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Punjab, the land known for its agricultural land, is much more than just growing and supplying grains. The deep-rooted traditions of Punjab bring an array of cosy dishes and desserts that you must explore. While you might know Punjab because of its spices, butter chicken, and parathas, there are many more winter delicacies that are made not just in Northern India but also across the globe.
As the temperatures drop, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with these comforting and hearty Punjabi delights. From the nutritious sarson ka saag served with makki ki roti to the very popular gajrela, aka gajar ka halwa, this article explores the famous and long-lost winter delicacies of Punjab.
Also Read: 7 Tips To Master Punjabi Chole At Home
Sarson Da Saag
Whenever the weather is a bit chilly, the aroma of sarson da saag cooking in a Punjabi household is pretty common in the air. Made with sarson, or mustard greens, known for their slightly bitter and pungent taste, it is usually paired with makki ki roti. Garnished with a generous amount of ghee on top and paired with gud (jaggery), sarson da saag is a traditional Punjabi dish that you cannot miss out on.
Gajar Matar
Gajar matar is a quintessential Punjabi dish that is often made whenever the market is filled with fresh stock of carrots. The dry sabzi can be made with chopped carrots and boiled peas. The veggies are sauteed in ghee with a blend of spices. Garnished with fresh cream and chopped coriander leaves, it is often served with freshly prepared rotis.
Chhit
Chhit is a long-lost Punjabi recipe that is still treasured in traditional Punjabi homes. It can be prepared by adding a tadka of ginger, garlic, and your favourite spices to either curd or milk. The ingredients are simmered to make a smooth paste-like consistency. The quick-to-make recipe is then served with roti or paratha.
Gobhi Shalgam Gajar Achaar
Gobhi-Shalgam-Gajaar Achaar, or Mixed Vegetable Pickle, is a staple Punjabi condiment that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavour to any meal, and you’d often spot it on the dining table of a typical Punjabi household. You can make it by chopping the vegetable cauliflower (gobhi), turnips (shalgam), and carrots (gajar). Next, add them to a mixture of mustard oil, vinegar, and a blend of spices and marinate them for a while. Keeping them in direct sunlight will help the vegetables to absorb the flavour quicker.
Gajrela
Gajrela, or gajar ka halwa, is another lip-smacking dessert from Punjab that you can never get enough of. To make gajrela in your kitchen, you’ll need to grate some carrots, add them to a wok with milk and let it simmer on low flame. After the halwa is mostly cooked, add some ghee and mix it well. Finally, add sugar and some cardamom powder to add to the aroma and flavour. Garnish with chopped dry fruits and relish it hot.
Atta Pinni
Another traditional Punjabi dish that can make you feel at home amidst the chilly weather is atta pinni. To make these, all you need is wheat flour, ghee, sugar, dry fruits and nuts, and jaggery powder. Just grind sugar, dry fruits, nuts, and jaggery to make a coarse powder. Next, take a pan, add some ghee and the mixture you made, and roast until it turns golden. Add wheat flour and ghee and cook till you get a uniform mixture. You can then shape them into balls and enjoy.
