HEART ‘WARMING’ FOOD
The nip in the air is somehow tummies that correlated to growling tummies that crave comfort food. Chefs suggest how to keep warm with local favourites such as sarson sa saag and an Indianised minestrone verde soup
There’s nothing like the aromatic and warming spices of Indian cuisine to warm you up on a cold winter’s day. And in a city like Mumbai, where winters are pleasant and, inarguably, the best time of the year, one can make the most of it by indulging in some comfort food for the Kinny, soul. director Chef Paul of culinary, The St Regis Mumbai, says, “Winters can be harsh in other parts of the country, but for Mumbai, it’s pleasant and a reason to enjoy some delicious winter ingredients.”
HOMEWARD BOUND
Our diverse and winter country cultures food boasts in and India of cuisines, such is no different. their own Each specialty region dish lends that is perfect Seasonal for fruits the cold and weather. vegetables that can be ae used. locally Chefs available share too insights on how one can opt healthy ingredients that will will not only boost your immunity but also satiate those comfort food cravings. Chef Arina Suchde at The Pantry Cafe, Kala Ghoda, suggests that we look out for seasonal ingredients, greens and fruits that are easily accessible. Talking about her Minestrone Verde Soup — a warm broth best suited for cold nights, she says, “The idea behind using green tomatoes in the minestrone, instead of the conventional red, was to use an ingredient that is available during winter and green tomatoes are rich in vitamin A and C, potassium and dietary fibre. We use the whole tomato, we don’t strain the seeds or skins out, so, no fibre or nutrients are lost. We also added red winter carrots along with yellow squash to make the soup a little more filling and an Indian made
cheese for garnish.”
CHOOSE HEALTHY INGREDIENTS
Turnips, radish, cauliflower, peas, mustard leaves, red carrots, fenugreek, sugarcane, jaggery, etc, are the ingredients that are beneficial for the body and nourishing during the winters. Chef Amitesh Virdi, executive chef at Punjab Grill, Pune, feels one must consume highcalorie foods during extremely cold weather since the body requires energy to keep itself warm. “Meat, fish, long stewed soups, sugarcane products, nuts, seeds, dry fruits, etc serve the purpose right. These foods generate heat in the body that best suit the cold season,” he adds. Talking about the benefits of the ingredients that are used in the marination of John Dory goes Goan! — a spicy fish preparation, chef Rohit Bhoir, sous chef at Indigo Deli, explains, “The spices in the recheado marination such as cinnamon sticks helps clear a sour throat and cold, ginger relieves nausea, the black pepper improves digestion and cardamom is a good antioxidant, cloves are known to be anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, which helps relieve stiff winter joints.” Chef Paul adds to the list of ingredients highlighting their benefits. He says, “Some of the most common winter ingredients are dates, almonds, carrots, sweet potato, etc. Dates have a lower fat content and are a power house of energy. Sweet potato is a great source of fibre and potassium. Carrots, being a root vegetable, reaches peak sweetness in winters, and is a great source of vitamin A and antioxidants.”