The abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the best parts of summer. A stroll through the farmer’s market or the grocery store will reveal a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors ideal for summer munching. Summer is plenty with delightful and nutritious options, whether it’s sweet strawberries, tart cherries, or succulent peaches.
But it’s not only about eating healthy in the summer. This is also the season to indulge in all of your vices. On a hot day, who doesn’t enjoy a cool ice cream cone or a tasty popsicle? Summer is the time to let loose and eat all the delicious delights you’ve been longing for. And don’t forget about the beverages!
Summer cocktails such as margaritas, pia coladas, and daiquiris are ideal for cooling off and unwinding after a long day in the sun. There’s also lemonade, iced tea, or a cold glass of water infused with fresh herbs or fruit for those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
Summer is the ideal time to enjoy some light and refreshing foods. The list of cold salads and mango dishes is infinite. Indian cuisine has a variety of summer recipes that are not only tasty but also nutritious and healthy. Here are the top 8 Indian summer cuisines you should try:
Cucumber Raita
Cucumber raita is a delicious and cooling yogurt-based side dish served with Indian cuisine. It’s created with sliced cucumber, yogurt, and a few spices. Cucumber raita is not only delicious, but it also has numerous health benefits. Cucumber has a high water content, making it ideal for hydration, but yogurt has probiotics, which improve digestion. Cucumber raita is a fantastic addition to spicy foods or a light and healthful snack on its own because of the combination of these ingredients.
Mango Dal
Mango dal is a tasty and nutritious dish that is popular throughout the country. It’s produced by cooking lentils with juicy mango chunks and a variety of spices. Mangoes’ sweet and tart flavor provides a fresh twist to the traditional lentil soup. Mango dal is high in protein, fiber, and minerals, making it a nutritious and filling meal. It goes well with rice or toast and makes a filling and flavorful lunch or dinner.
Also, Read 10 Exotic Fruits Exclusively Found in India
Pakhala
Pakhala is Odisha’s solution to a hot summer day – a cool, refreshing, and eccentric food that will leave you satisfied and hydrated. It’s just rice that has been fermented in water overnight, giving it a slightly sour taste. The rice is then accompanied by a variety of side dishes, ranging from crispy fried fish to spicy pickles. What’s more, the best part? It’s eaten with your hands! Pakhala is thus not just excellent, but also a fun and involved dining experience. Once you sample it, you’ll be hooked on this unique Odisha cuisine!
Sattu Sharbat
Sattu sharbat is the summer drink’s superhero: it’s cool, refreshing, and packed with superpowers! This drink, prepared from sattu, a flour-like substance derived from roasted chickpeas, will give you the energy to beat any heatwave. It tastes like a nutritious milkshake, with a nutty, earthy flavor that will satisfy and refresh you. What’s more, the best part? Sattu sharbat is well-known for its cooling effects, making it ideal for hot summer days. So, say goodbye to plain old lemonade and hello to the sattu sharbat superpowers!
Phalsa Chutney
The tangy joy of phalsa chutney is like a party on your tongue! This chutney, made from the little but potent phalsa fruit, is a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. It’s a sweet-and-sour concoction, with the sweetness of jaggery nicely balancing the acidity of the phalsa. This chutney is a versatile little devil; use it as a samosa dip, a sandwich spread, or even a chicken marinade. So why settle for boring old ketchup when phalsa chutney may spice up your life?
Tamarind Rice
Let’s face it: tangy is the flavor of summer. During the summer, sour dishes not only cleanse our palates but also cool us down. South Indian tamarind rice is one such cuisine. Boiling rice is combined with tamarind gravy (prepared with various spices), curry leaves, chana/urad dal, and crispy peanuts in this recipe. This meal, also known as Pulihora or Puliyodharayi, hits the perfect blend of sweet, sour, acidic, and spicy flavors.
Jamun Mint Popsicles
Make stunning purple-hued popsicles with tart summer fruit to dazzle your guests. It’s really simple to make, and you can add some black salt or chaat masala for a desi flavor.
Mango Ginger Lassi
This Mango Ginger Lassi is cold, refreshing, and delicious! It even contains a fresh ginger root in it, giving this lassi a little kick! A lassi is a typical Indian drink. It is made with yogurt and often contains turmeric, rosewater, or saffron. This recipe includes fresh ginger root, which gives this lassi a little kick! The mix of mango, fermented “yogurt,” and ginger is an excellent approach to improving intestinal health.