Winter Warming Recipes: Traditional Soups and Beverages
Introduction: Winter is the season of scenic beauty with a bloom in nature but with dropping temperatures our body craves warmth and nourishment. One of the cheering and comforting things in this span is to savor a bowl of hot soup or beverage. These warming drinks not only satisfy taste buds but also have outstanding nutritional value and multiple health benefits. There is a science behind the consumption of warming brews.
In winter, our body has to put more effort into regaining the warmth and the digestion becomes slower and cumbersome. Intake of nutritive warm soups and beverages propels the digestion process and maintains the body’s internal temperature. Thus, it is the perfect time to explore warming drinks and keep ourselves healthy and energized.
Some of the sizzling traditional warmers are-
- Masala Tea–
It is a celebrated beverage and can be termed as the national drink of India. Boil black tea leaves in a utensil with water and milk and then add sugar. Give it a concoction twist by adding herbal ingredients like tulsi, cinnamon, black pepper, and turmeric making it valuable for our immune system. - Kahwa–
It is rich in antioxidants and very helpful in reducing blood sugar. Boil some black tea and green tea leaves in a pan and add a few drops of lemon and honey to make it tastier. Infuse it with saffron, almond, and cardamom, and enjoy the richness of royal kahwa. - Golden Milk–
It is the simplest traditional drink and a true blessing as it beats cough and cold and boosts immunity. Boil milk with raw turmeric. Add saffron and sugar until a nice golden-yellow color is attained. Make it healthier and richer by adding dry dates. Intake of golden milk is best before sleeping. - Turmeric Water–
Add a pinch of turmeric powder, a few drops of lemon, and a spoonful of honey to a glass of hot water and mix well. Sipping a small amount of this brew in winter mornings helps to detoxify the body, improves digestion, and enhances immunity. - Filter Coffee–
Mix coffee powder with 2-3 spoons of hot water and whisk until it turns frothy. Add milk and sugar and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. The boldness of coffee and the frothiness of milk make it an ideal choice for freezing mornings. The aromatic flavor provides a sensory delight and makes winters lively. - Millet Raab–
It is a conventional winter drink of Rajasthan that helps to battle the biting cold. Mix bajra or maize flour with a small curd until it becomes lumps-free. Add salt, cumin powder, red chilli powder, and jaggery. Add water to give it a runny consistency and boil for 10-15 minutes. Add 1-2 spoons of ghee during boiling. Serve hot with garnishing of coriander. This recipe is stacked with antioxidants and minerals and helps in retaining warmth. - Soups–
Soups are wholesome, easy to digest and handy to prepare. They can be served as quick meals or snacks. They hydrate our body and save us from cold weather brittleness as we feel less thirsty in winter. Some official winter soups recipes are- - Tomato Soup-
It is an all-time favorite soup with the tanginess of tomatoes. Its bright and creamy texture makes it the best party opener in winter. Take 3-4 fresh tomatoes, make chunks and pressure cook them with ample water. Add 2-3 chunks of carrot and beetroot to the boiling pan to improve health benefits, consistency, and texture. Take 3-4 whistles and let the mixture cool down. Grind the mixture well and sieve the liquid in a pan. Boil the sieved puree and adjust the consistency by adding water. Add sugar, salt, cumin powder, black pepper powder, and cinnamon powder as per taste and cook for 5-10 mins. Serve red hot soup with creamy garnishing. - Drumstick Soup-
It is rich in iron and packed with multiple health benefits. Take 2-3 drumsticks and cut into finger length pieces. Put water, salt, and cut drumsticks into the pressure cooker and cook for 2-3 whistles. Cool the mixture and grind roughly. Strain the stock with a sieve. Heat 2-3 spoon ghee in a pan. Add a pinch of asafoetida, cumin seeds, green chillies, and strained stock. Boil for 5-10 mins until it gets a smooth texture and serve hot. - Mix Vegetable Soup-
It is the healthiest soup with no oil, cream, or ghee and is made with just vegetables. Pressure cook freshly chopped vegetables like bottle gourd, spinach, pumpkin, zucchini, tomato, and coriander up to 3-4 whistles. Cool the mixture and make it smooth with a blender. Strain the liquid in a boiling pan. Add salt, and black pepper powder and cook for 5 minutes. Add a few drops of lemon juice and a pinch of sugar to balance the tanginess. Serve hot with freshly chopped coriander.
Conclusion
Summing up, each region in India has its distinguished way of incorporating traditional natural spices and herbs into a magical winter drink that beats piercing colds and enhances overall health. So, wrap frozen fingers around piping hot bowls, fill your life with joy and coziness with these lip-smacking warm recipes, and welcome winter to be a season of wellness and delicious indulgence.
