The 5 Best Winter Recipes to Make Right Now!
As winter approaches, the desire for warm, hearty meals intensifies.
These five recipes are perfect for cozying up on a chilly evening, offering a mix of rich flavours and comforting ingredients.
Let’s dive into these must-try winter dishes.
1. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a popular dish known for its creamy tomato-based sauce and tender chunks of marinated chicken. This recipe is a favorite for those who enjoy bold and rich flavors.
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:
- Marinate the chicken in yogurt and half of the spices for at least 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a large pot and sauté the onions until golden brown.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes, cooking until they soften.
- Mix in the remaining spices and cook for 1 minute to release their aromas.
- Add the marinated chicken, stirring to coat with the sauce.
- Pour in the heavy cream, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with coriander, and serve with rice or naan.
2. Cottage Pie
Cottage pie is a classic British comfort food, featuring a savoury minced meat filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 500g 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:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large pan, cook the beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the onions and carrots until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Return the beef to the pan and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread the meat mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Creamy Butternut Soup
This creamy butternut soup is perfect for a light yet warming winter meal.
The subtle sweetness of the butternut squash is enhanced by aromatic spices!
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:
- In a large pot, sauté the onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the butternut squash and spices, stirring to coat the squash.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth, return to the pot, and stir in the cream.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
4. Ragu Lasagna
Ragu lasagna is a rich and hearty dish that layers tender pasta with a meaty ragu sauce and creamy béchamel.
Ingredients:
- 500g 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:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large pan, cook the beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot until softened. Add the beef back to the pan, along with tomatoes, broth, and herbs. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a baking dish, layer noodles, ragu, béchamel, and cheeses, repeating until the dish is full.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
5. Bangers and Mash
A British favourite, bangers and mash is a simple yet satisfying dish of sausages and creamy mashed potatoes, often served with 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:
- Cook the sausages in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
- Boil the potatoes until tender, then mash with milk and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
- In the same skillet, cook the onions until caramelized. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add beef broth, stirring until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve the sausages over the mashed potatoes, topped with onion gravy.
These recipes are sure to warm you up and satisfy your winter cravings. Enjoy the cozy comfort of these hearty meals!
