A perennial search for food, which can be served cool, begins as temperature soars every year. This is especially true for Indian summers. That said, while a number of people tend to avoid non-vegetarian food and stuff that are heavy on stomach, many others are simply clueless on what to eat and how to eat healthy to stay fit during summer by going green.
Here is our recommendation for you vegetarian summer menu.
Pakhala: This quintessential Odia meal is usually served as lunch but can also be consumed as breakfast, lunch and dinner! It is made of cooked rice washed or a little fermented in water. The liquid part is known as ‘toraṇi’ and is usually consumed as a drink.
Meals are often served with curd, cucumber, cumin seeds, fried onions and mint leaves along with roasted vegetables—such as potato, brinjal, ‘badi’ and ‘saga bhaja’. While fried fish is a traditional part of it, feel free to skip it if you are not comfortable. A look at the menu takes away the fear of eating while its highly green side-dishes keep weight gain in check.
Fruits: Here are some that you should definitely try this summer.
Watermelon – Summers are incomplete without this red and juicy fruits, isn’t it!
Mango – There are so many people out there who love summers just because of mangoes.
Papaya – Another highly healthy fruit that you can eat during summers.
Ice apple: It not only quenches your thirst, but also refills you with antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and B complex, and not to mention minerals like zinc, iron and potassium. It has no trace of fat.
Pineapple – This is amongst one of those rare tropical fruits that is a must-have in all salads.
Veggies: We know that most of you don’t like it. That said, they are a must for your summer nutrition. Consume them anyway you like – grinded, cooked or in salad. If you like it cooked, do keep a tab on your oil though.
Vegetables such as tomato, cucumber, carrot, pumpkin and squash among others will give you plenty of fibre which is great for good gut bacteria as well.
Dairy products: Lassi, the popular blend of yogurt, water, spices and sometimes fruit, needs no introduction. Further, several regions of India have their own special drinks. People in Odisha even celebrate ‘Pana Sankranti’ – a day named after their most-loved summer drink.
