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NDTV
6 days ago
- Climate
- NDTV
5 Delicious Steamed Snacks To Try This Monsoon Instead Of Fried Pakoras
Close your eyes and imagine this. It is raining again. You can hear the pitter-patter of raindrops gushing down in full speed, the softer ones sliding along the cold windowpane, and a warm, comforting cup of hot coffee in your hand. Perfect? Not quite. You open your eyes and suddenly feel the craving kick in. A flavourful snack would complete the moment. But should you reach for yet another plate of fried pakoras? Perhaps not. There is plenty to relish that is both light and tasty. Steamed dishes, in particular, come with all the flavour and none of the oily heaviness. From street-style favourites to regional classics, here are some satisfying options to savour this monsoon. 1. Steamed Momos Nothing beats the joy of biting into a soft momo filled with piping hot veggies or juicy chicken. These bite-sized Tibetan treats have won hearts across India, especially when the weather turns rainy. Their warmth, delicate texture, and spicy chutney pairing make them a go-to comfort food. Whether you order them from a roadside stall or your favourite delivery app, steamed momos rarely disappoint. 2. Fluffy Dhokla Fluffy, slightly tangy, and perfectly spiced, dhokla is a Gujarati classic that fits the monsoon mood perfectly. It is steamed, easy on the stomach, and carries a unique aroma thanks to the tempering of mustard seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves. A plate of dhokla served with green chutney and fried chillies is all you need for a guilt-free evening snack that tastes just as satisfying as anything deep-fried. 3. Himachali Siddu Looking to go beyond the usual snacks? Say hello to Siddu - a lesser-known gem from Himachal Pradesh. This steamed bread is made from wheat flour and stuffed with a filling of poppy seeds, jaggery, walnuts, or savoury lentils. It is typically served with ghee or dal and is hearty enough to double up as a meal. The flavours are earthy, wholesome, and comforting - just the kind of food you want on a rainy afternoon. 4. Soft Idlis No list of steamed snacks is complete without the beloved South Indian idli. These soft, pillowy rice cakes are as versatile as they are comforting. Dip them in sambar, top them with coconut or tomato chutney, or toss them in podi masala for a fiery twist. Idlis are not only healthy and filling, but also easy to order online, ideal for rainy days when you do not want to step out. 5. Sweet Corn If you are after something fast and flavourful, a bowl of steamed sweet corn hits the spot. Mix it with butter, lemon juice, chaat masala, and chilli powder, and you have a snack that is juicy, spicy, and ready in minutes. Whether you make it at home or buy it from a street vendor, hot corn in a paper cup never fails to brighten a gloomy day. How To Make These Steamed Snacks At Home Most of these monsoon favourites are surprisingly easy to prepare at home, especially if you have a steamer, idli stand, or even just a large pan with a lid. Instant dhokla mixes are easily available in stores and can be ready in under 30 minutes. Frozen momos are also widely stocked and just need to be steamed until hot and glossy. Sweet corn takes barely any time - boil or steam, toss with butter and masalas, and it is ready to serve. For idlis, you can either ferment your own batter overnight or pick up a ready-made version from your local store. Siddu might need a bit more effort and time, but if you enjoy weekend cooking projects, this is a satisfying one. Steaming is not only low-maintenance but also saves time on post-cooking cleanup - a bonus during a rainy, lazy day. Why Steamed Snacks Are A Smarter Choice During Monsoon Steamed food is often considered a healthier alternative to fried snacks, especially during the monsoon, when digestion tends to slow down. Frying may add flavour, but it also packs in excess oil and calories. Steaming, on the other hand, preserves the nutrients in your food and is easier on the gut. It is ideal for retaining vitamins that are sensitive to heat and are usually lost in high-temperature cooking. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying pakoras once in a while, steamed dishes offer a more balanced way to indulge. They are flavourful, filling, and often just as satisfying. And if the rains make heading out a hassle, many of these options can be ordered online or even prepared at home with minimal effort.
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Pratibha Ranta opens up on going home in Shimla after 2.5 years and Laapataa Ladies success
The last time Pratibha Ranta was in her hometown Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, she was an actor in search of recognition. Last month, she returned to her home after two-and-a-half-years, and she admits the whole perception towards her of the city had changed, courtesy her breakthrough role in Laapataa Ladies (2024) and the success that followed. Pratibha Ranta 'When I left Shimla five years ago, I had this realisation that I will be going for a long time and I won't be able to come back that frequently. But when I came back, the love that I received from the city and its people, it was very beautiful. When I went to the Mall Road, people were recognising me and appreciating me. I get recognised now in other places too, but when people in your hometown do that, it is an indescribable feeling as I saw the dream of making it in the industry at that same place,' Pratibha Ranta says. Ask her what was she missing the most from home while in Mumbai and pat comes the reply, 'I was missing the food of Himachal Pradesh. I couldn't eat the Pahadi food in Mumbai much because the climate doesn't support that. So when I returned, I ate all those things that I couldn't in Mumbai like Siddu, ghee, other milk products and Pahadi cuisine.' She adds, 'The day I came back, my dadi made bedmi roti for me. When I went to my village, I was treated with a dish called Poldu, then my nani fed me daal chawal. Every place that I visited, I was greeted with traditional ghar ka khana and I enjoyed it to the fullest.' Pratibha was most happy about getting to share her success with her family at their own home. 'When I sat with them and saw them enjoying my success, it motivated me to do more. But when I go home, I don't get any special treatment, I am their daughter only, and I like that,' she gushes. Being away from home and family can take a toll on a person mentally, but for Pratibha, it was her family's constant support that kept her sane and strong. 'When your family's support is with you, you don't feel that distance and I have been blessed to get that support from my family. When you live in a big city like Mumbai, some low moments are inevitable, but you have to tell yourself that you have chosen this lifestyle for yourself and you have to brave them through. You have to focus on the good things in your life, cherish them and then celebrate it with your family. Thus it took me this long to return and this was the best vacation of my life,' she insists.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Siddu Jonnalagadda's next titled Badass; Striking first look unveiled
Siddu Jonnalagadda 's upcoming film has been officially titled Badass, with the makers unveiling the title and first-look poster on Wednesday. The project reunites Siddu with director Ravikanth Perepu, known for their earlier collaboration on Krishna and His Leela , which became a sleeper hit. Produced by Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas banners, and presented by Srikara Studios, Badass is billed as a significant departure from Siddu's previous work. Known for his comic timing and youthful roles, particularly in DJ Tillu , Siddu appears to be taking on a more intense character in this new outing.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Badass' first look: Siddu Jonnalagadda's wild side impresses in the new glimpse- Watch
Picture Credit: X Actor Siddu Jonnalagadda will be next seen in his upcoming film, 'Badass' and the makers of the film recently unveiled the highly anticipated first-look poster on X (formerly Twitter), which features Siddu in an edgy, intense avatar. "You have seen heroes and you have seen villains. But this one's not here to fit into your labels! Make way for STARBOY #Siddu as #Badass. This time no mercy. He's going to set the screens on fire," read the caption shared along with the poster. As seen in the poster, Siddu dons a no-nonsense attitude different from his charming boy image. Messy hair, rugged clothing, he is seen lighting a cigarette. The film also marks a much-anticipated reunion for the actor and director Ravikanth Perepu , who last collaborated on the popular film 'Krishna and His Leela'. Interestingly, just like their previous outing, both Siddu and Ravikanth have co-written the script. The first announcement for the film had already generated buzz with its tagline: "If middle finger was a man". With 'Badass', it looks like Siddu is not playing it safe. He's stepping away from conventional roles and leaning into a zone that's edgy, unconventional, and unapologetically wild. Siddhu got recognition for his character in the 'DJ Tillu' film, who is a carefree and witty aspiring disc jockey whose life spirals into a chaotic mix of crime and comedy. Following the success of 'DJ Tillu', Siddhu reprised his role in the sequel 'Tillu Square', which again was a superhit. On the professional front, Siddu was last seen in 'Jack', an action-comedy where he starred opposite Vaishnavi Chaitanya. Directed by Bommarillu Bhaskar, the film had a modest release earlier this year but unfortunately failed to perform at the box office.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Andhra Deputy CM Pawan applauds student's eco-friendly e-bike innovation
VIJAYAWADA: Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan, who also holds the portfolios of Forests & Environment, Science & Technology, praised Vizianagaram student Rajapu Siddu for developing a low-cost electric bicycle. Impressed, Pawan invited Siddu to his Mangalagiri camp office. After interacting with the budding innovator, he, along with Siddu, took out the e-cycle for a test ride. He commended Siddu's creativity, including his 'Grocery Guru' WhatsApp service, and awarded him `1 lakh to encourage further innovation. Siddu, from Jadavari Kothavalasa village, built the bicycle to commute to college. The eco-friendly vehicle runs 80 km on a 3-hour charge and has gained attention on social media for its affordability and practicality.
