Cooking with the Seasons

Embracing Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients for Delightful Recipes

Cooking with seasonal ingredients is not only beneficial for your health but also for the environment and your taste buds. Seasonal produce is fresher, more nutritious, and often more affordable. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of cooking with seasonal ingredients and share some delicious recipes that highlight popular seasonal produce in Indian cuisine. Whether you're looking to beat the summer heat with a refreshing mango dessert or warm up in winter with hearty pumpkin dishes, cooking with what's in season can elevate your culinary experience.

Why Cook with Seasonal Ingredients? 

1. Better Flavour and Nutrition: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are harvested at their peak ripeness, resulting in better taste and higher nutritional value. For instance, a summer mango has a sweeter, more intense flavour compared to off-season mangoes.

2. Cost-Effective: Seasonal produce is often less expensive because it’s abundant and doesn’t require expensive storage or transportation. This can lead to savings on your grocery bill.

3. Environmental Benefits: By consuming produce that's in season, you support local farming practices and reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping non-seasonal items from different parts of the world.

4. Cultural Connection: Cooking with seasonal ingredients can connect you to traditional recipes and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

Seasonal Recipes to Try

1. Summer Delight: Mango Desserts

Mango Lassi: A classic Indian drink made by blending ripe mangoes, yoghurt, milk, and a touch of sugar. It’s a refreshing way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Aamras: This simple yet delicious dish involves blending ripe mango pulp with a bit of sugar and cardamom. Serve it chilled as a dessert or with hot puris for a traditional treat.

Mango Shrikhand: A creamy dessert made by mixing mango pulp with hung curd, sugar, and cardamom. Garnish with saffron strands and nuts for added flavour.

2. Monsoon Comfort: 

Corn and Spinach Fritters (Makai Palak Pakoras)

Monsoon brings a craving for something hot and crispy. Corn is in season, and these fritters made with fresh corn kernels and spinach leaves, seasoned with spices, and deep-fried until golden brown, are perfect for a rainy-day snack.

Dal Vada - I was introduced to this wonderful snack when I shifted to Ahmedabad almost 2 decades ago. These fritters are made up of chana dal paste and are enjoyed best hot with green chutney and masala chai. 

3. Autumn Special: Apple Cinnamon Kheer

As apples come into season in the fall, this apple kheer is a delightful way to enjoy them. Cook grated apples with milk, sugar, and cardamom, then finish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. This dish is a warm, comforting dessert that fits the autumn vibe perfectly.

4. Winter Warmers: Pumpkin Dishes

Pumpkin Soup (Kaddu Ka Shorba): This creamy, spiced soup made with pureed pumpkin, ginger, and garlic is perfect for a cold winter evening. Garnish with a swirl of cream and serve with warm bread.

Pumpkin Halwa: A rich dessert made with grated pumpkin, milk, ghee, sugar, and nuts. It's a popular choice during winter festivities and can be enjoyed warm.

5. Spring Freshness: Strawberry Raita

As strawberries begin to appear in spring, this simple raita combines fresh strawberries with yoghurt, a dash of sugar, and a sprinkle of cumin powder. It’s a refreshing side dish that pairs well with spicy Indian meals.

Tips for Cooking with Seasonal Produce

1. Visit Local Farmers’ Markets or sabzi mandi: They offer a variety of fresh, seasonal produce directly from local farms.

2. Plan Your Meals Around What's in Season: Base your weekly meal plans on what’s currently available to enjoy the freshest and most nutritious ingredients.

3. Preserve Seasonal Flavors: Learn how to preserve or freeze seasonal produce, such as making mango pulp in summer to enjoy throughout the year. You can make your annual supply of sun-dried tomatoes in summer.

4. Experiment with Traditional and Fusion Recipes: Incorporate seasonal ingredients into both traditional recipes and fusion dishes for a modern twist.

Cooking with seasonal ingredients not only enhances the flavour of your dishes but also supports sustainable living and healthier eating habits. Whether you're indulging in summer mango desserts or savouring winter pumpkin dishes, embracing the seasons can bring variety, nutrition, and excitement to your kitchen. So, the next time you plan your meals, think about what's in season and let nature guide your culinary journey.

Happy flavourful cooking!

Neerja Bhatnagar

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