10 Must Have Indian Ingredients for Nutritious Fall and Winter Dishes

Here are Quicklly approved winter Indian ingredients you must have to make your cold days more cozy. Read on.

Oh, you're shivering! Come on, we're going to warm you up with a good bowl of something hearty, every Indian grandma has said, ladle in hand, her kitchen was filled with the fragrant aromas of healing spices. They had the pantry stocked with magic, from cinnamon sticks to ginger and rosemary herbs to soothe, energize, and strengthen during this drab chilling season.

Want to prepare grandma-approved recipes in your kitchen? Order Indian groceries in USA from our online store for Indian groceries, specialty items, ready-to-eat Indian meals, traditional Indian spices, and more.

Meanwhile let's explore why our health takes a dip during chilly months and the best food ingredients that can keep us warm, wholesome, and happy!

Why does our health take a dip during winter?

Winter has its own charm, that we all can zero in on, but let's be honest, the cold air catches us in a motion slowdown, lack of sunlight drains our energy (leading to lower vitamin D levels), and the immune system needs a little extra boost to keep up amidst the chilly breeze and all-time snowfalls. 

Seasonal colds, achy joints, and low energy levels all come calling right when the temperature drops. No wonder why we naturally turn to warmer, more nourishing foods this time of year as our bodies crave that extra layer of comfort and immunity. And what better way to do it than with ingredients that have powered generations before us through these chilly months? 

Not to mention, they were the top choices of our grandmoms too!

• Ginger

"Spice it up!" says ginger, adding warmth, fire, and a lot of flavor to your dish. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of ginger make it a must-have during the cold season. Add it to your tea, curries, or soups and feel the soothing heat working miracles inside.

• Turmeric

Got inflammation? Turmeric is on the case! This bright yellow wonder spice is a natural immunity booster and anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Perfect for your winter soups, golden milk, and curries, turmeric helps keep winter colds at bay and adds that signature earthy flavor.

• Garlic

Bad breath? Worth it! Garlic is winter's best friend with its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal magic. Whether tossed into curries or blended into stir-fries, garlic has a knack for building immunity and adding a bold, aromatic touch to any dish.

• Cinnamon

Feel all warm and fuzzy? Cinnamon is the answer. It's sweet to your tongue and good at keeping your blood sugar levels from getting too wild, improving digestion, and keeping viruses at bay. Sprinkle it into your oatmeal in the morning or add a pinch to your tea at night for a dose of warmth and sweetness to brighten up your day.

• Cloves

Small but mighty! Cloves bring the punch with antioxidants and digestive support and add a natural warmth. A few in your curry, stew, or cup of tea add a rich earthy flavor and get your body fighting off the winter chill.

• Mustard Seeds

A little pop, a lot of power! Mustard seeds add a nutty, pungent flavor to your dishes and are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and iron. Perfect for giving your body warmth, they're a must for seasoning hearty winter dishes.

• Fenugreek (Methi)

Tough on taste, gentle on health. Fenugreek seeds and leaves have a fascinating bitterness but are priceless for their warmth, digestion, and the way they level out blood sugar. Try them in curries, parathas, or even a comforting methi tea to see how soothing they can be.

• Jaggery

Trade that sugar for a stronger alternative. Nature's sweet gift, jaggery can provide energy and cleansing properties while improving the digestive system. Stir it into tea, use it in sweets, or add it to sauces – all of it is sugar sweetness, with side benefits of warmth and wellness.

• Bajra/ Pearl Millet

Your rotis have more power now! Bajra, that sweet comforting grain when taken is just the thing for a hearty, warming boost. Be it your roti, porridge, or khichdi, bajra stands high in fiber and protein, and nothing warms and fills you better on a cold winter's night than a bowl of bajra-based comfort food.

• Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Amla a day keeps the sniffles away! With more vitamin C than oranges, this small fruit is packed with mighty powers. It boosts immunity, aids in digestion, and bears wonderful benefits for skin and hair health. Have it raw, drink it as juice, or grate it into chutneys for a tangy nutritious twist.

Top Winter Recipes You'd Not Want to Miss

It's snowing/sleeting/blowing outside, and one thing is certain: there's no way on God's now-frozen earth that you're going out. Today, you're completely housebound.

And no day of hunkering and hygge is complete without one or two hearty meals to get you through. Here are our approved recipes to make your cold days more cozy. Worried about the Indian ingredients? 

1. Spiced Hot Chocolate With Cinnamon and Ginger

Makes two generous mugs

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3.5 oz. (100 g.) 70 percent dark chocolate, chopped

• A pinch of ground ginger

Instructions:

• In a small saucepan, combine the milk and cream and cook over low heat. Add the cinnamon stick and heat slowly, whisking every 15 seconds, until the mixture is hot but not simmering (about 5 minutes).

• Whisk in the chocolate and ginger until thoroughly combined. Continue to gently heat and whisk for about 10 to 15 minutes, without allowing the milk to simmer. The chocolate will slowly fragment before melting into the milk. When the chocolate has completely melted, the color will be consistent and the texture smooth.

• Strain the cinnamon stick and pour it into two mugs. Enjoy right away.

2. Ginger-Turmeric Tea

A comforting, immunity-building tea for cold days.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups water

• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder

• 2 cloves

• 1 small piece of jaggery (to taste)

• A splash of milk (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the water in a small pot. Add grated ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the flavors infuse.

• Strain into a cup. Stir in a small piece of jaggery for sweetness and add a splash of milk if you want. Enjoy every sip!

3. Bajra Khichdi

A nutritious, filling millet-based dish to keep you warm and satisfied.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bajra (pearl millet), soaked overnight and drained

• ½ cup moong dal (split green gram), rinsed

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 small piece of ginger, grated

• 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)

• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder

• Salt to taste

• 4 cups water

• 1 tablespoon ghee

Instructions:

• Heat ghee in a pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds, ginger, and green chili and sauté for a minute.

• Add bajra, moong dal, turmeric, and salt, and mix all the contents well together

• Add water and close the lid. Cook on stovetop for 4-5 whistles so that bajra and dal is soft

• Serve with a dollop of ghee on top and some pickle or curd alongside.

Final Note

Winter is the time to gather, and enjoy hearty meals and joyful moments. It's a season of love and care with food that will warm us inside out. As we sit around the table with loved ones, we share more than just food—we share joy, laughter, and love. So, let this cozy season bring you comfort, good meals, and good company.

If you're looking for Indian grocery delivery or 'Indian grocery near me', you can shop all the ingredients on our online store (via website or mobile app) and get them delivered to your doors quickly!

Happy shopping!