Winter is in full swing, bringing with it not only snow and bitter winds but also a fantastic array of seasonal ingredients. With the New Year celebrations left behind, you can now start a resolution that has nothing to do with diet, but everything to do with healthy eating. We have chosen 5 winter recipes that are full of natural ingredients and flavor, are very easy to make, and above all, they’re simply delicious. Inspired by different cuisines, from Italian to Indian and Japanese, these recipes are a pleasure to prepare, even for a novice. Take a look at the list below to find your new favorite dish:
Red Lentil Soup with Beet GreensRed lentils warmed by ginger, cumin and garlic make this soup a welcome addition to any winter lunch menu. Hearty and incredibly easy to make, the meal also has a secret ingredient: beet greens. They are healthy and cleanse the organism but also add natural saltiness and bitterness to the dish, perfectly complementing the sweeter turmeric and the sharp lemon. You can replace the greens with other leaves or any green vegetables you have available. Ideal as a winter meal and packed with nutrients, you can learn to prepare this Indian inspired soup here. |
Homemade Pumpkin-Ricotta Ravioli with Brown Butter Walnut…There’s something irresistible about Italian foods and these homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli illustrate the genius of this beloved cuisine. As it is the case with most Italian recipes, this one requires minimal but high quality ingredients. Easier to prepare than you might think, you can make the pasta entirely by hand, or you can also use modern contraptions like a processor and pasta machine. The filling blends the delicate flavor of pumpkin with a bit of strong Parmigiana and plenty of fresh ricotta. The piece of resistance is a stunning sauce made with brown butter, sage and walnuts, elevating the meal to a new dimension. This dish is designed to impress – see all the steps here |
Spice Merchant Cauliflower CouscousA tasty and inspired take on the classic couscous, this intriguing recipe can be made quickly with the help of a food processor. By using cauliflower instead of the starchy ingredient, this meal is not only more healthy, but it is also suitable for gluten-free diets. Simply break the vegetable into smaller pieces and add them to the processor to make them resemble couscous. Spices, sultanas, roasted cashews, and hints of cumin and lemon add incredible flavor and texture to the dish. Warm, spicy, and full of delicious ingredients, this meal is a perfect solution for a family meal during the winter. See the recipe here |
Tori No Mizutaki—Chicken & Vegetable Hot PotFew meals can be more suitable for a cold winter day than a well-made Japanese “hot pot”, which can be either a soup or a stew. The nabe is always made in a single pot and always combines various vegetables in a hearty dish that is then shared with the whole family. We love this recipe because it features carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, and chicken, among others, and can be prepared and eaten in less than an hour. A great choice for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, the dish will bring a comfortable and warm feel to any winter lunch or dinner. Read the recipe here |
Chickpea Fettuccine with Harissa, Kale, and OlivesGluten-free diets have become more common over the last years, but it’s not often that you come across a suitable homemade pasta recipe that you can make quickly. We’ve found the perfect dish that combines the healthy aspects of a gluten-free meal with the tasty Mediterranean and spicy Tunisian accents. Made with chickpea flour, the fettuccine have a subtle flavor, ideal for complementing the aromatic olives and the fiery harissa paste. Kale and pine nuts add more vitamins and texture to this lovely dish. A light and warming meal, this recipe is also easy to prepare. Find out what ingredients you need and learn all the steps here. |