The wow factor of winter is the cozy, fluffy blanket and the warmth it offers—the picturesque panorama of fog that makes things invisible, like magic. Full-sleeve sweaters, Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, scarves, and fuzzy slippers provide little comforts. Room heaters, angithis (alav), and fireplaces offer warmth to the body, while hot water baths and saunas make winter even more special.
The best thing about winter? No sweating, no perspiration, and no body odor! Book lovers like me can relax inside a blanket, reading Ruskin Bond. Resting amidst piles of soft pillows, we can watch our favorite shows on television. Chanting shlokas and humming favorite ragas add to the serenity of winter.
But the biggest attraction? Winter delicacies.
The wealth of winter veggie recipes is truly mouth-watering. These dishes not only warm us up but also bring a new enthusiasm to relish seasonal flavors. From masala tea to hot chocolate, the first sip of the morning sets the tone for the day.
I learned the secret to a perfect masala chai from my grandmother. She blended 16 ingredients into a flavorful, natural herbal remedy for sore throat and cold: betel leaves, tulsi leaves, curry leaves, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, pepper, ginger powder, nutmeg powder, bay leaves, clove, cardamom, cinnamon powder, jaggery, fenugreek seeds, and fennel seeds. All these ingredients are roasted and powdered. When added to boiling water with tea leaves, they create a beautifully aromatic experience. That first hot sip in the morning is pure ‘aha’—beyond explanation.
After tea, I go for a morning walk in an overcoat, muffler, socks, and shoes, carrying a torch to navigate the poor visibility due to fog and mist. The cold air bites, but the moment I return home, the warmth of my covered house is a relief. I avoid room heaters and gently perch on the leather sofa, enjoying the cozy atmosphere.
Post-walk, a glass of warm water with lime juice refreshes me.
Now, it’s breakfast time—steaming hot idlis with tomato chutney. Idlis in winter are beneficial, as urad dal in the batter provides warmth and energy. This tomato chutney, a special recipe from my mother-in-law, is prepared by grinding fresh tomato pieces and sautéing finely chopped ginger, onion, and green chilies in mustard seeds. The tomato paste is then added, along with sambar powder and salt, and simmered until the raw taste disappears.
After this heavy breakfast, I enjoy loitering around my terrace garden—a 1,200 sqft paradise nurtured by my husband. The winter blooms—petunias, marigolds, pansies, calendulas, dahlias, and vibrant roses—add beauty to the season.
Winter Special Recipes
Winter recipes stand apart from those of summer and monsoon. I love trying my hands at mixed vegetable soup—a wholesome blend of beetroot, carrot, tomato, peas, cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach—boiled and blended with ginger and pepper, then simmered with corn kernels, salt, and butter for a deliciously rich taste.
For lunch, I prefer steamed vegetables, simple moong dal, plain rice, and tawa rotis. It’s best to avoid excess oil and ghee in winter—except in sweet treats!
One of my favorite winter treats is til laddus. I roast sesame seeds, wheat flour, almonds, pistachios, and cashews in a dry pan, powder them, then mix in jaggery and hot desi ghee to shape into delicious laddus. I store them in an airtight container—ready to relish whenever I crave something sweet.
After resting in the afternoon, I wake up to luxuriate in masala chai. My evening walk on the terrace lasts an hour before I settle into writing.
My schedule also includes music therapy. I sing for an hour and practice a dance number to recorded songs.
As evening hunger strikes, I prepare a local Malwa specialty called ‘Garadu’—a root vegetable similar to sweet potatoes. Steamed and cut into cubes, it is seasoned with pepper powder, amchur powder, salt, and a squeeze of lime juice—a tangy delight.
Winter Evenings & Dinner Time
Winter sunsets come early, and darkness sets in quickly. A chill breeze fills the air as the burning sun retires into the golden sea. The atmosphere turns serene as Aarti time brings peace. The nearby Masjid resounds with Azaan, and the Gurudwara’s Shabad Kirtan in a melodious tone fills the evening with tranquility.
As dinner time approaches, I prefer something simple and satisfying. A bowl of hot and sour soup warms me up. I also prepare toasted bread with a delicious filling of cooked tomato, onion, green chilies, and cheese.
After dinner, I unwind with music—it refreshes my mind.
Finally, before bed, I enjoy a comforting cup of hot badam milk. As I chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya,’ I rest on my cozy foam mattress, snuggling under my soft quilt. The hush of the night and the glow of the moon peeping from my windowsill signal the perfect end to a winter day.
– Uma Natarajan
About The Author:
Dr. Uma Natarajan holds an M.A. in English Literature from Gwalior University and is a dedicated educator and esteemed poet. Throughout her career, she has taught English and Hindi at the higher secondary level, particularly in convent schools.
Her literary contributions span both English and Hindi poetry. She has self-published 18 books of English poetry and 2 books of Hindi poetry. Her impactful writing is evident across various literary platforms and groups, where she regularly shares her poems and articles.
Dr. Uma Natarajan’s works have been published in several prestigious magazines and websites. Her extensive experience and dedication to writing have earned her a distinct place in the literary world.
Dr. Uma Natarajan – An inspiring figure who brings thoughts to life through words.
