People in Pakistan look for reasons to socialize in December's and January's chilly weather. Winter is here, and wherever you look, people organize feasts. As far as Pakistani culture is concerned, this is also the season for weddings, and there is a culture in Pakistan of inviting bride and groom families to a feast. People consider it more respectable to prepare food at home rather than ask someone to any restaurant or hotel. In this article, we will highlight the best winter foods in Pakistani culture.
When organizing a feast in traditional Pakistani fashion at home, what food should be on the menu is crucial. The menu should be well-balanced and serve every person's preference and taste. Half the effort is made if you know what you need to cook.
The meal is the first item we discuss after deciding there will be a Dawat (feast) at our house. If you have a dawat menu prepared, you can easily plan other things for the future. I want to help you in this regard and will tell you about the best winter foods in Pakistani culture that not only give you taste for your tongue but also give you warmth in the chilly weather.
From Kashmiri Chai to Mongphali, every culinary item is enjoyed throughout Pakistan in its distinct form. Please continue reading and enjoy if you missed any essential winter food products or are ignorant of them.
1. Starters or Appetizers:
• Soup:
Soups are a fantastic way to begin a meal. Nothing helps you feel better like a nice bowl of soup. Virtually any soup can be made, including the traditional chicken corn soup and hot and sour varieties made with tomatoes, basil, mushrooms, and other ingredients. Choose from various proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, or prawns, then season with the right spices to create a fantastic bowl.
• Buffalo wings:
Deep-fried drumsticks or wings that haven't been coated and are covered in a fiery sauce made of vinegar, cayenne pepper, and butter are known as "Buffalo wings," also known as "Hot Wings," "Chicken Wings," or "Wings." Boneless wings are also famous; you can get them mild or hot.
• Fried Fish:
Try fried fish; if you want a more crispy appetizer, try fried fish. The Lahori Fish Fry is unquestionably the most well-liked dish in our nation, despite the British version of the dish being known as "fish and chips" in every country. The deeply ingrained cultural belief is that eating fish in the winter is recommended since it is one of the numerous foods that enhance body temperature.
2. Main Course:
• Paya:
In Pakistani households, meals are shared by the entire family to strengthen ties. The following dishes take comfort food and cosiness in the winter to a new level.
It is the most favourite food people like to eat in chilly weather. It can be made from beef, mutton or lamb. Paaye is consumed year-round, but dipping warm bread, naan, or kulchas into the hot gravy sounds even more enticing when it's cold outside.
• Nihari:
People admire Nihari, whether it is consumed for breakfast or dinner and can be made with beef, camel, or chicken. Typically, naan that has just come out of the tandoor is eaten with this hot, saucy cuisine. The dish Nihari is a staple on the menus of numerous restaurants, and specific locations in Karachi have even turned it into their speciality over time.
• The Sarson ka Saag:
When served with Makkai ki Roti, a type of cornmeal, this Punjabi dish is at its best in the winter. When you remove the cornbread from the heat, top it with butter and devour it. Eat this meal while it's still hot for the best results! To obtain the real deal, it's preferable to create the recipe at home with desi ghee rather than buying it from a restaurant because it requires much work.
3. Desserts:
• Halwa Gajar
Gajar ka halwa (a dessert made from carrots) has become a popular winter treat thanks to its popularity during winter and the fact that it tastes best when served warm.
Although it can be topped with either nuts or creamy khoya, the basic recipe of carrots, milk, and sugar typically remains the same.
Jalebi:
Jalebi isn't just for dessert; it can also be eaten as a quick breakfast due to its simplicity. Saffron, ghee, sugar, and maida flour are the key components. All-purpose flour and maida flour are combined and deep-fried in ghee before being covered with sugar syrup. It is usually bought from any stall as it is commonly available in Pakistani streets.
4. Beverages:
• Kashmiri chai:
Kashmiri tea is a preferred wintertime beverage in Pakistan. It is a sweet, milky tea often brewed with green tea leaves, milk, and sugar. Cardamom, saffron, and occasionally nuts like almonds or pistachios are added for flavour. It is frequently offered to guests and served at important events and festivities. Kashmiri chai is renowned for its creamy, rich flavour and vibrant pink colour, produced using a lot of food colouring. Small, handleless cups known as "kullad" are used to serve it most frequently; they are constructed of clay and work to keep the tea warm.
• Hot Chocolate Coffee:
Hot chocolate coffee is the ideal beverage to tempt your taste buds if you adore chocolate. The perfect hot drink to accompany you on those chilly winter nights is milk coffee boiled with chocolate of your choice and topped with fluffy whipped cream, whether you are curling up in bed with warm covers or spending a frosty evening out.
• Saffron milk
Traditional hot beverage saffron milk is spiced with green cardamom and topped with pistachios and almonds. Warm milk flavoured with saffron and sprinkled with dried fruit has a delicious flavour and boosts energy levels by keeping you warm on chilly winter nights.
• A Magical Cocoa for Children:
Why should kids be left behind when adults enjoy their cocoa? It requires a hot cup of milk, some chocolate chips, and cocoa candy melts. Stir the milk carefully after adding these. Give your youngster this treat as soon as wintertime arrives.
Last words:
The foods mentioned above are trendy among Pakistanis, but if you have guests in your home, you must keep their likes and dislikes in mind. I am sure that your guests will be left licking their fingers and will be able to enjoy the winter season as well.