The rainy season brings with it a sense of freshness, cool breezes, and a longing for comfort food. For vegetarians, this season is a time to indulge in warm, flavorful dishes that are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best vegetarian recipes perfect for the rainy season. Additionally, we’ll recommend some of the most acclaimed food and recipe books by renowned authors to further inspire your culinary adventures.
Spicy Corn and Vegetable Soup
A hot bowl of soup is the perfect way to enjoy a rainy day. This spicy corn and vegetable soup is both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sweet corn kernels
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cumin powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sweet corn kernels and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Why it’s great: This soup is packed with vegetables, making it a wholesome meal. The spices add a warm kick, perfect for the cool, rainy weather.
2. Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is a popular Indian appetizer that is both flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for those rainy evenings when you crave something grilled and spicy.
Ingredients:
- 250g paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 cup yogurt1
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp oil
- Skewers
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, and oil.
- Add the paneer cubes to the marinade. Ensure each cube is well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers.
- Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the paneer is golden and slightly charred.
- Serve hot with mint chutney.
Why it’s great: Paneer Tikka is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The yogurt marinade keeps the paneer soft and infuses it with rich flavors.
3. Aloo Tikki Chaat
Aloo Tikki Chaat is a beloved Indian street food that’s perfect for rainy days. It’s a delightful mix of crispy potato patties, tangy chutneys, and refreshing yogurt.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp chaat masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup tamarind chutney
- 1/2 cup mint chutney
- Chopped onions, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with cumin powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, and salt.
- Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the patties until golden brown on both sides.
- Place the patties on a plate. Top with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and mint chutney.
- Garnish with chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
Why it’s great: Aloo Tikki Chaat is a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s quick to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
4. Vegetable Pakoras
Pakoras are a quintessential rainy day snack in India. These deep-fried fritters made with vegetables and chickpea flour are irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 1 cup sliced potatoes
- 1 cup sliced spinach
- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix chickpea flour with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add water gradually to make a thick batter.
- Add the sliced vegetables to the batter and mix well.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with mint chutney.
Why it’s great: Vegetable Pakoras are crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make. They are perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot tea while watching the rain.
5. Mushroom and Spinach Stir-Fry
For a quick and healthy meal, a mushroom and spinach stir-fry is an excellent choice. It’s light, nutritious, and bursting with flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups spinach leaves
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until golden brown.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their water and become tender.
- Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
- Stir in soy sauce, black pepper, and salt.
- Cook for another 2 minutes and serve hot.
Why it’s great: This stir-fry is quick to make and packed with nutrients. The combination of mushrooms and spinach is both delicious and healthy.
Recommended Vegetarian Cookbooks
To further enhance your culinary skills and explore a variety of vegetarian dishes, here are some of the best vegetarian cookbooks by renowned authors:
1. “Plenty” by Yotam Ottolenghi
– This cookbook is filled with vibrant, vegetable-based dishes that are both inventive and delicious. Ottolenghi’s Mediterranean-inspired recipes are sure to inspire you.
2. “Isa Does It” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
– A must-have for any vegetarian kitchen, this cookbook offers easy, everyday recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners. Isa’s recipes are both comforting and creative.
3. “The Vegetarian Flavor Bible” by Karen Page
– This book is more than just a cookbook; it’s a guide to flavor pairings and ingredients that will help you create your own delicious vegetarian dishes.
4. “Madhur Jaffrey’s World Vegetarian” by Madhur Jaffrey
– Renowned chef Madhur Jaffrey brings together a collection of vegetarian recipes from around the world. This cookbook is a treasure trove of international flavors and techniques.
5. “The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook” by America’s Test Kitchen
– This comprehensive cookbook covers a wide range of vegetarian recipes, from appetizers to desserts. The step-by-step instructions and tips make it a great resource for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Conclusion
The rainy season is the perfect time to indulge in warm, comforting vegetarian dishes. Whether it’s a bowl of spicy corn and vegetable soup, a plate of crispy vegetable pakoras, or a delicious paneer tikka, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. For more culinary inspiration, explore the recommended cookbooks and discover new flavors and techniques. Enjoy the rainy days with these delightful vegetarian recipes and make the most of the season!
In the above blog, we explored quick, easy, and tasty vegetarian recipes perfect for the rainy season. We also recommended some of the best vegetarian cookbooks by renowned authors to inspire your culinary journey. Happy cooking and stay cozy this rainy season!
