Let food be thy sunshine: traditional fuel for the longest day
June 21 or the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year — and you need great energy to sustain great daylight! As the sun blazes in all its glory, our bodies crave for light yet wholesome food. What better way to power through this sun-soaked day than with traditional Indian dishes. These time-tested recipes are loaded with seasonal nutrients that you need during this transition phase.
With more daylight hours accompanied by soaring temperatures, your body tends to lose lots of water and energy than other days. Instead of turning to harmful processed snacks or 3-times heavy meals, it’s wise to choose foods that cool you down, keep you full longer, and restore balance.
Luckily, Indian cuisine — especially regional summer recipes — are tailor-made for this situation.
Poha with Peanuts:
Soft, fluffy, and packed with iron and carbs, poha is an ideal light tropical breakfast. Add some peanuts for protein, lemon for Vitamin C, and a dash of curry leaves for better digestion.
Sattu Drink:
This desi superfood mix of roasted gram flour, water, lemon, and spices cools the body as well as boosts stamina. One full glass of Sattu in the morning can keep you refreshed till lunch.
Idli & Coconut Chutney:
Fermented, steamed and gut-friendly, idlis are perfect for hot weather. Pair them with coconut chutney for a refreshing combo.
Kacche Aam ki Dal:
Raw mangoes are loaded with Vitamin C and aid digestion. This tangy dal cools the body while giving you a much needed protein punch.
Ragi Mudde with Sambar:
Enriched with calcium and fiber, Ragi (finger millet) helps regulate body heat. Pair it with a tangy vegetable-loaded sambar for a power-packed lunch.
Aamras with Phulka:
The only reason to love summer is probably the presence of the king of fruits! Aamras offers natural sugars and hydration, while whole wheat phulkas add fiber and balance.
Buttermilk / Chaas:
Indian summer is incomplete without chaas. A probiotic-rich drink that keeps your gut cool and replenishes salts.
Koshimbir:
This raw salad prepared with cucumber, carrot, and curd is refreshing, crunchy, and loaded with enzymes that aid digestion.
Bael Sherbet:
Made up of wood apple pulp, this sherbet is incredibly cooling and excellent for the digestive system.
As the sun sets and your body cools down, so opt for meals that are gentle yet satisfying.
Moong Dal Khichdi with Ghee:
This humble yet wholesome dish is a comfort classic. Moong dal cools the body while rice and ghee add a perfect touch of satiety.
Lauki Chana Dal Curry:
Lauki (bottle gourd) has high water content and keeps the body cool. Paired with chana dal, it becomes a protein-packed dinner option.
Curd Rice with Tempering:
This is a classic summer comfort food! Easy to digest, cooling, and packed with probiotics, curd rice when added with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and ginger, provides flavour and warmth.
Sweet Endings (That Cool You Down!)
Phirni:
Made with ground rice and chilled milk, flavoured with cardamom and saffron, phirni is an enjoyable cool dessert for hot evenings.
Nungu (Ice Apple) Delight:
Ice apples are nature’s perfect reply to hydration. Serve chilled with a dash of rose syrup or just as is — it's refreshing and rejuvenating!
Let’s celebrate the longest day with the deepest nourishment — remember; your plate is your power. Eat smart, seasonal, and full of sunshine. Your energy levels (and taste buds) will thank you!
