Winter Season Food List: A Warm & Cozy Winter Feast

As winter blankets the world in a layer of frost, our culinary cravings shift towards comforting, hearty, and soul-warming foods. The winter season brings chilly temperatures and an array of seasonal ingredients that inspire cozy and flavorful dishes. Let’s explore together a winter season food list that will keep you warm and bewitch your taste buds with a symphony of flavors.

8 Vegetarian Super Foods We Eat during Winter Season

The winter season food list celebrates flavors and the warmth of delicious meals during the cold months. From hearty soups to sweet treats, each dish reflects the vibrancy of the region’s culture and the joy of comfort and happiness. Here is a list of vegetarian winter food that will warm your soul:

1. Sarson Ka Saag 

You should always enjoy cooking and eating seasonal food because the taste of these dishes is delectable. Sarson ka saag is the most famous and traditional Punjabi dish that everyone loves to get served during winter. This delicious dish is not just tasty but has outstanding health benefits. It has high fiber, minerals, and multivitamins content. This mustard greens will make you eat more after knowing that its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help you recover from asthma and heart disease and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Moreover, along with keeping you warm, it regulates your metabolism and maintains a healthy body weight. 

2. Masoor Dal

You will always find masoor dal as a staple food in every Indian household. It is a perfect protein-filled dish for vegetarians. This earthy-flavored dal is very common in northern India, primarily likable with roti, rice, and even bread. Masoor Dal is an excellent source of proteins, fibers, and carbohydrates. Consuming masoor dal may also show a positive effect on people with breast cancer. In addition, it works best for your cardiovascular health, including hypertension. Diabetic people should eat masoor dal to manage their blood pressure levels due to its high fiber content. Start involving this dish in your diet, as it can be incredibly valuable to your health.

3. Urad Dal

Urad dal, also called Split Black Gram, is one of the most popular lentils in Indian cuisine. Winter season is all about packing yourself with nutritious food, and urad dal is already on the food list. Enrichment of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, urad dal has many health benefits. Interestingly, urad dal is made of iron, calcium, folic acid, and potassium, making it a fantastic health package for pregnant women. It has both soluble and insoluble power that can improve your digestion. This valuable dal can treat diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and cramps, so don’t let your winters affect your health and make it a part of your diet. 

4. Veg Biryani

Once you start enjoying biryani, then there’s no going back. Vegetable biryani is a classic dish most preferred in India and is becoming internationally famous. There is no doubt that veg biryani is warm and healthy! We often mix cauliflower to make this veg biryani more healthy, as cauliflower is an excellent source of protein and is low in cholesterol. To enhance the taste of the biryani, you can mix various spices like cinnamon, cumin, cloves, and cardamom. These spices are beneficial in increasing metabolism and burning fat. It may take a little time to cook, but it is worth it.  

5. Spicy Ramen

Is it cold outside? Then, drape with a blanket and enjoy the hot and spicy ramen while watching your favorite sitcom. Preparing yourself with hot ramen is an easy, peasy way to combat common colds. This hot and spicy ramen is the ultimate cuisine, especially loved by children and adults. The chili peppers and capsaicin in hot and soupy ramen help inhibit the growth of tumor cancer cells and slow the division of these cells. A bowl of cozy ramen increases a patient’s metabolism by 8% and helps lose weight. Also, patients suffering from high blood pressure can intake ramen as it relaxes their vessels and fights inflammation, resulting in low blood pressure. 

6. Sweet Street Corn

The crowd at your local street sweetcorn vendor is worth the hype; given the strong aroma and taste of the munchy corn, especially during this freezing season, it seems like a delicious idea. These yellow and beautiful grains are very beneficial to your health, just like the fiber content in sweet corn, which improves and regulates your heart health. It also reduces lens damage that causes cataracts, enhancing your eye health. The antioxidant properties of sweet corn may prevent cancer symptoms, bloating, and constipation. The enrichment of vitamin B1 can boost your memory and energy. So, why not enjoy your favorite snack every day?

7. Mushrooms

OH! Mushrooms are a superb winter season food. These are not precisely plants but fungi. Mushrooms can be an excellent option to pile on your plate and fill yourself with nutrient-rich food. Do you know what the most attractive thing mushrooms have? It has multiple textures and flavors you must try. Some are like portobello with dense texture, and some are button mushrooms with a very gentle and delicate texture. Mushrooms are versatile and suitable for a variety of dishes. With low calories and fat, these are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals. Its rich antioxidant property fights your body against oxidative stress and helps give you energy. 

8. Sweet Potatoes

As soon as the chilled season steps on your doors, you will spot sweet potatoes everywhere. Sweet potatoes, also known as Shakarkand, are root vegetables in different colors; each color has its nutritional advantage and flavor. Experts believe that sweet potatoes are the best source of carbohydrates, which can keep you energetic throughout the day, especially during colder months. Its anti-oxidant properties, mainly beta-carotene, prevent our cells from damage and maintain overall health. Also, you can enjoy this winter season food as a comforting side dish, a warm soup, or a sweet-sweet dessert.  

Top 5 Sweet Winter Dishes- You Should Know

After having a heartfelt meal, our taste buds crave a mouthwatering dessert. Indians have no shortage of hot and cold sweet dishes. If you have a sweet tooth, then check out the list of these scrumptious sweet-course food we eat in winter season. 

1. Gajar Ka Halwa

Well! Believe it or not, Gajar ka Halwa has been the most popular winter season food or dessert for years. It is a fantastic way to welcome your guests during this cold weather. Gajar ka halwa is loaded with carrots, ghee, milk, khoya, sugar/jaggery, dry fruits, and cardamon. You can enjoy it in cold or hot form. Gajar ka halwa is a durable dish you can enjoy for two to three days after preparing it. It is not just about its mouth-filling taste but its numerous benefits; like a carrot, it contains a high amount of vitamin A, improving your eyesight. Furthermore, Gajar ka halwa is believed to boost your immunity during winter.

2. Gond ke Laddoo

One of the most satisfying sweets you can cherish in winter is gond ke ladoo. Once in a while, your grandmother must have made you these laddoos to make your winter vacations more enjoyable. Not only does it satisfy your taste, but it also provides you with many unique health benefits. Whether supplying nutrition to mothers during their nursing period or preventing any individual from falling sick, it is the tastiest way to check your well-being. These laddoos are a great source of fiber and fat, which makes them the best winter season food. Also, gond ke laddoo helps you reduce back pain and strengthen your bone health.

3. Moong Dal Ka Halwa

When discussing homemade desserts, moon dal ka halwa is always on top. It is everyone’s favorite during winter due to the presence of pure ghee and warmth. Preparing this ghee-filled dessert may be time-consuming, but it is worth your struggle. Moong dal is packed with nutrients like zinc, protein, and iron and helps you maintain the elasticity and moisture of your skin. Also, if you are diabetic, you can add jaggery to your halwa instead of sugar to avoid sugar intake and to keep your health in check at all times.

4. Dry Fruits Chikki

It is pronounced that dry fruits are the first choice during winter because everyone knows it offers various benefits. Remember to fill your pockets with mixed dry fruits when you find winter around you. But you know what is tastier? It is the dry fruit chikki. Dry Fruits Chikki comprise cashew nuts, pistachios, almonds, and many other luscious dry fruits. It is the healthiest way to keep you warm and cozy in this snowy season. Not only does it warm you up, but it is a nutritional powerhouse and a fantastic energy source. Dry Fruits chikki keeps a proper check on your skin health. Iron and potassium in chikki boost your blood production during the chilly season. You don’t have to give it another thought; just indulge in the best dry fruits, chikki.

5. Gur Ka Halwa 

Winter is the perfect time to be involved in warm and comforting foods; one such winter gift is jaggery/gur. It is one such winter food specially made for this season and eventually enters our diet. The primary purpose of gur ka halwa is to prevent you from cold and cough symptoms. You will notice multiple jaggery benefits, such as contributing to weight loss and detoxifying your body by removing certain toxins. With the ample nutrition to sustain this foggy weather, including jaggery in your day-to-day life will be a terrific idea. 

Ready to Serve Winter Beverages 

What makes our winters great is the comfort of knowing that you can hold on to that cup of hot coffee or tea or whatever beverage you like the most. Enjoy the cold weather, slurping through the drink, and gossiping with your loved ones. Try these yummy, hot winter drinks this season and keep your insides warm. 

1. Ginger Elixir

Ginger elixir is not just a drink but a solution to many health problems. It is often lovable with a combination of lemon, honey, and spices. Packed with numerous antioxidants and nutrients, this is an all-time favorite drink. As a versatile ingredient, ginger adds a distinct flavor to many dishes and beverages. Talking about its health benefits, ginger elixir reduces pain and inflammation. Due to its microbial properties, it is a natural remedy for the common cold and flu. Vitamin C in this elixir is a bacteria-fighting agent inside the mouth, combating bad breath. Preferring your taste or mood, you can enjoy this beverage in both hot and cold form. 

2. Hot Chocolate

If you also wish to drink hot chocolate daily, now you have a fantastic excuse, as winter is almost here. Hot chocolate during this freezing season is like a cozy treat that will warm you up from the inside. With its intense flavor, it is a perfect pair with cold weather. One of the most popular benefits of hot chocolate is that it improves your heart health. The flavonoids in this delicious winter season food maintain your heart health by producing nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Endorphins ( happy hormones)  in hot chocolate help combat the winter blues and enhance mood. So, by maintaining moderation, savor and enjoy every bite of dark chocolate.

3. Masala Chai

You will notice your parents greeting guests with a hot masala tea, which helps maintain your relations with loved ones. From children to adults, you will find masala chai/tea the most craved beverage by everyone. This spiced tea blends savory spices, black tea, sugar, and milk. People even find masala chai as their way to escape winter. Masala chai is inherited in Indian culture. With its superb taste, masala chai offers a range of advantages, such as helping digestion and eliminating nausea. Go ahead and enjoy the magic of masala tea.

4. Badam Milk

A very beloved Indian household drink, Badam Milk, covered with the flavor of almonds, is a very comforting winter beverage. You can add spices like nutmeg and cinnamon to make it more delicious. If you are a badam fan, this drink is good enough to survive the cold season. This nutritious drink supports your healthy lifestyle by improving bone and vision health. Additionally, unsweetened almond milk can act as diabetes-friendly milk and help you achieve weight achievement goals. 

5. Vegetable Soup

Winters often bring changes to your life as they start changing your food preferences and energy levels.  What could be better than enjoying a bowl of soup while sitting on a couch on a cool, freezing day? Warm drinks like mixed vegetable soup can help you keep cozy. Not only this, but this soup also relieves cold symptoms, making it a perfect choice for winter. Also, the fluid levels in the soup keep you hydrated throughout the day. Cooked vegetables in soup are more nutritious and promote healthy bones. So, this season, remember to treat yourself to vegetable soup. 

4 Best Non-Vegetarian Winter Foods in India

Winters in India bring a drop in temperature and a shift in the culinary landscape. Whether it’s the sizzling Kebabi Kebabs or the fragrant meat simmering on the home stove, winter in India is a celebration of flavors.

1. Butter Chicken

A North Indian Classic: Butter is more than a dish. Every bite of butter chicken is so creamy and comforting and warms you up during this freezing weather. The sweet and savory taste of this tomato-based curry with marinated chicken pieces lifts all the taste buds. There is no doubt that butter chicken is one dish loved by all, both adults and kids. Dip a hot roti into the bowl of butter chicken, and whoa! All that freezing sensation is gone from the body. If you have yet to try winter season food before, you should give butter chicken a go.

2. Beef Stew

Stews have been around long and are perfect for chilly days. It is a hearty and spicy combination of tender beef, vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This slow-cooking dish contains vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, contributing to our overall well-being. When you need extra warmth, this cozy and comforting dish will hold you up on cold days since the carbohydrates in this dish are a good source of energy and anti-oxidant properties. With moderation, keep a balanced meal and maintain a healthy balanced diet.

3. Seafood Chowder

Do you also enjoy seafood like others do? If yes, then you are doing justice to your taste buds. Packed with fish, clams, shrimps, crabs, and other seafood, it is a flavorful and satisfying option during winter blues. Seafood chowder is a creamy and mouth-filling treat known for its rich and creamy texture. You can easily enjoy it as a snack that can benefit you with a source of lean protein, omega fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bowl or cup of seafood chowder, cozy up, and relish it. 

4. Lamb Curry

If you want to make your cuisine more flavorful and delicious, Lamb curry is a great choice. It is a trendy winter season food in India. You can spice your lamb curry as per your taste and preference. Its complex taste and lamb sweetness fit perfectly with naan bread, roti, or rice. This warm and cozy curry satisfies both your taste buds and your appetite.

On the other hand, it holds many health benefits. For example, it is a high-quality protein essential for maintaining and repairing body tissues. So, add this yum yum!  Lamb curry to your dinner table.

Let’s Try Vegetarian Winter Food Recipes

Trying healthy vegetarian recipes is a fantastic way to stay cozy and nourished. You can unlock many health benefits by exploring multiple seasonal vegetables and warming spices:

Gajar ka Halwa

It is one of the tastiest dishes of all time. 

Ingredients

• 500 grams of grated carrots
• 1-litre full-fat milk
• ½ cup sugar (depending on your preference)
• ¼ well chopped nuts
• Four tablespoons ghee
• A handful of raisins

Instructions

1. Heat the ghee in a clean pan over medium heat.
2. Add the grated carrots and fry them for 5 minutes until you notice a slight softness.
3. Pour the milk and let it boil. Now lower the heat and let it simmer till the carrots are thoroughly cooked in the milk. The procedure will take at least 45 minutes to one hour. 
4. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts to the pan and stir it well.
5. Continue cooking the mixture on low heat until every ingredient dissolves.
6. Once you see halwa giving a thick and creamy texture, turn off the heat and garnish it with more nuts and raisins.
7. Serve the warm Gajar ka halwa and enjoy its rich and indulgent flavor.

2. Sarson Ka Saag 

Sarson ka saag is a traditional Punjabi sabzi beneficial during the winter season.

Ingredients

• 5 Cups chopped and washed mustard leaves.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons of green chillies 
• 1 tbsp of oil, cumin seeds, and finely chopped ginger
• 1/2 finely chopped onions
• 1/2 turmeric powder
• One tablespoon of chili powder and coriander-cumin seeds powder

Instructions

1. Boil enough water in a pan, and add mustard leaves and green chilies. Mix it well and cook on a high flame for 4 to 5 minutes. 
2. Strain it precisely.
3. Refresh it in enough cold water and drain it well. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes. 
4. Heat the oil in a kadhai and add cumin seeds to it.
5. For 1 or 2 minutes, after a few seconds, add garlic and ginger and fry it on a medium flame.
6. Add mustard leaves, turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander, cumin seeds powder, and salt, mix it, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on medium flame.
7. Now serve the delicious sarson ka saag hot with makai ki roti.

3. Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soups are an effortless and healthy way to improve your health, especially during cold seasons.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• One chopped onion 
• Two cloves of garlic, two carrots, and 1 Zucchini
• One can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (according to your taste)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot on medium flame.
2. Add carrots and zucchini to the pot and cook it for a few minutes.
3. Pour the diced tomatoes and stir them well in the dried oregano well.
4. Season it with salt and water. Mix salt according to your taste preference.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 30-35 minutes until you observe the vegetables are tender.
6. Now you are all ready with your tasty and yummy vegetable soup.
7. Serve the hot and delegating soup in a bowl and garnish it with fresh parsley.

Final Thoughts!

It is self-evident now that winter is the perfect time to involve yourself in cozy and comforting dishes. From warm, non-vegetarian to vegetarian food, winters are genuinely satisfying. The best part is that our winter food enhances our taste and provides numerous health benefits. So add them to your diet schedules today and enjoy their health benefits this winter.

Answers to Questions!