Yaay, it is winter, my favourite season. Except that it makes waking up difficult, I love the feel of winter. Besides the lovely weather, it is the food that is what I love about the winter.
It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. The food is usual, but having them hot or just warming it makes a difference to the entire experience of eating, isn’t it?
Khichdi
Yes, khichdi always ought to be served hot. Thankfully, the winters have set in once again and this also means I can now have one of my favourite winter foods, Bajra Khichdi. Yes, a delicious food that even keeps you warm. Some other reasons why I like bajra khichdi, are, it keeps me full for a long time and considering the long-term health benefits, it also helps keep cholesterol levels under control. So, I am surely going to have this absolutely flavourful and yummy khichdi at least once a week in the winters. It sure is the best way to honour the International Year of Millets, 2023.
Barfi
I am all for sweet dishes that are quick, use fresh produce that are not very expensive and that can be made with easily available ingredients. Why spend time sauteeing the khoya or use exorbitantly priced recipes. Given all my above conditions, it definitely makes me think of this yummy Fresh Coconut and Pineapple Barfi. The familiar nuttiness and the fine pieces of pineapple make this barfi a great dessert to put in a sit-down thali (the way I visualise it) or as a small treat when returning plates with offerings. Gosh! I have so many ways to offer Barfi.
Gulab Jamun
In winters I like having food that is warm to hot, but in the summers, I like it chilled. Gulab Jamun, the unofficial King of Indian Sweets though available round the year, in winters it takes on a special meaning. The warm rose-flavoured syrup and the soft jamuns, taste divine in the winters. When Gulab Jamun meets Kheer, you get yet another heavenly dish. Here’s a recipe for this ambrosial dessert. Make sure you have at least a little Kalakand left over or freshly bought. I think I am going to get some Phirni in this too.
Aloo Paratha
The thing about winters is that one feels hungry frequently and the other accompanying problem is that one can even digest it fast. Hence, in winters I am always like, bring it on. What better than to gorge on 1-2 thick, delicious paranthas? Once I tweaked the usual Aloo Parantha recipe by using Chinese ingredients. The paranthas turned out amazing. Loved the way the potatoes mingled with the Oriental additions with Schezwan chutney on the side. Yum!
I am sure you too have fond memories of your favourite winter foods. Do visit the links and try out the recipes.
Comments