Eat With the Season: Delicious, Immune-Boosting Recipes for Monsoon, Summer & Winter

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Hey there, lovely reader!

Ever wondered why your grandma insists you eat certain foods in specific seasons? Turns out, nature really does know best. Eating seasonally keeps your immunity strong, digestion happy, and mood lifted. 

So, let’s celebrate every season with delicious food that loves you back. Grab a cup of chai and read on. I’ve got recipes too!


Monsoon: Warmth & Immunity on Your Plate

When it rains, our immunity dips, so we need food that warms us up and keeps infections away.


Recipe 1: Ginger-Turmeric Rasam

Ingredients:

  •  1 cup cooked toor dal (or yellow moong dal)
  •  1 medium tomato, chopped
  •  1 tsp grated ginger
  •  ½ tsp turmeric
  •  ½ tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 5-6 curry leaves
  • 1 dry red chilli
  • 1 tbsp ghee
  • Salt to taste
  • Coriander leaves for garnish

Method:

1. In a pan, mash the cooked dal with 2 cups water.

2. Add tomato, ginger, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil.

3. Add pepper powder. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

4. In a small pan, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chilli.

5. Pour tadka over rasam. Garnish with fresh coriander.

6. Serve hot with rice or sip like soup!


Quick Monsoon Snack: Steamed Masala Corn

* Steam fresh corn kernels.

* Add a pinch of black salt, chaat masala, and squeeze half a lemon.

* Sprinkle chopped coriander — done!


Other monsoon must-haves:

* Herbal teas: boil tulsi, ginger, and honey.

* Avoid raw salads and opt for lightly sautéed veggies instead.

* Keep street food cravings in check — homemade pakoras are a safer treat.



Summer: Hydration & Cooling Foods

Hot days call for foods that cool you down, hydrate you, and soothe your digestion.

Recipe: Cucumber-Mint Yogurt Raita

Ingredients:

* 1 cup fresh yogurt (curd)

* 1 cucumber, grated

* 5-6 mint leaves, finely chopped

* ½ tsp roasted cumin powder

* Salt to taste


Method:

1. Beat the yogurt until smooth.

2. Add grated cucumber, mint, cumin powder, and salt.

3. Mix well and keep it chilled!

4. Serve with paratha or rice — perfect summer cooler.


Quick Summer Drink: Spiced Buttermilk

* Whisk 1 cup curd with 2 cups chilled water.

* Add a pinch of black salt, roasted jeera powder, chopped coriander, and a few curry leaves.

* Stir well and sip away!


Other summer must-haves:

  • Watermelon, muskmelon, and tender coconut water.
  • Seasonal mangoes — but not too many!
  •  Light khichdi with curd is your tummy’s best friend on hot days.
  • Avoid excess fried snacks — they heat you up.


Winter: Warming & Strengthening Foods

Winter is the perfect time to nourish yourself deeply — think wholesome, hearty, and rich meals.

Recipe : Sweet Potato & Carrot Soup

Ingredients:

* 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed

* 1 large carrot, chopped

* 1 small onion, chopped

* 1 tsp grated ginger

* 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee

* 2 cups vegetable stock or water

* Salt and pepper to taste


Method:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pot. Add onion and ginger — sauté until soft.

2. Add sweet potato and carrot — sauté for 2 minutes.

3. Pour in stock and add salt and pepper — cook until the veggies are soft.

4. Blend until smooth.

5. Garnish with fresh pepper or toasted seeds — a cozy hug in a bowl!


Quick Winter Snack: Dry Fruit Laddoo

  • Blend 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews) with ½ cup dates and 2 tbsp ghee.
  • Roll into bite-sized balls — no sugar needed!

Other winter must-haves:

  • Bajra roti with ghee — naturally warming.
  • Amla chutney for Vitamin C.
  • Ginger tea with jaggery — boosts immunity.
  • Slow-cooked stews, methi parathas, and warm haldi doodh (turmeric milk) at bedtime.


Why Eat Seasonally?

* Better immunity and digestion.

* Cheaper and fresher produce.

* Supports local farmers.

* Tastes amazing — food grown in its natural season is always better!


Let’s Eat With the Season! Eat what grows around you — your grandma would approve, and your health will too!

Stay nourished, stay joyful, and keep eating with the season!

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