Kick The Winter Blues - Indian Style

Hello and welcome to the Creative-Capsule ...!!!

It is officially winter in Australia and its freezing cold outside. I know we all have a "Love-Hate" relationship with winter, the feeling is mutual. Winter days are perfect for cuddling up in gaint blankets with hot coffee and a book or flaunting your fancy knee high boots. And then there are the chilling winds, chapped lips and the nights that seem to start in the middle of the day.  Winter can be a bliss, but it can be nasty too! So I am sharing two fabulous and simple Indian recipes to help you stay warm and spicy this winter. 

1. The Famous Indian Seven Spice Tea aka "Masala Chai" :

The spicy masala chai is the staple morning beverage in every Indian household. The spices used in the masala chai are naturally warming that helps the body to generate internal heat by balancing its energy systems. 

Ingredients:

• Indian loose tea 4 tsp (alternatively any English breakfast tea can be used)
• Sugar 4 tsp (or to taste) 
• Water 1 cup
• Milk 1 cup
  
•  7 Spices - ginger, basil, black pepper, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon.
  
• Fresh Ginger: Ginger has high concentration of gingerol which provide spiciness and natural heat to warm up the body from inside
• Fresh Basil: Basil has strong inflammatory properties that can help relieve fever, headache, cough and cold
• Black Pepper: Black pepper contains flavonoids and has antibacterial properties, which act as a natural remedy against cough and sore throat.
• Cloves: Cloves are rich in anti inflammatory properties which helps stiff joints during cold weather.
• Cardamom: cardamom provides body warmth and also help relieve symptoms of cough and cold.
• Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds are great antioxidants and rich in vitamin c. they help boost the immune systems and keep infections at the bay.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is another excellent body warming spice which act as a natural remedy for sore throat and cold.

Method :

•  Bring the water to boil in  a saucepan with freshly grated ginger and basil leaves.

• Roughly grind all the spices with the help of mortar and pestle.

• Add tea, sugar and the spice mixture to the saucepan and simmer for a minute.

•  Add the milk and bring the mixture to boil until it bubbles up.

•  Strain the tea using a mesh strainer and your spicy tea is ready serve.

Tea , when combined with spices can be your superhero in the winter. Not only it will help you keep warm , but will also help in combating the seasonal infections. Also the caffeine in the tea will give you that kick in the chilly morning. 

2. Peanut and Sesame Laddu :

Peanut -Sesame Laddus are the one of the must haves in winter. According to Ayurveda, maximum immunity comes from digestive fire signified as 'Agni'. It is therefore recommended to eat natural oil based foods during cold weather so as to fuel the inner Agni.  All the ingredients of this recipe are oil based and nutrient rich that will definitely help you keep warm in the cold weather.

Ingredients:

• Roasted Peanuts 1 cup
• Roasted Sesame Seeds 1/4 cup
• Jaggery ( according to taste)
• Ghee or Clarified Butter 2 tsp ( you might not need all of it)

Method: 

• Add peanuts, sesame seeds and jaggery to the blender until well combined.

• Add ghee little by little until the mixture becomes sticky.

• Grease your hands and make the balls out of the mixture.
  

• Your peanut sesame laddus are ready to eat. These are so easy and healthy. They can be made in bulk and store for couple of weeks. 
  

These protein balls are perfect as quick energy snack  or as a sweet teat in the lunch boxes. Its warming healthy, sweet and delicious. 

I cant speak highly enough of how important it is to add nutritious and warming food as well as spices to your regular diet especially during winter. Other than that do keep yourself hydrated, drink warm water throughout the day, keep your body moving and wear good quality winter clothes to keep yourself warm. If you find the post helpful then share it with your family and friends. Also if you happen to try these recipes then don't forget to tag me with #creativecapsuleblog and @meopenbook . 

Thanks a lot and Happy Winter !!