With chilly weather and a cool breeze, winter is knocking on our doors. It is the season to cover ourselves with blankets and enjoy a hot cup of tea. Various seasonal fruits and vegetables, like apples, pears, grapes, cauliflower, carrots, and radishes, are also gifts from winter. However, along with this fresh produce, this season also brings many seasonal illnesses like colds, coughs, and flu.
In order to tackle these problems, we consume warm foods and drinks like tea, soup, meats, and dry fruits. Spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper are also a great addition to your winter diet. Consumed in a variety of ways, they help in relieving the symptoms of seasonal sickness. Saffron is another spice that can become part of meals during chilly weather.
According to Healthline, it is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that protect you from several diseases. Consuming saffron during the winter helps boost immunity, protects against seasonal flu, and is also good for the heart. Here are five ways to add kesar to your winter diet:
Saffron Milk
Also known as kesar doodh, this Indian drink is a delicious way to stay warm and healthy during winter. Made with just three ingredients—whole milk, saffron strands, and sugar—it can provide relief from colds and sore throats. You can also garnish saffron milk with your favourite dry fruits. Use almond milk or any other dairy-free milk to make a vegan drink.
Saffron Rice
Saffron, or yellow rice, is a delicious and aromatic dish that can be enjoyed for lunch as well as dinner. It pairs well with any curry or lentil side dish. Saffron rice is made with basmati rice, saffron strands, coriander leaves, and spices like caraway seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, and ghee. Instead of basmati, you can also use any other kind of rice.
Saffron Kahwa
Kahwa is a traditional Kashmiri tea that is widely consumed in the state. Packed with the goodness of cinnamon, cardamom, and saffron, it is a great drink to sip on cold winter days. This concoction is good for digestion as well as building immunity. You can also amp up its flavour with honey and dried rose petals.
Saffron Water
If you don’t want to put in any extra effort, try this simple drink. Saffron water can help relieve a sore throat and cough. To prepare this drink, all you have to do is soak five to six saffron strands in hot water for ten minutes and drink on an empty stomach. You can also add a few drops of lemon to this drink.
Saffron-Almond Ladoo
Laddoos made with ragi, til, and mawa are very popular in India during winter. They not only satisfy our cravings but also keep us warm during this season. But have you ever tried saffron-almond laddoo? Made with almond flour, milk, ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. This laddoo can also become part of the festivities.