Raining In Delhi? Snacks To Make With Your Chai This Weekend

There’s something about rain that instantly makes you want to munch on something hot and crispy. The weather cools down, and the cup of chai feels incomplete without having something comforting to snack on with it. Crunchy snacks usually mean pakoras or something deep-fried, making their way to the plate.

But it does not always have to be heavy or over-the-top munchies. With a few simple twists and the ingredients that you already have in your pantry, you can make snacks for a rainy day that feel just as comforting as your regular pakoras would do. Think quick, warm bites that hit the correct spot, are easy to make, and still feel perfect to enjoy a slow, rainy weekend at home.

Mixed Vegetable Pakoras

There’s a reason rain and pakoras are synonymous. Instead of the regular aloo, pyaaz or paneer pakoras, try the mixed vegetable pakoras, where you can add slices of spinach, or even cauliflower, brinjal in a spiced besan batter and fry until they turn crisp. You will definitely love its uneven texture and taste that will vary from some bits that turn extra crunchy while others remain soft, making each bite different from the last one. Add a pinch of ajwain or green chillies to give a gentle warmth that feels perfect in this kind of weather. You do not need much planning; just grab everything that you have in the fridge and simply dip it in the batter and fry. 

(Image credit: Freepik)

Bread Roll With Spiced Potato Filling 

Be prepared to get nostalgic as these bread rolls can take you down memory lane to rainy evenings at home. The filling for this is simple, just mash some boiled potatoes with spices, green chillies, and coriander, and wrap them inside softened bread slices and fry until golden and crisp. The outside turns perfectly crunchy, whereas the inside remains soft and lightly spiced. Bread rolls are easy to shape and fry, making them a perfect snack for rainy days or when you want something a little more filling than the usual pakoras. Served hot, they hold up well with ketchup or chutney and feel like a complete snack.

Also read: 6 Crispy Fried Desserts For Rainy Days

Masala Corn Chaat 

For those who want to skip the frying phase and want something light instead, masala corn chaat delivers a lighter but equally comforting option. Steam or boil the corn kernels, then toss with some butter, chaat masala, lemon juice, and a little chilli or black pepper powder. The warmth of the corn, when mixed with tangy and spicy notes, makes it bite perfect for rainy weather. Masala corn chaat can be made in just minutes, and it also does not feel heavy. The slight crunch of the corn kernels keeps the texture vibrant, making every bite more interesting to keep going back to.

Paneer Tikka On Tawa

Don't think you need to have a griller for this, as paneer tikka can also be made on a tawa, which will have that equally smoky, spiced flavour that you love. Cut paneer into small cubes and coat them in a quick marinade that you can make with yoghurt, a blend of spices, and a little bit of mustard oil, then cook them on high heat until they get charred on both sides. The outside forms a light crust, whereas the inside remains soft and creamy. Paneer tikka is a good option when you want to have something protein-rich, but still that should be snackable. Pair it with onion rings and mint chutney, and it feels like a perfect snack to have without being too heavy.

(Image credit: Freepik)

Aloo Tikki

Aloo tikki hits a perfect balance between crispy and comforting snack options, making it ideal for slow, rainy weekends. Simply mash some boiled potatoes, spice them up with basic everyday spices, and shallow-fry until golden. The outside remains crisp, whereas the inside turns soft and warm. Pair aloo tikki with mint for freshness, imli chutney for tang or top with curd to make a chaat plate. It’s not too complicated, but it still feels like a good snack that you can sit down and enjoy, while admiring the weather.

Cheese Chilli Toast

Cheese chilli toast is a quick, familiar snack that works perfectly when you crave something warm but without having to put too much effort. Simply top the bread slices with butter, grated cheese, green chillies, and onions, then toast until the cheese melts and the edges turn charred and crispy. The combination of melted cheese and slight heat from chillies makes it soothing without feeling too rich. It is the kind of snack that you can make in minutes, particularly when the rain makes you want to stay in, but you still want to have a cafe-like meal.