Nutrition
Grandma’s Remedy for Healing a Cold Quickly : Besan ka Sheera
Winter is here, but so are the common seasonal ailments like cough and cold. Try out this recipe for besan ka sheera to warm you up during the cold season.

Ingredients list
- 1 tablespoon Ghee
- 3 tablespoons Besan
- 1 cup Milk (of choice)
- ¼ teaspoon Cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
- ¼ cup Jaggery / Coconut Sugar / Sweetener (of choice)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Bundling ourselves in jackets and coats, sipping on hot chocolate and hosting outdoor picnics—the joys of winter are many. But what is decidedly not fun is falling sick with a cold or flu at the turn of the season. Fortunately, the sore throat, relentless coughing and blocked nose that a cold brings with it can be treated by Besan ka sheera, an age-old remedy in Punjabi households.
The recipe uses turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and black pepper, which greatly increases the bioavailability of the nutrients in turmeric. Besan or chickpea flour is a powerhouse of antioxidants and an excellent source of Vitamin B1. Ideally consumed before bed, all these ingredients in combination can help clear your nasal tract, provide relief from the cold, and also help boost your immunity system against further infections.
Preparation
Step 1 :
Melt ghee in a small pot, then add besan or chickpea flour, and stir the two together until the flour becomes dark yellow/golden in colour and gives off a nutty aroma.
Step 2 :
Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to ensure no lumps are formed. Stir in the spices and sweetener. Mix well.
Step 3 :
Once the milk is hot and the mixture has started to thicken, turn off the heat. Pour into a cup and serve warm.
Pro Tip:
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more milk.
- You can use Indian Besan flour (desi chana flour) or chickpea flour. Both work well, though besan will have a nuttier flavour.
About the Chef
Amrita Kaur is an Ayurvedic chef and food content creator who began her journey as a creator nine years back when she moved to Mumbai. By learning the roots of Ayurveda and combining them with modern day needs, she ensures that she’s sharing content and information that resonates with today’s generation. Her upcoming workshop ‘You Don't Have to Carry it Anymore' A Holistic Approach Towards Weight-loss will focus on healing your relationship with your body and practising mindful eating as a fresh approach towards losing weight.
448 Kcal
49g
7g
24g
3.4
1
10 Mins
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