The monsoon is here, and the sky is grey and all of us at home start craving for something hot. Most of us grab the deep pan and a bottle of oil. Here are monsoon evening snacks that require just one pan, very little oil and things you already have in your kitchen. Each of these can be prepared in 20 minutes.
Monsoon Evening Snacks You Can Make in 20 Minutes
These five ideas can kill a rainy Chennai evening. The quantities listed are for four.
- Chana sundal: Pressure cook 1 cup soaked chickpeas. Mix with mustard seeds, curry leaves and grated coconut.
- Rava paniyaram: Combine 1 cup of rava with half a cup of water and curd. Let it sit for 10 minutes and then prepare in a paniyaram pan.
- Masala corn: 2 sweet corn cobs boils for 10 minutes and rubbed with butter, lemon, salt and pepper.
- Roasted peanuts: Dry roast 1 cup raw peanuts for 8 minutes. Sprinkle salt and a pinch of Chilli powder.
- Pan-toasted sweet potato – boil and cube then pan toast in chaat masala for 5 mins.
Almost all of this is available in every home in Chennai. You won't have to go out and face the rain or wait for the delivery boy.
Paniyaram, the Rainy Day Winner
Paniyaram is my favourite to get on this listing. Deep put for bajji usually accommodates 500 ml of oil or extra. A paniyaram pan wants solely round 1 tsp for 12 items. That is our personal estimate, however the hole is big.
Soften it at room temperature and add little water to get a thick batter. Mix the batter in the afternoon at 4 pm and you get to eat by 4.30 pm. You can keep the batter in the fridge for a day. So you can make large quantity and keep it for a day.
The Oil Rule If You Still Want Bajji
There are some rainy nights when only a bajji will do, and that's fine. Then abide by the rule of oil. FSSAI says that a household can filter the oil post one fry and use it for cooking curries. Used oil should be finished off within a day or two.
Write off the oil if it begins to darken, is very foamy, or smokes blue-grey. Total polar compounds can be no higher than 25 per cent. (We can't test them at home, so use your nose and eyes.) When in doubt, write off the oil.
Stock Up in Anticipation of the Rain
- Chickpeas and rava in the pantry
- Sweet corn or sweet potato in the kitchen basket.
- Curd and curry leaves in the fridge
- Raw peanuts in an airtight box
- Some gas remaining in the cylinder, as rain may delay refills
Serve It Hot, Serve It in Batches
Cook in two batches so the second batch can go straight onto the plate hot. Use small bowls so everyone gets a fairly equal amount. Keep roasted peanuts in a steel box so they can be shared, even in a power cut. Tea or filter coffee goes hand in hand with these monsoon evening snacks. For more quick ideas, log on to OneTeamTV or see our Receipe section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which monsoon evening snacks need the least oil?
None of these are fried either. Paniyaram, sundal, roasted peanuts and boiled corn require no or very little oil and cook quickly, so they are perfect for a rainy evening. Sundal has just a spoon of oil for the tempering.
How long should paniyaram batter rest?
Rava batter needs ten minutes. Rava absorbs the curd, and batter gets to be a little thick in about rest. Just sprinkle some water if it gets to thick.
Is the oil reusable after bajji?
FSSAI recommends to filter it once and use the same for making curries in a day or two. Never re-fry with the same oil. If oil turns dark or foamy, discard it.
How do I keep snacks crisp in humid weather?
Store roasted peanuts in a tight-fitting lid steel box or covered container. Consume fried things on the day of frying itself. The humid air will make a snack soft within few hours.
Which snack is best for kids?
Sundal and boiled corn are soft and bland, do not add more chilli. Cut the corn into small pieces for the little ones. Serve warm and not steaming hot.