In the chilly winter months, a warm, comforting meal can help us forget the discomfort brought by the cold and provide solace to our body and soul. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrition and flavor.
Whether you're seeking a soothing hot beverage to ward off the cold, craving a steaming bowl of soup, or indulging in aromatic oven-baked dishes, you can whip up these heartwarming delights right in your own kitchen. Let's explore these delicious recipes that bring a touch of warmth and goodness to the winter season.
This article will present you with the step-by-step process for each recipe, helping you serve up warm and comforting meals for your family and friends. Let's embrace the challenges of winter, savor the warmth wafting through the kitchen, and revel in the joy that food brings!
No.1 Spicy Tomato Stew in a Clay Pot
Recipe Features:
Sweet and tangy tomatoes paired with spiciness to enhance the flavor, with a variety of vegetables and meats.
Warmth Factor:
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can boost the immune system. The spiciness also helps increase body temperature.
Cooking Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients：
2 medium-sized tomatoes, cut into chunks
1 onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced
2 green chili peppers, thinly sliced
300 grams of chicken thigh meat, cut into pieces
300 grams of squid, cut into rings
200 grams of shrimp, peeled and deveined - Saute the Seasonings：
Heat an appropriate amount of cooking oil in a preheated clay pot and add the minced garlic. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 30 seconds.
Add the sliced onions, red chili peppers, and green chili peppers. Stir-fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes. - Add Tomatoes and Seasonings：
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook over medium heat until they become soft, which takes approximately 5 minutes.
Season with salt, black pepper, and chili powder to taste, adjusting the amount according to your personal preference. - Cook the Meat and Seafood：
Add the chicken thigh meat and cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Add the cut squid rings and cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until they turn white.
Finally, add the peeled shrimp and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink. - Adjust the Seasoning and Serve：
Continue to adjust the seasoning with salt and chili powder according to your personal taste.
After turning off the heat, let the clay pot sit for a moment to allow the flavors of the ingredients to meld.
Transfer the Spicy Tomato Stew to a bowl or plate and serve it with rice or noodles.
No.2 Vegetable Chicken Soup
Recipe Highlights:
This soup is characterized by simmering chicken and various vegetables, creating a delicious taste.
Warming Reasons:
The calories and protein provided by chicken help increase body temperature, while the vitamins and nutrients from vegetables contribute to boosting immunity.
Cooking Steps:
- Prepare Ingredients：
300g chicken pieces, preferably chicken breast or thigh, cut into small pieces
1 onion, sliced finely
2 carrots, sliced into small pieces
1 bell pepper, cut into small cubes
1 large tomato, cut into chunks
2 cloves garlic, minced
A suitable amount of ginger, sliced thinly
A suitable amount of cooking wine
Salt and pepper to taste
A suitable amount of water - Blanch the Chicken：
Place the chicken pieces in hot water and blanch for about 2-3 minutes to remove blood and impurities. Then, remove and set aside. - Boil and Simmer：
In a pot of hot water, add cooking wine and ginger slices. Add the blanched chicken pieces, bring to a boil, and skim off any foam.
Adjust the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken becomes tender. - Add Vegetables：
Add onion, carrot slices, and bell pepper cubes. Continue boiling for about 5 minutes.
Add tomato chunks and boil for an additional 1-2 minutes. - Season and Sauté：
Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to personal preference.
In another pan, heat cooking oil. Once hot, add minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying until fragrant. - Mix Seasonings and Sautéed Ingredients：
Add the sautéed garlic and ginger to the simmered soup, stirring well. - Boil and Cook Vegetables：
Continue boiling for about 2-3 minutes to ensure the vegetables are cooked and flavorful. - Serve：
Taste the soup before serving, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the vegetable chicken soup into bowls, garnishing with some fresh herbs.
The warm vegetable chicken soup is a healthy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rice or noodles.
No.3 Roasted Pumpkin and Cheese Pasta
Recipe Highlights:
This dish features roasted pumpkin and cheese, enhancing both the texture and nutrition of the pasta.
Warming Reasons:
Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and fiber, which can help boost immunity, while cheese provides abundant protein and energy.
Cooking Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients：
300g of Italian pasta, adjust the quantity as needed
500g of pumpkin, peeled and seeded, cut into small pieces
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, thinly sliced
200ml of cream
200g of Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
Olive oil as needed - Roast the Pumpkin：
Place the diced pumpkin on a baking tray, season with salt and black pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
Put the baking tray into a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) and roast for about 25 minutes or until the pumpkin becomes tender and slightly browned. - Cook the Italian Pasta：
In a pot of boiling water, add salt and cook the Italian pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente. - Sauté the Vegetables：
In a hot pan, add a suitable amount of cooking oil and sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant. - Prepare the Cheese Sauce：
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted.
Continue stirring for about 1-2 minutes to thicken the cheese sauce. - Combine the Ingredients：
Add the cooked Italian pasta to the saucepan and mix well with the cheese sauce.
Add the roasted pumpkin pieces and gently stir to combine. - Transfer to the Oven：
Transfer the pasta mixture to an ovenproof dish and sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs as a topping to create a golden-brown crust on the surface. - Preheat the Oven：
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the dish in the oven.
Bake for 8-10 Minutes
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta's surface is golden and crispy. - Remove from the Oven：
Take the dish out of the oven and let the pasta cool slightly before serving.
No. 4 Black Rice Porridge
Recipe Features:
Porridge made from black rice, with a deep black color and a deliciously sweet and soft texture.
Warming Benefits:
Black rice is rich in fiber and calories, providing long-lasting energy and helping to keep the body warm.
Cooking Steps:
- Start by measuring the appropriate amount of rice.
- Place washed black rice in a cooking pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and soak for 30 minutes.
- Bring the black rice and water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the rice grains become soft and glutinous.
- According to personal taste, you can add a little salt or honey to enhance the flavor.
No. 5 Jam Oatmeal
Recipe Features:
Baked with pumpkin and cheese to enhance texture and nutrition.
Warming Benefits:
Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and fiber, helping to boost immunity, while cheese provides abundant protein and energy.
Cooking Method:
- Prepare Ingredients:
1 cup of oatmeal
2 cups of water or milk
Jam of your choice (you can choose your favorite jam according to personal taste) - Boil Water or Milk:
Heat an appropriate amount of water (or milk) until it boils, then add the oatmeal.
Cook the oatmeal over medium heat according to package instructions, approximately 5-10 minutes. The longer you cook, the softer the oatmeal will become. - Mix Ingredients:
Pour the cooked oatmeal into a bowl and add an appropriate amount of jam. You can add as much as you like according to personal taste, and gently stir to mix evenly.
If desired, you can add some additional ingredients such as chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts), honey, raisins, etc., to enhance texture and nutritional value.
Use a spoon to mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the jam and additional ingredients are well blended with the oatmeal. - Let the Oatmeal Rest:
Allow the mixed jam oatmeal to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow the oatmeal to absorb the flavor of the jam.
Finally, you can garnish and pair it with some fruits or yogurt to enrich the flavor.