The rains are here, and so is the cosy weather. On a rainy evening, when the weather is cold outside, you may automatically feel like having something hot and spicy, right? While a cup of chai or tea is a classic, you may also crave some snack.
And what better way to satiate your craving that having some crispy pakoras. Rain, pakoras and chai are a match made in heaven and for many Indians having freshly made and piping hot pakoras is a favourite thing to do during the rainy season.
The subtle hint of spices, the crispy and delightful crunch, and the heat from the chilli of the pakoras feel like a warm hug on a rainy day. It is the ultimate comfort dish for rainy season. While only pakoras are a delight to eat, you can make the evening snack and chai time even better by making some dips to go with your pakoras.
If you are looking for some tasty and easy to make dips recipes to have your crispy pakoda with, this guide is just for you. Here we look at some simple dips recipes that you can make within a few minutes using only a few basic ingredients and a hand blender.
Before we delve in to the rainy-day recipes for dips, let us first understand what a hand blender is?
What is a hand blender?
A hand blender, also known as, an immersion blender or a stick blender is a handheld electrical kitchen appliance. A handheld blender typically has a thick handle with buttons on it and long and thinner tube in the middle with a wide opening at the bottom that has blades on it.
The hand blenders are specifically designed in a way that they can be easily reach the bottom of any cookware and blend the ingredients efficiently. Most handheld blenders have a sharp set of blades and a powerful motor that can easily blend all kinds of ingredients.
Some of the modern hand blenders like the FB 101 Hand Blender 300 Watt offered by Wipro Appliances, apart from having a powerful motor, also feature a two-in-one hybrid blade that can perform multiple tasks like blending, whipping, pureeing, churning and whisking.
A hand blender is a wonderful kitchen appliance to have as it can make several everyday tasks easy. From making purees for your curry, to blending herbs and spices to making delectable dips for your snacks, you can do it all with the FB 101 Hand Blender.
Now that you know what a hand blender is and the purposes it can serve, let us look at some simple hand blender recipes for dips that you can have with pakora and make your rainy day better.
Minty Chutney
A mint chutney or dip is one of the most versatile dips in the world. In India, it is loved by all, and it is used in different ways. It is often used as the base chutney for sandwiches and the side dish for many snacks like samosa and pakoda.
The spicy hit from the chillis and the natural cooling effect of the mint leaves make it a delight to eat and it can make even the most boring snack taste delicious. And the best part is you can make this dip within a few minutes using your hand blender as it requires only a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients needed
- Fresh mint leaves (finely chopped)
- Garlic and garlic paste
- Yoghurt
- Salt
- Green chilli
Method
- Put all the ingredients in a tall vessel and use the FB 101 Hand Blender to blend all the ingredients together until you get a smooth chutney or dip
- Taste it adjust the seasoning as you like
- If the dip is too spicy, or thick, you can add some water and blend again for a few seconds until you the dip of the desired consistency
- Transfer the tip to a bowl, and enjoy with your favourite pakoras
Cream Cheese Dip
A lot of people love to have hot pakora with either chai or sides like a mint or coriander dip. But if you are looking for some unique dip idea that is more versatile and can be used as a side for your other favourite snacks like chips or tacos, then you can consider making the cream cheese dip.
This creamy deliciousness is a delight to eat anytime and can make your pakora time with your family the best ever time of the year.
Ingredients needed
- 1 packet cream cheese (softened)
- Marshmallow cream
- Lemon zest
- Chive or dill leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Method
- In a tall vessel put in the cream cheese, marshmallow cream, lemon zest, salt and pepper and the dill or chive leaves
- Give all the ingredients a good mix with a spoon
- Bring out the FB 101 Hand Blender and blend all the ingredients together for about 30 seconds until you a paste of smooth consistency
- Transfer the dip to a serve bowl and enjoy with your crispy potato, paneer or chicken pakoras
Avocado Dip
Avocado is one of the healthiest fruits that has a unique taste and flavour to it. It is also one of the most versatile ingredients that you can use it a variety of ways, from just slicing it up in a salad to using it as a side dip for your chips, and pakoras.
The creamy texture of the avocado makes it a wonderful ingredient to be used in a dip and when combined with different Indian spices, it makes for one of the best dips ever. And best thing is you can make within a few minutes.
Ingredients needed
- Ripe avocadoes (peeled and de-seeded)
- Garlic cloves
- Salt as per taste
- Black pepper powder
- Sour cream
Method
- In a tall vessel put in all the ingredients – avocados, sour cream, garlic cloves, salt and pepper
- Mash the avocadoes with a form and give all the ingredients a good mix
- Bring out the FB 101 Hand Blender and blend all the ingredients together for about 30 seconds until you a paste of smooth consistency
- You can add a bit of lemon zest and lemon juice for that extra zingy taste and give it a good mix
- Transfer the dip to a serve bowl and enjoy with your crispy
Final Word
So, there you go, you have the easiest to make and delicious recipes for dips that you can make at home and enjoy it with your pakoras on a rainy day. Making a dip for pakora is super fun and easy, you can use your creativity to combine different ingredients of your choice to make some exceptional dips.
The key to making a tasty dip is blending the ingredients well, and with FB 101 Hand Blender at home you can make these dips and many other delightful recipes.