From creamy pumpkin gnocchi to decadent brownies, these are indulgent meals to warm your soul.
12 Heartwarming Recipes That Are Perfect for Winter
From creamy pumpkin gnocchi to decadent brownies, these are indulgent meals to warm your soul.
The cooler months call for meals that make us feel comforted and help banish the winter blues. When the temperature drops we tend to crave meals that are warm, have plenty of sustenance and are loaded with carbs – a light salad just won't cut it!
Below, we share 12 delicious and heartwarming recipes to add to your rotation during the cooler months that are sure to keep you cosy indoors.
Whether you're in the mood for a cheesy lasagne or a nutritious soup, these vegetarian recipes are sure to hit the spot and impress even meat lovers.
1. Brothy White Bean and Kale Soup
Tomatoes, leafy greens, spices, herbs, and legumes culminate to create a meal that's heartwarming, delicious, and perfect for any occasion ranging from a dinner party with friends to a rainy day in bed. Topped with croutons for added crunch and carby goodness, it truly is the most well-rounded of soups.
2. Cheesy Lasagne Alla Portofino
You can't go wrong with lasagne with its creamy, rich layers. It's a true crowd-pleasing dish that's easy to make and assemble. Packed with spinach and basil along with a velvety bechamel sauce and plenty of mozzarella cheese, this dish is indulgent and delicious.
3. Golden Chickpea Curry With Roast Pumpkin and Broccolini
Kat Vel's take on a chickpea curry is aromatic and sophisticated featuring a blend of spices including garam masala, turmeric, and cumin. Topped with a dollop of Greek yoghurt that perfectly cuts through the spice and is served alongside roast pumpkin and broccolini, this dish has a delightfully rich flavour profile and is geared towards comfort.
4. Simple Indian Dal Tadka With Roti
Diana Chan's delicious recipe for dal tadka calls for ghee and yellow and red split lentils. It also involves the traditional process of tempering spices like garam masala, asafoetida, and cumin to give colour, fragrance, and flavour. This creamy concoction is served with roti for a nourishing meal that's loaded with fibre and protein.
5. Potato Dauphinoise With Garlic and Thyme
Jessica Nguyen's potato dauphinoise recipe is a dish of uncooked thinly sliced potatoes cooked in a cream sauce. This French classic is a brilliant food to serve as a side dish at dinner parties as it will feed many, is easy to make, and is incredibly satisfying.
6. Zaynab Issa's Decadent Salted Tahini Brownies
While there is a surplus of brownie renditions out there, we think this one takes the cake. With its deliciously fudgy and rich chocolate flavour perfectly contrasted and enhanced by the tahini swirl and kosher salt flakes, it's an absolute winner at any event.
7. Spiced Pear and Strawberry Crumble
Using just one bowl, one baking dish, and minimal effort, the end result is a crisp, buttery crumb atop a juicy layer of stewed pear and strawberries. Lightly spiced with the warming flavour of cinnamon, this is a sweet and satisfying end to any meal – or long day at work.
8. Hearty Minestrone Soup With Whipped Butter and Sourdough
Filled with a medley of veggies and beans and topped with parmesan to add a rich, cheesy flavour to the broth, Kat Vel's take on this Italian classic delivers the heartwarming flavours you'd hope for. In this recipe, she also shares how to make delicious whipped butter that's to be spread on crusty bread and served alongside the soup.
9. Diana Chan’s Stovetop Mac and Cheese
This simple classic consists of two delicious main elements: al dente pasta of your choice coated in a glossy cheese sauce. This mouthwatering dish serves 6-8 people and can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect midweek meal, with leftovers for the next day – if you manage to leave any behind!
10. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Yoghurt and Pistachios
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and soft texture and creates a delightfully crisp and caramelised skin. Zaynab Issa's recipe involves roasting this sugary root vegetable and pairing it with a creamy, umami concoction of Greek yoghurt, miso paste, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
11. Pumpkin Gnocchi With Butter and Sage
Despite any concerns you might have, making and rolling the gnocchi dough is incredibly simple (not to mention enjoyable) – and once you have that part done and dusted, the finished dish will be on the table in no time. Topped with crunchy pine nuts and sage leaves, this vibrant dish will become a household favourite.
12. Sticky Date Pudding With Rich Butterscotch Sauce
This recipe can be made, baked and served all within an hour. The pudding is best served warm but don't worry if you are time poor and need to make it in advance. You can serve it with the warm butterscotch sauce or even heat it up in the microwave.
