- By Bornika Das
- Wed, 30 Apr 2025 01:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Fermented Food In Summer: With the temperature rising across India, people are craving foods that are both refreshing and nourishing. Summer is the perfect season to indulge in fermented recipes that will not only help to keep the body cool but also promote gut health. Fermentation is a process that naturally enhances the nutritional profile of the food by infusing it with complex flavours that aid digestive health by incorporating beneficial probiotics. These foods are a delicious way to beat the summer heat and promote energy and stomach health.
Including fermented food in the menu of the summer season not only helps to provide relief from the heat but also tantalises the taste buds with their flavours. These dishes have bold taste and are easy to make with the help of just a few ingredients. Fermented foods offer a perfect balance of taste and wellness. Here’s the list of six fermented summer recipes that are perfect for gut health.
Fermented Foods To Enjoy In Summer
Fermented Pickles
Homemade fermented pickles are delicious and can be easily made at home. Also known as achaar, they are a flavourful condiment to pair with the meal. From the spicy mango pickles of South India to the tangy delights from North India, some of the popular fermented pickles include mango pickle, gajar gobi shalgam, carrot pickle and more. Fermented pickles are the best sources of antioxidants.
Panta Bhaat
This is a popular Bengali fermented dish that is widely consumed during the summer season. It not only increases metabolism but also benefits gut health. This delight is often referred to as pakhala in Odisha and Jharkhand. This dish is known for its unique taste and impressive health benefits. Panta bhaat is consumed with aloo bharta and daal-er-bora and topped with mustard oil, green chillies and onion.
Ambali
This is a nutritious recipe hailing from the southern part of India. Also referred to as salty porridge, this summer drink is prepared with buttermilk, onion, curry leaves, finger millet flour and salt. This is extremely tasty and is deemed to reduce body heat. It is high in dietary fibre and also has a sweeter version and is usually consumed in Karnataka.
Kanji
This is a traditional North Indian drink and is prepared with black carrots. This probiotic drink is extremely good for gut health and improves digestion. Kanji is spiced with ground mustard seeds, salt or black salt and red chilli powder, offering a delightful taste. The carrots are mixed with boiled water and are kept outside in the sun to ferment.
Khorisa
This is made with fermented bamboo shoots, which are considered an essential ingredient in Assamese cuisine. Khorisa has a soft and delightful aroma and has a slight sourness. This distinct quality of the shoot makes it a perfect ingredient in the kitchen of the Assamese, especially when paired with dishes.
Khameeri Roti
This is a popular bread dish from the Mughlai cuisine and is consumed at parties and festivals. This dish is fermented with the help of yeast, which makes it very supple and delicious to eat. Khameeri roti can be easily made at home and paired with different curries.