We all wait patiently for the chilly winter mornings and cozy nights right after Diwali till the Sankranti festival. As soon as the winter chills envelop us there comes a longing of warmth and comfort with it. In India, food is deeply intertwined with our rich and traditional culture and cuisines, hence winter becomes a celebration of hearty, and filling meals that not only satisfy hunger but also bring warmth to our bodies with vivid dishes especially made and savored during the winters.

Winter isn’t just a season; it’s an experience to get to feel the exotic culture and cuisines our ancestors have abided by for ages and indulge in foods that are both nourishing and satisfying. We all crave piping hot soups, a cup of hot chocolate, some warming meals using organic grains, and other winter delicacies. In this blog post, we will share 8 comforting winter special food recipes you must try this season.

1.) Gajar ka Halwa: As kids, we all used to wait for the winter for red and juicy carrots to come in the market and devour a freshly made Gajar ka Halwa, which would feel no less than a warm hug. Made with freshly grated red carrots, milk, ghee, and organic jaggery and flavored with cardamom, this rich dessert is slow-cooked to perfection and garnished with organic dry fruits like almonds and cashews.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg carrots (preferably red carrots)
• 4 cups full-cream milk
• ¾ cup jaggery (adjust to taste)
• 4 tbsp ghee
• ½ cup khoya (optional, for richness)
• 8-10 cashews, chopped
• 8-10 almonds, slivered
• 8-10 pistachios, slivered
• ½ tsp cardamom powder

Method:

1. Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a medium-sized grater.
2. Heat milk in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai. Add grated carrots and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are completely absorbed. This will take 30–40 minutes.
3. Once the milk is absorbed, add jaggery and mix well. The jaggery will again release some moisture; continue to cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
4. Add ghee on top and sauté the halwa for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns glossy and aromatic.
5. If using khoya, crumble it and mix it into the halwa. Cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Stir in cardamom powder for fragrance.
7. And lastly, garnish with chopped nuts and mix well. Save some for topping. Serve warm as a dessert or enjoy it chilled.

2.) Organic Quinoa Vegetable Khichdi: This can be a wholesome winter food to keep your hunger satisfied and your body warm during a chilly day in India.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic quinoa
• ½ cup split green gram (moong dal)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas)
• 1 tsp ghee
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Wash quinoa and moong dal thoroughly.
2. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker, add cumin seeds, and sauté vegetables.
3. Add organic quinoa, dal, turmeric, salt, and 3 cups of water.
4. Pressure cook for 2–3 whistles. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee.

3.) Ragi Porridge (Savory Version): Ragi itself is a superfood and great for adopting healthy food during winter. Ragi porridge itself is a nourishing meal that you can have at any time of the day and is light on the stomach.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup ragi flour
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp ghee
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• A pinch of black pepper and salt
• Chopped coriander for garnish

Method:

1. Mix organic ragi flour with water to create a smooth slurry.
2. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Pour the ragi slurry into the pan, stirring continuously.
4. Add salt and pepper, and cook until it thickens.
5. Garnish with coriander and serve warm for a comforting meal.

4.) Barley and Lentil Soup: Nothing like a piping hot bowl of homemade soup. This organic barley and lentil soup is a must-try winter special food that keeps your body healthy and gives all the rich nutrients that are required to keep infections and flu at bay.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup pearl barley
• ½ cup lentils (masoor dal or split red lentils)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp thyme or mixed herbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Rinse the barley and lentils under running water and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté onion, garlic, carrot, and celery until softened.
3. Add the barley, lentils, thyme, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–40 minutes until the barley and lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread for a wholesome winter meal.

5.) Bajra and Methi Thepla: A Thepla is the most comforting and convenient meal to have at any time, even when you are traveling as it has a great shelf life, if cooked properly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic bajra flour
• ½ cup chopped fenugreek (methi) leaves
• 1 tsp ajwain seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Warm water for kneading

Method:

1. Combine all ingredients and knead into a soft dough using warm water.
2. Roll into thin theplas and cook on a hot tawa, applying a little oil on both sides.
3. Serve with curd or pickle for a delightful winter breakfast.

6.) Jowar Upma: It is again a quick but healthy winter food recipe to try when you are in a hurry but also want to add the required nutrition to your daily meals.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic jowar rava (cracked sorghum)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• A few curry leaves
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
2. Add curry leaves, onion, and carrot. Sauté until soft.
3. Add jowar rava and roast for 2–3 minutes.
4. Pour water and salt, then cook until the rava absorbs all the water.
5. Serve hot with coconut chutney or pickles.

7.) Barley Winter Salad: This is a delicious and wholesome salad recipe that will keep you full for a longer duration without the need for frequent snacking or bingeing on unhealthy foods.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked organic barley
• ½ cup roasted sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
• A handful of spinach leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Toss all the ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Adjust seasoning as per your taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Serve as a warm and hearty salad on chilly days.

8.) Ragi Malt (Finger Millet Health Drink): It is the healthiest way of including the superfood ragi in your diet, in the form of malt. It helps resolve your digestive issues and provides a boost of energy.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp organic ragi flour
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• 2 tbsp organic jaggery (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of cardamom powder

Method:

1. Mix organic ragi flour with ½ cup of water to make a lump-free slurry.
2. Heat the remaining water in a pan and bring it to a boil.
3. Gradually add the ragi slurry, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Cook for 4–5 minutes on low flame until it thickens.
5. Add milk, organic jaggery, and cardamom powder. Stir until jaggery dissolves and serve warm as a nutritious breakfast or evening drink.

The above-mentioned recipes are a must-try winter season food and experience the magic of good health and a robust immune system that will keep your body fuelled with energy, while keeping your body warm and cozy during the winter season.

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