As soon as the temperature starts to dip in India, everything from our wardrobe to our kitchen cabinet gets a makeover. Season’s fresh produce such as winter greens- saag, spinach and methi waltz their way to our plates for a vibrant, healthy fare. There are specific specialities about many of these ingredients that makes them a staple. A lot of what you eat in helps in keeping us warm from inside during the peak of chilly weather. Therefore, it is important to choose wisely and plan our meals.
Winter season has plenty of such foods that can help keep up good health and add a variety of flavours too. And the best part is you do not need to go to lengths to look for them. In fact, they are all around us through this season. We bring you some of these everyday food options that will make your winter meals an indulgent affair and keep you nourished.
1. Jaggery
Locally known as "gur/gud", jaggery not only improves your digestive system but is also known to keep you warm. It is a healthy alternative for sugar and comes loaded with iron and several other minerals that make it a great addition to your overall diet. Just a bit of jaggery accompanied with sarson da saag and makki ki roti makes for one of the yummiest winter meals of Punjab . Besides, you can always replace your sugar with jaggery in desserts since it is also very delicious.
2. Dry Fruits
Crunchy, nutty and wholesome, let's just agree that dry fruits are no less than superfoods. From almonds, cashew nuts to raisins and figs, these nuts and dry fruits are loaded with every essential nutrient and the warmth and can be a great addition to your winter diet. These nuts and dry fruits can be added to your winter diet in any which way, toss in your curries or a glass of milk. You can have them as is too.
3. Sesame
Sesame seeds or til are known to be naturally warming, and that's exactly why we nosh on gajak, rewri and til ladoos in peak winter season the most. Known to be one of the oldest oilseeds that found their origin in India, sesame seeds are rich in fibre, good fats, many other nutrients. This is why all the winter festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti are celebrated with traditional sweets made with sesame seeds.