Summer is in full swing, with heat waves already blowing across the country. Besides, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has already warned that several parts of India will experience heat waves from April to June. Thus, it is advisable to stay indoors, keep yourself hydrated, and practice eating light and refreshing foods.
In the summer season, it is of utmost importance to find the right balance between nutrition, taste, and keeping cool. Summers are particularly intense in India, so you should keep in mind the food items you should choose for your lunch that will not only satisfy hunger but also provide refreshment. Here are some Indian summer lunch options that will keep you cool and energised throughout the day. Take a look:
- Salads
Salads are lifesavers during the summer months. To make a refreshing salad for your lunch, choose from fresh, crisp greens like lettuce and spinach and mix a whole lot of seasonal vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots. You can also add protein like grilled chicken, tofu or chickpeas. Dress up this satisfying meal with olive oil, chilli flakes, and lemon juice. You can also offer a yoghurt-based dressing. Enjoy the cool, wholesome meal as lunch on a summer afternoon.
- Bengali Aam Dal
Aam or mango, is a summer staple across the country. In this traditional Bengali dal recipe, raw mangoes and lentils are used. The tanginess of ripe mangoes complements the comforting warmth of lentils. This is a sweet and sour dal recipe that is light on the stomach and packed with nutrients. Here, the dal and mangoes are cooked together and tempered with mustard seeds. The addition of subtle spices and the refreshing flavour of mangoes provide a delightful option to be paired with rice.
- Curd Rice
This is the most popular South Indian delicacy enjoyed in the summer months. To prepare the dish, cooked rice is mixed with fresh yoghurt and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. Curd rice not only cools the body but also soothes the stomach. This rich dish is light and easy to digest, providing a perfect balance of carbohydrates and probiotics. You can also mix in fruits like pomegranate, and slivered grapes. And the dish can be paired with lemon or mango pickles and papad as accompaniments.
- Kadhi Pakora
This North Indian dish thrives to meet the demands of the summer. This is a light, savoury yoghurt-based curry with besan pakoras in it. Yoghurt is beneficial during the summer months and when combined with spices like fenugreek, cumin, and turmeric in the curry, it results in a refreshing and flavourful dish. Moreover, the addition of crispy besan pakoras adds texture to it. This dish can be enjoyed with steamed rice.
- Mooli Raita
Raita is a yoghurt-based Indian side dish that is typically consumed during the summer season. This mooli raita provides a unique twist to the classic raita that is cooling and refreshing and can be accompanied by any meal. In this raita, the crispness of radish is combined with tangy, creamy yoghurt and seasoned with cumin, salt, and a hint of chilli powder. This cooling raita aids in digestion.
- Chilled Soups
This summer, beat the heat with a bowl of chilled soup made with the goodness of seasonal vegetables. To prepare this soup, blend together ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and herbs like coriander leaves or mint leaves. To enhance the flavour of the soup, you can add lemon juice and a dollop of yoghurt for creaminess. You can enjoy spicy and sweet watermelon soup or cucumber-mint soup after lunch.
