What Winter Means For Our Taste-buds

December is here and that can only mean that Pakistan is about to enter sweater weather. Finally.

But we at HTV Taste don’t care for the sweaters as much as we care about all the food that we are obligated to consume in the winter time. Here are a few winter essentials

Garam moong-phalli (roasted peanuts)

These are an absolute staple in the winter months. Just the aroma reminds one of cool nights and cozy conversations.

Chilgozay (pine nuts)

Yes, it’s a lot of work for a not-so-satisfying bite but put in 10 minutes of work and enjoy the best type of nut. ever.

Gurr (jaggery)

It’s literally the color of warmth.

Coffee

Even chai lovers turn to the occasional coffee once the air becomes a little nippy. Especially the kind that takes 30 minutes to beat the crap out of.

Dry Fruit Laddoo

Every bite is over-indulgent, filled with nuts and seeds- basically an energy bite.

Chikki (peanut brittle)

Ooey gooey chikki that gets stuck in your teeth but you can’t resist taking another bite of.

Gajar ka halwa (carrot halwa)

Cue carrot season! Pakistan gets some of the most beautiful, red carrots in the winter months, therefore every home-cook prepares their own version of gajar ka halwa.

Hot Chocolate

The quintessential angrez winter drink.

Garam Gulab Jamun

This is quite literally the reason we go to weddings in the winter. Actually all food is the reason we attend shaadis. Sorry not sorry.

Masala Fish

Yes, fish in all its forms is consumed more so in the winter months but masala fried fish holds a special place in our hearts.

Singharay- water chestnuts

We may not hold these in the same esteem as roasted peanuts, but they signal winter all the same- and are SO good for those random trips to kitchen.

Meethi Tikkiyan

These. Are. AWESOME.

Makkai Ki Roti with Saag

Is there anything more glorious than the marriage of makkai ki roti and saag? Except maybe daal chawal

Busri

If you haven’t tried this, you have not lived. These gurr stuffed parathas are divine. Top off with a chunk of desi butter to get the maximum amount of heaven in your mouth.

Maal Pura

Serve these memoni pancakes with some cream and honey.

Kashmiri chai

This tea-pink tea is a hot winter favorite.

Chicken Corn Soup

The best kinds are the ones that are topped off with lots of shredded chicken and a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. I won’t lie, I’ve had that at 8 a.m. courtesy of my school’s canteen chef.

Shakarkandi (sweet potato/ yams)

Bhai, masala zyada rakhna (heavy on the masala please!). You can find shakarkandi stalls on every street corner as soon as you smell the winter in the air.

Read More: 3 Desi Dishes To Keep You Warm This Winter

We take winter pretty seriously around these parts, especially because we know that the harsh summer months are waiting for us eagerly. So let’s get started on this list!