Monsoon Cravings: Hot, Crispy & Comforting

BILKULONLINE | SUNDAY Special

By Sadia Khan

Onion Pakoras (Kanda Bhajiya)

– Golden, crunchy fritters that taste best with a hot cup of chai in the rains

Ingredients:

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1 cup gram flour (besan)

2 tbsp rice flour (for extra crispiness)

2 green chilies, finely chopped

1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)

½ tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp red chili powder

Salt to taste

A handful of coriander leaves, chopped

Water (as needed)

Oil for frying

Method:

Mix onion slices with salt and set aside for 10 minutes. They will release some water.

Add besan, rice flour, spices, chilies, and coriander. Mix well. Add little water only if needed to coat onions.

Heat oil in a deep pan. Drop small portions of the mixture into hot oil.

Fry until golden brown and crisp.

Serve hot with green chutney or ketchup and a steaming cup of chai.

Sweet Corn Soup

 – A warm, velvety bowl of comfort to keep the chill away on rainy evenings

A warm, soothing soup – perfect for rainy evenings.

Ingredients:

1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 tbsp butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small carrot, finely chopped

4 cups vegetable stock (or water + 1 veg cube)

1 tbsp cornflour mixed in 2 tbsp water

½ tsp white pepper powder

Salt to taste

Spring onion greens for garnish

Method:

Blend half the sweet corn kernels with a little water to make a paste. Keep the rest whole.

Heat butter in a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and carrot for 2–3 minutes.

Add corn paste, whole kernels, and stock. Let it simmer for 7–8 minutes.

Stir in the cornflour slurry to thicken the soup.

Add salt, pepper, and garnish with spring onion greens.

Serve hot with toast or garlic bread.