Prepare for Winter with These Delicious Recipes

We all get lazy during winter, which affects the food we eat. We lack energy to cook, so we either end up eating take out or snacking on unhealthy foods throughout the day. Avoid these habits this year by whipping up some (or all) of the delicious recipes listed below.

1. Vegetable stew with sauerkraut

During winter months, any kind of soup, stew and chili brings joy to my face. One of the best things about it is being able to make a giant pot of your favourite kind, and then divide into portions to enjoy throughout the whole week. This is what I have been doing this entire time during quarantine – I don’t feel like cooking everyday, so pairing lentil or tomato soup with any and all kinds of side dishes is the perfect alternative. And lately I’ve really been enjoying this delicious vegetable soup with sauerkraut. If you’re interested in trying out this simple recipe, keep reading!

Before doing anything else, make sure to rinse sauerkraut under running cold water and drain well. Then place it in a small saucepan, add some peppercorns and bay a leaf, cover it with hot water and cook for about 20 minutes to soften the cabbage. Heat some oil in the pan and chop up some onion, letting it soften on the heated pan. Then add some chopped garlic cloves, tomato paste, and ground pepper, and fry until the smell of tomatoes fills the kitchen. Now, add some flour and mix well for about a minute, and add chopped and peeled potatoes, carrots and kohlrabi into the saucepan, season with cumin and add the broth. All that’s left is to cover the saucepan and let the stew cook until the vegetables are soft, which will take about 15 minutes. Once this is done, add the drained sauerkraut and rinsed beans into the soup, mix well, and cook until it boils. Add any seasoning to taste, including parsley.

With various vegetables and delicious spices, this stew makes for the perfect meal

2. Salmon patty with fried egg

I love this recipe so much! It’s super easy to prepare – you can even use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon, or you can use canned tuna instead if that’s what you prefer. It’ll taste a little different, but delicious nonetheless. You can eat the salmon with an egg, put it on a salad or serve it with some other great side dish. It’s super versatile, which is why this is one of my favourite dishes to make.

If using fresh salmon, chop half and cube the other half. If you’re using the canned kind, grind it down. Add grated ginger and garlic, chopped parsley, a scrambled egg, and breadcrumbs. If you like it spicy, add some chili flakes. Don’t forget to throw in a teaspoon of salt and some pepper. Mix well, using a fork first, then your hands. Wet your hands and form meatballs with the mixture – two larger or four smaller – then flatten them into patties. Heat up some oil and fry the patties for about 4 minutes on each side. Serve them on a plate, placing a fried egg on top. Pierce the yolk to spread over salmon pattie and enjoy.

Salmon is full of fatty acids, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients

3. Oatmeal with raspberries and almond flakes

Oatmeal is one of the best breakfasts or dinners in winter. I’ve been making all kinds of oatmeal for the past few years now and I’m pretty sure I’m not stopping any time soon. You can always prepare the basic oatmeal in the same way, and then play around with the other ingredients: use raspberries, apples, mangoes, carrots and walnuts, or even a fried egg and cheese. The possibilities are unlimited!

Pour water into a saucepan and then mix in the oatmeal. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring several times in between. Then mix in some maple, slowly adding milk. Then keep stirring until the oatmeal is cooked through. Grab another, smaller saucepan, and throw in some raspberries, cinnamon, and vanilla essence. Heat it up, letting the raspberries to soften. Serve the oatmeal in a small bowl, garnish it with extra raspberries, apple slices, pieces of chocolate … Basically, anything your heart desires. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Perhaps more of a snack, this raspberry oatmeal will delight your tastebuds

4. Wholemeal spaghetti in vegan sauce with roasted broccoli

Spaghetti dishes are necessary in winter as well. Since you probably don’t have fresh tomatoes at your disposal, use porridge and enrich it with homemade vegan cream, and serve with roasted broccoli. Roasted broccoli is the best way to prepare broccoli. I’m crazy about it.

Soak cashews in boiling water for 15 minutes. Then drain the water and throw the nuts in a blender, adding fresh water and salt. Mixing this will create a dreamy liquid cream, perfect to top off your spaghetti. Now, cut up the broccoli, cover it with oil, salt, and pepper, and bake for about 30 minutes in the oven, preheated to 190°C (374°F). Heat up some oil in a pan and fry up chopped garlic. Add sliced ​​tomatoes, basil, chili flakes and a little pepper. Add some tomato paste, stir for a few minutes, then add the cream, stir again, and bring to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package, then drain and mix into the sauce.

Although not a fan favourite, when prepared correctly, broccoli astounds everyone

5. Excellent chili con carne for cold days

When, if not now! Chili con carne is divine, and even more so if you prepare it at home with love. You can use black or red beans, beef, lamb, pork or veal, and warm, winter spices are also a must. This chili also remains perfect after heating it up. Yum!

Heat up some oil in a saucepan and fry up any kind of meat you prefer – I personally go for beef most of the time. As the meat is basking in its own juices, place some chopped onion in the same saucepan and fry for another minute, then add the chopped garlic. Once you can smell the delicious garlic, add the diced peppers, stirring and frying them for about three minutes. Sprinkle in all of your desired spices and mix well. After a minute or two pour in some peeled tomatoes and broth. Stir well and cook for at least 30 minutes – the longer you cook, the better the chili. Make sure you have it covered during this time so that the liquid doesn’t evaporate and your chili doesn’t burn. After a half an hour of cooking, try the chili and add salt and pepper if necessary. Throw in a cup of washed and drained beans, mix well and cook for yet another ten minutes, but this time take the lid off.

Spicy meaty dish with multiple health benefits