When winter comes, your body needs some extra care to stay strong and healthy. That’s where amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, nellikai or amalaki, steps in. But how do you actually use amla? Let’s make it simple, fun and practical with a range of recipes and ideas you’ll love.
Why Amla Should Be On Your Winter Menu
Amla is no ordinary fruit. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients that can make a big difference in how you feel, especially during the colder months. It’s rich in vitamin C, which is key for keeping your immune system strong. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants that help fight off free radicals and keep your body detoxified.
This wonder fruit also helps improve digestion, supports natural hair care, and is a go-to for skin care.
For those with diabetes, amla can help regulate blood sugar levels. It’s a natural way to manage diabetes without any side effects.
So, it’s no surprise that amla has been a staple in Ayurvedic remedies for centuries.
How to Use Amla This Winter
Here’s a list of recipes you can enjoy amla this season and boost your wellness:
1. Amla Candy
It’s not just tasty but a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin C. Plus, it’s a good snack to carry around.
Instant Amla candy⏱ 30 minutes · 📸 1fresh amla (Indian gooseberries), sugar, jaggery, lemon juice, corn flour(make Slurry with ¼ cup water
Chatpati Amla Candy (Spiced or Masala Amla Candy) !!⏱ 2 to 3 days · 📸 1Amla, Sugar, Powdered Sugar , Black Salt , Chaat Masala
Sweet Amla Candies for Kids⏱ 5 min+ 3 days · 📸 1parboiled amla pieces, sugar syrup or sugar powder or bura
amla candyHuge variety of great amla candy recipes published by home cooks like you!
2. Amla Achar (Pickle)
Traditional Indian amla pickles and recipes that packs the punch of amla with spices. It’s easy to make and pairs well with rice, parathas or even plain rotis.
Amla chilli pickle⏱ 20 minutesamla, green chilli, Salt as per taste, mustard oil, red chilli powder
Amla Sweet pickle with jaggery⏱ 20 min. · 📸 1Amla, Salt, Jaggery (grated), Red chilli powder, Mustard oil
Amla Chunda⏱ 20 minutesamla, jaggery, sugar, chili powder, cumin powder
amla acharHuge variety of great amla achar recipes published by home cooks like you!
3. Amla Juice
Freshly squeezed or homemade, it can help detoxify your system, improve digestion, and keep you feeling energized. You can even mix it with honey for a bit of sweetness. Just a small glass in the morning can work wonders.
Gooseberry ginger juice⏱ 20 minsdesi amla, small pcs of ginger, mint leaves, lemon juice, sugar
Amla Sherbat/Gooseberry Drink⏱ no cooking · 📸 1Amla/Gooseberry chopped, more coconut jaggery powder, black salt, ginger chopped, salt
Pomegranate Amla Detox Juice⏱ 10 minbig pomegranate, medium amla, small piece ginger, rock/black salt, Honey to taste
Amla and Palm Jaggery Juice⏱ No Cook RecipeAmla or Indian Gooseberry, Palm Jaggery, Water, Ice-cubes
amla juiceHuge variety of great amla juice recipes published by home cooks like you!
4. Amla Mukhwas
Looking for a refreshing end to your meal? Amla mukhwas (a mix of roasted amla seeds and spices) makes a great digestive aid.
Superfoods and Seeds Mukhwas⏱ overnightFlax seeds, Chia seeds, Ajwain /carom seeds, Sesame seeds, Sweet fennel seeds
Amla Ginger Mukhwas⏱ 20 minsamla, ginger, powdered sugar, chat masala, black pepper powder
Gooseberry(Amla) and Beetroot mouth freshner⏱ 30 minute · 📸 1 Gooseberry(Amla), beetroots, sugar powder, black pepper powder, sauf powder
amla mukhwasHuge variety of great amla mukhwas recipes published by home cooks like you!
5. Amla Powder (Churna)
If you want to make things even easier, amla powder is your go-to. It’s simple, and it works!
Amla(Gooseberry) Masala Drink⏱ no cookinglukewarm water, amla powder, jaggery powder, dry ginger powder, rock salt
Amla Tea⏱ 20 minuteswater, amla powder, cinnamon powder, cumin powder, lemongrass leaves / tulsi leaves
Turmeric Amla Tea⏱ 10 minutesgrated amla or dried amla powder, turmeric powder or fresh turmeric root, grated jaggery/honey, grated ginger, water
amla powderHuge variety of great amla powder recipes published by home cooks like you!
6. Amla Murabba
Amla murabba is a sweet, tangy preserve that’s often made with jaggery.
Indian Amla(gooseberry)murabba/preserve - no refined sugarAmala/Indian gooseberry, threaded rock sugar, turmeric powder, ginger powder, Saffron strands (optional)
Amla Murabba⏱ 40 minutes · 📸 1Amla (Indian gooseberry), rock sugar (approximately), saffron, cardamom seeds, small pieces cinnamon
Amla murabba with jaggery⏱ 40 minutes · 📸 1amla - gooseberries, sugar /misri, jaggery - gud, saffron, cardamoms
amla murabbaHuge variety of great amla murabba recipes published by home cooks like you!
7. Amla Chutney
Amla chutney adds a fresh, tangy twist to your meals. Made with raw amla, ginger, green chilies, and a mix of spices, it’s a great accompaniment to any Indian dish.
Sweet Amla ChutneyAmlas (10-12 Amlas) (I used 14 Amlas), Oil, Asafoetida, Cumin Seeds, Fennel Seeds
Sweet & Spicy Amla Chutney⏱ 20 minutesamla, mustard oil, mustard seeds (sarson), fenugreek seeds (methi dana), fennel seeds (saunf)
Nellikai Thokku (awla thokku)awla / nellikai, bydgi/ kashmiri chillies, guntur chilli, methi seeds, hing
amla chutneyHuge variety of great amla chutney recipes published by home cooks like you!
8. Amla Jam
Looking for a unique amla recipes? How about an amla jam or marmalade? It’s a fun way to enjoy this superfood while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Amla Jam (Gooseberry)⏱ 10 minutesGooseberry, Sugar, Jeggary, Salt , Cinnamon Stick
Gooseberry (Amla) marmaladefresh gooseberries, sugar, cardamom powder, black pepper powder, Few strands of saffron
9. Amla Laddu
Gooseberry Sesame Coconut Laddoos⏱ 30 minutes · 📸 2Amla/Gooseberries, white sesame seeds /til, Coconut powder, jaggery scraped, Almond powder
Amla ladoo⏱ 50 minsAmla , Sugar
10. Amla Soup
It’s healthy, comforting, and perfect for winter.
Amla Rasam Soup⏱ Preparation time-10 mins, Cooking time-30 mins · 📸 1Amla / gooseberry, jaggery powder, mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chilli powder
Indian Star Gooseberry Soupsmall gooseberries, jeera/cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, green chillies, cut up
Carrot - Gooseberry Soupcarrot pieces, bottle gourd/ lauki dudhi pieces, small gooseberry/ alwa, Salt , Black pepper powder
amla soupHuge variety of great amla soup recipes published by home cooks like you!
More Amla and Jaggery Recipe for Immunity
For an immunity-boosting treat, make a simple amla and jaggery mix. The vitamin C from the amla combines with the iron and energy-boosting properties of jaggery. It’s perfect for those chilly mornings when you need a little pick-me-up.
Amla Jaggery Chutney⏱ 30 minutesAmla/Gooseberry, Jaggery/Gud, Salt, Ghee, Red Chilli powder
Jhatpat khata meetha amla⏱ 20 min.amla steamed, gur (jaggery), red chilli powder, black pepper powder, ginger powder
Amla Gatagat⏱ 10 minutesamla, jaggery, ajjwain, roasted cumin powder, hing
amla and jaggery recipesHuge variety of great amla and jaggery recipes recipes published by home cooks like you!
Some Wellness Tips for Winter
- Stay hydrated: Drink amla juice to stay hydrated and keep your skin glowing.
- Mix with other superfoods: Combine amla with turmeric, ginger and honey for a powerful immune-boosting concoction.
- Use amla powder: If you’re short on time, amla powder can be a quick and easy addition to your routine.
Try these recipes and let amla brighten up your winter days.
Got a favorite amla recipe? Share it with the lovely Cookpad community. Let’s keep the winter vibes healthy and happy!
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