THE soggiest month of the year has arrived.

July is a month of romance, traffic jams, guilt-free holidays, leaking ceilings, on-the-spot fun plans and of course, sudden guests.

As it pours outside, the sudden cravings for steaming, spicy, yummy dishes hit back. Alas, you can't get out to go on a shopping spree!

We say forget the exotic veggies and spices. Just stock up on the season's best, freshest stuff - because that is all you would take to whip up some fabulous Monsoon meals.

We give you some classic feast ideas for the rainy day (pun intended!).

Photograph: Getty Images / Daniel Berehulak