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Unlike summer picnics, where the focus is on refreshing, light fare to beat the heat, winter outings invite a different kind of culinary creativity. The cold weather calls for meals that are not only delicious but also comforting and warming to the soul. They should celebrate the season’s rich and earthy flavours.
From the smoky aroma of bonfires to the way a steaming hot chocolate mug feels against your palms, every detail of a winter picnic has a charm that lingers long after the day is over. These dishes must add warmth and energy to your outdoor enjoyment. The dishes you choose play a vital role in this experience. They should not only satisfy hunger but also should be easy to carry, spark conversation, and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a classic choice for winter picnics, offering warmth, flavour, and versatility. With ingredients like fresh bread, crisp vegetables, creamy spreads, and a variety of proteins, they cater to every palate. Their texture balances soft bread with crunchy fillings, while flavours range from tangy and spicy to mild and cheesy. Sandwiches are portable, easy to prepare, and ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken, with its golden, crunchy coating and juicy interior, is a satisfactory snack to carry for outdoor gatherings. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and spices, then coated with seasoned flour and fried. Its flavour is a delightful blend of savoury, spicy, and earthy notes. The crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside, making each bite irresistible.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a delightful dish that perfectly complements winter picnics, offering a refreshing yet hearty balance of seasonal ingredients. This dish typically combines al dente pasta with crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing, the flavours range from zesty and herbaceous to rich and savoury, depending on the ingredients used.
Cutlets
This versatile finger food is made with mashed vegetables, minced meat, or paneer, blended with spices and shaped into patties before being coated in breadcrumbs and shallow-fried. Their golden-brown crust gives a satisfying crunch, while the filling bursts with savoury goodness, making them a hit with all age groups. Cutlets are often seasoned with herbs and paired with chutneys for added zing.
Paratha
Parathas are a winter favourite, offering a delightful blend of flavours, textures, and versatility. These unleavened flatbreads are made with whole wheat flour and often stuffed with ingredients like spiced potatoes, paneer, radishes, keema, matar, etc. Their crisp yet flaky exterior and flavourful layers inside make them irresistibly satisfying. While most enjoy them with chutney, pickles, or dahi, they are also used to wrap kebabs or serve as a base for rolls.
One-Pot Rice Items
One-pot rice dishes are the ultimate comfort meals during winter. From biryanis layered with spices to fried rice or pulao infused with vegetables, the ingredients harmonise beautifully in one vessel. The tender grains absorb the essence of every spice, resulting in a dish that's rich and fragrant. While the cooking process involves everything from caramelising onions to simmering stock, the pot itself traps the heat and helps the grains to lock in flavour.
Brownie
A brownie is a decadent used synonymously with winter. Made with ingredients like chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, it boasts a rich, fudgy texture and an irresistible flavour. It has a slightly crispy top and gooey centre that make every bite delightful. Pack it in your basket and enjoy the dessert while soaking in the sunshine.
