There is a wonderful attraction to the winter season that touches our emotions and gives us a sense of coziness and warmth. It has a special way of inviting us to calm down, take a breath, and find warmth in the simple joys of life. And what better way to enjoy the season’s charm than by savoring delicious winter recipes that genuinely warm our souls?
When the days become shorter and the temperatures decrease, there is an irresistible yearning for food that not only delights our taste senses but feeds our spirits. Winter brings a rich wealth of foods and flavors that satisfy our stomachs and hearts, from substantial stews and steamy soups to delectable sweets.
This article will take you on a culinary tour through a selection of comforting dishes created to make the most of winter’s bounty. Whether you’re cuddling up by the fire or going for a brisk stroll in the snow, these hearty meals will be the ideal partner for your winter activities. So, let’s get started!
Fig Cookies
The combination of flavors in these homemade fig cookies will have you coming back for more. Follow our easy instructions to enjoy these goodies with your loved ones.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup softened cream cheese
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- ½ cup cane sugar for the dough
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups + 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped dried figs
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons cane sugar for the filling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- One big egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions:
- Start by combining cream cheese and butter in a large bowl.
- Combine salt, vanilla essence, and cane sugar in the bowl. Beat the ingredients until combined. Make sure to scrape the bowl’s sides while you are at it.
- Add the all-purpose flour gradually to the mixture. Keep mixing on low speed until the dough comes together.
- Make a large ball of dough and take it out of the bowl. Cover the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Prepare the filling while the dough is chilling.
- Melt the butter in a large nonstick pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped walnuts, cane sugar, cinnamon, and dried figs to the skillet. The mixture should be aromatic and well-combined after a few minutes of gentle stirring and cooking.
- Mix the egg and milk in a small bowl to make an egg wash. Set it aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the cold dough from the refrigerator and divide it into three equal portions.
- Work with one part of the dough at a time on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, shape the dough into a rectangle.
- Spread around one-third of the fig filling on the rolled-out dough, making sure it touches the edges.
- Start from one edge and tightly roll the dough into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
- Arrange the cookie slices on a baking sheet, leaving about 1.5 inches of space between them.
- Brush each cookie with the egg wash for a shiny finish.
- Repeat the rolling, filling, and slicing process with the remaining two portions of the dough.
- Bake the fig cookies in the oven for 28-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool off after baking. Serve fresh!
Classic Beef Stew
Warm up your taste buds with this classic beef stew. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a comforting treat.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds (680g) beef stew meat chunks
- 2 tablespoons regular flour
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 big onion (chopped)
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup of red wine (optional)
- 4 cups of beef broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 big, peeled, and sliced carrots
- 2 cups chopped potatoes
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Add flour to a large sealable plastic bag.
- Use paper towels to pat the beef stew meat dry before seasoning it with salt and pepper. Then toss the seasoned meat chunks in the flour.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the flour-coated beef chunks in the oil until a brown crust forms. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté the onions until they are transparent and fragrant.
- Add the beef broth and red wine (if using) to the saucepan with the seared meat. Add the dried thyme and bay leaves and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the pot and simmer the meat on low heat for about 1.5 or 2 hours until it becomes soft.
- Add the diced potatoes and carrot slices to the stew. Simmer the veggies for 30 minutes or until they are fully cooked.
- During the final five minutes of simmering, stir in the frozen peas.
- If necessary, add more salt and pepper after tasting the stew.
- Take out the bay leaves and discard them.
- Garnish the steaming bowls of classic beef stew with finely chopped fresh parsley if preferred.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this tomato basil soup, perfect to warm your soul. Gather the following ingredients and get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 big, chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 28-ounce whole tomato cans
- 1 cup of chicken or veggie broth
- ½ cup coconut cream or heavy cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a big saucepan. Add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes and the chicken or veggie broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and let the soup boil for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the soup from the heat. Once it is at room temperature, blend the cream in it. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Let the soup simmer for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.
- For a heartier supper, serve the soup with your favorite bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Conclusion
During the frigid winter months, these hearty meals offer both delightful flavors and nutritional benefits. They transport us to a world of coziness and satisfaction, from warm bowls of substantial soups to decadent baked goods and fragrant stews. So gather around the kitchen, savor each bite of these hearty winter recipes with your loved ones, and let them fill your heart with joy and happiness!
