Masala Bay - Healthy foods to keep you warm in the winter

When my friend Amninder Sandhu heard about the food innovation challenge on World Pulse, she got really excited. Guess why? Amninder is the Master chef at Masala Bay, one of the restaurants at Taj Lands End Hotel in Mumbai. She wants to use this opportunity to showcase all the delicious and healthy food they have been serving their customers. So we sat down and shortlisted a few of her favorite dishes. I am sharing some winter special foods from Delhi and Punjab region with a description of each. These foods are healthy and help us keep warm.

• Picture 1: Ram Ladoos: Are moong dal (a type of lentil) fritters topped with tamarind and mint chutney and radish. The lentils are a high source of proteins. The Turmeric used in this dish has health benefits. Studies have proved that it prevents Alzheimer's and that's the reason very few Indians have Alzheimer's as compared to the west.


• ​Picture 2: Sarson da Saag: is a popularvegetabledish in thePunjab regionsofIndia. It's made frommustard green leaves (sarson) and spices.The dish is usually served withmakki di roti(literally \"unleavened corn bread\").Like almost all leafy green vegetables, mustard greens contain antioxidants that protect your body from free radical damage. They’re also a great source of fiber, which helps to regulate your digestive tract and lower high cholesterol levels. They offer an abundant mixture of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber as well as protein.


• ​Picture 3:Chironji aur chuhare ka doodh(dry dates and chironji nuts milk):is a drink made specially in winters and is served hot. It is very nutritious and is very easy to make.It can be had for breakfast and even given to children for growth and nourishment. Chironji (almond-flavored seeds) is essential for tissue repair and great skin, while dates increaseblood production, keeps organs functioning optimally.Chironji is used as a spice in a number of recipes.


• ​Picture 4:Bhuni hui shakkarkandi(sweet potatoes): Well cooked sweet potatoes are fortified withVitamin A and B, carotene, calcium, phosphorus and fibers. They are also a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. Additionally, they are a good source of potassium, dietary fiber, niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and phosphorus.

​I thank my friend Amninder for educating me about the health benefits of these mouth-watering dishes. It was hard to pick a few dishes given there were so may scrumptious options. Winter will soon be approaching NYC and I can't wait to try some of these dishes. Let me know if you have ever tasted any of these and if you liked them?Enjoy! All pictures courtesy Chef Amninder Sandhu, Taj Lands End Hotel, Mumbai