Ashutosh Kulkarni, Yogesh Tripathi and Shubhangi Atre’s mouthwatering monsoon treats!
The monsoon showers evoke a yearning for our favourite seasonal delicacies. One can’t help but sip something hot while enjoying the greenery and savouring treats that delight the taste buds. While everyone is enjoying this delightful time, &TV artists also share their cherished monsoon delicacies, each with a personal connection and story. These include Ashutosh Kulkarni (#KrishanBihariVajpayee in #Atal), #YogeshTripathi (#DarogaHappuSingh in #HappuKiUltanPaltan), and #ShubhangiAtre (#AngooriBhabi in #BhabijiGharParHai).
Ashutosh Kulkarni, aka Krishan Bihari Vajpayee in Atal, expresses, “The monsoon is when I dive into my culinary passion for Maharashtrian food. My culture’s comforting and flavorful dishes come alive in the cool, rainy ambience. There is magic in enjoying steaming ginger tea and munching on bhajiyas while watching the rain. These fritters, made from onions, potatoes, or green chillies, are my go-to snack. The crispy exterior and soft interior paired with spicy green chutney or tangy tamarind sauce create pure bliss. Kanda bhaji—onion fritters—are my favourite. The crunchy, spiced gram flour batter-fried onions are irresistible, especially when dipped in chutney. On weekends, I often request my mom to prepare pithla bhakri, a traditional Maharashtrian dish made from chickpea flour and served with jowar or bajra flatbread. With its creamy, spicy pithla and rustic, hearty bhakri, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction during the rainy season. I fondly remember packing it in my school tiffin and sharing it with friends. Another beloved treat is batata vada, spiced potato fritters that I eagerly anticipate. They are a filling and deeply satisfying snack, served in a pav with spicy garlic chutney.”
Yogesh Tripathi, aka Daroga Happu Singh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “Monsoon in Uttar Pradesh is a time of joy, and food is central to this experience. Each dish connects me to my roots and childhood memories of enjoying these treats with family and friends. Kachoris are a monsoon must-have in my household. These flaky, stuffed pastries filled with spiced lentils or peas are incredibly satisfying, especially when served with tangy tamarind or spicy green chutney. Another favourite is aloo tikki, spiced potato patties that are a popular street food in the northern region. During the monsoon season, I love making them at home at my wife’s request, adding my twist with various chutneys and toppings. The crispy exterior and soft, spiced potato filling inside make aloo tikki an irresistible treat. Even in Mumbai, I enjoy these flavours whenever it rains, turning each monsoon into a culinary celebration filled with nostalgia.”
Shubhangi Atre, aka Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “During the monsoon, the streets of Indore come alive with vendors selling hot, crispy garadu. I vividly remember sharing a plate of garadu with friends under an umbrella, our fingers stained with the delicious masala. The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful yam coated in a zesty spice mix brings unparalleled joy. Whenever I get a day off from shoots, I cook Indori street-style garadu at home and enjoy it near my balcony while it rains. Another dish that evokes cherished memories is dal bafla, a traditional Malwa dish like dal baati but softer and soaked in ghee. The golden brown bafla, served with rich, flavorful dal and ghee, fills our home with an aroma of warmth and togetherness. Eating dal bafla with family while it rained outside was a comforting ritual. Roasted corn (Butta) is another monsoon favourite I enjoy on the go, adding to the seasonal delight.”
Don’t miss seeing these talented &TV actors in action while enjoying your monsoon delicacies! Watch your favourite artists in Atal at 8:00 pm, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV.
By Keerti Kadam