India is a treasure trove of all the seasons in a calendar year and with this beautiful gift, we get the joy of trying out various dishes specific to each season. In India, food is a religion and just like religions have different festivals across the year, similarly, seasonal foods differ in India as well depending on their medicinal value.

Indian cuisine is deeply based on Ayurveda as described in the Charaka Samhita and thus, it tells us what to eat and when during the year.

Here is a little go-to guide on what to eat during the seasons of India with some suggestive dishes you can try:

SUMMER SEASON

Since Summer is a time of intense heat people tend to get heatstroke, sunburn, and acne. To avoid this, it is best to have beans and vegetables rich in starch like potatoes. Milk also helps to cool the stomach. Meat should be minimal as per dietary allowance.

Here are some dishes for summers:

KOKAM SHERBET

Kokam helps your body to cool down since it has HCA (Hydroxycitric acid) which is an appetite suppressant that helps you eat less during the treacherous summers.

DRUMSTICK BUTTERMILK CURRY

Buttermilk keeps the stomach cool and also slows the heart rate down. This dish will be perfect to pair with rice and a sip of sugarcane/mango juice.

PUNJABI KADHI
The goodness of curd in a dish! This recipe is a must-have if you have boils and acne to help your body produce more white blood cells.

BENGALI ALOO JHINGE POSTO CURRY

A perfect blend of potatoes and poppy seeds that help you get high dietary fiber and zero cholesterol that helps boost energy and reduce fatigue.

KAIRI KA PANNA (RAW MANGO DRINK)

Mango Panna is known as the best energy replenishment during intense heat waves. If you are feeling drained, this is the drink for you!

RAINY SEASON

The rainy season is the season where you can catch a lot of aerial and water-borne bacteria. It is advisable to eat things that dry you up – bitter gourd, pointed gourd, turmeric, oats, chickpeas, fenugreek, etc. that will help your body prevent infections and also help you keep your body active with less water retention.

Here are some dishes for the rains:

IDLI SAMBHAR

The South Indian dish is perfect for rains since Sambhar and Rasam are very salty and will help you avoid infections. Steamed Idlies will help you get starch.

PYAAZ PAKODA

Rains without Pakodas are a waste! Deep-fried and loaded with the goodness of herbs and oils laden with Vitamin A, this is a must-have snack during monsoons.

MATAR KA HALWA

Green peas are rich in antioxidants and help fight bacteria buildup. This recipe can be sprinkled with dry fruits to add the power of proteins in your monsoon diet.

CHINESE VEG MANCHOW SOUP

Avoid runny noses and wheezing cough with this vitamin C rich soup that will help you stay fit and fresh.

NIHARI

Can be had with lamb or beef with naan or soft puris. Since it is cooked overnight, the masalas are up to their full strength to fight all illnesses. A must-have for calcium intake and osteoporosis cure.