Light Bites for Days When It's Muggy and Moody...

As Delhi toggles between sunshine and showers, here’s a flavourful way to stay light yet satisfied with seasonal recipes, says TEAM AGENDA

Since the capital is witnessing a summer mixed with rain, here’s a list of refreshing and comforting food items ideal for such weather — when it’s warm but damp, and you want something light yet satisfying. These recipes include a mix of cool, hydrating options and mildly spiced, warming comfort foods suitable for this weather:

Grilled Paneer & Veg Skewers with Mint Yoghurt Dip

Perfect for: Light outdoor grilling when the rain has just stopped.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer, cubed
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 courgette, sliced
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste
• ½ tsp paprika or chaat masala

Mint Yoghurt Dip:

• ½ cup plain yoghurt
• 10 mint leaves
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Method:

• Thread paneer and veg onto skewers.
• Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika
•  chaat masala.
• Grill or cook on a non-stick pan until golden.
• Blend the dip ingredients and serve chilled.

Lemon Rice with Roasted Peanuts

Perfect for: Light lunch on a cool, drizzly summer day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked basmati rice (cooled)
• 1 tbsp oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• 1 dried red chilli
• 8-10 curry leaves
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts

Method:

• Heat oil and add mustard seeds, chilli and curry leaves.
• Add turmeric, then stir in rice, lemon juice and salt.
• Mix well and top with roasted peanuts.

Chilled Cucumber & Mint Soup

Perfect for: Humid days when you don’t want anything hot.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled & chopped
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 6 mint leaves
• Salt & black pepper
• Splash of lemon juice

Method:

• Blend all ingredients until smooth.
• Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh mint.

Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk)

Perfect for: Cooling your system while humidity builds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 2 cups water
• ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Pinch of black pepper
• Few mint or coriander leaves

Method:

• Blend yoghurt and water until frothy.
• Stir in spices and herbs.
• Serve chilled

Sweetcorn & Spinach Pakoras (Fritters)

Perfect for: Enjoying with chai while watching the rain.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sweetcorn kernels
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup gram flour (besan)
• Salt, chilli powder, cumin to taste
• Water as needed
• Oil for shallow frying

Method:

• Mix all ingredients into a thick batter.
• Drop spoonfuls onto a hot pan and fry until golden.
• Serve hot with green chutney.