Winter can bring a sense of dullness, low energy, and even feelings of sadness for many, commonly known as the “winter blues.”
From an Ayurvedic perspective, winter blues arise due to imbalances in the body’s natural energy, as cold weather increases Vata and Kapha doshas, leading to low warmth and vitality.
Ayurveda offers various remedies to counteract winter blues, with warming, nourishing foods being key to restoring balance.
One such comforting remedy is Sukhdi with Fenugreek, a traditional sweet that’s both energizing and soothing.
Ingredients
Coarse Wheat Flour: 250 g
Fenugreek Powder: 2 tbsp
Ghee: 250 g
Jaggery: 200 g
Cardamom Powder: 2 pinch
Cashews, Almonds, and Pistachios (Chopped): 2 tbsp for Garnishing
Method of Preparation
- Heat the ghee in a pan.
- Add the wheat flour and roast it over a low flame until it turns light golden.
- Add fenugreek powder while roasting.
- Once the flour is well-roasted, remove it from the heat and mix in the powdered jaggery and 2pinch of cardamom.
- Stir well to blend thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a ghee-greased plate, smooth it out with the back of a bowl.
- Sprinkle the chopped cashews, almonds, and pistachios evenly over the surface.
- Press the nuts gently into the mixture to ensure they stick, then cut it into pieces while still warm.
Benefits of Ingredients
Wheat Flour
- In Ayurveda, wheat is grounding and nourishing, ideal for pacifying Vata dosha, which tends to increase during the winter months.
- Rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy, supporting mental and physical endurance and stabilizing mood.
Fenugreek Powder
- Fenugreek (Methi) has Ushna (warming) and Tikta (bitter) qualities that help stimulate Agni (digestive fire) and improve digestion and joint health.
- Its warming nature balances both Vata and Kapha doshas, reducing cold-induced stiffness and lethargy.
Ghee
- Known as the “elixir of life” in Ayurveda,
- It is considered an excellent rasayana (rejuvenator) – promoting longevity and vitality.
- ghee is Ojas-building (life-sustaining) and deeply nourishing.
- It balances Vata and Pitta doshas, aids in digestion, and enhances the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients, and supports the body’s natural immunity, especially in winter when Agni (digestive fire) is stronger and requires grounding, warming fats.
Jaggery
- Jaggery is considered Madhura (sweet), Tikta ( bitter ) and ushna ( warming)
- It’s a warm energy that helps reduce coldness and lethargy associated with the winter blues.
- It has Guru (heavy) and Snigdha (moist) qualities, making it effective in pacifying Vata dosha.
- It is high in minerals like iron and magnesium, improving blood quality and circulation. Jaggery also boosts Agni and is a natural detoxifier, helping cleanse the body of accumulated toxins.
Cashews, Almonds, and Pistachios
- These nuts are considered to be Snigdha (Oily) and Madhura (Sweet) in quality, which are grounding and nourishing. They strengthen and stabilize the body, supporting the tissues and increasing Ojas, which is crucial for immune resilience and mental clarity in winter.
Calorie Values
- Each serving (approximately 50 grams) of this Sukhdi contains around 250-300 calories, primarily from healthy fats and carbohydrates, giving a quick yet sustained energy boost suitable for winter
Tip for Winter
Include warm, grounding spices like Cinnamon, Ginger, or Cardamom in winter diet. These spices further help to balance Vata and Kapha doshas, enhancing warmth and promoting positive energy during winter.