Top Indian Regional Food Eaten In Summer Season: Teach Heritage And Health Together
India is a land of diversity, not just in terms of people but in terms of cultures, religious practices, and even food. Food is a very important part of the life of Indian people, which is why one can find a plethora of Indian dishes originating from each region of the country. There are special dishes for various festivals and seasons, based on the local produce of a particular region.
With the arrival of summer, people across the country start consuming cooler food products to tackle the heat and stay hydrated. To further your child's cultural and nutritional knowledge, you may teach them about the various summer dishes from different parts of the country. This may make them appreciate the culture even more and help them understand the nutritional benefits of summer-friendly Indian dishes.
It's time to transform your summer menu with some delectable regional recipes from different parts of India. These are nutritious, good for the gut, and delicious. You may treat your child with these dishes while educating them about the nutritional benefits of each. Here is the list of these recipes.
Dahi vada is a popular Indian delicacy prepared in the country's northern and southern parts. However, the oldest known recipe of Dahi Vada is believed to have originated in present-day Karnataka. It is a yummy assortment of curd, tamarind chutney, mint and coriander chutney, and savory deep-fried balls of soaked dal. All of these are carefully mixed to create a dynamic dish with a unique twist of flavors and textures. Curd is good for the gut and offers healthy bacteria aiding digestion. You can prepare this at home to teach your child about dahi vada and make them understand its nutritional benefits.
Shrikhand is a summer dessert originating from the states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. It is a delectable dessert that can provide instant relief from the summer heat as it's made from cool hung curd, sugar, and other ingredients like saffron and mango pulp. The dessert is light, creamy, and heavenly. The best part is that it can be easily prepared at home for your child. It is a guilt free dessert as it is made from healthy ingredients that promote digestion and offer nutrition. You may also involve your kid in the preparation process of shrikhand as it requires negligible cooking. This can help teach how to make shrikhand and how it's beneficial in summer.
Nothing is better than a spicy yet comforting bowl of curd rice for a light yet filling breakfast or lunch. The South Indian style curd rice is prepared in many states of the country and is believed to have been invented in Tamil Nadu. It is a yummy concoction of white rice, curd, and a delectable tempering made of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chili. As per Therapeutic Use of Curd in Digestive Disorders in Ayurveda published in 2023, curd rice can cure diarrhoea and aid digestion. You may prepare this for your child and make them understand the nutritional value of each ingredient used in its preparation for better understanding.
A popular delicacy from northern India, especially Punjab in Haryana, kadhi pakora is available throughout the year. However, it's especially beneficial during summer as kadhi is made from a mixture of buttermilk and chickpea flour, making it suitable for the gut. Additionally, the flavor of ginger, garlic paste, and other ingredients such as chopped onions, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds add a robust flavor to the dish. You can prepare this at home to create a wholesome meal for your child to make them more nutritionally aware.
Dahi kebab is yet another popular delicacy from northern India that is believed to have been invented in Lucknow. It is a crispy kebab from the outside filled with the goodness of vegetables and hung curd from the inside, giving it a creamy texture. The presence of a multitude of Indian spices makes it extremely satisfactory. The best way to consume it is by pairing it up with some mint chutney on the side. Dahi kebab could be the perfect treat for your child during the summers and enhance their knowledge about kebabs in India.
Summer without mangoes is undoubtedly incomplete, so you would see many regional summer special dishes infused with the special flavor of mangoes. The Bengali aam dal is a must-have summer recipe that combines the juicy pulp of mangoes and red lentils and the tempering of mustard seeds and vegetable oil. To enhance the flavor, one can add green chili and a little bit of sugar to bring all the ingredients together. The dish is infused with the goodness of mangoes and red lentils, making it rich in vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Pakhala bhaat is a simple yet soulful dish from Odisha, famous for its probiotic properties. It is easy to prepare as it's made by mixing water, white rice, and curd. For extra flavor, one can add ginger, dry red chili, a tempering of oil, curry leaves, and cumin seeds. This concoction has to be fermented overnight. The next day, one can enjoy its flavors and nutritional benefits. You may prepare this in breakfast for your child and explain to them how the process of fermentation adds probiotics to the food.
Food is a great way to imbibe cultural and nutritional knowledge in your child. Such experiences may also enhance your bonding with your kid and make this summer season more delectable and flavorsome.