The North Indian winter is a test of your will and your taste buds. It’s the time when you either hibernate at home with hot cups of tea and snacks, or go out, brave the cold and explore new cafes and restaurants for something different to eat. This is also the time you are most likely to overindulge, because what’s better than eating good food when it’s freezing outside? Nothing, that’s what!
That is why we have listed down some of the best foods to accompany the cold of the North Indian winter.
Dhaniya Or Coriander Dal
Dhaniya or coriander dal is a simple yet delicious dish that can be made within minutes. All you need to do is dry roast the dhania and masoor dal, add some turmeric and salt, and pressure cook the dal with a little bit of ghee till it is cooked. Once the dal is ready, you can add some coriander leaves and some lemon juice to the dal and garnish it with sliced onions, then serve it with hot rotis! This dish is perfect to accompany the cold of the North Indian winter as it is extremely light, but also loaded with protein and vitamins. It is also super cheap and easy to make, so you are definitely not going to regret making it.
Bhature, With Chole And Onions
This is the quintessential Punjabi food that is made for any special occasion. Bhatura is the deep-fried Indian indulgence of choice, especially during the winter. Made with ghee, this really is the right stuff in the biting cold that envelops northern India’s plains. Chole, spicy and delicious chickpeas, are perfectly complemented by the onions and butter. Bhature, with chole and onions, make for the perfect food to warm the body and ward off winter because it is filling, warm, and delicious. It is also a great source of fibre, calcium, and iron.
Kabab, Any Kind
Kababs are the perfect foods to accompany the cold of the North Indian winter. There are many types of kababs that you can make and have. Whether it is an Indo-Chinese kabab or a hot and spicy kabab, you can have it with anything! Kababs are made with a lot of spices, so they add a lot of flavor to the food that you eat with them. Kababs are also very healthy. They are high in protein and are a great source of iron. And what better way to fight the cold than to be healthy? Northern Indian cuisine also has very good vegetarian kababs, so vegetarians needn’t miss out on the fun.
Bhel Puri With Tamarind And Mint Chutney
The humble, and ubiquitous, Bhel puri is believed to have originated in Juhu, Mumbai. It is basically puffed rice, chickpeas, onions, and tangy chutneys all mixed together. You can spice it up with some crushed dried red chilies. Light, spicy, very cheap, Bhel Puri is the quintessential Indian street chaat. It may come from Mumbai’s warmer climate but bhel puri, along with the other hot and spicy snacks mentioned above, is great to combat the cold. This snack has a good amount of fibre, protein, and antioxidants that keep your body warm and protected from the low temperatures outside.
Paneer Tikka Wrapped In Rotis
Paneer tikka is a marinated and roasted cottage cheese wrapped in a roti. Sounds tasty and filling, and it is. Paneer tikka is a street food so you might have to go to a market to get some of the best paneer tikka in India. But a well-made paneer tikka truly can spice up your evening. Paneer is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, so there’s a lot less guilt when indulging. It is easily available across northern Indian towns and cities, and usually tastes great, so make it a part of your winter evenings as the cold moves in.
Hot Idlis With Spicy Sambhar And Vada
Idli? For the north Indian winter? Yes! Idli is a steamed rice and lentil cake that’s taken with hot, spicy sambar. Add a vada or two to the mix, and you have a great breakfast option across seasons. Idlis can also be made with fermented rice and whole wheat. A plate of idlis and vada with a bowl full of sambhar is perfect for any cold weather. Not only is it quick and light, it is also spicy and delicious. Idlis are also a great source of fibre, protein, and calcium, while vadas pack some more protein into your breakfast. This clean, healthy breakfast allows you to indulge in the other winter options in the evenings.
And lastly, don't forget to drink lots of water to stay hydrated during the cold winter months.