CUISINE

By Mehek Melwani

THUPKA

It is an Indo-Tibetan noodle soup with a delicious broth and steamed vegetables. It feels like a warm hug on a cold evening. It is available in both vegetarian and nonvegetarian. It is a full meal, with protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the noodles, and fibre from the vegetables.

Paya soup is a slow cooked stew made from lamb trotters. It is a delicacy. The slow cooking results into an umami rich soup that can be scooped with a piece of flaky naan. It is rich in abundant of spices that are immunity boosters and provide warmth during the winters. Paya soup is rich in nutrients like calcium, sulphur and magnesium.

Samosa and chai are a match made in heaven, add the chilly climate and there is nothing better. The flaky, crispy outer part and the soft, spicy interior makes for a perfect bite. If it’s the classic potato filling you like or onion, mix veg and even the popular noodle samosa, it’s a great evening snack to enjoy.

MOMOS

We can’t deny that hot steamed Momo's served with spicey red Schezwan chutney is a flavour bomb. Don’t underestimate the power of fried Momo's as well. This dish is as good on the streets as it is in restaurants (very adaptable you see). Originally a staple from Tibet and parts of Northeast India, this snack has become a fan favourite across the country. There are a variety of fillings one can try.

Every household's go-to dessert throughout the winter is the iconic Gajar ka Halwa. It’s made with a mixture of grated carrots, milk, sugar and cardamom making it rich and oh so decadent. The best quality of carrots is produced during the winter season making this dessert a treat for the season.

Sarson is the Punjabi word for mustard and saag means greens; thus, this recipe is for the traditional preparation of mustard leaves. It is served with Makki di Roti made from maize flour. Sarson ka Sag is imperfect without a spoon of white butter. Mouthwatering, isn't it?

A cup of hot chocolate in one hand and a book in another is what winter is all about. Forget the quintessential hot chocolate this winter and add a little mint or hazelnut in your favourite beverage. Hot chocolate can be paired with a soft piece of vanilla cake, a macaroon or even a cinnamon roll. If you want to hibernate with your hot chocolate at home, you can buy the Hershey's, Le 15 or Country Beans hot chocolate premix and satisfy your cravings. The Indulge Spot: Concu, Funnel Hill Creamery, Starbucks Our go to snack has always been Maggi. Although maggi in the winters hit different! We can't give you the view of hilly tops or mountains here but places that you can enjoy the chilly winds with your bowl of warmth goodness.

The majority of us love dhaba food and these restaurants have mastered the art of cooking, delicious chole and crispy kulcha that have became a favourite to many.

A prepared butter mixture called maska is spread over the soft, slightly sweet bun, which is then dipped into kadak chai to enjoy the winters. Um, yummm!