What are the winter special recipes?

Short days and cold nights mean the winters are here. I don’t know much about the other parts of the world, but in India, during winters, food is celebrated. The leaves are relished, the roots are cooked. The vegetable market is painted green with palak, methi, bathua, green garlic, spring onions and so many more healthy and fresh produce. The appetite is more and believe me the food options are even more. Winter special recipes are basically the recipes that use the ingredients available during winters such as the greens mentioned earlier and the ingredients which have a warming effect such as grains like makka, bajra, etc and so many hot beverages, soup, etc. Winter food recipes Indian would include adrak wali chai with dal ke pakode.  This is a thing during monsoon and winters in India. After all who wouldn’t like a cup of hot tea on a cold day? My family’s favorite winter recipe Indian is sarson ka saag and makka ki roti. Let’s have a look at what all is getting cooked in Indian kitchens on the cold evenings?

What are the winter vegetables in India?

Well, if you go to see, you will find all the vegetables available round the year. But it is important to stick to seasonal food. Following are the popular winter vegetables in India:

1. Peas (matar)
2. Carrot (gajar)
3. Fenugreek leaves (methi)
4. Mustard Leaves (sarson)
5. Beetroot (chakundar)
6. Cauliflower (phool gobhi)
7. Radish (mooli)
8. Fresh turmeric (kachi haldi)
9. Flat beans (fali)

And there are many more. Bring home these vegetables and indulge in the winter delicacies.

What food to eat during winters?

I know it is winters when I crave for my ginger tea every couple of hours. But my diet plan can’t be based on your cravings. Rather it is based on the following and make yours accordingly for making the most of the winters’ food:

1. Include food that will keep you warm during winters such as soups. Soups are just so comforting during the winters. You hold a bowl of hot soup and you feel the warmth passes from your hands to within. Likewise, there are a number of drinks which are so “wintery” such as hot chocolate, khajoor milk, etc.
2. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system. Therefore it becomes important to include the food that is rich in vitamin C. Add more of tomatoes, bell peppers and citrus fruits to your diet.
3. Make the most of fresh produce available during winters. I wait for winter because I love to eat beetroots. Likewise, there are a number of vegetables available during this season and should be included in the diet such as mustard greens, fenugreek leaves, fresh turmeric, etc.

Here are the top 10 winter special recipes Indian:

1. Gajar ka halwa:

For the recipe click here.

This has to top the list of winter special recipes. There are people who wait for months during summers thinking about a bowl of warm gajar ka halwa. This for sure is one of the most favorite Indian winter recipes. You might also like beetroot halwa etc.

2. Sarso ka Saag:

For the recipe click here.

Belonging to the Punjabi cuisine but prepared worldwide, this is one of my family’s favorite winter special recipes. It is served with makka ki roti and a piece of jaggery to make one of the most popular winter meals in India, special North India.

3. Aloo gobhi:

For the recipe click here.

This particular winter recipe can be prepared in so many ways. Every household has its recipe for aloo gobhi. It can be prepared for a weekday lunch whereas its different versions can be prepared for a party too. Another gobhi preparation which is a do-not-miss during winters is gobhi matar keema.

4. Methi malai matar:

For the recipe click here.

The combination of flavors and textures that this dish offers is unmatched. This is one of the winter special recipes that calls for 2 of the most popular winter vegetables in India and combines both of them wonderfully. I love to use methi in many different ways. And therefore we have a collection of methi recipes on the blog.

5. Makka ka dhokla:

For the recipe click here.

A typical winter special recipe from the state of Rajasthan is makka ka dhokla. It is served with dal and chutney and tastes absolutely delectable. Another winter recipes from Rajasthan are bajre ki roti, and other recipes using maize flour (makka ka atta).

6. Rasam:

For the recipe click here.

Be it a bowl of warm rasam before the dinner or a bowl of rice and rasam for dinner; rasam is to be loved by one and all in one or the other way. Likewise, katachi amti is another gravy that tastes so so good with steamed rice.

7. Palak paratha:

For the recipe click here.

Parathas are so versatile. These can be prepared using so many ingredients. Rather any vegetable can be used to make parathas. Green parathas are so common during winters. Be it palak paratha or methi paratha or bathua paratha.

8. Khajur wala doodh:

For the recipe click here.

A glass of milk with dates is such a perfect way to end a chilly day. This beverage is such a healthy and easy winter special recipe. Hot coffee, hot chocolate are other favorite winter beverages.

9. Chura matar:

For the recipe click here.

From the streets of Varanasi comes this poha preparation. This is such a different way of making poha. It uses lots of green peas and a dash of garam masala powder and makes for perfect breakfast for the winter mornings. Likewise, matar pulao is such a delight during winters.

10. Tomato soup:

For the recipe click here.

Winters evening call for a bowl of soup. The most versatile soup, if I could say, is the tomato soup. It is loved by everyone. Soup can be taken to another level and be served and relished as a light dinner. Mushroom soup, thukpa are such soups that can make up for a light supper.