The wind gets chillier, the rains get more frequent, the jackets are coming out of storage, let’s say it together — welcome to fall!
Listen, while some of us may be battling the post-summer blues, let’s face it, it’s time to say goodbye to long days and endless short shorts, and hello to what the internet dubs *cozy vibes*, and that translates to the seasonal eats too. Enough with the pumpkin spice lattes though, South Asians have more than enough options to fill that gap, and here are five of our favorites…
Kaddu ki sabzi
Okay, maybe you’re not dunking your pumpkin in your iced coffee, might as well add some spices and make a whole meal out of it! This seasonal favorite takes the vegetable and adds a light dusting of masalas and herbs to it, a staple of most South Asian households during this time because of its hearty nature and ease of preparation. You might like 10 Easy Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love from SEEMA
Haleem
A favorite of Muslim households is haleem, a slow-cooked stew originating from the Middle East that has countries like India and Pakistan in a chokehold. Its combination of wheat, barley, meat (like beef or lamb), and lentils makes it a well-balanced and extremely satisfying meal, often associated with festive occasions like Eid. You might like SEEMA’s Haleem recipe
Hot Toddy
Did you know hot toddy originated as a term and beverage from India’s own toddy drink?…you did, well, then you know why it’s on this list. The drink may not be inherently South Asian, but every nosey but well-meaning uncle worth his salt has recommended a cup of hot liquor, honey, lemon juice and spices on a chilly night. You might like SEEMA’s Festive Cocktails with a Desi Twist
Kheer
Kheer may just look like haleem made into a dessert, but this popular rice pudding is a traditional part of many festivities all across the South Asian diaspora. It has taken on that form due to its extremely simple build (essentially just milk, rice and sugar) and the warmth it provides (cold kheer lovers, you have issues). You might like our Delicious Kheer Recipe for Diwali from SEEMA
Masala Chai
Let’s be real, the rest of the world can do all they want with chai tea lattes (you do realize that just means “tea tea,” right?), but nothing beats a warm cup of masala chai in the early morning or the evening. Cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and a variety of other creative spices liven up what is basically part and parcel of all our households. You might like SEEMA’s Ode to Chai
