5 Winter Recipes to Warm Your Heart (and Your Kitchen)
Cold days call for food that hugs you back. Here are five winter-perfect recipes that bring together fresh produce, bold flavours, and that irresistible homemade warmth.
Winter is the best time to explore different recipes, cause the produce is so fresh and nice (also, a bit on the expensive side, but so what?). As the chill starts to set in, I crave thick veggie curries, soups, and all sorts of hot foods. Although I avoid having too much rice, I love making fried rice or pulao with a lot of veggies and spices (cause what is food without some spice?).
So, if you are like me and don’t like to bug your mother to make you your favorite foods, but want to try out different recipes that fit the climate well, this is your sign to get cooking. Start with these five winter recipes below; they’re delicious, comforting, and easy enough to make without setting the kitchen on fire (or almost blowing up a pressure cooker like I did).
Pepper Rasam Soup
This South Indian staple is like a hug in a bowl. Tangy tamarind, pepper, and garlic come together in a spicy, soupy mix that’s perfect for clearing up a cold or just warming your soul. Have it plain or pour it over rice to keep the chills away. I make it extra tangy and spicy on days when I come down with a cold.
Hara Matar Pulao
This one’s a green beauty that’s as fragrant as it is comforting. Fresh green peas steal the show, paired with basmati rice, ginger, and whole spices. The best part? It’s quick to make and pairs perfectly with curd or papad. I tend to sneak in some paneer or soya chunks for extra texture and protein (even a couple of boiled eggs, if I am in the mood).
Hara Chana Dal
If you’ve only ever had regular chana dal, this green version will surprise you. Fresh hara chana, simmered in a rich, nutty broth made with coconut and peanuts, is loaded with flavour. It’s best enjoyed with phulkas or jeera rice, and trust me, you will feel full without the usual heaviness that one expects with such a rich meal.
Winter Veggies Korma
A creamy, spiced curry made with the season’s best veggies simmered in a cashew-yogurt-coconut milk gravy. It’s rich without being too heavy and works beautifully with naan or parathas. Making this kind of dish makes me forget there’s a world outside your warm, curry-scented kitchen.
P.S. Add in all the winter vegetables you have in your pantry, yes, including cauliflower.
Beetroot Halwa
I love having halwas during winters, but who said only gajar ka halwa is acceptable? Forget the classic gajar halwa for a minute ‘cause this beetroot version is equally indulgent and stunning. Grated beetroot is slow-cooked with ghee, milk, and sugar until it turns rich and glossy. I add a lot of nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios, but you can add whatever you like to end your meals on a sweeter note!
While these five winter recipes are the ultimate comfort foods, they can just as easily steal the show at your next get-together, ‘cause who doesn’t love a delicious home-cooked meal now and then? Plus, this time, you won’t need to call or trouble your mom for help; you’ve got this!