The holiday season usually brings an array of festive treats and indulgent feasts, leaving us feeling undeniably satisfied, but perhaps a tad overindulged.
As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to reset and refocus on nourishing our bodies with wholesome and nutritious dishes.
Enjoy a post-holiday recovery with these delicious and comforting recipes, that will leave you feeling revived.
Detoxifying green smoothie
I know the words ‘green smoothie’ can sometimes seem uninviting but trust me when I say this one is delicious and revitalising!
Blend together kale or spinach, cucumber, a pink lady apple, lemon juice, and a handful of mint. Add coconut water for hydration and a boost of electrolytes – and you’re done!
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this green smoothie helps flush out toxins, promotes digestion and provides a refreshing start to your post-holiday mornings.
You could also add some ginger for kick and sweeten with a touch of honey.
Soothing spinach and lentil soup
After weeks of festive feasting, a nutritious soup is the perfect winter warmer that will leave you feeling nourished and refreshed.
Try a spinach and lentil soup; a green-packed bowl of goodness that provides essential vitamins and fibre.
Sauté onions, garlic and celery, then add lentils, vegetable broth and a generous amount of fresh spinach.
Simmer until the lentils are tender, season with black pepper and finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Garnish with fresh herbs to finish.
This soup is rich in iron and antioxidants, supporting detoxification and revitalisation. I like to infuse some heat to mine by adding a habanero or scotch bonnet pepper and removing it before serving.
Yemi’s turmeric latte.
Turmeric golden milk latte
Combat holiday fatigue and support your immune system with a warm and golden turmeric latte.
Combine coconut milk, turmeric, ginger, a pinch of black pepper and a touch of honey for sweetness.
The turmeric infuses the drink with anti-inflammatory properties and the cosy flavour makes it an ideal addition to your diet or nightcap.
Quinoa and roasted vegetable buddha bowl
For a delicious and nutrient-dense main meal, treat yourself to a quinoa and roasted vegetable buddha bowl.
Roast a colourful medley of vegetables – sweet potatoes, beetroots, carrots, onions and bell peppers – and toss them with cooked quinoa.
Drizzle with a zesty tahini dressing for a burst of flavour and an extra dose of healthy fats.
You could also swap the tahini dressing with a pomegranate vinegar dressing and some fresh pomegranate seeds for an extra burst of sweetness.
This colourful nourishing bowl is packed with fibre, protein, and essential nutrients.
Chia Seed Pudding with Mixed Berries
If you’re still craving something sweet, a chia seed pudding featuring mixed berries will hit the spot.
Combine chia seeds with almond milk, a touch of vanilla extract and maple syrup.
Set in the fridge, then layer it with berry compote and a vibrant mix of berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Top with some crunchy granola for texture.
Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre, making this dessert both yummy and healthy.
Adding these recipes into your weekly routine will support your body’s recovery and introduces a variety of flavours and textures to keep your meals exciting.
Remember to stay hydrated, prioritise whole foods and savour the joy of nourishing your body from the inside out.
As you embrace these delicious and wholesome recipes, you will rediscover the pleasures of balanced and nutritious eating.
Here’s to a vibrant and rejuvenated start to the new year!
Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in last year’s BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.
Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the district’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.
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Yemi’s Food Stories: Cheers to a yummy new year
Christmas festivities are over, with many still getting creative with their leftovers, but our attention is now on ringing in the new year with loved ones.
As we say goodbye to another year, what better way to welcome 2024 than with a celebration that comes with lovely food and drink setting the stage for a year of delicious adventures?
Your new year celebrations can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Some people opt for a second Christmas-style evening, while others keep it simple with drinks and nibbles – either way, just do what works for you.
Appetisers
A simple crowd pleaser is always some variation of crisps and dip. I’d recommend a vibrant beetroot hummus paired with tortilla chips. Of course, you can buy these but they’re super easy to make too. Just cut a tortilla into small squares or triangles and warm in the oven until crunchy.
Cucumber discs topped with pâté and cranberry sauce also goes down a treat and take just minutes to prepare.
Caprese skewers are a great option too. Simply thread cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls and basil leaves onto small skewers. Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of black pepper and you’re done!
Bao buns are also great when hosting and look impressive. You can buy the buns pre-made at most supermarkets and then get creative with the filling. My favourite is a chicken bao bun topped with saffron mayo and pickled carrots (pictured below). They’re light and fluffy, but taste amazing.
Yemi’s chicken bao buns.
To make your own tartlets using bought tortilla wraps, short crust, puff or sweet pastries, simply cut to shapes, tuck into mini cupcake trays and bake until golden.
Fill with sweet and savoury ingredients like brie and raspberry compote, beetroot hummus topped with roasted and diced carrots, or smoked salmon, diced cucumber and dill infused cream cheese.
Elevating your cheeseboard
If you’re stuck on which cheeses to include in your cheeseboard, fear not. It can be daunting to know which ones to buy – especially without knowing what your guests might like – but I’ve whittled it down to a few variations that will cover all bases.
Generally, I’d include a blue cheese – like a Swaledale blue or stilton – two soft cheeses, such as brie, camembert or burrata, manchego for the hard cheese, and a semi-hard cheese such as emmental or a classic cheddar.
You can elevate the platter by pairing artisan cheeses with exotic preserves.
A ripe tamarillo conserve is sour, but the undertones of berries and passion fruit make it a great accompaniment for a blue.
Balinese tangerine marmalade goes perfectly with brie. It has a distinct but soft citrus flavour.
You could also try adding a touch of spice, like black cardamom, to your leftover Christmas preserve to create a unique flavour.
Include a selection of good quality charcuterie and crackers for a savoury contrast to the sweet notes of the preserves.
The main course
For the main course, consider a show-stopping dish that captures the essence of celebration.
A perfectly roasted prime rib served with truffle butter glaze is an indulgent and timeless choice.
Alternatively, a side of salmon finished with a lemon brown butter sauce, lobster tails, succulent prawns and buttery scallops bathed in a citrus-infused beurre blanc will undoubtedly wow your guests.
Drinks
No New Year’s Eve feast is complete without a touch of bubbly.
Create a DIY drinks bar and invite guests to customise their own drinks with an array of fresh fruits, aromatic herbs, and flavoured syrups.
Encourage experimentation, and let the clinking of glasses echo the excitement of conversations and new friendships.
A simple but certainly effective touch.
Dessert
Put on a dessert spread that leaves a lasting impression.
Create a charcuterie board featuring miniature pastries, artisan chocolates, citrus curds, crushed meringues and fruit coulis for dipping. It’s quick and easy to do, yet looks impressive and offers a little bit of everything to your guests.
I also love to make Nigerian puff puffs. They’re soft, spongy and fluffy, but the beauty of them is that they can be made sweet or savoury. I like to serve them as a dessert, but they’re also often eaten as a side dish or snack with a savoury sauce.
There’s plenty of recipes online and they’re very easy to make.
Yemi’s Nigerian puff puffs.
Some extra hosting tips
Personalisation is always appreciated – and it doesn’t have to take hours to pull together.
Add little touches like custom table cards or signature cocktails named after your guests or the year ahead.
Why not get your guests to paint a picture of something they are excited about in 2024? It’s a lovely way to appreciate what’s coming and share excitement with friends and family.
Later in the night, activities like karaoke or a tasting game are bound to keep the energy high and the laughter flowing.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself – it’s your celebration too. Cheers to a happy and yummy new year!
Read more:
- Yemi’s Food Stories: Last minute tips to keep Christmas running smoothly
- Yemi’s Food Stories: Spice up your Christmas dinner
- Yemi’s Food Stories: My inexpensive kitchen gadget Christmas wish list