5 Quick Comfort Foods to Cook This Monsoon

As the monsoon clouds roll in and the rain taps gently against the windows, there’s a natural craving for something warm, cozy, and soul-satisfying. Comfort foods during the rainy season don’t need to be elaborate; in fact, some of the best monsoon meals are made from pantry staples already sitting in your kitchen. 

Comfort Foods To Savor This Monsoon

Whether you’re working from home or just enjoying the view with a cup of chai, here are 5 quick comfort foods you can whip up using ingredients you likely already have.

Masala Maggi with a Twist

Why it’s comforting: Maggi is practically a national monsoon obsession. It’s warm, flavorful, quick to make, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients you need:

• Instant noodles (like Maggi)
• Onion, tomato, green chili
• Spices (turmeric, chili powder, garam masala)
• A dash of butter or cheese (optional)

How to make it:
Boil the noodles with the taste maker. Meanwhile, sauté chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chilies in a pan. Add a pinch of turmeric and chili powder. Toss in the cooked noodles, mix well, and finish with a touch of butter or grated cheese for added indulgence. You can also throw in leftover veggies or even an egg for protein.

Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra zing.

Also, read Understanding Food Labels to Make Informed Choices

Pakoras (Fritters) with Chutney

Why it’s comforting: Nothing beats the aroma of besan (gram flour) fritters sizzling in oil while it pours outside. It’s a classic pairing with chai.

Ingredients you need:

• Besan (gram flour)
• Sliced onion, potato, spinach, or any vegetable
• Spices (ajwain, chili powder, salt, turmeric)
• Water and oil for frying

How to make it:
Mix besan with water to create a thick batter. Add your chosen vegetables and spices. Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden. Serve with green chutney or ketchup.

Tip: You can even use leftover rice or bread as a base for unique pakora variations.

Khichdi – The Hug in a Bowl

Why it’s comforting: It’s soothing, easy on the stomach, and full of warmth – the ultimate rainy-day meal.

Ingredients you need:

• Rice and moong dal (yellow lentils)
• Ghee, cumin, ginger
• Turmeric, salt
• Optional: chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans

How to make it:
Wash and soak rice and dal for 15–20 minutes. In a pressure cooker, heat ghee, add cumin and chopped ginger, then the rice, dal, turmeric, and salt. Add water (typically 1:3 ratio) and pressure cook for 2–3 whistles. Garnish with a dollop of ghee and serve with pickle or curd.

Tip: Add a fried papad or some roasted papad crumbs on top for crunch.

Bread Upma – Quick Fix with Leftover Bread

Why it’s comforting: It’s fast, filling, and made from simple pantry ingredients – perfect for an unexpected rainy evening.

Ingredients you need:

• Bread slices (any kind)
• Onion, tomato, green chilies
• Mustard seeds, curry leaves
• Spices (turmeric, chili powder, salt)

How to make it:
Cut bread into cubes. In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sauté onions and tomatoes. Add spices, then toss in the bread cubes. Mix until the bread absorbs the flavor. Garnish with coriander leaves or a squeeze of lemon.

Tip: You can toast the bread before using it for added texture.

Sweet Corn Chaat

Why it’s comforting: Warm, slightly spicy, and a little tangy – this is a perfect light snack while you enjoy the cool monsoon breeze.

Ingredients you need:

• Sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• Onion, tomato, green chili
• Lemon juice, chaat masala, salt

How to make it:
Boil the sweet corn until tender. Mix with chopped onion, tomato, green chili, and your spices. Finish with lemon juice and coriander leaves. Serve warm.

Tip: Add a bit of butter while boiling for a richer taste.

Final Thoughts

Monsoon comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or require a trip to the grocery store. The joy of rainy days lies in simple pleasures, the scent of wet earth, the sound of raindrops, and the warmth of food that feels like a hug. Whip up these cozy meals with ease – Milkbasket, your online grocery delivery app, brings all your kitchen essentials right to your doorstep. 

With these five easy recipes, you can enjoy the monsoon season to the fullest, right from your cozy kitchen. So pull on your socks, grab that favorite mug of tea, and let the aroma of your monsoon dish fill the room. Happy cooking and happier raining!