Monsoon Recipes: What to Eat and Avoid This Rainy Season

The monsoon season brings with it the joy of cool breezes, lush greenery, and the irresistible aroma of earth after rain. But as you curl up by the window with a hot cup of chai, it’s also the perfect time to rethink your diet. 

With increased humidity and a higher risk of foodborne illnesses, choosing the right monsoon recipes is crucial for your health and comfort.

If you’re looking to buy groceries online and want everything from fresh milk to your favourite rainy-day snacks, Milkbasket is your go-to solution.

With a milk subscription, you never run out of essentials. Add or modify your cart by midnight, and your order will be delivered silently to your doorstep by 7 AM. 

With over 10,000+ items, Milkbasket makes online food shopping easier than ever, especially when you want to whip up quick and healthy monsoon recipes.

Monsoon Recipes: What to Eat

The rainy season is the best time to enjoy foods that boost your immunity and keep your digestion in check. Here’s what you should include in your monsoon recipes and diet:

1. Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Jamun, litchis, and pears are excellent additions to your monsoon diet. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which help fight infections and keep your immune system strong. 

Vegetables like bitter gourd and bottle gourd are light on the stomach and aid digestion, perfect for monsoon recipes that are both hearty and healthy.

(a) Steamed Bottle Gourd (Lauki) Kofta Curry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups grated bottle gourd
• Besan (gram flour) – 4 tbsp
• Turmeric, ginger, cumin seeds, salt – to taste
• Yogurt-based curry with turmeric and garam masala

Preparation:
Squeeze water out of grated lauki, mix with besan and spices, form small balls, steam or lightly sauté, and then simmer in a light yoghurt curry.
🟢 Benefits: Light, easy to digest, and supports gut health during the humid season.

When it comes to greens, always opt for well-cooked versions of spinach, fenugreek, and other leafy vegetables. Cooking helps eliminate bacteria and parasites that thrive in the rainy season, making your monsoon recipes safer and more nutritious.

(b) Cooked Spinach and Fenugreek Curry (Palak-Methi Bhaji)

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch spinach, 1 bunch fenugreek leaves
• Garlic, green chilies, cumin
• Mustard oil – 1 tbsp

Preparation:
Boil and finely chop spinach and fenugreek. Temper cumin and garlic in mustard oil, add greens, and cook thoroughly.
🟢 Benefits: Loaded with iron and vitamin C, enhances immunity and is safer cooked in monsoon.

2. Protein-Rich Foods

Include pulses, lentils, chickpeas, and beans in your monsoon recipes. They’re easy to digest and provide the protein your body needs to stay energetic. Here’s one such monsoon recipe of a protein-rich food:

(a) Mixed Lentil Khichdi with Ginger and Garlic Tadka

Ingredients:

• ½ cup moong dal + ½ cup masoor dal
• ½ cup rice
• Ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin seeds
• Ghee – 1 tbsp
• Salt – to taste

Preparation:
Cook rice and lentils together with turmeric and salt. In a separate pan, prepare a tadka with ghee, cumin, chopped ginger and garlic. Pour over khichdi and mix well.
🟢 Benefits: Easily digestible, protein-rich, and great for immunity support in damp weather.

If you’re a fan of dairy, a milk subscription from Milkbasket ensures you always have fresh milk for your favourite monsoon recipes.

(b) Ginger-Turmeric Milk (“Golden Milk”)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh milk
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ¼ tsp grated ginger
• A pinch of black pepper
• Honey – to taste

Preparation:
Warm all ingredients together (do not boil hard), strain, and sip warm before bedtime.
🟢 Benefits: Enhances immunity, soothes inflammation, and helps fight seasonal infections.

3. Spices and Probiotics

Don’t forget the power of spices! Turmeric, ginger, and garlic not only add flavour to your monsoon recipes but also boost immunity and aid digestion. 

Probiotics like yoghurt and buttermilk are also great for gut health. Use them in smoothies, raitas, or as a side to your meals for a refreshing twist.

Read More:

5 Hot Monsoon Drinks To Enjoy During The Rainy Season

Monsoon Foods For Staying Healthy This Season

Monsoon Diet: What to Avoid

While the monsoon is a great time to experiment with new monsoon recipes, there are a few foods you should steer clear of to stay healthy:

1. Fried and Junk Food

Fried snacks like samosas and pakoras are classic monsoon recipes, but too much oil can cause indigestion and bloating. If you can’t resist, try baked or air-fried versions for a healthier twist.

Avoid excessively spicy foods as they can upset your stomach during this humid season.

2. Raw Foods

Raw salads and cut fruits from outside vendors are a no-go during the monsoon. The risk of contamination is high, so always wash your produce thoroughly and cook your greens well. 

For salads and fruit bowls, use only the freshest ingredients, which you can easily get through online food shopping with Milkbasket.

Monsoon Recipes to Try

Rainy days call for comforting, warm, and flavourful monsoon recipes. Try classics like dal pakoda, masala chai, and baked kachori for a guilt-free treat. For something quick, whip up corn bhel or poha nuggets.

For those who love experimenting, explore regional monsoon recipes like Bombil Bhujna from Maharashtra or Bajra Khichdi from Haryana. These dishes not only celebrate the season but also deliver the nutrition your body needs.

Why Choose Milkbasket for Your Monsoon Needs?

With the unpredictable rains, stepping out to buy groceries can be a hassle. Milkbasket makes it simple—just download the Milkbasket app, add your favourite items, and let us handle the rest. 

Whether you need fresh milk or want to buy groceries online for your next batch of monsoon recipes, we’ve got you covered.

Our silent, early-morning 7AM delivery ensures you wake up to everything you need, from daily essentials to special ingredients for your monsoon recipes. With over 10,000+ products, Milkbasket is your one-stop app for online food shopping this rainy season.

So, stay healthy, savour the rains, and let Milkbasket deliver groceries and happiness to your doorstep—rain or shine.