Beating the heat: Classic summer foods and drinks you have got to try

Even as we stay confined to our homes once again, due to the coronavirus pandemic, summer is upon us.

While you may not be able to go on a vacation, you can still stay home and try the endless list of summer delicacies to beat the heat!

From decadent mango shakes to fulfil the season’s craving to refreshing cocktails that remind you of the good times at the beach — summer foods come in many varieties.

Here’s a list of summer foods and drinks that are not only delicious but also keep you hydrated.

A classic tomato salad

With fresh fruits and vegetables abundantly available in the market, a classic tomato, basil, and mozzarella cheese salad never disappoints, especially on days we want to just eat something light.

The dish requires minimal ingredients and the star of this dish — tomato, especially cherry tomatoes — are readily available in the market.

Just a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, this salad can be had for brunch or lunch, or even as an evening snack. You can also couple it with a glass of white wine.

If you are not a fan of tomato or cheese, you can also use some summer fruits to make a fresh fruit salad like mangoes, strawberries, pineapple, and mixed berries, with a drizzle of honey.

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Pakhala or fermented Rice

This classic dish from Odisha is the go-to food for every Odia — no matter where you live!

The star of this elaborate platter is a bowl of fermented rice, coupled with either fresh curd or a wedge of lime. It is accompanied by about 10-12 side dishes, depending on the cook’s mood.

From a humble rohu fish fry, roasted and crushed urad dal dumplings, mashed potato, smoked tomatoes and eggplant, to greens like amaranthus and bitter gourd and plantain fries, among others — this dish is a wholesome meal for all those who would like to have a hearty meal and rest from the scorching heat of the summer.

The starchy rice water infused with curd, green chillies, and crushed ginger, is tempered with some mustard seeds. The dish also helps you work outside in the heat but it can also make you super drowsy, so you may want to follow it up with a nice afternoon nap.

Ambula Rai

With summers come the season of mangoes. And, the King of Fruits can be enjoyed in various ways — from just the fruit, milkshakes, ice creams, to pickles, jams and jellies, or even in curries.

A traditional Odia mango ingredient is ‘ambula’ where mango pieces are dried with lots of salt and chilly powder. It adds a unique zing to curries.

For example, Ambula Rai, which is another classic Odia dish made with minimal ingredients — ambula, curd, coconut, mustards or ‘rai’, green chillies, ginger, and salt as per your taste.

Start by making a paste out of all the above ingredients except the ambula and the curd. Once the paste is ready, allow it to sit for at least for 20-30 minutes. This will help the pungency of the mustard seed to decrease since the paste will be used in its raw form.

Beat the curd and add the paste to it, along with ambula. Temper this mixture with mustard oil, curry leaves, chillies, and five spices and mix well. You can add jaggery or sugar as per your taste.

The tangy yet sweet dish can be served with rice and can also be stored for 10-15 days in the refrigerator.

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Rohu Besara (Rohu fish curry)

Rohu Besara is made with a mixture of mustard paste — another delicacy for people living in Odisha and West Bengal.

The watery tangy curry goes well with steamed rice, with a helping of amaranthus and ripe mangoes.

If Rohu is not your jam, you can also make the same curry using Catla, Illish, prawns, and even crabs.

Aam Panna

The humble Aam Panna, made of raw mangoes, is the go-to for its heat resistant properties. Moreover, who can say no to that sweet and tangy taste?

A staple in most households, the drink is consumed with utmost love and served to weary guests or travellers to quench their thirst, preventing the excess loss of sodium and iron from excessive sweating.

You can cook the mangoes with water till they become soft and pulpy. Remove the pulp and mix sugar, spices, and salt. This method is widely used in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

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Refreshing cocktails and mocktails

While there are several refreshing cocktails and mocktails you can make to quench your summer thirst, our favourites are the Mojito and the Pina Colada — two timeless classics.

All one needs is some soda water or a clear aerated drink, sugar, ice, mint leaves, and lemon wedges for the Mojito. And if you like, you can add some vodka or white rum to spice it up.

With pineapples and coconuts readily available in the market, Pina Coladas can also be easily made at home. You can also add some white rum to it for a feel of the beach.

Do you have any suggestions for summer foods and drinks? Share your favourites!