Spices for Winter Immunity Boosting

As the temperatures drop and winter colds start making the rounds, it’s the perfect time to turn to your kitchen for a little extra support. In Indian homes, food isn’t just about filling bellies, it’s about healing, comforting, and keeping the body in balance. And when it comes to immunity, spices play a starring role.

At Sobhna’s, our recipes have always drawn on this wisdom. Here are some of our favourite winter-friendly spices, why they matter, and how to easily use them at home.

Turmeric (Haldi)

Known as nature’s anti-inflammatory, turmeric has been used for centuries to fight infections and support immunity. It contains curcumin, which has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. TIP: add a pinch of black pepper to your turmeric, this increases the benefits of it by almost 2000%. 

How to use it:

✔️ Stir a pinch into warm milk or plant-based milk before bed

✔️ Add it to soups, dals, and of course your curries

✔️ Try our curry pastes for a balanced, warming turmeric hit

Cumin (Jeera)

Cumin aids digestion, which is closely linked to immunity in Ayurveda. It’s also packed with iron and antioxidants.

How to use it:

✔️ Dry roast and sprinkle on roasted veggies or soups

✔️ Add whole seeds to hot oil before cooking curries or rice

✔️ It’s already one of the hero spices in our curry pastes

Hing (Asafoetida)

This underrated spice has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce bloating, great for those heavy winter meals.

How to use it:

✔️ A tiny pinch in hot oil before adding other spices

✔️ It pairs beautifully with lentils, beans, and potatoes

✔️ Look out for it in our upcoming spice blends

Chilli (Lal Mirch)

Chilli naturally boosts metabolism, warms you up, and clears congested sinuses.

How to use it:

✔️ Add according to your heat tolerance in soups and curries

✔️ A sprinkle of medium chilli powder in stews adds a lovely depth

✔️ Our medium and hot curry pastes give the perfect winter kick

Fenugreek (Methi)

Fenugreek seeds and leaves are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to ease sore throats and fevers.

How to use it:

✔️ Add seeds to curries or tempering

✔️ Sprinkle dried leaves (kasturi methi) into butter chicken, saag paneer, or vegetable curries

Easy Immunity-Boosting Curry Idea

Quick Turmeric & Cumin Dal

Simmer yellow split lentils with garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin seeds, and a spoon of our curry paste for a nourishing, immune-supporting dinner. Serve with rice and a dollop of yoghurt.

Final Thought

This winter, let your kitchen be your pharmacy. Adding a few of these spices to your daily meals can help keep sniffles and sluggishness at bay. And if you don’t have time to gather them all? Our curry pastes are lovingly made with these ingredients already blended for you, no preservatives, low salt, and big flavour.

Stay warm, stay well, and keep cooking!

Sobhna & Nimeesha