As Delhi toggles between sunshine and showers, here’s a flavourful way to stay light yet satisfied with seasonal recipes, says TEAM AGENDA
Since the capital is witnessing a summer mixed with rain, here’s a list of refreshing and comforting food items ideal for such weather — when it’s warm but damp, and you want something light yet satisfying. These recipes include a mix of cool, hydrating options and mildly spiced, warming comfort foods suitable for this weather:
Grilled Paneer & Veg Skewers with Mint Yoghurt Dip
Perfect for: Light outdoor grilling when the rain has just stopped.
Ingredients:
- 200g paneer, cubed
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 1 courgette, sliced
- 1 red onion, quartered
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika or chaat masala
Mint Yoghurt Dip:
- ½ cup plain yoghurt
- 10 mint leaves
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- Salt to taste
Method:
- Thread paneer and veg onto skewers.
- Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika
- chaat masala.
- Grill or cook on a non-stick pan until golden.
- Blend the dip ingredients and serve chilled.
Lemon Rice with Roasted Peanuts
Perfect for: Light lunch on a cool, drizzly summer day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked basmati rice (cooled)
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- 1 dried red chilli
- 8-10 curry leaves
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts
Method:
- Heat oil and add mustard seeds, chilli and curry leaves.
- Add turmeric, then stir in rice, lemon juice and salt.
- Mix well and top with roasted peanuts.
Chilled Cucumber & Mint Soup
Perfect for: Humid days when you don’t want anything hot.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cucumber, peeled & chopped
- 1 cup plain yoghurt
- 6 mint leaves
- Salt & black pepper
- Splash of lemon juice
Method:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh mint.
Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)
Perfect for: Cooling your system while humidity builds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain yoghurt
- 2 cups water
- ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of black pepper
- Few mint or coriander leaves
Method:
- Blend yoghurt and water until frothy.
- Stir in spices and herbs.
- Serve chilled
Sweetcorn & Spinach Pakoras (Fritters)
Perfect for: Enjoying with chai while watching the rain.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sweetcorn kernels
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup gram flour (besan)
- Salt, chilli powder, cumin to taste
- Water as needed
- Oil for shallow frying
Method:
- Mix all ingredients into a thick batter.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a hot pan and fry until golden.
- Serve hot with green chutney.
