras but with a completely different texture and taste.

This snack is a fantastic way to use up leftover poha and turns it into something exciting. While inspired by street food creativity, these are easy to make at home.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Combine softened poha with mashed potatoes, chopped onions, and spices.
• Shape the mixture into small nuggets or cutlets.
• Deep-fry these nuggets until they are golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

As the monsoon season sets in, there’s no better time to dig into all your favourite comfort foods. The recipes shared in this blog not only capture the essence of rainy evenings but also bring families and friends together over delicious flavours. From crispy pakoras to poha nuggets, each recipe is designed to elevate your culinary experience during the rains.

So, gather your loved ones, whip up these scrumptious treats, and make the most of this cosy season! And don’t forget to explore more delicious options to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best guilt-free monsoon recipes to try at home?

You can try healthy monsoon snacks like Dhokla made from gram flour or pan-fried Moong Dal Chilla. Both are high in nutritional value and use minimal oil. Hara Bhara Kababs, packed with spinach and peas, are another excellent, nutrient-rich option to enjoy at home.

Which are the most useful kitchen appliances for preparing monsoon snack recipes?

An air fryer is great for making healthier, crispy snacks with less oil. A good mixer-grinder is essential for preparing smooth gram flour batter for many Indian monsoon snacks. You can also use a convection OTG (Oven-Toaster-Grill) for baking monsoon treats like kachoris for a guilt-free version of your favourite street food.

What are some hearty, family-approved monsoon dinner recipes?

Pav Bhaji is the ultimate comfort food and the perfect monsoon dinner recipe. This flavorful dish of mashed vegetables served with buttery buns is a complete meal. It brings everyone together and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea on a cool evening.

What are the must-have Indian snacks to cosy up with this monsoon?

Popular rainy season recipes for the monsoon include street food classics like Samosas, crispy pakoras, and Vada Pav. These deep-fried delights are a beloved monsoon snack across India and are perfect for satisfying rainy-day cravings.

What are the best rainy day recipes?

The best rainy day recipes are hot snacks that provide comfort and warmth. Think of classic street food like pakoras or samosas, which are perfect with a hot cup of masala tea. These savoury treats are ideal for satisfying your monsoon cravings.

What is a healthy one-pot meal recipe for a monsoon?

A vegetable-loaded Pav Bhaji can be a healthy one-pot meal, offering high nutritional value from various vegetables. Another great comfort food option for rainy weather is a hearty Manchow soup, packed with veggies and aromatic spices, making it a wholesome and warming monsoon meal.

What are your favourite monsoon delicacies in India that are of besan?

Some favourite monsoon delicacies in India are crispy Onion Pakoras, made with gram flour (besan). This beloved monsoon snack is simple yet incredibly flavorful. Another great option is Bread Pakoras, a classic street food where bread slices are dipped in a spiced besan batter and fried to perfection.