What do hugs from a loved one, listening to a favorite song, and cozy meals on cold days have in common? They all warm you from the inside out!
Food has the almost magical ability to make us feel a certain way. Just as refreshing caprese salads and cold watermelon in the summer elicit feelings of refreshment, warming meals in the winter offer a special kind of comfort.
No matter the heritage diet, there are so many ways to stay nourished with foods that bring added comfort amid cold weather. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Mediterranean
Spiced Slow-Cooker Moujaddara: Moujaddara is a popular Arabic dish made of pureed lentils and spices. Recipes can be warming in terms of temperature or flavors, and this dish is both! In this version, we let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, allowing the lentils to soften and the flavors to meld together.
Creamy One-Pot Millet with Chicken, Goat Cheese and Grapes: Extend the magic of the holidays – in this dish, millet takes on a creamy, almost Thanksgiving stuffing-like texture. The goat cheese melts into the dish at the end, complementing the hearty flavors of the chicken, leeks, and sweet red grapes.
Tomato and Cod Stew with Fennel and Orange: This satisfying seafood stew is full of wintery and Mediterranean flavors. We used cod, but feel free to use whatever white fish is available near you.
Chickpeas Inzimino: In Tuscany, “in zimino” is a term often used to describe dishes cooked with greens and tomato. One popular choice is this chickpea version, lending heartiness to the bright tomato flavor.
Hearty Bean Soup: Sometimes, less is more when it comes to comfort food. This simple soup is a powerhouse of protein and vegetables – plus, it’s even better the second day, so feel free to make a big batch!
Herby Barley and Cannellini Bowl with Leeks and Mushrooms: Similarly, this comforting, Mediterranean-inspired dish reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Latin American
Peanut Butter Chili with Pinto Beans: Meat isn’t required to make a dish hearty – peanuts are what we use to add depth and creaminess to this delicious plant-based chili.
Colombian Beef and Potato Stew: On the other hand, if you’re looking for a touch of meaty flavor, this stew is perfect for a cold day! Sweet potatoes are a welcome addition, adding extra sweetness, vitamin A, and fiber.
Southwest Potato and Corn Chowder: Cumin is always a wonderful cold-weather spice. This tasty dish is best garnished with chopped avocado, lime juice, and cilantro.
Burrito Bowls with Chicken: Burrito bowls are a perfect way to combine your favorite grains, vegetables, legumes, and meat into one mouthwatering dish. This version tops a serving of nutritious quinoa with a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.
Southwest-Style Kamut Chili: This satisfying combination of grain, hominy, tomatoes, and spices topped with cilantro, cheddar, and lime is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
African
Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk and Ginger: Try this warming, dairy-free soup from A Taste of African Heritage instructor Vicki Mines, featuring butternut and acorn squash and the gentle tingle of fresh ginger.
Spicy Sorghum Carrot Soup: Carrots and an array of spices come together in a nourishing blend, while sorghum lends great texture and heartiness to this dish.
Banana Millet Breakfast Porridge: Another important African heritage grain, millet can be eaten at every meal. Try this porridge as a satisfying and healthy breakfast option. Pre-soaking the millet overnight, or at least for a few hours, is recommended to give the porridge a creamier texture.
Oldways Ethiopian Cabbage: Here’s Oldways’ take on a classic vegan Ethiopian dish. Enjoy with injera or as a vibrant side to spice up your meal!
Asian
Adrak Masoor Dal (Ginger Pink Lentils): Ginger, cumin and coriander add delicious flavor to this quick-cooking lentil dish. Enjoy these lentils served over rice or scooped with whole grain flatbread. Alternately, you can serve in a small bowl as a hearty and warming soup!
Kale and Shiitake Mushroom Bowl: The toastiness of the almonds and the warming flavor of the sage make this the perfect treat for a snowy day.
Millet Tahari: Tahari is a traditional Indian rice dish flavored with vegetables spices. In this version, we use millet, an ancient grain with a long, rich history in Indian cuisine.
Whole Wheat Peanut Noodles with Turmeric and Tofu: Noodles with peanut sauce always hits the spot, and turmeric-seasoned tofu adds protein and depth of flavor.
While these warming recipes are an excellent starting point, there are so many ways to warm yourself from the inside-out this season. Especially in the winter months, sharing meals and time with loved ones is a powerful tool for improved health and happiness.
You could even combine both principles and try making one of these dishes – or another from our catalogue — with family and friends. Happy cooking, and stay warm!
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