As we continue to snuggle in our beds and struggle to leave our blankets on chilly mornings, the idea that winter is round the corner is becoming clearer day by day. The chill in the air is indicating that winter has finally arrived. In fact, winter is a darling season for most Pakistanis and there is so much to enjoy in such cool days and chilly nights. With all the fashion and lifestyle demands this season also offers the yummiest of food that will keep you all warm and comforted.
Following are some major food choices that are not to be missed this winter.
- Nuts
When you talk about winter one can’t help but mention dry fruits and nuts. Let’s not neglect the rest of the dry fruits that enter our lives especially in winter. From walnuts to cashews, almonds and especially peanuts. The first thing comes in your mind when you think of winters is having peanuts in your pocket. Once you have it, there is no stopping the craving to the very end.
Oeeee meray hisay ki chilgozo ko hath na langana…..
- Fish
Another reason to loving winter is eating fish out in the cold. Nothing can be more tempting than having fish in a chilly, winter evenings – be it fried, grilled or steamed. It is the healthiest diet option in winter, just the whiff of seafood can send you into food frenzy. Seafood joints and parties are a popular go-to gathering option for families and friends in winter.
- Boiled Eggs
Who doesn’t like Eggs in breakfast? Eggs are popular for keeping bodies warm and their high protein count. It is eaten half-fried, boiled and many more ways and contains varieties of vitamins. As beneficial as it is, make sure you don’t eat too many as it’s also rich in fat.
Kali mirch daal kar khanay ka maza h alag hay …
- Kashmiri tea
A cup of Kashmiri Chai on a winter’s cold evening under the stars – doesn’t that sound just perfect? Served with pistachios in it, Kashmiri Chai is the most popular hot drinks in Pakistan. Known to many as ‘Gulabi’ Chai, this is the quintessential Pakistani winter beverage. This traditional tea from Kashmir can be served on special occasions such as a winter wedding, dinners or even off a local street kiosk. Kashmiri chai is traditionally prepared with special tea leaves, cream and salt with a pinch of baking soda giving it its characteristic pink colour.
- Gajjar ka halwa
Although pethe ka halwa (pumpkin halwa) is also a popular winter treat, Gajjar Ka Halwa is probably one of the most popular traditional desserts in Pakistan. A wedding menu or a family feast at home in winters is incomplete without complementing this delicious dessert on the table. Don’t miss the chance to have this winter’s most special item at least once during the season.
- Roasted sweet potatoes (shakargandi)
Another delicious winter snack are the roasted shakarkandi (sweet potato) off the Tehla’s. The subtle sweetness of the shakarkandi is deliciously enhanced with chat masala and a tinge of lemon, giving the right kick to the roasted hot vegetable and if you are a hygiene enthusiast, you can always buy them from a vegetable vendor and roast them in your kitchen.
- Coffee/Hot chocolate
The other hot drinks that accompany us through the winter season are coffee and hot chocolate. Usually, these are craved for after dinner time. Especially hot chocolate considering how amazingly wonderful it tastes. Drinking hot chocolate also has more advantages as one might think. For one it reduces stress and heart diseases and is also good for keeping stomach disorders at bay.
- Paya
You don’t have to wait for winter for this deliciously spicy, gooey curry but it’s fantastically warming in the chill of winter. The dish features cow or goat trotters in a fragrant, fiery curry that’s garnished with fresh ginger and coriander and eaten with hot naan.
- Soup
This winter brings many flavors with it and the soup is a classic, all-time favorite option, You don’t need to have when you only have a cold; instead this is an all-winter treat. It is an absolute, body warming food that clears the throat as well having all the necessary ingredients to provide you warmth on a cold, cold winter night.
Winter season here we come!
