During the winter there is nothing better than just staying in on a super cold night, have a fire crackling in the background, a stack of your favorite movies ready to go, and being encircled by the fragrance of a home cooked meal. For today’s post Mia Johnson has put together five delicious recipes to cook this winter, and let me just say, every one sounds mouth watering good!
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Winter and the holidays are just meant for family meals which everyone can enjoy. It always seems like winter is the time of year we have the most time for our loved ones and the most time to show them we care. The perfect way to spend quality time with your family this winter is by whipping up some delicious recipes everyone will love. After all, a family that eats together stays together. That being said, your goal should also be to make sure your family stays healthy. That’s why the perfect family recipes are made with organic ingredients which will fill your heart and soul as well as your stomach.
1. Carrot and beetroot mash
You know what really hits the spot during those long cold winter months? A hot bowl of tasty vegetables. And if you want to really make a proper meal for your family, you simply must include carrots and beetroot. Carrots have been a staple of our cuisine for some time now, and rightly so. They are crunchy and delicious and are chock full of vitamins that will keep you healthy year-long. Beetroot, on the other hand, has been sorely neglected. They do wonders for your blood pressure, fight inflammation, and possess certain anti-cancer properties.
So, here is what you do. Chop up the carrots and beetroot into thin even slices, and then sauté them in a pan. Add ginger, white pepper, and perhaps a bit of parsley. You can add a spoonful of honey to make everything even sweeter. Still, the carrots themselves are already sweet, something that will be contrasted with the beetroots earthy, sharper, flavor. Serve with some potatoes, tofu, or pork chops.
2. Traditional Hungarian goulash
This fine and a somewhat exotic meal is actually very simple to prepare, and incredibly hearty. Made by Hungarian shepherds of old, it is a special thick stew that is perfect for building up strength and getting some extra energy. And the best part – it is completely organic and easy to make (though it does take a while). The main ingredient here is paprika. Get some powdered red pepper (go with chili if you’re feeling adventurous) and prepare to really go to town with it. You will also need a nice marbled cut of meat (traditionally you should go with lamb, but beef and pork are quite alright), potatoes, and a significant amount of onions and garlic. The potatoes area solid source of carbohydrates and the meat obviously provides you with protein. However, the paprika and the onionsand garlic are loaded with antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds.
So, sauté the onions and garlic in your pot (remember to put the garlic after the onions are halfway done), while at the same time brown the meat in a pan. Put the juice from the meat along with the onions, then add water, meat, potatoes, and seasoning. The secret here is to let it simmer for at least 4 hours (yes, a long time, we know), letting the flavors just mix in and mingle with the stew.
3. Roasted vegetable quinoa bowl
This delicious and nutritious meal is cheap, easy to make, and has pretty much everything you need to keep you and your family healthy. It’s made from a variety of textures and vegetables, having a little something for everyone. And the best part is – most of these ingredients you can grow in your own garden.
We want three textures – juicy, crunchy, and creamy. First, roast some broccoli and a mushroom of your choice (shiitake or champignons is a great choice). Just throw them on a pan that is lightly covered with olive oil. Cook some quinoa and mix it with the mashed potatoes and mashed cauliflower. Finally, for the crunch, we suggest strips of raw carrots or strips of purple and green cabbage.
4. Tomato soup with croutons
If you’re aiming for a simple yet delicious meal, this just might be what you’re looking for. Tomato soup is an excellent choice for winter, and this simple vegan recipe can be brought up a level by adding pumpkin flax croutons. The main ingredient you’ll need is fresh tomatoes. Nothing beats the taste of home-grown red tomatoes which were only touched by the gentle splash of the water spray gunin your hand. Adding some bay leaf, garlic, onions, and a hint of thyme will complete this lovely dish.
The home-grown version will also be much healthier for your family and, let’s face it, for your wallet. The flax seed croutons add some nice chewy texture to the soup, while the garlic and onions you are supposed to put in will carry a bit of bite with them. The perfect meal for those cold winter months, it does wonders for your immune system.
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5. Organic hot cocoa mix
Finally, something to sweeten this whole deal – a nice, delicious cup of hot chocolate. You will use organic ingredients exclusively, with no added additives and chemicals. First, instead of regular processed sugar, you have a couple of options at your disposal. You can go with coconut or brown sugar or maybe get some granulated honey. Using regular milk is ok, but adding almond or soy milk is also a viable option. Finally, get organic cocoa powder and mix it all in. Hot cocoa is not just good for your soul, but for reducing inflammation and improving your cholesterol as well. But the best part about this recipe is the little flourishes of taste you can add to it. For example, adding pieces of a mashed ripe banana, grated coconut, a little bit of organic vanilla extract, and even some extra cacao will elevate it to something absolutely divine.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s always room to be innovative and creative in the kitchen. What you make will surely impress even the pickiest family members if you have the right recipe. Of course, they’ll cherish the time and effort you’ve put into the meal as well, and that will make it even tastier. This winter set the table with healthy yet mouth-watering delicacies and keep your loved ones close for a while longer.
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