5 Local Delights For Shuddering Winter

The chilling winter this year and heavy rains have made the weather really sour. The best part of these cold temperatures is hot and yummy dishes made during winters. These dishes are not only delicious and mouth watering but also have high on nutrients value which is helpful during winters.

By UdaipurTimes Team Nov 28, 2010, 18:08 IST

The chilling winter this year and heavy rains have made the weather really sour. The best part of these cold temperatures is hot and yummy dishes made during winters. These dishes are not only delicious and mouth watering but also have high on nutrients value which is helpful during winters. Common to almost all households in Udaipur these dishes are very frequently made especially during winters, some of these are made exclusively in winters like Urad Daal ke laddoo. Some of these mouth watering dishes are:

Moong Ki Daal Ka Halwa:

This delicious dessert is very popular in Rajasthan. Especially it is a must found in the marriage functions. It is rich, aromatic and scrumptious and made from Moong Dal (split yellow lentils also known as kidney bean), Ghee (an oil equivalent), Sugar and Khoya. Prepared by continuous stirring of dry fruits and then cardamom pods are added into it. From young children to adults all just love this Halwa. Girls and women would try to avoid it because of its high calorie content and lots of ghee, but it is definitely irresistible.

Makki Ki Raab:

Typically Rajasthani, this dish is loved by all during winters. Makki ki Raab is made from ingredients which could be easily found in this tough desert region. It can be called as ‘sour corn soup’. But unlike soups it is followed after the meals may it be dinner or lunch. It is hot, sour and tempting. It is prepared by mixing and blending boiled corn with sour butter milk (Chachh). Another form of Raab is Gur Raab, which is made up of Gur i.e. jaggery. It is sweet and this too is taken after meals as Gur is considered as a good incomplete.

Urad Daal Ke Laddoo:

Yet another exclusive dish for winters, Urad Dal (type of lentil) is really good for health and helps in improving resistance during winters. It is prepared by grinding fried Urad Dal and then stirring in the pan with Ghee. After the flour turns brown it is removed from the flame and cardamom and dry fruits are added to it. Then the mixture is put together to form small spheres called “Ladoo ” if stored in an air tight container it can be kept for long time.

Makki Ke Dhokle:

Popular in Gujarat, this dish is widely eaten in Rajasthan too. Prepared by Makai ka Atta (corn flour). They are oval in shape are generally eaten with Dal. These are steamed and sometimes green peas are also added in them.

Gur Ki Gajak:

Peanut Jaggery Chikki or Gur ki Gajak is very good for health. This Chikki has adequate amount of iron and protein. Also groundnuts are believed to keep the body warm. A very favorite dish during winters, it is prepared by adding groundnuts to the jaggery syrup which is prepared by heating jaggery in a pan. Then the mixture of peanut and jaggery is spread in a plate and allowed to cool. It is then cut into pieces and served.

Til Ke Ladoo:

Til i.e. Sesame seeds are good for health and keep the body warm. This dish is also very popular during winters. First of all, sesame seeds are roasted and grinded. Then milk is put to flame until it turns brown. Dried milk, grinded sesame seeds and finely grinded sugar are added and the mixture is shaped into ladoos. Some add jaggery (gur) instead of sugar. These are delicious and are especially prepared during Sakranti festival.

Rajasthan is known for its vibrancy and colors and the people here have a special way of celebrating just every time of the year. So lets us welcome the winters with a big smile as we have amazing dishes to relish this season!