It’s only natural to greet the cold, dark mornings of Indian winters by huddling under several blankets and sipping a strong cup of coffee. Nothing wakes one up faster than the sinful woody aroma of Jhola nolen gur (liquid date jaggery) with pancakes in the morning or the aromatic filter coffee from the best of farms in Karnataka. Some even love to begin their chilly winters with the famous Moradabadi daal.
India is so diverse, it becomes difficult for anyone to pin a single winter favorite. And why should there be one when we a blessed to have a range of dishes to choose from?
Here is a carefully curated list of dishes that encapsulates winter in India and help you pick your next favorite :
Gajar Ka Halwa (Carrot Halwa)
Across the country, people put in a lot of time and effort to make delicious gajar ka halwa, a dessert that is sure to please anyone. This sweet treat is typically made in the winter, when the best harvest of carrots occurs, in the Northern part of the country, and features the addition of dry fruits such as almonds, cashew nuts, and pista.
Pro tip: Add a generous amount of ghee to make your Halwa more delectable.
Gushtaba
Gushtaba, a staple of Kashmiri cuisine, is another gastronomic masterpiece from one of India’s chillier regions. This luxurious dish is typically served as a dessert and is made by slow-cooking minced mutton balls in a blend of royal spices (cinnamon, cardamom, asafoetida, etc.) and curd. The curd tempers the spiciness, but it’s the meat, spices, and mustard oil that make this dish the ideal winter warmer.
Pro tip: Always try it from an authentic sweet shop
Jhola Nolen Gur
Jhola nolen gur, the newest batch of liquid date palm jaggery. It is the crown-jewel of Bengal’s sweet delights because of its rich sweet texture and woody and caramel undertones. In its liquid state, it is known as Jhole nolen gur, while in its solid form, it is known as Patali gur. Both can be enjoyed on their own, but they’re also key ingredients in sweet dishes like Pithe, Sandesh, and Payesh. Nolen gurer roshogolla with payesh is one of the must-try sweets.
Pro tip: Try it fresh and in season.
Daulat ki Chaat or Malai Makhan
Daulat ki Chaat, also called Malai Makhan, is a famous and highly-desired dessert that can be found in some of the alleys of purani (old) Delhi. To make the airy dessert, you churn milk, cream, khoya, or mawa until it forms soft foamy peaks and takes on a cloud-like consistency. It’s a sweet treat served first thing in the morning, topped with saffron, mawa, and dry fruits.
Pro tip: Try the famous vendor from the streets of Chandni Chowk and don’t forget to post it on Instagram.
Chi Al Meh
Most of us have had our share of Thukpas but this northeastern delicacy is a flavor-packed bomb that is bound to ward off all winter chills. An authentic Manipuri dish, this delectable soup stew is made with vegetables like onions, capsicum, mushrooms, and spinach with a lot of ginger, chilies, and other seasonings. Usually served on its own as a wholesome dish, Chi Al Meh can also be paired with noodles.
Sarson ka Saag
Another much-anticipated tasty Punjabi treat, Sarson ka Saag is a preparation of green leaves, and it goes particularly well with Makke ki roti throughout the winter. White butter is an essential component of this classic Indian winter meal. The saag is a nutritious powerhouse that also happens to be delicious.
Lapsi
A popular breakfast treat in Gujarat and some areas of Rajasthan, lapsi is a sugary milk drink. Different regions of the country stock distinct kinds of lapsi. The dish is loaded down with ghee, dried fruits, cracked wheat, and raisins. It’s a delicious breakfast treat that will keep you toasty all morning long.
Paya Shorba
Paya Shorba, a mutton soup dish, is a winter favorite for meat eaters. The lamb trotters in the soup, along with the aromatic and flavorful spices, make for a comforting meal. It’s a favorite in India during the winter because it’s simple to cook and results in a delicious bowl of hot soup.
Rogan Josh
To put it simply, Rogan Josh is the best way to prepare lamb. The richness of the Kashmiri spices in the steaming hot meal will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Accompany this dish with some decent roti or jeera rice and you have yourself a satisfying supper.
Beetroot Thoran
Beetroot Thora is a delicious and nutritious South Indian winter specialty that goes great with rice. Beetroot is stir-fried with spices and cooked with the Thoran, which has been seasoned with chilies and Haldi. It’s supposed to be a winter meal since its sweet and spicy flavors are the perfect antidote to the cold weather.
Conclusion
Now you know what to eat in India during the winter to keep warm and cozy. Don’t skip out on the opportunity to consume as many winter foods as you can.
Among all the dishes, which one did you enjoy the most?
Tag us and let us know.
Meta Title- Regional Winter food of India
Meta Description- India is home to a lot of delicacies and in Winter the taste of its food can’t be matched throughout the country. Here are a few dishes of the different regions of India.