Posted by During the hot summers in India, it’s essential to keep your kitchen stocked with ingredients that are not only refreshing but also versatile for preparing light and cooling dishes.
Spices play a crucial role in elevating the taste and flavor of dishes. In the summer months, it’s a great time to explore a variety of spices, including both cooling and energizing ones.
Cucumbers
They are like crunchy water sticks that keep you cool in hot summers. You can slice them up and munch on them as a snack, or toss them into salads for a fresh crunch. They’re full of water, which helps keep you hydrated when it’s sweltering outside.
They are super refreshing and tasty, making them a must-have in Indian kitchens during the hot season.
Watermelon
It is a big, juicy fruit that’s perfect for summer. It’s like a giant, sweet, watery treat! You can eat it all by itself, or blend it into yummy drinks and smoothies. It is great for cooling down on a hot day because it’s full of water.
It’s super tasty and refreshing, making it a must-have in Indian kitchens during the summer months.
Mint
It is a green plant with a fresh smell and a taste that’s kind of like toothpaste. It’s really good for making drinks taste extra cool, like lemonade or fancy cocktails. You can also use mint in food, like yogurt dips or spicy sauces, to add a nice, refreshing flavor.
It’s like a breath of fresh air for your food! Having mint in the kitchen during hot summers helps make everything feel cooler.
Lemons
They are bright yellow fruits that taste sour and tangy. They’re super useful in summer because you can squeeze them to make lemonade, a really tasty drink that helps you stay cool. These can also make food taste better by adding a zesty flavor to dishes like salads or fish.
They’re like a burst of sunshine in your kitchen during the hot weather, making everything feel fresher and more refreshing. In fact, you can also buy pickles online made from lemons and other ingredients.
Curry Leaves
They are small, green leaves with a strong, aromatic smell. In Indian cooking, especially in South India, they’re often used to make dishes taste really flavorful. They’re usually added to hot oil at the start of cooking to release their delicious aroma.
These can be found in many traditional dishes like curries and rice dishes, bringing a unique taste that’s perfect for adding a special touch to your summer meals.
Yogurt
It is like thick milk that’s a bit sour but creamy and smooth. It’s perfect for making things taste cool and refreshing during the summer. You can mix it with fruits to make yummy smoothies or blend it with water and spices to create a refreshing drink called lassi.
It is also great for making dips like raita or creamy sauces for your favorite dishes, adding a deliciously creamy and tangy flavor.
Coconut
It is like a big brown ball with white stuff inside that tastes sweet and nutty. In Indian cooking, people use it to make lots of yummy dishes. You can grind it up to make coconut milk for curries or chutneys, or even eat it fresh.
Coconut water, found inside the coconut, is a super refreshing drink that’s perfect for quenching your thirst on hot summer days. You can also buy green tea online.
Coriander (Cilantro)
It is a green plant with leaves that taste fresh and slightly citrusy. It’s often used to make food smell and taste really good in Indian cooking. You can chop up the leaves and sprinkle them on salads or curries to add a burst of flavor.
It is like a magic ingredient that makes everything taste extra delicious, making it a must-have in Indian kitchens during the summer.
Curd Chillies (Mor Milagai)
They are green chilies soaked in yogurt and spices. They’re popular in South Indian cuisine for adding a tangy and spicy flavor to dishes. These chillies are made by drying green chilies and then soaking them in a mixture of yogurt, salt, and turmeric.
They’re often used in curries and rice dishes to give them a unique taste that’s both tangy and spicy, perfect for adding a kick to summer meals.
Tomatoes
They are round, red fruits that taste juicy and slightly sweet. They’re used in many Indian dishes to add flavor and color. You can chop them up and add them to salads, curries, or soups to make them taste delicious.
They are full of vitamins and antioxidants, which are good for keeping you healthy, especially during the hot summer months. They’re a versatile ingredient that adds brightness and freshness to any dish.