As the monsoon rains put on their best display, there’s something irresistibly comforting about enjoying hot chai and desi snacks to chase away the rainy day blues. Actor Emraan Hashmi even shared that his favorite monsoon snack is samosas in an exclusive chat with HT City. Exploring the best snacks to accompany kadak chai, we’ve compiled a list of recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds, rain or shine!
Pakoda and Bhajiya
There’s nothing quite like a plate of hot bhajiya paired with a steaming cup of chai to enhance the cool weather experience. While onion and potato pakodas are household favorites, consider trying the famed mirchi bhajiyas from Rajasthan or maroi nakuppi fritters from the Northeast. Maroi nakuppi pakodas feature garlic chives fried with besan, chilli powder, green chillies, and salt for a regional twist.
Samosas
A universally loved evening snack, samosas always pair perfectly with kadak chai. This monsoon, switch up the traditional aloo samosa and try a rich filling of chicken or mutton keema lightly fried with onions, spices of choice, and a hint of tomato ketchup for an unforgettable flavor.
Maggi
Nothing beats a bowl of piping hot Maggi with your evening tea as you watch the rain pour. For a delightful twist, add some chilli and cheese along with pepper powder to your regular Maggi recipe, creating a cheesy, indulgent dish that appeals to everyone.
Momo
Another versatile monsoon treat is momos. Prepare momo wrappers with your favorite fillings while your chai brews. A unique variation inspired by Nepal is Jhol momo, where a sauce made from soybeans, peanuts, sesame seeds, tomato, onion, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice enhances the flavor, creating a hearty dish.
Bhel Puri
A quick and easy snack when the rain hits, bhel puri can be made with pantry staples. Instead of the usual Mumbai-style bhel, try a Jammu-inspired recipe using puffed rice mixed with cornflakes, roasted chana dal, sev, tomatoes, onions, green chillies, coriander, lemon juice, and a spice mix of salt, red chilli powder, and chaat masala.
Aloo Tikki
No list would be complete without aloo tikki. For a twist, replace the potatoes with soya chunks. Mix soya granules with boiled potatoes, bread, besan, spices, green chillies, coriander, and lemon juice for added zest. Fry and serve with tomato ketchup alongside a steaming cup of tea.
Bhutta
One of the most satisfying snacks during cold weather is roasted corn on the cob. Try a Mexican-inspired Elote twist by rolling grilled corn in butter, topping it with mayonnaise, crumbly cheese like feta or shredded Amul cheese, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of chilli powder. Enjoy this decadent treat with a hot cup of Assam tea.
There you have it—seven simple recipes to satisfy your monsoon cravings, perfectly complemented by a delightful cup of ginger tea.