14/01/2024
As winter casts it gentle chill, the kitchens come alive with a vibrant array of seasonal delicacies. Today I want to highlight a few such traditional recipes that I've had the good fortune of enjoying on the day of Bhogi. These dishes are loved at our home and are a great example of how seasonal foods provide health & happiness.
1. Tilwadi: Nutty Elegance Packed with Goodness
Tilwadi, a traditional sweet made from sesame seeds and jaggery, is a powerhouse of nutrition. Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. Jaggery, a natural sweetener, is a source of iron and provides a quick energy boost. Together, Tilgul not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also contributes to overall well-being.
2. Alewadi
Ginger is known for its warming effect on the body. It also has respiratory benefits. It soothes sore throats & reduce congestion. Alewadi or Alepak is a traditional zingy sweet, great for cold days.
3. Bhogi Bhaji: Winter Vegetables for Immunity Boost
Bhogi Bhaji, a delightful medley of winter vegetables, is a nutritional treasure trove. Spinach and fenugreek leaves are abundant in vitamins A and C, crucial for boosting immunity during the colder months. I make it a point to add as many beans & other seasonal veggies (matar, pavta, green harbhara, walpapdi, peanuts, carrot, brinjal) as I can get locally. These additions not only enhances the flavor but also brings potent antibacterial properties, making Bhogi Bhaji an excellent choice for warding off winter blues.
4. Bajra Bhakri: Gluten-Free Goodness and Dietary Fiber
Bajra Bhakri, the rustic flatbread made from bajra flour, is a gluten-free alternative that offers numerous health benefits. Rich in dietary fiber, Bajra Bhakri aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. The complex carbohydrates in bajra provide a sustained release of energy, keeping you warm and energetic throughout the winter days. Its best had with a spoonful of homemade churned butter. Our bodies need a bit more good quality fats in winters and a spoonful of churned butter is a lovely addition that goes great with this bhakri.
5. Haldi Sabji: Turmeric's Golden Magic
A friend presented me with traditional Rajasthani Haldi Sabji. It is indeed a burst of color and flavor in itself, and it is also a nutritional powerhouse to keep the sniffles away in the winter.
These are just few winter dishes of many marvellous ones made throughout the country. Each one is a testament to the rich cultural and nutritional heritage. So, indulge in this symphony of flavors, and let the goodness of these winter delights nourish your body and soul.