Make Your Tea Time Fun in Drizzling Rain: Try These Easy Indian Recipes

Rainy days are a perfect excuse to indulge in cozy tea-time rituals. There’s something magical about sipping a hot cup of tea while the world outside drizzles, and pairing it with delicious snacks makes the experience even better. If you’re looking for easy and flavorful Indian recipes to make your tea time memorable, here are a few delightful treats to try that are simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.

1. Pakora (Fried Fritters)

Pakoras (also known as bhajis) are a quintessential monsoon snack in India. These crispy, deep-fried delights are made from chickpea flour and a variety of vegetables. The golden, crunchy exterior contrasts perfectly with the soft, spiced interior, making them the perfect companion to your hot chai.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
• 1 medium potato, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup spinach leaves, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt, turmeric, chili powder to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix all the vegetables in a large bowl and add the besan, cumin seeds, and spices.
2. Add water little by little to form a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
4. Serve hot with tamarind or green chutney.

2. Aloo Tikki (Potato Patties)

Aloo tikki is another favorite Indian snack that’s easy to prepare and perfect for rainy weather. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these potato patties are often enjoyed with chutneys and a cup of masala chai.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon corn flour or rice flour (for binding)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Mix mashed potatoes with cumin, garam masala, cilantro, and salt.
2. Form small patties with your hands, dusting them lightly with corn flour.
3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the patties until they are golden and crispy on both sides.
4. Serve with mint chutney or tamarind chutney for an extra zing.

3. Masala Chai (Spiced Tea)

No tea time is complete without a steaming cup of masala chai, a spiced tea made with a blend of aromatic spices. The warm, soothing flavors of ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon are just what you need on a drizzly day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons loose black tea leaves
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 1-inch piece of ginger, smashed
• 2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil with the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and sugar.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the tea leaves and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add milk and continue simmering until the tea has a rich, golden color.
4. Strain the tea into cups and enjoy while it’s still hot.

4. Dhokla (Steamed Savory Cake)

Dhokla is a light, fluffy, and savory steamed snack that’s popular in Gujarat. Made from fermented rice and chickpea flour, it’s tangy and spongy—perfect for munching on with tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Mix besan, yogurt, sugar, and water to form a smooth batter. Add salt and baking soda and let the batter rest for 15 minutes.
2. Grease a steaming tray and pour the batter into it.
3. Steam for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
4. In a separate pan, heat some oil, add mustard seeds, and chopped chilies, and pour this tempering over the steamed dhokla.
5. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve.

5. Samosa (Spiced Potato Pastry)

The samosa is perhaps the most iconic of all Indian snacks, and it’s a must-try for any rainy day. These crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes and peas are a perfect pair with a hot cup of chai.

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1/2 cup peas (boiled)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Ready-made samosa wrappers (or you can use spring roll wrappers)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the mashed potatoes, peas, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until heated through.
2. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then shape it into small balls.
3. Place a spoonful of filling in each samosa wrapper and fold into a triangle shape, sealing the edges with a little water.
4. Deep fry until golden brown and serve hot with chutney.

6. Moong Dal Chilla (Lentil Pancakes)

If you’re looking for something healthy yet tasty, moong dal chilla is a great option. This savory pancake made from ground yellow lentils is high in protein and pairs well with a tangy chutney.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup moong dal (yellow lentils), soaked for 2 hours
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped
• Oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Blend the soaked moong dal with green chilies, cumin, turmeric, and salt to form a smooth batter.
2. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with oil.
3. Pour a ladle of batter onto the pan and spread it out into a thin pancake.
4. Cook until golden on both sides, flipping as needed.
5. Serve with coriander or mint chutney.

Conclusion

Whether it’s the crispiness of pakoras, the warmth of masala chai, or the softness of dhokla, these easy-to-make Indian snacks will elevate your tea-time experience on a rainy day. So, the next time the clouds roll in, get your tea brewing and enjoy these simple yet delightful recipes with your loved ones. Happy rainy-day snacking!