The 5 Best Winter Recipes to Make Right Now!

1) Chicken Tikka Masala

Creamy, tomato‑based, and boldly spiced—tender marinated chicken in a sauce that comforts like a blanket.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh coriander for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in yogurt and half the spices for at least 1 hour.
2. Heat oil; sauté onions until golden. Add garlic and ginger; cook 2 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes and cook until softened.
4. Add remaining spices; cook 1 minute to bloom aromatics.
5. Add marinated chicken; coat in sauce.
6. Pour in cream, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes until cooked through.
7. Season to taste; garnish with coriander. Serve with rice or naan.

2) Cottage Pie

A classic: savoury mince topped with creamy mash, baked until golden.

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Brown beef; remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onions and carrots until soft; add garlic for 1 minute.
4. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire, and broth; return beef and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in peas.
5. Boil potatoes until tender; mash with milk and butter. Season.
6. Spread meat in a baking dish; top with mash. Bake 25 minutes or until golden.

3) Creamy Butternut Soup

Silky and lightly sweet, lifted with warm spice—ideal for a light yet warming meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sauté onion until soft; add garlic for 1 minute.
2. Add butternut and spices; stir to coat.
3. Pour in broth; bring to a boil, then simmer until tender.
4. Blend smooth; return to pot and stir in cream. Season and serve hot.

4) Ragu Lasagna

Layers of pasta, slow‑simmered ragu, and creamy béchamel—bubbly, rich, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 12 lasagna noodles
• 3 cups béchamel sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Brown beef; remove. Sauté onion, garlic, carrot until soft.
3. Return beef; add tomatoes, broth, herbs. Simmer 30 minutes. Season.
4. Cook noodles per pack instructions.
5. Layer in a dish: noodles, ragu, béchamel, cheeses; repeat.
6. Bake 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

5) Bangers and Mash

Comfort on a plate: juicy sausages, creamy mash, and sweet onion gravy.

Ingredients

• 8 pork sausages
• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook sausages in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
2. Boil potatoes until tender; mash with milk and butter. Season.
3. In the skillet, caramelise onions; stir in flour for 1 minute.
4. Add broth and stir until thickened; season.
5. Serve sausages over mash, topped with onion gravy.

These recipes are sure to warm you up and satisfy winter cravings. Enjoy the cozy comfort of these hearty meals!