Amla In Winter: Simple Daily Recipes For Immunity & Energy

Amla is that one fruit everyone appreciates, but, in reality, only a few want to eat it. Its sharp, sour notes often get the wrinkled noses, particularly from kids and those picky eaters who would rather choose anything else on their plate. Many people grew up being chased with amla juice or achar to boost their immunity, or turning it into more of a duty than a choice. But winter is the season when amla deserves appreciation. Loaded with vitamin C, it helps the body combat seasonal flu, supports skin health in dry climates, and acts as a natural guard against the cold season. 

The trick is not about forcing amla in its simple, intense form, but adding it cleverly in chutneys, raitas, warm drinks, or even sabzis. When paired with honey, jaggery, curd, or with the blend spices, amla changes from a medicine to a smart, tasty winter partner that nourishes the body without feeling like a punishment.

Amla Honey Warm Shot

Grate a fresh amla and boil it for 4-5 minutes in a little water. Strain, then blend it with honey and a pinch of black pepper powder. Gulp this shot, the first thing in the morning. It works like a tonic on cold winter days. Amla delivers vitamin C, honey helps in soothing the throat, and pepper warms the body. It feels less like medicine and more like a cosy, citrusy sip that awakens you from within, particularly when it is the time of seasonal coughs and colds.

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Amla Gur Chutney 

Prepare a thick chutney by cooking chopped amla with some gud, roasted cumin, ginger, and a touch of chilli. The outcome is a sweet-tangy sauce that goes beautifully with parathas, khichdi, or even simple dal-rice. Amla delivers a sharp brightness, jaggery gives it an earthy sweetness, whereas the spices keep you warm. A spoon of amla gur chutney with the dishes balances the heavy curries while supporting immunity and the digestive system in a way that feels delectable and does not require having to have healthy meals.

Also read: 7 Ways To Use Amla In Day-To-Day Life

Amla-Carrot Vegetable Sabzi

Slice the amla thinly and toss it in a quick stir-fry with carrots, beans, peas, and a simple masala prepared of mustard seeds, hing, and some turmeric. The amla pieces are lightly cooked but have a pleasant bite and tang that uplifts the whole dish. It pairs beautifully with warm phulkas or dal chawal, and you have a colourful plate ready that is hearty and nourishing. This sabzi is a useful way to add amla to daily meals without feeling like an extra task, making the nutrition mix effortless.

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Amla Raita 

Grate the amlas finely and add them to chilled curd with some chopped coriander, roasted cumin powder, black salt, and a hint of green chilli. The curd helps in cooling the palate, whereas amla gives a refreshing zing and a boost of vitamin C. This raita pairs wonderfully with stuffed parathas, pulao, or even as a light side for heavy winter meals. The creamy texture lessens the sharpness of amla sufficiently for picky eaters, changing a simple bowl of raita to a smart immunity-supporting side dish.

Amla Murabba

In place of going to random sweets, make a homemade amla murabba to delight your taste buds. Whole amlas are pricked, cooked in sugar or jaggery syrup, and infused with cardamom or clove aroma. The result is a smooth, glossy, sweet-tart piece that you can enjoy as a sweet after the meal. It feels like dessert but also helps in digestion and boosts immunity. In winter, when you crave something sweet as well as comforting, a spoonful of this murabba helps in satisfying the craving, while quietly adding the goodness of amla to your daily diet.

(Image Credit: Freepik)