As the chilly winds begin to sweep across the northern areas of Pakistan, signalling the arrival of winter, even regions like Karachi are bracing themselves for cold storms. With December and January expected to bring extremely cold weather, and the anticipation of snowfall in areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Kashmir in late November and December, Pakistanis are gearing up to combat the winter chill.

One of the best ways to ward off the cold is through the heartwarming and soul-satisfying winter recipes that have become synonymous with this season. Let’s explore the top six winter recipes that are cherished across Pakistan along with complete instructions to make them. Read till the end to find out so you can enjoy your winter season to the fullest.

Winter Recipes Famous Among Pakistanis

1) Sarson ka Saag:

Originating from the Punjab region, Sarson ka Saag is a quintessential winter dish. Made from mustard greens and other leafy vegetables, it is a nutritious and hearty option. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:

  • Mustard greens (sarson) – 500g
  • Spinach – 250g
  • Bathua leaves – 100g
  • Green chilies – 2-3 (chopped)
  • Ginger – 1-inch piece (chopped)
  • Garlic – 4-5 cloves (minced)
  • Cornmeal (makki ka atta) – 2 tablespoons
  • Ghee – 2 tablespoons
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil mustard greens, spinach, and bathua until tender. Blend into a coarse paste.
  2. In a pan, heat ghee and sauté chopped green chilies, ginger, and garlic.
  3. Add the blended greens and cook for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Mix in cornmeal, salt, and cook until the saag thickens.
  5. Serve hot with makki ki roti.

2) Creamy Coffee:

In Pakistan, winters are incomplete without a steaming cup of creamy coffee. This delightful beverage is a perfect companion for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

  • Strong black coffee – 1 cup
  • Milk – 1/2 cup
  • Sugar – 2 tablespoons
  • Whipped cream for topping

Instructions:

  1. Brew a strong cup of black coffee.
  2. Heat milk and whisk until frothy.
  3. Mix hot coffee with sugar and pour in the frothy milk.
  4. Top with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

3) Corn Soup:

A warm bowl of Corn Soup is a comforting choice during the winter months. Here’s a quick recipe:

Ingredients:

  • Corn kernels – 1 cup
  • Chicken or vegetable broth – 4 cups
  • Ginger – 1 teaspoon (minced)
  • Garlic – 1 teaspoon (minced)
  • Spring onions – 2 (chopped)
  • Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (mixed with water)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil corn, broth, ginger, and garlic in a pot.
  2. Add spring onions, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
  3. Stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the soup.
  4. Simmer for a few minutes and serve hot.

4) Kashmiri Tea:

Kashmiri Tea, also known as “Noon Chai” or Pink Tea, is a warming and aromatic beverage originating from the picturesque Kashmir Valley.

Ingredients:

  • Green tea leaves – 2 tablespoons
  • Baking soda – a pinch
  • Water – 4 cups
  • Milk – 1 cup
  • Salt – a pinch
  • Crushed cardamom – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Sugar – to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil water and add green tea leaves and baking soda. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Add milk, salt, and crushed cardamom. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea and add sugar to taste.
  4. Serve hot with your favorite winter snack.

5) Gajar ka Halwa:

Gajar ka Halwa, a classic winter dessert, is a rich and indulgent treat loved by many.

Ingredients:

  • Carrots – 1 kg (grated)
  • Milk – 1 liter
  • Sugar – 1 cup
  • Ghee – 4 tablespoons
  • Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Chopped nuts for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook grated carrots in milk until the mixture thickens.
  2. Add sugar, ghee, and cardamom powder. Cook until the ghee separates.
  3. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve warm.

6) Loki ka Halwa:

Loki ka Halwa, made from bottle gourd, is another delightful winter dessert.

Ingredients:

  • Bottle gourd (loki) – 500g (grated)
  • Ghee – 3 tablespoons
  • Milk – 1 cup
  • Sugar – 1 cup
  • Cardamom powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Chopped nuts for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook grated bottle gourd in ghee until it softens.
  2. Add milk and sugar, and cook until the mixture thickens.
  3. Stir in cardamom powder, garnish with nuts, and serve warm.

As winter settles in, these delightful recipes are sure to warm both your body and soul. Embrace the season with these flavorful and comforting dishes that are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Pakistan.

Also, see:

Rain and snowfall predicted across Pakistan

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