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The season calls for recipes that warm the body and nourish the soul, making use of ingredients that offer heat and energy. Traditional meals in Gujarat often center around seasonal produce, particularly root vegetables and fresh greens, which are celebrated for their nutritional benefits and earthy flavours. Various lentil-based preparations and grain dishes provide the body with much-needed sustenance, delivering complex flavours through a balance of spices.
Video Credit: Gujju Ben Na Nasta
Winter also brings the chance to savour rich sweets that are prepared with ingredients like jaggery and ghee, known for their warming qualities. These desserts are often spiced with aromatic additions that evoke feelings of cosiness and are believed to strengthen the immune system. High-fiber grains are also prevalent in winter dishes, enhancing both flavour and health benefits.
Snacks during this time are often crunchy and spiced, creating a perfect pairing with hot drinks. Nut-based treats and freshly harvested local grains are enjoyed as part of communal gatherings, showcasing the seasonal bounty. Make these delicious Gujarati winter treats at home.
Undhiyu
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Undhiyu is a quintessential winter dish and a symbol of Gujarati culinary pride. Made with a mix of seasonal vegetables like purple yam, sweet potatoes, green peas, and plantains, this dish is slow-cooked with a unique blend of spices and herbs. Muthiya, fried dumplings made from spiced gram flour and fenugreek leaves, are added for extra texture and flavor. The dish’s name comes from the Gujarati word “undhu,” meaning “upside down,” as it is traditionally cooked in an upside-down clay pot buried in a fire pit. Undhiyu’s hearty, rich flavors make it perfect for winter feasts, especially during celebrations like Uttarayan (the kite festival).
Adadiya Pak
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Adadiya Pak is a nutritious and warming sweet made from coarsely ground urad dal (black gram flour), jaggery, and ghee. Warm spices such as cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg are added. It is often prepared in winter due to its ability to generate heat in the body and provide nourishment. Adadiya Pak is believed to boost immunity and energy, making it ideal for colder days. The sweet, aromatic taste and crumbly texture make it a favourite snack among Gujaratis, perfect with a warm cup of tea or milk.
Methi Thepla
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Methi Thepla is a versatile flatbread made from whole wheat flour and fresh fenugreek leaves, combined with spices like cumin, turmeric, and ajwain. It is often eaten for breakfast or as a snack, providing warmth and nutrition. Fenugreek leaves are known for their health benefits, including their ability to improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Theplas are typically enjoyed with a dollop of homemade white butter or yoghurt and a side of sweet mango pickle. Their slightly bitter and spicy flavour pairs beautifully with winter foods and makes them a comfort food staple during the colder months.
Bajra Rotla With Garlic Chutney
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Bajra Rotla, or pearl millet flatbread, is a winter favourite in Gujarat due to its warming properties and high nutritional value. Bajra is rich in fibre and minerals, making it an excellent source of energy during the cold months. Rotla is typically paired with a generous spread of ghee and served alongside garlic chutney, which adds a burst of bold flavour. This combination not only provides warmth but also helps maintain overall health, as garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. For added indulgence, a side of jaggery is often included, creating a sweet and savory balance.
Khichdo
Khichdo is a traditional Gujarati winter dish made from coarsely ground wheat, cooked slowly with milk, sugar, and ghee until it reaches a rich, creamy consistency. It is flavoured with aromatic spices such as cardamom and garnished with nuts and dried fruits. Khichdo is often prepared during special occasions and festivals like Uttarayan and is known for its comforting, warming qualities. This dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a source of energy, helping to sustain the body in colder weather.
Handvo
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Handvo is a savoury, baked lentil and rice cake that is both nutritious and warming. Made with a batter of rice, mixed lentils, and grated vegetables like bottle gourd, Handvo is flavoured with sesame seeds, curry leaves, and spices. The batter is fermented overnight, giving the dish a subtle tanginess. Once baked, it has a crunchy outer crust and a soft, spiced interior. Handvo is often enjoyed as a breakfast item or a snack, paired with a side of chutney. Its warming ingredients and hearty texture make it a popular dish in winter months.
Ponkh
Ponkh (also known as hurda) is a seasonal delicacy made from tender, fresh green sorghum grains harvested during winter. These soft grains are often enjoyed plain or lightly roasted, and they pair beautifully with a sprinkle of salt and lemon juice or served with spicy sev for added crunch. Ponkh parties are common in Gujarat during the winter harvest, where friends and families gather to savour this fresh, nutritious snack. High in fiber and essential nutrients, ponkh provides warmth and energy, making it a cherished winter specialty that celebrates both the season and community gatherings. Ponkh Bhel and Ponk Cutlets are very popular.
