Best Recipe to Try This Monsoon with Pulses

Monsoon is a season of nostalgia, warmth, and comfort. It brings with it memories of sipping hot chai by the window, the smell of earth after the first rain, and of course, soul-satisfying meals shared with loved ones. Among these culinary comforts, pulses play a leading role, offering warmth, nourishment, and variety. One of the most loved monsoon treats that combines the joy of the season with the goodness of pulses is Moong Dal Pakora. Light, crispy, and packed with flavor, Moong Dal Pakoras are not only easy to make but also incredibly nutritious. The base of this dish is moong dal, also known as split green gram. This dal is high in protein, low in fat, and very easy to digest—making it perfect for rainy day indulgences without the guilt. To prepare, you start by soaking one cup of moong dal for at least four hours, then grinding it into a thick, coarse paste along with green chilies, ginger, and garlic for extra zest. To this batter, add finely chopped onions, green coriander, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and salt. Once the batter is ready, heat oil in a pan and fry spoonfuls of the mixture until golden brown and crispy. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the pakoras sizzle in oil is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. These pakoras are best served with fresh mint-coriander chutney or sweet tamarind chutney and accompanied by hot masala tea. If you’re health-conscious, you can opt for air frying or shallow frying to reduce the oil content without compromising on taste. What makes this dish especially wonderful for monsoon is that it warms the body and satisfies those rain-induced hunger pangs. Beyond pakoras, pulses offer an array of recipes perfect for the rainy season. Consider trying Toor Dal Khichdi, a one-pot dish that blends rice, toor dal, and spices like asafoetida, cumin, and turmeric into a fragrant, comforting meal.

Add some ghee on top, and it’s a healing bowl of comfort for the rainy blues. Another gem is Chana Dal Pancakes, made with soaked and ground chana dal, onions, and green chilies, cooked on a tawa like savory crepes. They’re high in protein, easy to digest, and go perfectly with curd or pickles. Pulses also shine in hearty soups like Masoor Dal Shorba, which combines red lentils with tomatoes, garlic, black pepper, and lemon juice, offering both warmth and nutrition in every spoon.

Not only are these recipes delicious, but they also help strengthen your immune system, which tends to weaken during the rainy season due to fluctuating temperatures and increased susceptibility to infections. The high iron and folate content in pulses help combat fatigue, while their rich fiber content aids digestion—a common concern during the monsoon. Including pulses in your monsoon menu is also a great way to stay full without consuming empty calories. Their complex carbs keep you energized longer, preventing the frequent snacking that often comes with rainy-day cravings. Pulses are also versatile enough to suit any dietary preference, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or on a gluten-free diet. Another creative way to use pulses in the monsoon is by making sprouts. Moong or moth beans can be sprouted at home and used in salads or lightly sautéed with spices for a quick snack.

They are rich in enzymes and probiotics that boost gut health—especially useful during the damp monsoon season when digestive issues are common. Moreover, pulses can be easily stored and used whenever needed, making them ideal for times when it’s hard to shop for fresh ingredients due to heavy rains. They’re shelf-stable, cost-effective, and don’t require refrigeration—an added bonus during power outages common in monsoon-prone areas. As comforting as monsoon foods are, they can sometimes be heavy or overly oily. Pulses help balance that out by offering both satiety and nutrition. Try including a light dal with your evening roti or make a lentil-based salad for a lunch that doesn’t weigh you down. The adaptability of pulses ensures that your monsoon menu stays vibrant and varied. In conclusion, pulses are not just staples; they are stars of monsoon cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of hot pakoras with chutney, sipping on dal soup, or relishing a bowl of khichdi with a dollop of ghee, pulses bring warmth, health, and happiness to every rainy day. This season, let the rains pour while your kitchen overflows with the aroma of flavorful, pulse-powered dishes that nurture both body and soul.