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What To Eat On A Rainy Evening: 8 Comforting Bowls Perfect For Ordering In
What To Eat On A Rainy Evening: 8 Comforting Bowls Perfect For Ordering In

NDTV

time02-07-2025

  • Climate
  • NDTV

What To Eat On A Rainy Evening: 8 Comforting Bowls Perfect For Ordering In

There is something magical about a rainy evening. The petrichor, foggy windowpanes, and nippy weather wrap themselves around the day like a cosy blanket. In moments like these, our cravings lean toward warmth, comfort, and the kind of food that feels like a gentle hug from the inside out. And these cravings are not just about filling the stomach; they are about feeding the soul. The kind of meal you want to eat with a spoon, slowly, maybe while the thunder rumbles in the background and your favourite playlist plays softly in the corner. But you don't have to brave the weather or rummage through your pantry to enjoy such meals. Instead, just order your favourites through a food delivery app and savour them hot and fresh while reading a book, catching up on a series, or simply watching the downpour dance on your windowpane. Here Are 8 Cosy Meals To Order Online And Savour: 1. Tomato Basil Soup: A classic that never fails. The tang of slow-cooked tomatoes, the aroma of fresh basil, and a swirl of cream make this a monsoon must-have. Many cafes even serve it with mini grilled cheese cubes floating on top. Pair it with garlic bread or a warm croissant for that extra indulgence. 2. Sweet Corn Soup: This Indo-Chinese staple is a rainy-day favourite for a reason. It is light, slightly sweet, and packed with crunchy veggies. Add a dash of pepper or a splash of soy sauce to turn up the warmth. 3. Manchow Soup: For those who like their comfort with a kick, this spicy, umami-rich soup is perfect for clearing up the monsoon blues (and headaches). Topped with crispy noodles, it is practically a meal in itself. Order in some hot, juicy momo for the full experience. 4. Mulligatawny Soup: A South Indian-inspired lentil soup with a colonial twist, this bowl is rich, spiced, and often made with coconut milk, rice, and sometimes chicken. It is hearty, filling, and deeply satisfying. Pair it with homemade jeera rice or a buttered pav for a soul-soothing dinner. Also Read: Evening Tea, Sorted: 6 Chai Snacks We Secretly Love Ordering In 5. Khichdi Bowl: Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of khichdi. Whether it is classic moong dal, masala masoor, or a millet-based version, this dish is easy on the stomach and heavy on nostalgia. Top it with ghee and take some papad, pickle, or spicy aloo fry on the sides and savour. You can find these wholesome bowls on the food delivery apps. 6. Thukpa: For those looking for something light yet nourishing, Tibetan thukpa with noodles, vegetables, and meat is the ideal rainy-day bowl. It warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling nourished without the food coma. 7. Rajma Bowl: Yes, it counts too. Served with jeera rice or butter naan on the side, this creamy, slow-cooked dal is perfect for curling up indoors. Some kitchens even offer single-serve bowls with toppings like caramelised onions or a ghee-loaded tadka. 8. Healthy Grain Bowl: Looking for something hearty yet wholesome? Opt for a warm quinoa or millet bowl with sauted vegetables, paneer, and a drizzle of tahini or chutney-style dressing. It is light, filling, and utterly satisfying. So, the next time the clouds gather and the weather turns wistful, skip the frying pan. Let your cravings guide you to a warm, flavour-packed bowl that brings comfort, ease, and that peace of soul, without leaving home or struggling in the kitchen.

Sourdough With A Desi Twist: Here's How You Can Make It Your Own
Sourdough With A Desi Twist: Here's How You Can Make It Your Own

NDTV

time02-07-2025

  • General
  • NDTV

Sourdough With A Desi Twist: Here's How You Can Make It Your Own

Ever tried baking bread at home? There is something beautifully meditative about it. Mixing flour and water, working the dough with your hands, then waiting, watching as it transforms into a golden, crackling loaf is just so satisfying. It is not just cooking; it is an act of immense joy. And if there is one recipe that has captured the imagination of home bakers in recent years, it is sourdough. Once a niche found only in artisan bakeries, sourdough has now bubbled its way into kitchens around the world, including those right here in India. But here is where things get interesting: Indian bakers are making it their own. This is no longer just a crusty European bread. It is sourdough spiced with ajwain, kneaded with ragi, and swirled with turmeric. In this feature, we dive into the flavours, grains, and techniques reshaping sourdough the Indian way. Get ready for warm crusts, bold ingredients, and a whole lot of homegrown creativity. Sourdough And Its Indian Bread Connection: Long before sourdough became a trend, Indian kitchens were already practising the quiet art of fermentation. Traditional Indian breads like bhatura use fermented curd or old dough for their fluff. Dosa and idli batters rely entirely on naturally occurring yeast and lactic acid bacteria to rise. In coastal regions, toddy or fermented rice water has long played a role in leavening soft appams. The result? An interesting link between Indian culinary lineage and the French delicacy. It turns out that the patience, warmth, and microbial magic that make sourdough possible have always been a part of our cooking techniques. The Desi Take On Sourdough: Sourdough might begin as a humble mix of flour, water, and salt, but a touch of Indian pantry staples can transform it into something layered, soulful, and totally unique. Here's how you can upgrade a classic sourdough: 1. The Thepla Link: Channel the rustic essence of a Gujarati thepla by blending in methi for a bittersweet depth, crushed jeera for earthiness, and a pinch of haldi for warmth, colour, and health benefits. Add a dollop of ghee while serving, and you have got a slice that feels both familiar and novel. 2. The Naan Inspiration: We all love that charred tandoori flavour of the naan. Taking a cue from the classic bread, add some kalonji to the sourdough for oniony crunch. Also, add ajwain for a flavour punch and digestive benefits. These seeds add texture and a bold top note that makes each bite go perfectly well with chana masala, paneer bhurji, chicken curry, and other desi recipes. 3. Reimagine The Flour: Add depth, nutrition, and a touch of nostalgia by replacing a portion of refined flour with atta, ragi, or even jowar and bajra. Millets add a distinctly Indian character to the sourdough while also supporting health and satiety. 4. Play With Herbs And Spices: Ginger-Curry Leaf Sourdough: Add grated ginger and finely chopped curry leaves into the dough for a South Indian-inspired aromatic loaf. Green Chilli And Coriander: For those who like heat, finely chop and fold in green chilli and dhania leaves for a chutney-inspired kick. Tadka-Inspired Crust: Brush your loaf pre-bake with ghee infused with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of hing for an irresistible crackle and fragrance. In Conclusion: Sourdough may not have originated in India, but it has found a home here. In a way, it is just another kind of roti, kneaded with care, risen with patience, and shared with joy. So, the next time you plan to bake some bread at home, give it a pinch of turmeric or a handful of jowar flour and create something that reflects your personality beautifully.

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