Chilly mornings, foggy landscapes, and a crisp chill in the air mark winters in North India. Temperatures can dip significantly, especially in regions like Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, which are often blanketed in snow. Plains, including Delhi and Punjab, experience cold waves and dense fog. The season is celebrated with bonfires, warm woolens, and hearty meals. Seasonal produce, including mustard greens, carrots, and radishes, enriches the cuisine. Festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti add vibrancy, making winters in North India a blend of celebration, and natural beauty.
Video Credit: Kunal Kapur
Winter dishes are deeply rooted in the region’s traditions and lifestyle. The practice of slow cooking, use of seasonal ingredients, and reliance on rich flavours reflect the wisdom of generations in adapting to the cold climate. These dishes are not just meals but experiences, bringing families together around the warmth of the kitchen and dining table.
From the creamy richness of Sarson Ka Saag to the smoky Baingan Bharta and the indulgent sweetness of Gajar Ka Halwa, these dishes embody the essence of the season. Whether you’re looking for comfort, nourishment, or a taste of tradition, these dishes are perfect for savouring the joys of winter.
Many of these dishes highlight the use of winter produce which are at their nutritional peak during this season. The use of ghee, butter, and warming spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves adds depth and warmth to these dishes, making them ideal for combating the cold. High-protein ingredients like meat, chickpeas, and whole grains provide energy and keep the body warm during the chilly months.
Sarson Ka Saag And Makki Ki Roti
A quintessential winter delicacy from Punjab, Sarson Ka Saag is a nutritious curry made from mustard greens, spinach, and bathua (chenopodium). Cooked with ginger, garlic, and green chilies, it’s served with Makki Ki Roti (cornmeal flatbread) and a generous dollop of white butter. The dish is a celebration of seasonal greens and is packed with nutrients, making it a favourite during the cold months.
Gajar Ka Halwa
Gajar Ka Halwa, or carrot pudding, is a classic dessert prepared with grated red carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee, slow-cooked to perfection. Garnished with nuts and cardamom, this dish is a winter staple in North Indian households. The availability of sweet, juicy carrots in winter makes this dessert a must-have during the season.
Rogan Josh
Hailing from the Kashmiri cuisine, Rogan Josh is a rich and aromatic lamb curry cooked with yoghurt, Kashmiri red chilies, and a blend of spices like fennel and cardamom. Its deep flavours and warming spices make it an ideal dish for cold winter evenings. Served with steamed rice or naan, it’s a hearty meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Methi Paratha
Methi Paratha is a popular breakfast option during winter, made with fresh fenugreek leaves mixed into whole wheat dough and spiced with cumin, ajwain, and chillies. These parathas are served with yoghurt or pickle and are loved for their earthy flavour and health benefits. Fenugreek leaves, abundant in winter, add a distinct aroma and warmth to this dish.
Pindi Chole
A winter favourite from Punjab, Pindi Chole is a dry, spiced chickpea curry cooked with tea leaves for a deep colour and flavoured with a mix of spices like anardana (pomegranate seeds) and amchur (dry mango powder). This dish is often paired with bhature or kulchas and is perfect for a comforting meal during chilly weather.
Baingan Bharta
Baingan Bharta is a smoky, flavourful dish made by roasting eggplants over an open flame, mashing them, and cooking them with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The smoky aroma and warming spices make it a winter favourite, often served with rotis or parathas. Winter eggplants, which are tender and flavourful, elevate the taste of this dish.
Nihari
Nihari is a slow-cooked stew made with meat and bone marrow, flavoured with an array of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Originating from Mughlai cuisine, this dish is traditionally cooked overnight and enjoyed as a breakfast meal. Its rich, hearty flavours and warming spices make it a sought-after dish during the cold months.