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These Indian winter recipes are the perfect ways to combat bone-chilling winters. Warm, spicy, and wholesome, these recipes cover all the bases for a hearty meal and keep you nice and cozy.
I don’t know about you, but I love the winter season.
The snowy landscape and reduced electricity bills are some of its perks, but with it comes sneezing, cold, and fever that you have to deal with.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of winter Indian recipes that are delicious, heartwarming, and save you time.
These winter recipes Indian are full of protein, veggies, grains, nuts, and fruits that will fulfill all your nutritional needs.
25 Indian Winter Recipes
In this list of winter dishes in India, you’ll find vegan recipes, meat recipes, soups, snacks, desserts, and dinner recipes that’ll make your winters easygoing.
I’m sure you’ll find some of your winter favorites.
Entree
1. Sarson Ka Saag
Ready in: 40 mins
Kickstart your Indian winter recipes with some healthy mustard greens and ghee.
It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as iron, potassium, and calcium, making it a highly nutritious dinner.
Pair it with makki ki roti (cornmeal flatbread) for a perfect marriage of flavors.
Recipe: code2cook.com
2. Palak Paneer
Ready in: 45 mins
To be honest, I still can’t tell the difference between saag (mustard leaves) and palak (spinach).
But you do not have to complicate your meal based on a small confusion.
This meal is full of iron and protein from spinach and paneer respectively.
Use coconut substitutes for milk and oil as a vegan alternative.
Recipe: thecuriouschickpea.com
3. Ven Pongal
Ready in: 60 mins
On the lookout for a traditional South Indian dish? This recipe will not disappoint you.
Somewhat similar to the North Indian version of khichdi, this ven pongal incorporates rice and yellow lentils.
This protein-packed dish is light, and flavorful, and can be served at any time of the day.
Temper it with a mix of cashews, curry leaves, cumin, and asafoetida for an aromatic kick.
Recipe: whiskaffair.com
4. Dum Aloo
Ready in: 60 mins
Dum aloo has to be one of my go-to winter Indian recipes when I want something spicy and starchy.
The fried potatoes give a nice crunchy texture, and onions and tomatoes make the gravy tangy and sweet.
But it’s the cumin, bay leaves, cinnamon, and black pepper that bring life to this delicacy!
Recipe: trippingonearth.com
5. Dal Makhani
Ready in: 9 hrs
Introducing one of the most ordered entree dishes in Indian restaurants: dal makhani.
Dal meaning “lentils” and makhani meaning “with butter” perfectly captures the essence of this creamy dish.
What’s unique about this meal is that it combines three varieties of lentils. Soak them in water overnight before cooking them in an instant pot to release all the flavors.
Recipe: cookingwithpree.com
6. Chicken Jalfrezi
Ready in: 2 hrs 15 mins
Bring some heat to the table with this chicken jalfrezi.
The spices in the marination bring a ton of flavor to the chicken, while the bell peppers add a serious crunch to the meal.
Pro tip! Make it in advance, it tastes even better the next day.
Recipe: juliascuisine.com
7. Egg Curry
Ready in: 50 mins
When boiled eggs are combined with tangy and aromatic curry, you’re sure in for a great meal that is as scrumptious as it is filling.
And how do you know that it’s one of my favorite winter recipes Indian?
It’s because eggs are not only a brilliant way to add protein to your diet, but they offer a versatility that no other ingredient does.
Recipe: thevegconnection.com
8. Pesarattu
Ready in: 6 hrs 20 mins
This healthy dosa is loaded with the goodness of green gram lentils, onions, coriander, curry leaves, and spices.
Add in more greens like spinach, kale, or amaranth to increase its nutritional value.
And if you want to give a gourmet twist, fill it up with cheese and oregano.
Recipe: masalakorb.com
9. Nihari
Ready in: 7 hrs 30 mins
Before we move any further down the winter dishes in India, you have to try this Nihari recipe, it is a solid 10/10!
What is Nihari you say?
It is a rich and spicy meat stew that is slow-cooked and gets its immaculate flavors from various spices and special nihari masala.
Traditionally, it is made with beef or goat meat, but you can also use chicken or lamb as well.
Recipe: teaforturmeric.com
10. Paneer Kali Mirch
Ready in: 60 mins
I always make this kali mirch paneer when I’m looking for something unconventional, but packs a punch.
It perfectly blends together the richness of paneer with the bold flavors of black pepper.
The cashews and yogurt add the ideal amount of creaminess, whereas the green cardamom, cloves, black cardamom, and bay leaves brim this delicacy with their aroma.
Recipe: trippingonearth.com
Appetizers
1. Misal Pav
Ready in: 1 hr 15 mins
When it comes to winter vegetarian recipes Indian, misal pav is a classic dish that can be enjoyed as both an entree and an appetizer.
The misal is a delightful medley of coconuts, sprouts, onions, potatoes, and a myriad of whole and powdered spices.
Mix in a special ground masala called Vatan to bring it to a whole another level.
Recipe: cookilicious.com
2. Aloo Tikki (Indian Potato Patty)
Ready in: 25 mins
Nothing beats this aloo tikki recipe when it comes to winter dishes in India.
Aloo tikki is a popular Indian street food that is a super simple dish requiring only a few ingredients.
Mash the boiled potatoes, add the spices, shape it into a round patty, and shallow fry it in a pan. It’s that easy!
Serve it hot with spicy coriander mint chutney, tamarind chutney, ketchup, or yogurt-based dip. Even this teriyaki sauce goes well with it.
Recipe: cookingtheglobe.com
3. Chapati Pizza
Ready in: 30 mins
You must agree that there are some things that only a cheesy slice of pizza can do.
Made with stale chapatis, pizza sauce, veggies, and lots of cheese, this appetizer is an absolute banger of a dish!
And the best thing about it is it doesn’t require an oven, but still delivers the same texture and flavors.
Recipe: trippingonearth.com
4. Amritsari Fried Fish
Ready in: 60 mins
If you’re looking for protein-rich Indian winter recipes, look no further!
These bites of fried salmon served with mayonnaise, and chaat masala sprinkled on top will go a long way in making your evening snack memorable
If you’re not a fan of salmon, you can go for any de-boned fish or frozen fish of your liking.
Recipe: ruchiskitchen.com
5. Chicken Pakora
Ready in: 1 hr 30 mins
The first thing on my mind when I’m looking down on snowy hills is chicken pakoras.
While the smoked paprika, mild ground chili, and garam masala powder provide the heat, it’s the garlic and lemon juice in the marination that balances those flavors and makes things savory.
Don’t forget to dip it in some Glasgow pakora sauce mentioned in the recipe.
Recipe: cookingwithbry.com
6. Achari Paneer Tikka
Ready in: 20 mins
When I want comfort food that is easy to make and doesn’t require many ingredients, or time. Achari paneer tikka comes to mind.
Just coat the paneer cubes in a spicy and tangy marination made up of hung curd, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, onion seeds, and other spices before grilling to perfection.
Trust me, you’ll regret sleeping on this decadent starter.
Recipe: whiskaffair.com
Beverages
1. Masala Chai
Ready in: 15 mins
Masala chai is a superb way to drift away all your laziness on those winter mornings.
Throw together black tea leaves, sugar, cloves, fennel, black pepper, and a bunch of spices in water and milk to make this morning’s wake-up call!
Not only is it super delicious, but the spices poured into the tea have medicinal purposes too if you’re feeling a bit down.
Recipe: realandvibrant.com
2. Badam Milk (Indian Saffron Almond Milk)
Ready in: 20 mins
Jazz up your winter Indian recipes with this badam milk that is oh-so-good!
The saffron gives the drink its signature yellow color and aroma, and the almonds provide a great munch and help in keeping the body warm.
The best thing about it is that it can served cold in summer, and hot in winter.
Recipe: pipingpotcurry.com
3. Chicken Rasam (Indian Style Chicken Soup)
Ready in: 40 mins
I know you pretty much anticipated that this chicken recipe was going to be on the list.
I mean who would say no to a hot and aromatic chicken soup?
This tantalizing dish combines tender chicken with earthy spices, fresh herbs, and onions, and can prove to be a remedy against the merciless cold.
Recipe: masalakorb.com
4. Orange Carrot Ginger Juice
Ready in: 5 mins
This juice is an incredible immunity booster that is prepared in the blink of an eye!
Whenever I’m feeling liverish, or just want to add some fruity goodness to my diet, I’m down in the kitchen making this beverage.
Requiring (as the name suggests) only orange, carrot, and ginger to whip it up. Squeeze in some lemon juice to add some zing.
Gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and low-calorie. Yay!!
Recipe: skinnyfitalicious.com
Desserts
1. Nankhatai
Ready in: 60 mins
Is there anything better than crispy, crumbly, light, and flaky shortbread cookies that don’t need an oven to bake in?
This is one of the easiest winter dishes in India that even a beginner can make without messing things up!
You only need a combination of 3 flours, sugar, salt, ghee, and green cardamom to conjure up this
exquisiteness.
Recipe: aromaticessence.co
2. Gajar Ka Halwa (Indian Carrot Pudding)
Ready in: 45 mins
When the season enters the chilly phase, my family buys a ton of carrots to make gajar ka halwa (I have it every single night after dinner).
It is easy to meal prep as it stores incredibly well, so it can be made in bulk without worrying about it ever going spoiled.
Plus, it is enjoyed by all the generations and can be a great dessert item at parties.
Recipe: honeywhatscooking.com
3. Bengali Malpua
Ready in: 60 mins
No other winter recipes Indian come even close to this appetizing sweet dish that is crispy, fluffy, and juicy.
The batter made from all-purpose flour, ground fennels, cardamom, salt, and sugar is cooked in hot oil and then dipped in a sugary syrup.
Let it rest for about half an hour to let it soak all the flavors.
Recipe: cookshideout.com
4. Rice Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)
Ready in: 45 mins
Kheer has a special place in my heart as it is the ultimate comfort food for me that can be enjoyed both cold and hot.
It can even become a budget-friendly dessert for parties and gatherings.
The best thing about kheer is that you can pair it with other desserts like gulab jamun, gajar ka halwa, or jalebi.
Recipe: masalaandchai.com
5. Coconut Cardamom Peda
Ready in: 20 mins
Closing off the list of winter dishes in India is this indulgent coconut peda that needs only six ingredients.
They have an uncanny resemblance with nankhatai and these small sweet bites dissolve in your mouth in the most splendid way.
Moreover, it doesn’t take a lot of time to become a real crowd pleaser!
Recipe: tashasartisanfoods.com
What do You Think?
I’ve listed down all my favorite Indian winter recipes from entrees and appetizers to beverages and desserts so that you’ll find your ideal winter Indian recipes in one spot!
How many of these winter dishes in India have you tried, what are your go-to recipes on chilly days of winter, if you’ve got more winter recipes Indian for me, let me know in the comment section below!
