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Winter is widely described as the most festive season of the year across the globe. This is largely due to Christmas, which is celebrated universally. But then, celebrations continue well into the New Year, with the month of January alone hosting at least three unique region-specific festivals, namely Lohri, Pongal, and Makar Sankranti. Even beyond these festivals, indulging in winter sweets continues because these dishes are loaded with ingredients that generate warmth and boost the immune system.
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What makes these winter sweets perfect for the season is the fact that they are made with high-protein and high-fat ingredients like dry fruits, nuts and sweets. What’s more, the basic ingredients included in these dishes are highly seasonal, whether they are juicy red carrots or even sesame seeds. Usually prepared by roasting or slow-cooking, these sweet treats induce body warmth when eaten, making them perfect for winters and especially January cold waves.
Here are the five most cherished winter desserts of India.
Gajar ka Halwa
Carrots are plentiful during winter, therefore, it is no surprise that the classic sweet dish gajar ka halwa is enjoyed in most parts of the country during this time. In addition to carrots, the delicacy is prepared using condensed milk, sugar, and dry fruits. This sweet dish is also rich in ghee, which experts posit is a “winter superfood,” that helps provide warmth and nourishment to consumers. The dish also has a nostalgic value attached to it, with almost every Indian household having fond memories of either making or consuming the dish.
Til ke Laddoo
Til, known as sesame seeds in English, is a natural immunity booster that endows the human body with warmth and energy to deal with the icy cold winter. While til can be consumed in a variety of ways, one of the most popular and beloved til-based dishes is til ke laddoo. These laddoos are eaten extensively in the northern, southern, and western parts of the country, forming a vital part of Lohri as well as Pongal and Sankranti celebrations. Til or sesame seeds are blended together to prepare this delicious dish.
Atta Pinni
Atta pinni is a mouthwatering Punjabi sweet dish that is made using the core ingredients of sugar, ghee, and wheat. This dish provides budding chefs and bakers the opportunity to get creative as the pinnis can be moulded per the maker’s will; for example, they can be shaped as laddoos or barfis, or whatever else the maker desires. The rich and heavy ingredients used to prepare the dish, especially sugar and ghee, provide one warmth against the chilly winter weather, making the melt-in-your-mouth atta pinni one of the most in-demand winter desserts.
Lapsi
A favourite in multiple states, such as Haryana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, lapsi is a timeless winter dessert that is usually made using only three main ingredients, that is, wheat, jaggery, and ghee. Although the ingredients used for lapsi are quite similar to atta pinni, the textures of both the dishes are quite different. While atta pinni is solid, lapsi resembles a halwa in many senses, comprising a soft, thin, and crumbly consistency. Several condiments, including fruits and nuts can be added to a traditional bowl or plate of lapsi to enhance its flavour.
Panjiri
A big hit in North India, panjiri is a delicious amalgamation of sugar, ghee, wheat, and various fruits and dry fruits, such as watermelon, raisins, cashews, and almonds. This hearty and healthy mixture is recommended for new mothers as it provides energy after surgeries. The dish is also regarded as a natural remedy against winter-related ailments and allergies, such as cough and cold. In this way, panjiri, being both delicious and nutritious, is the quintessential Indian winter sweet dish!
