Seasonal dishes are those which are eaten only during a particular season. Dishes are seasonal, mainly due to seasonal fruits or vegetables in the recipe or due to traditional celebrations. Let us discuss today five unique dishes that are available only during the winter season.
1)Gajar Ka Halwa :
Available all over India, this so-called Mom’s recipe is a must to try out every winter. Gajar ka Halwa is a traditional dish made from grated carrots cooked in sweetened milk. It is simple to make and is very healthy if made with jaggery. It is a bit tiring to grate all the carrots, so traditionally grating is done in the afternoon while basking in the mild rays of the sun. The recipe had its origins in the Mughal period, when traditional red, yellow or purple carrots traditionally available in India were used to prepare Gajar ka Halwa instead of the more-common orange carrots that came from the Netherlands much later
2)Green Peas Kachori :
Green peas are mostly available in the winter which may be shelled, frozen, and stored in the refrigerator till summer. It is best to use fresh peas in the recipe, so winter is the best time to make peas kachoris. Whether green or yellow, peas are actually lentil (dal), available in north India since ancient ages. The use of dal paste filling in kachoris is widespread in India, and when that dal is peas, it is peas kachori. Unlike other dals, peas kachori is eaten only during winters as it uses a massive amount of peas. It is quite tasty and can be a better and healthier substitute for bature or puri
3)Joynogorer Moa :
If you have been to Bengal, especially Kolkata and its suburbs, you should come across this delicious confectionery originating from a place called Jaynagar-Majilpur, a small town south of Kolkata. Made with locally produced kanakchura khoi (a form of rice flakes) and nolen gur, the latter being a speciality of winters, Joynogorer Moa is GI tagged in the town of its name. It is tasty and healthy, which is served to guests in almost every home in every winter season. Nolen gur is date palm jaggery which is very sweet and is available in liquid form. It is very healthy and is used as a substitute for unhealthy white sugar in most Bengali sweets in the winter season
4)Orange Suji Halwa :
Oranges are available only in winter, and hence, this recipe is also a speciality of the winter season. Suji halwa itself has little taste, other than sweetness, due to added sugars in it. Adding oranges adds tanginess to the suji halwa, and makes up an amazing dish which is less sweet, tangier, and even more yummy. Though Nagpur is the orange city of India, the smaller, and tastier oranges are available in the Himalayan region, especially in the north-eastern region of India. A similar food to try out in winter is orange kheer, which is made from milk.
5)Sarson Ka Saag :
An authentic staple from Punjab, sarson ka saag is a popular delicacy eaten only in the winter season. Sarson, or mustard leaf is widely available in the winter season, especially in the region around Punjab, though mustard is widely cultivated elsewhere over northern and eastern India. Sarson ka saag is a paste of mustard leaves, usually topped with ghee (clarified butter) and served with makki ki roti (or corn flatbread). Sarson ka saag is a recipe, which is rooted in every Punjabi home and has gained popularity all over India.
Written by – Himadri Paul