It is scientifically proven that you are hungrier in winter than you are in summer, which explains why we are on the lookout for something warm and decadent all the time nowadays. From ghee-laden halwas to rich, chocolate cakes, everything yummy that is in your line of sight, needs to be on our plate as well.
Cooking at home is one thing, but taking to the street to relish winter-exclusive treats is an experience in itself. A lot of these foods are available for only three-four months, giving us one convincing reason to get out of that heavy quilt, and indulge in these unique delicacies no matter how chilly or foggy it is outside. Indian street food is a multi-faceted fare in itself, but how we love the seasonal upgrades. Here are a few popular, few not so popular (but equally fabulous) winter street foods you must try in Indian winter.
1. Garadu Ki Chaat
My tryst with Garadu ki chaat was at a wedding that I attended in Indore in the last week of November. Garadu, is a purple yam that is around from October till March. It looks a lot like Shakarkandi, but it is a completely different tuber, the ends of which are trimmed, the middle chunk is peeled, chopped and boiled. The boiled Garadu is further chopped and sprinkled over with hot and tangy Jeeralu Masala made with cumin, hing, ginger etc.
Image credit:Image credit: Instagram (@golgolugolgappa)
2. Malaiyo
Also known as Daulat ki chaat, Makhhan Malai, Nimish, this white and creamy delicacy that is scraped off from the top of milk that is kept out to soak in the dew drops. This ‘Malai’ is super light and airy, after mixing it with sugar it is topped with cardamom, nuts and dry fruits.
3. Matar Chaat
Not the green ones, but the white peas or safed matar/matara are used to make this vibrant chaat. Boiled matar is tossed with a variety of chutney, spices, and veggies, and oh, did we catch you slurping already? This one is actually pretty easy to make at home, so why don’t you try this recipe?
4. Ponkh
Ponkh is a winter delicacy of Surat, Gujarat. Also known as Hurda in Maharashtra, ponkh is essentially young, tender jowar that is plucked and roasted in sand. It is then pounded until the husk and jowar are separated, post which it is sieved and served with fried sev. Delish right?
Image courtesy: Instagram @chefsaranshgoila
5. Kali Gajar Ka Halwa
Move over Gajar ka Halwa, this halwa, made with kali gajar or purple carrots is what we are obsessed with right now. Kali in Hindi means black, and since these carrots have a blackish hue, they are called ‘Kali Gajar’ in India, and just like the red carrots, they are also peeled, grated and cooked with milk, nuts and sugar to make this delish winter halwa, which is pitch black in colour.
It is time to unleash the glutton, for who are we to stand in way of science, right? Do let us know which ones have you already tried this winter.