Pakistan is experiencing a shift in weather. Summers being the longest, are finally over. If not winter, but autumn has surely made its way into almost all the parts of the country. While people in the north may be feeling the winter cold more than those situated in hotter cities, a chill is still making its way into the air.
For us Pakistanis, winter is all about eating food that is hot and rich in fats so that it helps us to fight cold. Winter is the time of the year, where most of the people forget about their calories intake. All they think of is keeping themselves warm.
Here’s a list of exotic food items that are guaranteed to make you enjoy winter to the best of its potential and help you stay warm while pleasing your taste-buds.
Let’s begin with the first meal of the day…that is the breakfast. Halwa puri is probably the most in deamand breakfast item in Pakistan, specifically for winter. People would equally enjoy it in summer, but love to eat in chilly winter mornings. You can also enjoy a combo of Halwa puri with and Aloo ki bujia and make your breakfast delicious in any season.
Another famous breakfast for winters is Nihari and Paaye. It is quite famous among the Punjabi people but equally enjoyed by people of all areas of Pakistan. Now, Paaye is becoming a great dish to serve for dinner in winter and Nihari in breakfast. It is a spicy curry that is cooked from mutton or beef meat that is eaten with naan.
There is nothing more comforting than a burning hot bowl of soup in chilly weather. As the ultimate comfort food, soups are the perfect way to start your meal. People enjoy soup in dinner usually. You can either have chicken, shrimps, prawns or potato soup with the right touch of spices. From good old chicken corn soup to hot and sour, mushroom, tomato and basil, or vegetable soups; the range is literally endless. Chicken corn soup in famous among Pakistani people.
If you are looking for something that is going to raise your body temperature and that too is good in taste, go for the fried fish! Fish is the go to food for the Pakistanis in winter. Several stalls, dhaabas and restaurants start selling the crispy fried fish as the winter arrives. Many places also serve grilled or steamed fish, with a range of spice combinations for foodies to enjoy.
The healthiest snack enjoyed by the Pakistani people in winter is dry fruits. You don’t have to worry about your calorie intake when you have a bowl of nuts and dried fruits with you to munch on. From walnuts to peanuts, cashews to pine nuts, dried figs, almonds, pistachios, and more, Pakistan is the home of these nuts.
Halwa, made from pumpkins, carrots, semolina, or pulses is the sweet and warm dessert that is a must-have at all gatherings in winter. Gajar ka Halwa is loved by the masses in the country. Nuts are frequently used as decoration or an aromatic addition to the halwas.
After having dinner, people prefer having hot Kashmiri chai or Kehwa. This is the most popular beverage choice in winter weddings, gatherings and even at home. Kashmiri chai is also known as pink tea in big cities, it has a different kind of nuts which gives it an attractive pink color. Many health-conscious would love kehwa or green tea as an energy booster drink and is also a great option for a warm winter drink for all.
by: Abeer Arshad
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