Desi Comfort Foods You Can Make At Home This Winter

Winter aate hi, garma garam Indian khana ka maza hi kuch aur hota hai! And there's nothing quite like indulging in the warm, comforting flavours of Indian cuisine. From fragrant stews with legumes and rich curries to stuffed flatbreads and creamy dishes like butter chicken, winter is the perfect time to savour these hearty meals. As we pull out our cosy sweaters and layer up to face the chill, there's one thing that makes the season all the more enjoyable—food. It’s the time to embrace those soul-satisfying dishes that bring warmth and comfort, filling both the stomach and the heart.

Goan Kheema

Kheema has many regional variations, and the Goan version stands out with its unique use of vinegar and ground cloves. Traditionally, this minced meat dish is enjoyed with soft paos (bread rolls) or rice. This is the classic Goan style of preparing ground beef or mutton, with a distinct blend of spices. The combination of red chillies and vinegar gives it that unmistakable Goan flavour!

Rasam

Tomato Rasam, also known as Thakkali Rasam in Tamil, Saru in Kannada or Tomato Charu in Telugu, is a tangy South Indian soup made with tomatoes, tamarind, and a mix of spices. It’s often served with rice or enjoyed as a soothing drink. The dish is light, flavourful, and known for its digestive benefits. It’s best enjoyed with warm rice with ghee.

Dal Palak Shorba

Dal Palak Shorba is a comforting, soupy dish made with lentils, spinach, ginger-garlic, and mild spices, perfect for chilly evenings. Topped with fresh cream and a squeeze of lemon (optional), it’s a warm, nourishing way to end your day.

Gushtaba 

Gushtaba is a traditional Kashmiri dish featuring large meatballs made from hand-ground goat meat, spices, and animal fat, cooked in a creamy, tangy yoghurt gravy. Served as the grand finale of a Wazwan feast, this royal dish, dating back to the 15th century, is known for its rich flavour and luxurious texture.

Til Pitha

Til Pitha is a popular Assamese dessert made during Bihu, consisting of soft, crunchy rice pancakes stuffed with a sweet mixture of jaggery and sesame seeds. Made from soaked, coarsely ground glutinous rice, these oil-free treats are a perfect winter indulgence and a traditional delicacy from Assam.

Bisi Bele Bhath

Bisi Bele Bhath is a flavourful South Indian rice dish from Karnataka made with rice, lentils, vegetables, and a blend of spices, all cooked with ghee. This spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet dish is perfect for winter, offering a comforting and hearty meal similar to khichdi, but with a distinct South Indian twist.

Methi Pakora

Methi Pakora is a delicious Gujarati snack made with fenugreek leaves, chickpea flour, and rice flour, creating a crunchy, aromatic treat. This gluten-free snack is perfect for tea time, offering a quick bite that's both crispy and packed with flavour.

Baingan Bharta

Baigan Bharta is a flavourful Indian dish made by mashing grilled eggplant with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices. This smoky, spiced mash is enjoyed with hot rotis, parathas, or bhakari, with regional variations adding unique twists to the recipe.

Achari Lamb

A popular Punjabi curry, lamb achari is made with lamb cooked in pickling spices like panch poran (a spice blend originating from the eastern part of India) and dried chilies. The dish combines aromatic spices with the tangy flavours of mango chutney and lime pickle, creating a rich, flavourful curry with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Ki Roti

Sarson ka Saag is the ultimate winter comfort food, warming both the stomach and heart on chilly days. This traditional Punjabi dish, made with fresh mustard greens, is particularly soothing during the cold season, offering a hearty and nourishing meal. Originating from rural Punjab, it is typically served with makki ki roti (corn flatbread) and topped with a dollop of butter, adding a rich and indulgent touch. The combination of warm, spiced greens and crispy roti makes it the perfect comfort food, providing both warmth and sustenance. Packed with essential nutrients, sarson ka saag is not only a seasonal favourite but also a nourishing, wholesome dish ideal for the winter months.

Makki ke Dhokle

Makki ka Dhokla is a traditional Rajasthani dish, deeply rooted in local flavors and perfect for winter. Made from makai ka atta (maize flour), it's a nutrient-rich choice, packed with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, while moong dal provides protein and iron. Chilies, ginger, and methi (fenugreek) are added to enhance both flavour and texture. The dough is shaped into small cakes, steamed, and served with spicy moong dal, dhaniya-pudhina chutney or laal mirch chutney, sugar, and ghee. For an authentic experience, the dal is poured over dhokla pieces, then mixed with chutney, lemon, sugar, and ghee—a wholesome and delicious winter delight prepared the classic Rajasthani way.

Gajar Ka Halwa

This rich, comforting dish is a favourite in many Indian households, perfect for cosy, chilly evenings. Gajar ka halwa, also known as Gajorer halwa, Gajarno halwo, Gajrela, or carrot pudding, is a popular Indian dessert made by cooking grated carrots with water, milk, sugar, and cardamom. It's a warm, sweet treat often enjoyed in winter, cooked with ghee and topped with dry fruits for added flavour.