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The monsoon, with its refreshing cool breeze and dark clouds and outdoors dressed in bright greens, can be the perfect season to host a cosy high tea party. Warm, comforting flavours and indulgent treats that pair wonderfully with the mood of the season make the whole experience interesting.
Video Credit: Nicolas Fairford
A monsoon high tea can be more than just a gathering; the idea is to create an experience that combines the joys of the rainy season with the comfort of good food and great company. By focusing on seasonal flavours, inviting indoor decor, and thoughtful touches, it’s easy to create an unforgettable afternoon for your guests. While the tea is usually the star of the menu, there are creative ways to not make it as predictable.
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Whether you're planning an intimate gathering with friends or a larger, more formal event, here are some delightful ideas to make your monsoon high tea memorable.
To begin with, a monsoon-themed invitation that matches elements such as watercolours in blue and grey tones, as well as raindrops or umbrella motifs, may be a good idea.
To create the right setting, make sure the lighting is soft. Comfortable seating, like floor mattresses with large cushions, works well to make the setting intimate. Adding simple elements such as umbrellas and tablecloths in the colours of blue and green are easy to do and will add an extra layer of excitement to the event.
A playlist of gentle rain sounds or light instrumental tracks to play in the background may also work.
What to serve?
Spiced Finger Sandwiches
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Traditional finger sandwiches, which are smaller than regular sandwiches, are easy to eat and hardly take any time to make. Fillings such as cucumber and mint chutney, spiced chicken salad, or tangy paneer with coriander work well. Use fresh, crustless bread and cut it into delicate triangles for an elegant presentation.
Pakoras and Bhajis
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No monsoon chai experience is complete without a platter of hot pakoras (vegetable fritters) and onion bhajis. These can be served with a variety of chutneys for dipping, such as tamarind, mint-coriander, and sweet mango.
Chops And Cutlets
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Along with fritters, Chops or fried cutlets made with fillings such as chicken, minced meat or even banana flowers, mixed with mashed potatoes and spices and coated with breadcrumbs, is another option.
Mini Quiches
Opt for mini quiches filled with seasonal vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Add a touch of Indian spices like cumin and coriander to infuse the flavours of the monsoon.
Samosas
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Always a hit at every party, mini samosas filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or minced meat are a perfect addition. Their crispy exterior and flavourful filling will go well with the weather.
Chai-Spiced Scones
Give traditional scones a monsoon twist. Infuse them with chai spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Serve with clotted cream and a selection of jams, such as spiced plum or mango.
Monsoon Macarons
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Macarons in flavours such as rose, cardamom, and saffron - infusing these delicate French treats with an Indian twist, can create an interesting fusion.
Ras Malai Cake
Another fusion dessert, the ras malai cake, combines the traditional Indian dessert with a Western-style sponge cake. Soak the cake in flavoured milk and top it with saffron cream and pistachios for a decadent treat.
Cupcakes
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Decorate cupcakes with rain-themed toppings like blue icing and tiny umbrellas. Flavours such as lemon, lavender, and vanilla can keep the palette fresh and light.
The Beverages
Masala Chai
The quintessential monsoon drink, masala chai, is a blend of black tea with spices like cardamom, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. Serve piping hot with separate milk and sugar so that everyone can add it as they please.
Green Tea Variations
Offer a selection of green teas infused with herbs like mint, tulsi (holy basil), or lemongrass. These are refreshing and perfect for a lighter alternative for those who don’t drink masala chai.
Flavoured Waters
Keep a jug of chilled water infused with fruits and herbs, such as cucumber, mint, and lime, for a hydrating option.
Monsoon Mocktails
Create non-alcoholic beverages inspired by the season. Think along the lines of mango lassi, ginger lemonade, or a tamarind cooler. Serve these in elegant glasses with decorative stirrers.
