President’s Message
MY MONSOON MENU
Have you ever changed your diet to protect your body from the onslaught of the burning heat or the bitter cold? Probably not. And what about the monsoons? Do we examine our tiffins (instead of our tyres) to see if they will get us through the slush and rain? Certain dietary strategies can help you enjoy optimum health in the rainy season and the effort is minimal.
The most common complaint is the formation of extra gas in the body during this season. Ayurveda explains that the digestive system undergoes a great deal of movement (just as there is a great deal of activity in the environment) and hence this temporary bloating.
Whilst the monsoon season is a hotbed for the spread of infections, since the moisture-laden air is an excellent carrier of bacteria, ‘tis the season to indulge (just a wee bit) as the body can tolerate a slightly higher amount of oil and heaty food.
So let’s bring on the bhajias and chai! I simply love a plate of crispy fried bhajia and I don’t have a favourite. Yes, I devour them all – onion, potato, patta, you name it and not to mention a steaming cup of masala chai.
History tells us that spring was the time when the locals enjoyed eating fried pakoras, kachoris, puris, all kinds of pakwans (batter fried or fried foods), and thus they decided to batter-fry veggies when it was cool outside.
Although my favourite bhajias are from a roadside stall at Fountain, just outside my office, it will be awhile until I can enjoy those greasy morsels of heaven. So, as I salivate whilst writing this article, do join me when the city
opens up for a cup of chai and a plate of bhajias!
Framroze Mehta
President