India experiences its northern hemisphere winter during the months of December through February. It’s important to remember that the severity of winter varies from region to region, even within India. Those in the north, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, among others, have hard winters, whereas states in the south and along the coast, such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and others, do not.
In the northern states, the average temperature throughout the winter is about 15 degrees Celsius, with the coldest days reaching around 5 or 6 degrees Celsius. The southern states, on the other hand, enjoy warmer average temperatures, with the lowest recorded low being 10 degrees Celsius.
1. Moong ki dal ka halwa
Due to its popularity and the comfort it gives, moong ki dal ka halwa is a wintertime staple. Although making this ghee-rich dessert is a time-consuming process, the end result is well worth it. It can be stored for a long time, so you can take it with you and enjoy it whenever you choose.
2. Gajar ka halwa
With the coming of winter comes the opportunity to harvest a wide array of fresh, vibrant fruits and vegetables. Carrots are one example; in the fall and winter, they are transformed into delicious gajar-ka-halwa, which is known for its vibrant red colour. Nothing compares to the irresistible flavour of halwa prepared with grated gajar, milk, khoya, and sugar.
3. Gajak
As soon as winter sets in, everyone starts anticipating the arrival of gajak and chikki. Jaggery, peanuts, and sesame seeds, among other ingredients, combine for a delicious treat. Delicious as they are, you won’t be able to stop at just one. Despite the difficulty of creating gajak, you may still try your hand at producing a somewhat less involved kind of chikki to snack on after meals.
4. Til Ladoo
In addition to the toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, jaggery, and cardamom that make this classic ladoo so delectable, it also features loads and plenty of ghee, which contributes even more to its aromatic and flavorful qualities. The heated power of the sticky ladoo will keep you warm and comfortable during winter, making it an ideal wintertime treat.
5. Naan-khatai
Naan-khatai, a cookie-like Indian dessert, is created of all-purpose flour (maida), sooji (semolina), butter (ghee), powdered sugar (sugar), cardamom, and chopped pistachios (khatai). Make a batch of these cookies and snack on them anytime you choose, but particularly after dinner.
6. Gondh ke ladoo
Do not assume that gondh ke ladoo is only a benign therapeutic treat for expectant or nursing women. Anyone craving anything sweet may take their fill of this comforting dessert. This sweet treat is made with a wide variety of delicious ingredients, including wheat flour, edible gum, sugar, ghee, melon seeds, almonds, elaichi, and more.
7. Gulab jamun
Despite the fact that gulab jamun may be savoured at any time, their flavour really shines in the colder months. When you’re craving something sweet on a dreary day, nothing beats a hot plate of gulab jamuns. Made with maida, khoya, kesar, and cardamoms, rolled into balls and coated in chaashni (sugar syrup), gulab jamuns are soft, spongy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. A delicious gulab jamun recipe is provided below.
8. Panjiri
In Punjabi homes, Panjiri, a winter dessert made by roasting wheat flour in ghee, is made during the colder months. A variety of nutritious ingredients, including toasted flour, sugar, powdered nuts, and chopped seeds, are added to the sweet to make it more substantial. Many people think that panjiri has curative effects during the winter because it helps the body produce heat and provides protection from the common cold and influenza.
9. Mixed Nut Coconut Burfi
Made with fresh coconut, roasted and chopped mixed nuts, mawa/khoya, sugar/jaggery/coconut palm sugar, and a touch of salt, this dish is perfect for the colder months. This traditional Indian sweet is a tasty and nutritious treat that the whole family may enjoy. Protein Dry Fruits Balls by Satvic Foods are another convenient and wholesome alternative, since they are manufactured with non-dairy ingredients and contain no refined sugar.
10. Rice Kheer
Rice Kheer, also known as rice pudding, is a classic Indian dessert that is slow-cooked using basmati rice, full milk, sugar, almonds, saffron, and cardamom. This winter, use the adaptable Kesari Thandai Mix powder from Satvic Foods to infuse your homemade kheer with the reviving taste of thandai.
