Why Punjabi food is the perfect blend of health, flavour, and comfort for winters

From Sarson da Saag to Kali Gajar Halwa, these winter classics are more than comfort food — they’re delicious, nourishing, and deeply rooted in wellness (Image: Karigari Restaurants)

If there’s one cuisine that truly understands how to fight the chill while feeding the soul, its Punjabi food. Rich, robust, and irresistibly flavourful, Punjabi dishes have a way of making you feel wrapped in warmth. What many don’t realise, however, is that this cuisine isn’t just about indulgence; at its core, it’s a great way to stay nourished with flavourful culinary delights.

The winters in the north can be biting, and generations of farmers relied on high-energy meals made with ghee, grains, lentils, and seasonal greens to sustain them through long, cold days in the fields. Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi, Chefpreneur and mentor at Karigari Restaurants, tells Moneycontrol, “From the famous Sarson da Saag with Makki ki Roti, Shalgam ka Saag with Bathua Methi Parantha, and the famous Kali Gajar ka Halwa with Panjeeri, and Akhrot aur Anjeer ka Halwa, winter food from Punjab is the most delicious way to highlight the warmth, nourishment, and richness of the season.”

Imagine Sarson da Saag turned into a delicate tartlet, Makki ki Roti reimagined as crisp flatbreads with artisanal butter, or Kali Gajar Halwa served with a hint of sea salt and edible gold — these reinterpretations bridge nostalgia with novelty. What’s even more exciting is how rustic, earthy recipes are getting a modern revival. “Indian cuisine today is witnessing a renaissance, where chefs  across the country are blending time-honoured recipes with contemporary flair. The goal is not to reinvent, but to reinterpret, retaining the authenticity and emotion behind every dish while presenting it in a way that resonates with modern sensibilities,” says Chef Sokhi.

Contrary to the misconception that Punjabi food is “too heavy,” traditional recipes are actually deeply rooted in wellness. Chef Sokhi explains, “Spices like ajwain, methi dana, cloves, and black cardamom form the foundation of the winter menu, celebrated for their immunity-boosting and digestive benefits. These are paired with hearty ingredients like sarson (mustard greens), mooli (radish), gajar (carrot), and makki (corn), staples of North Indian and Punjabi kitchens, to create dishes that are rustic yet refined.” Cooked the right way, they tick all the boxes of a modern health-conscious diet — whole grains, healthy fats, fermented foods, and an abundance of greens.

1.   It’s nutrient-dense and seasonal: Every dish is crafted around winter’s bounty and the abundant leafy greens, root vegetables, and warming spices help in boosting immunity and energy.

2.   It uses good fats wisely: It’s not just the spices doing the heavy lifting — desi ghee acts as a natural lubricant for the joints, while curd, lassi, and achar bring natural probiotics to the table.

3.   It balances warmth and comfort: The flavours, textures, and aromas create a sensory experience that keeps the body warm and the spirit satisfied. Every ingredient has a purpose, making Punjabi food as therapeutic as it is delicious.