Here is how you can make the ultimate winter warmer - Harira/Hareera

So, the winter has arrived finally and you’re feeling under the cold. There is always this feeling of having something warm that can comfort you in this chilly weather. Some of the choices are a cup of tea, cold coffee, hot chocolate, soups or the new-age kadha made up of various herbs and a few spices. But, going the desi way there are only a few options available like haldi doodh, sheera and harira/hareera. We all are quite familiar with what haldi doodh and sheera is, but most of the people are still not familiar with what ‘Harira’ is!

What is Harira/Hareera?
It’s a drink that’s popularly given to new mothers as the ingredients present in it heal the new mothers and makes them feel energetic. Not just that, this drink is quite helpful in blood circulation. It is an excellent drink to keep the body warm during the motherhood period. However, the benefits of Harira are not just limited to these. It has been known to regulate the menstrual cycle as the ingredients present in have such properties in them. Listed below are some of the benefits of the ingredients used in it.

Benefits of Harira ingredients
Ajwain or carom seeds are known to have anti-inflammatory and antitussive properties in them, which can treat the seasonal cold very easily. Not just that, sonth or dry ginger powder is known to have anti-inflammatory properties in it as well, which helps in keeping the body warm while treating the cold. While jaggery and dry fruits are known to boost your immunity while keeping you warm throughout the winters.

So, if someone is having irregular periods or looking forward to getting some warmth, one must consider drinking this comforting drink. Here’s how you can easily make it at home.

Ingredients
Ghee, 2-3 tbsp
Ajwain, 1 tbsp
Sonth (dry ginger powder), 1/2 tbsp
All dry fruits, 4-5 tbsp
Gud (jaggery), 50 gms
Water, 1 1/2 cup

Method

• To make this recipe, put a kadhai on medium flame and add ghee in it. When the ghee is warm enough, add sonth & ajwain in it.
• Quickly stir for a few seconds and then add dry fruits in it. Let the dry fruits fry for 2-3 minutes.
• Now, you can add gud and water at this stage in the kadhai and stir well.
• Cook the mixture till it is 3/4th remaining. Once done, serve it hot.

Tip: You can soak the gud in 1/2 cup warm water and then strain it. This would make sure that no impurities get inside this drink as gud sometimes contain dirt. Mix it in the water after straining and cook as instructed.



Recipe by Preeti Rohilla, Home Chef