Don’t you think the winter season is just amazing? The chilly weather, comfy sweaters, cozy blankets and so much more, all of this is just wow! But, at the same time winters make us realise that the year is going to end soon, although, it gives us one of the best times of the whole long year, Christmas, New Year parties etc. There is a lot to talk about in this season, but let’s get to the food bit. Winter season brings an array of leafy greens with it which we all thoroughly enjoy. But one should also remember, it’s not just greens that we are bestowed with. There are also a lot of other produce which only bless us with their presence in this season. So, let’s learn more about them and their wonderfulness!

Lilva/Flat beans

Known by many names, you can easily confuse this vegetable with the beloved matar at the first glance. These are flat beans slightly curved in shape with a pointed end and green in colour. It can boost heart health and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. You can make a lot of recipes with its seed called tuvar dana and the vegetable itself too, like curries, sabzis, pulaos, raitas, puris etc. Here’s a hearty rice recipe prepared with lilva, a.k.a surti papdi for you.

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/LILVA-RICE---skk.html

Shakkarkand/Sweet potatoes

You might already know by now that sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative as compared to the regular ones. They are packed with fibre, potassium and Vitamin A. It has also been regarded as one of the important foods that boost immunity. It reduces inflammation in the body and contains beta carotene which helps in keeping the skin clear and soft especially during winters. There are infinite ways to include shakkarkand in your diet.

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/All-recipesearch.aspx?Search=shakkarkand&course=&cusine=&recipetitle=

Suran/Yam

Yam is often confused with sweet potatoes, but it is different. These are loaded with Vitamin C, fibre and essential minerals. It also contains antioxidants which may prevent various types of cancers. Many people also use yam as a vegan and vegetarian substitute for meat because of its texture. It is also used in the popular winter Gujarati speciality, undhiyo. Here are some more interesting recipes.

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/All-recipesearch.aspx?Search=yam&course=&cusine=&recipetitle=

Chukandar/Beetroot

Beetroots are a nutrient powerhouse and also the perfect way to naturally colour your food. It contains powerful antioxidants which can help fight free radicals in the body. This red coloured vegetable also helps increase blood haemoglobin levels and prevent anaemia. You might be surprised to know that there was a time when beetroots were used to colour wines too! You can prepare juices, soups, salads and many more interesting recipes with this wonder veggie. Here’s something to start with, Beetroot Khandvi, wholesome and delicious.

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Beetroot-Khandvi---SK-Khazana.html

Petha/Ash gourd

Also called winter melon, Chinese watermelon and white pumpkin, petha is very commonly used in Indian and Chinese cuisines. Along with a number of essential vitamins and minerals, ash gourd is also rich in dietary fibre and proteins. In ancient times, it was considered as a natural energizer for everyone. Well, time to swap your daily share of coffee with this winter vegetable. Here’s a very popular South-Indian sabzi prepared with ash gourd for you to try this season.

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/Recipe/Rasakalan-Sanjeev-Kapoor-Kitchen-FoodFood.html

Hare matar/Green peas

Though, frozen peas are a thing which we are truly grateful for, but the flavour, crunch and deliciousness of fresh green peas will always remain unmatched. Finally, the season of taaze hare matar is here. Loaded with fibre and antioxidants, green peas are also low in calories. You might already know quite a few recipes with green peas but gobbling a handful of matar while you help your mother in peeling ‘em still remains one of the best ways to eat it. For interesting matar wale recipes, click here:

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/All-recipesearch.aspx?Search=matar&course=&cusine=&recipetitle=

Mooli/Radish

Mooli is one of the much-loved winter vegetables in India. With powerful antioxidants, good source of fibre and immunity-boosting abilities, this superfood should definitely be a part of your winter diet. While it has not failed to be a part of our everyday salads, there are other numerous ways to eat your share of radish every day. How about refreshing raita or a garmagaram kadhi? Sounds interesting, right? Here are these and many more recipes for you to enjoy.

https://www.sanjeevkapoor.com/All-recipesearch.aspx?Search=mooli&course=&cusine=&recipetitle