The sun has bid adieu (for the most part), clouds have turned darker, the breeze is a relief, and the pouring rain is constantly urging the panda in you to stay in bed all day. The pitter-patter of the rain mixed with the petrichor entice you to reach out for the last pakora on the plate. Some tea to go along with it? Why not! And maybe, just maybe, some ghevar that’s always found at home these days. Now, that’s the ideal monsoon mise en scène. And as you test the limits of your immunity this beautiful season, we bring to you the much needed dose of healthy to balance out indulgences. #DSSCRecommends a trio that needs to be part of your diet to ensure the rain doesn’t rain on your parade and compromise your immunity. Paired with ace recipes that are quick & easy to prep, they’ll soon become a part of your everyday diet.
Bitter Melon
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Yes, yes, we know. It has bitter in it’s name and it’s not quite like the bitter chocolate we love to devour. Bitter Melon might not top the list of beloved vegetables, but it surely ranks high on the one your immunity prefers. An excellent natural antioxidant, it’s a sureshot way to say goodbye to monsoon’s pet peeves, acne & blemishes (and those nasty hangovers). Okay, we admit, this one’s not limited to monsoons. Add to that the high levels of Vitamin C and you have an ace immunity-booster and allergy-avoider.
Benefits aplenty, we bring to you an ace recipe that combats the inhibition associated with bitter melon and delivers a health and flavour packed punch, Bitter Melon & Green Apple juice.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Caters to: 2 gobblers
Challenge Level: Beginner
From the pantry:
- 2 small bitter melons, deseeded and chopped in large cubes
- 1 green apple, chopped in large cubes
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon ginger, grated
- Water as required
Cook Away:
- Blend bitter melon and apples in a food processor. Pour some water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Add honey, lime juice, and ginger, and blend until smooth. Add water as desired.
#DSSCTopTip: If you like to keep your apples away, swap them out for pears and enjoy this green, healthy concoction.
Pomegranate
Image: arbourteas.com
A must have this season, this jewel of a fruit is a powerhouse of antioxidants. Home to tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, the juice of this fruit carries more antioxidants than even wine and green tea (and you know which one we stock up). Top that with hydration and better digestion, pomegranate is a saviour in this humid weather. Taking the immunity game a notch higher, this seeded fruit also promises Iron, Vitamins A, C, and E, as the knights in shining armour for your hair and skin. So what’re you waiting for? Pop that pom! Don’t think it’s granate to have it straight off? Not to worry, we got a power recipe that’s ideal for the rainy season and will have you swooning over these gems all month – Pomegranate Tea.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Caters to: 4 gobblers
Challenge level: Beginner
From the pantry:
- 2 pomegranates
- 4 cups cold water
- 6-7 fresh mint leaves
- Honey as per taste
Cook Away:
- Wash well and chop the pomegranates in quarters.
- In a saucepan, add the pomegranates and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and add mint leaves.
- Allow the tea to reduce on medium heat for up to 15 minutes.
- Strain and add honey as required.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and treat yourself to tea time.
Aloe Vera
Image: dermatacore.com
Steadily becoming our fix for everything from skin to hair to digestion, this superfood is an adaptogen that boosts the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness (take that, flu season!). Topping our list of healthy eats this monsoon, the precious gel also absorbs toxins in your body, effectively acting as a detox. Moreover the presence of 20 Amino Acids in the plant makes it a great source of protein and as the only plant with Vitamin B-12, it makes for the perfect substitute to chicken (take that, chicken-denying-monsoon!).
Aloe can be a tricky ingredient to work with, our solution – Aloe Vera Lemonade for that perfect balance of refreshment and health.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Caters to: 4 gobblers
Challenge level: Beginner
From the pantry:
- ½ cup diced aloe
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1/2 cup sugar syrup
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups cold water
- ½ cup honey
Cook Away:
- Soak the aloe in lemon juice for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine water, lemon, juice, and honey in a jar and mix well.
- Strain the aloe from the lemon juice (discard the juice) and rinse aloe under water.
- Add to the jar, shake, and serve.
Make in pitchers and enjoy all day long (just because it’s not Sangaria, doesn’t mean it’s not worth a pitcher).
Armed for this beautiful yet humid weather, we’re packing our diets with these ace drinks – no, they are not spiked. Yes, we’re still chugging these. If you’ve got more tips for the monsoons, write to editorial@dssc.co
Featured Image Courtesy: we-love-rain.tumblr.com
