Winter is almost here and while all of us are busy prepping for the cold season by getting out our coziest winter wear, warm blankets, and whatnot, let’s not forget that besides being brutally frosty, winters also bring with them a treasure trove of lip-smacking seasonal recipes. The arrival of winter is always a matter of cosmic significance for a diehard foodie, as the cold season brings with it a bounty of fresh produce. Seeing that winter dishes are always special, they are not only delicious but also keep you warm and active during the bitter winters, we have decided to compile an interesting list of seasonal veggies and all the finest restaurants in Delhi NCR you must visit to sample the most luscious winter special dishes featuring the best of seasonal produce. So bookmark this article for when the mercury starts dropping rapidly and all you can think of is finding the right fuel to survive and thrive in the infamous Delhi winters.

Carrots:

These zero-calorie veggies are one of the best winter-season vegetables out there. Whether you enjoy them in subzis, make halwa with them, or include them in vegetable and meat soups, carrots deliver a powerful punch of nutrition during winter. Armed with vitamins A, B6 and K, as well as potassium and phosphorus, carrots are great for boosting immunity as well as eye health.

Try Gajrela Kunafa at The Imperial Spice, Connaught Place, Central Delhi

Enjoy this seasonal vegetable with The Imperial Spice’s indulgent Gajrela Kunafa. This innovative take on the legendary ‘Gajar Ka Halwa’ is to die for. Dense and sweet Gajar Ka Halwa cake served in Kunafa Style, yes you read it right. An unbelievable combination of the best of the textures and flavors simply melts in your mouth. You cannot get enough of this!

Other recommendations: Rabri Éclair, Sundried Tomato Ice cream and Chocolate Rabri Decker

Cost for two: ₹ 2000

Mustard Greens:

Rich in antioxidants, as well as iron and dietary fiber, Sarson or Mustard Greens, are the quintessential seasonal veggie without which Indian winters are incomplete. This king of winter season vegetables contains micronutrients like vitamins A, C, K and fulfills 4% - 5% of the daily recommended value of the nutrients like iron, calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium.

Try Sarson Da Saag & Makka Roti at Punjab Grill, Multiple Locations

Seeing that November is the ideal time for any foodie to rekindle their romance with Sarson da Saag, we highly recommend you try the best rendition of this classic North Indian preparation at Punjab Grill, one of the most popular North Indian restaurants in Delhi that offers a creative blend of robust Mughlai and Punjabi delicacies.

Other must-have recommendations: Dal Punjab Grill, Punjab Grill Chicken Tikka, Dahi Ke Kebab, Amritsari Kulcha, and Kadhai murgh with Lahsuni naan.

Cost for two: ₹ 2000

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Beetroot:

This deep red and purple winter vegetable is unmatched when it comes to both nutrition and versatility. Low in fat and cholesterol, beetroots help detoxify the system and also boost immunity, due to the presence of vitamin C in them. They're great for hair and skin as well, all thanks to the presence of antioxidants.

Try Beetroot Hummus at Cafe Mez, Cyber Hub, Gurgaon

Café Mez is a promising new restaurant that has won the hearts of the city's gourmands with its delicious offerings and stunning decor. Their Hummus flavored with roasted beetroots, and EVOO, and served with freshly baked pita is the most ideal yet delicious way to incorporate this important winter season vegetable in your diet this cold season. We also recommend you try their Crumb fried beetroot and potato cutlets. Served with tzatziki, these are just the delicious little delectable packing whole lot of flavor and goodness of seasonal vegetables is sure to knock your socks off!

Must-haves: Mint Falafel, Kofta Hummus, Persian Seafood Stew, Mezze, Buttermilk Donuts, Tahini Cheesecake and Rum Mousse.

Cost for two: ₹ 1500

Spinach:

Everyone has had that phase when they’ve wanted to chug spinach out of a can and defeat villains like Popeye. Well, in line with Cartoon Network’s claim, this much-adored seasonal veggie is a superfood packing a ton of benefits. From boosting mood to strengthening bones and boosting immunity, spinach can do it all. Spinach can also boost your heart health and keep your energy levels up during the day. All these benefits come with hardly any calories!

Try Spinach & Corn Quiche at Angels In My Kitchen, Multiple Locations

For fellow spinach lovers, a wonderful way to incorporate this one into your winter diet is to sample Angels in My Kitchen’s delicious Spinach & corn Quiche. Featuring the winning combo of spinach and corn, this delightfully delectable baked flan is a must-try this winter season.

Must-haves: Mushroom Onion Pie, Honey Cinnamon Danish, Almond Tulle Crispies, Smoked Chicken in Ciabatta, Nutty Pie, and Black Forest Cake.

Cost for two: ₹ 400

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Sweet Potato:

Just when all potato lovers were about to begin marching in protest, we found the perfect healthy substitute for their year-round favorite. Rich in fiber and antioxidants this root vegetable is great for gut health and helps in solving digestive issues such as constipation. Consuming sweet potatoes strengthens your brain health, and promotes healthy vision.

Try Baked Sweet Potato Wedges at Greenr Cafe, 32nd Milestone, Gurgaon

Ideal for mid-week pick-me-ups, Greenr Café’s baked Sweet Potato wedges are the ultimate guilt-free indulgences you need to be binging on these winters. advocating clean eating, Greenr Cafe houses its own Ketchup, Chili Sauce, and other condiments in-house without using any preservatives. this is quite frankly, one of the best restaurants for vegans in Delhi NCR.

Must-haves: Austin Smoked Jackfruit, Manali Super Hemproot Pizza, Pesto Vegetable Spaghetti, Tofu Bhurjee, and Pumpkin Spice Pie.

Cost for two: ₹ 1000

Pumpkin:

Besides being the poster boy for Halloween and the following colder months of the year, this interesting nutrient-dense seasonal vegetable offers great quantities of vitamin A, and helps protect skin against damage, repairs tissues, and improves vision. Pumpkins are packed with antioxidants like alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-kryptoxanthin, which are believed to keep the diseases such as cancer and other chronic illnesses at bay.

Try Pumpkin Gnocchi at Artusi, One Horizon Center, Golf Course Road

Artusi’s classic winter special dish- Gnocchetti Di Zucca Alla Salvia is the perfect soul food to fend off the winter chills. Featuring hand-made pumpkin gnocchi with extra virgin olive oil and sage, this quintessential winter creation from Italy offers a brilliantly delectable way to incorporate pumpkins into your seasonal diet.

Must-haves: Seafood Platter, Pork Chops, Tortellini en Brodo, and Smoked Salmon

Cost for two: ₹ 2000