Winter is one of my favorite seasons. No- i dont enjoy the cold weather- what i really like about winter is the snow and the fresh produce that you get at the farmer's market around this time of the year- carrots being one of them. Besides being rich in beta-carotene, they are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fiber and potassium too. So here's the perfect recipe to warm you up during the cold winter days. This is one recipe that is so filling yet healthy that after a bowlful you wont need anything else. If you do feel like serve with a bowlful of spicy corn stir-fry. This recipe comes from the hubby. It can be made in under 20 minutes. And the key to the yummy, buttery taste is a spoonful of ghee- yes, initially i didnt believe it either, but give it a try and you will see for yourself.

Winter carrot soup

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 tbsp butter
3/4th cup chopped onions
1 tsp garlic- chopped
1 inch ginger- chopped
4 cloves
2 bay leaves
3 medium-sized carrots
salt to taste
white pepper to taste
2 tsp lime juice
2 tbsp coriander

1. Heat butter, add the bay leaves and cloves.
2. Next, add the onions and saute till golden brown.
3. Next add the garlic and ginger and saute for 5 more minutes.
4. Next add the carrots and salt and let cook, covered for 8-10 minutes.
5. Next add enough water to cover the carrots and cook till they are completely done.
6. When cooled, blend it till you have a smooth puree.
7. Add water as required (for the soup consistency you desire) and heat the soup again.
8. Add lemon/lime juice, coriander and white pepper and serve pipping hot.




P.S.- You can try different variations of the carrot soup- one being adding leeks, and potatoes to it. Or add a dollop of sour cream or different herbs like fresh or dried basil, thyme and oregano.


Spicy Corn stir-fry

Serves 2

2 cups boiled corn
2 tsp ghee
1/2 tsp chili powder (or as per your taste)
salt to taste

1. If you have fresh corn, remove the kernels and boil till completely done. Or use packaged boiled corn.
2. Heat ghee, add the corn, add some salt and chili powder and cook for 5 minutes,
3. Serve hot as a side dish to any meal or as a snack.





P.S.- If you do not like the taste of ghee, use Amul butter. You can also try different variations to this recipe like using cheese to enhance the taste (this popular cheese version is sold by vendors on the street loris in Ahmedabad), or chaat masala or a combination of cilantro, cheese and chaat masala.