Winter Snack Recipes: 5 Chef Special Recipes to Enjoy with Evening Tea This Winter

Winter is the perfect time to indulge in warm, cozy snacks that complement a hot cup of tea. Whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet, these five chef special recipes are ideal for elevating your evening tea time. Easy to prepare, these snacks bring the warmth and comfort of the season to your taste buds.

1. Cheese and Herb Stuffed Samosas

A twist on the classic samosa, these cheese and herb-stuffed snacks are the perfect indulgence to pair with your tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 8-10 samosa wrappers
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, fresh herbs, black pepper, and chili flakes.
2. Spoon the mixture onto each samosa wrapper and fold them into triangles.
3. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the samosas until golden brown.
4. Serve hot with your favorite chutney or dipping sauce.

These samosas are rich, flavorful, and a great way to spice up your evening tea break.

2. Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Aioli

Sweet potato fries are a healthier, yet indulgent option for a winter snack. Paired with a creamy garlic aioli, they’re the perfect accompaniment to your tea.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crispy.
4. While the fries bake, mix the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice to create the aioli.
5. Serve the sweet potato fries hot with the garlic aioli on the side.

These crispy fries, with their perfect balance of sweetness and savory aioli, will be a crowd favorite.

3. Spicy Corn & Cheese Balls

A cheesy, spicy snack that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside – perfect for those chilly winter evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiled corn kernels
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the boiled corn, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, green chili, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well until it forms a sticky dough.
2. Shape the mixture into small balls.
3. Heat oil in a pan and fry the balls until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve hot with a tangy tamarind dip.

These corn and cheese balls are a burst of flavor that pair wonderfully with evening tea.

4. Crispy Veg Pakoras

Pakoras are a popular winter snack in India and perfect for dipping into chai. The crispy texture and warm, spicy flavors are the essence of a cozy winter evening.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (onion, spinach, cauliflower, etc.)
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chickpea flour, chopped vegetables, green chilies, cumin seeds, turmeric, and salt.
2. Add water gradually to make a thick batter.
3. Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
4. Fry the pakoras until golden and crispy.
5. Serve hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

These vegetable pakoras are a comforting snack that adds warmth and spice to your tea time.

5. Cinnamon Sugar Donut Holes

A sweet treat to balance out the savory snacks, these cinnamon sugar donut holes will bring a touch of sweetness to your evening tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Add the milk, egg, and melted butter, and mix until a smooth dough forms.
3. Heat oil in a pan and carefully drop spoonfuls of dough to form small donut holes.
4. Fry until golden brown and drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon for rolling.
6. While the donut holes are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
7. Serve these fluffy, sweet treats with your tea for a perfect finish.

Conclusion:

These five winter snack recipes are the perfect way to spice up your evening tea time. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory like samosas and pakoras, or something sweet like donut holes, these recipes will bring warmth, comfort, and delicious flavors to your winter evenings. So, gather your ingredients, brew a pot of tea, and enjoy these delightful snacks with family and friends!