Winter Vegetables And Culinary Feast: Recipes across India
Image Credit: Sarson Ka Saag | Image Credit: Freepik.com

There isn't anything more enjoyable than having different dishes made with seasonal vegetables while being enveloped in a woolly blanket on a chilly day. With the change in climate, our taste also changes; for instance, we like eating less-spicy food items in the mid-year season, and in the winter, we yearn for hot and spicy foods. In India, we make the most of seasonal vegetables by blending them with different sorts of flavors for a yummylicious dish. We relish a hot bowl of gajar ka halwa for dessert and baked sweet potatoes for an evening nibble, besides many other winter veggies that make their way to our plates. You don't need to stress any longer over "what to cook today?" as here, in this article, we are sharing the 8 best Indian winter vegetable recipes to make during those chilly days.

1.    Capsicum Curry

Capsicum, which is also known as bell pepper in certain countries, is referred to as Shimla Mirch in Hindi. These bell pepper recipes are simple to make and range from snacks and appetizers to sides, curries, and rice-based dishes. Capsicum dishes pair well with paratha, naan, roti, and rice. Make tasty capsicum curry at home by combining onions, fenugreek seeds, tomatoes, sliced capsicum in a gravy with haldi and chili powder.  

2.    Methi Aloo

One vegetable that is abundant during the winter is fresh methi. They are said to flush out all the toxins from the body and clean the intestines. They are rich in folic acid, thiamin, vitamins A, C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, phosphorous, and calcium. Enjoy these leaves in many ways, but the simplest way is by making a stir fry with potatoes and fresh fenugreek leaves, which can be lightly spiced and served with roti or paratha.

3. Radish Sabzi

Radish, or mooli, promises health benefits galore! Who remembers drinking fresh radish juice for jaundice? This vegetable is a powerful source of fiber and cleanses up all the toxins in the body. It is packed with antioxidants and nutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, and folic acid, and has anti-cancer properties. A fuss-free way of making mooli is by combining it with diced potatoes and basic spices to make a quick sabzi to relish with chapatis, parathas, or bread

4. Cauliflower-Potato Curry

Cauliflower is considered a heart-friendly vegetable due to sulforaphane, which reduces damage caused by oxidative stress. It is full of choline, which is essential for brain development. It also contains a compound that helps balance hormones and may support gut health and immunity. Have this versatile vegetable as a lightly spiced gravy made with diced potatoes and cauliflower with onion, tomato, and cashew curry paste.

5. Palak Corn Pakodas

Spinach, or palak, is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. It contains vitamins A, C, iron, etc., which are good for eye health, reducing oxidative stress, preventing cancer, and reducing blood pressure levels. Make crispy palak corn pakodas with chopped onion, corn, spinach, besan, rice flour, coriander leaves, curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies. Fry them like regular bhajias.

6. Sarson Ka Saag 

It’s officially Sarson Ka Saag season! There’s nothing like sarson ka saag with makke ki roti during the winter season. Mustard leaves are rich in iron and keep hemoglobin levels up. They also keep up your metabolism during the cold winter days. It also gives much-needed energy and aids in digestion while reducing bloating. Use sarson leaves to make Sarson da Saag to satisfy your hunger pangs during the cold weather, garnish it with homemade pure ghee, and serve with makke ki rotis.

7. Sweet Potato Curry

The immune system needs a boost during the winter season, so it’s a good idea to include sweet potatoes in your diet. Sweet potatoes may decrease your risk of heart disease by lowering your LDL cholesterol, which in turn may reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Make a delicious sweet potato curry the same way you do a regular potato curry. Eat it with rice or chapatis.

8. Carrot Halwa

Who can resist delicious and crispy carrots? No wonder this vegetable is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and helps promote healthy vision. It aids in weight loss and improves the skin due to the high antioxidant content in it. Vitamin C in carrots supports the immune system and the mucous membranes. It also supports heart health and digestive health. To get the most out of carrots, consume them as Gajar Ka Halwa. They are grated, steamed with milk and sugar, and then decorated with walnuts.