Comfort Food for Rainy Days: A Guide to Cold-Pressed Oils

There's something undeniably cosy about curling up on the sofa with a warm bowl of soup or a steaming mug of chai on a rainy day. 

Rainy day comfort food, with its rich flavours and hearty textures, is the perfect antidote to the gloomy weather. But did you know that the oils you use can take your comfort food experience to new heights? Cold-pressed oils, known for their nutritional benefits and superior taste, can add depth and flavour to your rainy day dishes. 

At Gramiyaa, we believe our traditional methods, though simple, are most efficient. That's why we use the cold-pressing method to produce our high-quality oils. Want to learn more about the amazing benefits of cold-pressed oils? Check out this guide for a deep dive into the topic.

The Benefits of Cold-Pressed Oils

Before we discuss specific recipes, let's explore why cold-pressed oils are a great choice for your best comfort food for rainy day. 

Cold-pressing is a gentle extraction method with minimal heat and mechanical pressure that preserves the nutrients and natural flavours of the oil. Unlike refined oils, which undergo harsh processing, cold-pressed oils retain their antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and other beneficial compounds. This means you're not only enjoying delicious food but also nourishing your body.

Rainy Day Comfort Food Recipes

#1 Creamy Tomato Soup

Perfect for a rainy evening

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed coconut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the cold-pressed coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, basil, and oregano. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. Blend until smooth using a blender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve this hot food in rainy season with crispy bread or pakoras for a monsoon treat.

Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to warm up your senses on a rainy day.

#2 Monsoon Vegetable Curry

Comfort in a bowl with mustard oil for extra warmth

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed mustard oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 can (14.5 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 potato, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 carrot, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the mustard oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in turmeric, cumin, and coriander and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Add the coconut milk, vegetable broth, potato, carrot, and cauliflower. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with cilantro.
5. Serve this best food for rainy day hot with steamed rice or parathas.

Tip: Add a dash of mustard seeds for extra warmth on a chilly monsoon day.

#3 Monsoon Oatmeal with Toppings

A warm, nourishing breakfast for rainy mornings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup water or milk
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Toppings: chopped nuts, seeds, seasonal fruits (bananas, berries), honey, or a drizzle of cold-pressed coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine oats, water or milk, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Reduce heat to low and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the oats are tender.
3. Serve immediately, topping with chopped nuts, fruits, and a drizzle of cold-pressed coconut oil for extra richness.

Tip: For a more indulgent version, replace water with coconut milk and add toasted sesame seeds.

#4 Mac and Cheese with Indian Twist

Rainy day comfort food with a touch of sesame oil

Ingredients:

• 1 pound macaroni
• 4 tablespoons cold-pressed sesame oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat cold-pressed sesame oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss the macaroni in the cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased casserole dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Tip: Add a dash of red chilli flakes or mustard oil for extra spice and warmth on rainy days.

#5 Chicken Pot Pie with Groundnut Oil

Warm and hearty for monsoon evenings
Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed groundnut oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the cold-pressed groundnut oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Add chicken pieces and cook through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables, chicken broth, heavy cream, flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Pour the filling into the pie crust and cover with the top crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden.

Tip: Swap the chicken for paneer or mixed mushrooms for a vegetarian version, perfect for monsoon evenings.

#6 Spicy Vegetable Pakoras

Crispy and warm, perfect for a rainy day snack

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (onion, potato, spinach, cauliflower), thinly sliced
• Water (as needed)
• Cold-pressed groundnut oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, mustard oil, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add water to make a thick batter. Fold in the mixed vegetables until well coated.
3. Heat cold-pressed groundnut oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter-coated vegetables into the oil.
4. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Serve hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup.

Tip: Add a pinch of baking soda to the batter for extra fluffiness in your comfort food for rainy days.

#7 Khichdi with Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil

A comforting one-pot dish to warm you up

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice (preferably basmati)
• 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal
• 2 tablespoons cold-pressed coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and moong dal thoroughly under running water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the cold-pressed coconut oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add chopped onion, green chilies, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. Stir in turmeric powder, followed by the rinsed rice and dal. Mix well.
5. Add water and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice and dal are soft and well-cooked.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with pickle or yoghourt.

Tip: For added flavour, toss in seasonal vegetables like peas or carrots while cooking.

Tips for Using Cold-Pressed Oils

• Smoke Point: Be mindful of the smoke point of different oils. Some oils have a lower smoke point and are best used for low-heat cooking. Others have a higher smoke point and can be used for higher-heat cooking.
• Flavour: Different oils have different flavours. Experiment with different oils to find the ones that complement your dishes best.
• Moderation: While cold-pressed oils are healthy, it's important to use them in moderation. A little goes a long way.

When the rain pours outside, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, hearty meal to lift your spirits. By incorporating cold-pressed oils into your food to eat in rainy season, you not only enhance the flavours but also infuse your dishes with essential nutrients. At Gramiyaa, we are committed to providing high-quality, cold-pressed oils crafted through traditional methods that preserve their natural goodness.

So, the next time you're cozied up at home, reach for Gramiyaa's cold-pressed oils and savour the delightful richness they bring to your meals. Elevate your rainy day comfort food and embrace the joy of nourishing both body and soul.