Cool Winter Treats To Keep You Warm

With temperatures dipping it's time for hot desserts. Winter brings cravings for warm, rich, and nutrient-dense treats. These delicacies, besides being comfort food, satisfy our body’s seasonal needs. Even actors who are always on a diet indulge in Winter treats. Recently Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor shared on social media a traditional winter delicacy she enjoyed made by Chef Brar. Kareena wrote: “The onset of winter. Panjeri - The Punjabi in me is Thank you, MasterChef and now master actor Ranveer Brar. Panjeri is made with wheat flour, dry fruits and ghee. Shilpa Shetty is also one actor who relishes dessert occasionally. She has posted about enjoying piping hot Jalebis in cool weather. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, when shooting in Mathura in winter a couple of years ago, savoured winter desserts such as Gajar Ka halwa, Kesar milk and Paya shorba, which he shared on his Instagram.

WINTER SPECIALS

Sandhya Manian, holistic nutri- tionist, Wellness with Sandhya's Diet clinic, Chennai says, “Winter naturally enhances our metabolism, boosting hunger and enabling better digestion. This is noticeable in colder regions like North India, where traditional sweets play an essential role in combating the chill and supporting energy demands. However, in warmer regions like Chennai,
where winters are milder, indulging in heavy sweets in large portions may not be as beneficial. Choosing the right winter foods in moderation can benefit overall health. For instance, til laddus, gud and aaliv laddus (garden cress seeds) provide warmth and support hormonal balance in women.”

Winter sweets like gajar halwa, moong dal halwa, panjiri, urad dal pinni, til laddus, payasam, and Mysore pak are traditionally made at home. Neha Deepak Shah, chef-content creator and MasterChef India Season 4 runner-up says “Each state has the special sweet treat that not only satisfies the palate but also reflects the region’s culture and heritage—be it moong dal halwa of Rajasthan, rasogolla of Bengal, or the sweet bajra khichdi from Gujarat. These desserts capture the essence of winter, one bite at a time”.

HEALTHY TREATS

The shift towards healthier indulgences is a positive trend. People are becoming more mindful of their choices even with desserts.

“Opting for baked versions instead of fried ones allows us to enjoy our favourite treats guilt-free. This balance between health and flavour redefines how we approach desserts,” says Neha.

To make desserts healthier instead of white sugar you can depending on your health consider options. Jaggery is a natural sweetener rich in iron and minerals, adding a deep, earthy flavour. “Honey provides natural sweetness and antioxidants. Dates are high in natural sugar and fibre, adding a rich sweetness. Coconut Sugar's low-glycemic alternative has a mild caramel taste. Stevia – a calorie-free natural sweetener suitable for a low-sugar diet” suggests Nitish Chandra Phani, Executive Chef-The Tamara Kodai.

While jaggery and dates are healthier alternatives to refined sugar, they still contribute to caloric intake and can impact blood sugar levels. “Portion control is crucial—enjoy these treats in small quantities. Understand your “Prakriti” (body constitution) and health conditions. Also, milder winters may not demand calorie-dense foods like those in colder regions. The focus should be on consuming consciously, not excessively,” states Sandhya.

Limit fried and heavily sweetened desserts, if you have metabolic conditions like diabetes. Pair winter sweets with protein-rich meals, such as lentils, eggs, chicken, fish, and vegetables. This helps maintain blood sugar levels and ensures you feel full, reducing the temptation to overindulge in desserts.

Winter foods and desserts are a celebration of tradition and seasonal needs. Indulge with moderation, balance, and mindfulness!

HEALTHY BITES
Sandhya Manian, the holistic nutritionist, lists ideal winter desserts and their benefits

• Dry Fruits & Nuts give energy and warmth, essential for braving
the cold weather and maintaining stamina.
• Millet-based foods especially rotis of bajra are high in fibre, protein,
and iron, aid digestion, stabilize energy levels, and keep the
body warm.
• Milk infused with spices like dry ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and
cinnamon boosts immunity and soothes the throat.
• Panagam, a South Indian mix of jaggery, lemon, dry ginger, and
cardamom—offers a refreshing way to enjoy warm flavours it also
hydrates and boosts immunity.
• Lehyam & Chyawanprash are rich in antioxidants and medicinal
herbs that improve immunity and digestion. But consume them in
moderation as they have dense calorie content.
• Nutrient-dense sweets: Go for til, dry fruit laddus, Halim (aaliv)
or besan laddus, which are packed with health-boosting