Winter is the season for comforting, hearty meals that warm the body and nourish the soul.
If, like me, you need help with getting through the cold blast, here are some dishes you can make to help keep your tummies full and boost your immunity.
Spiced citrus tea
To start the day, brew some spiced citrus tea.
To make it, use two bags of black tea; two whole lemons; one orange; three star anises; seven cardamom pods; seven cloves; a pinch of fennel seeds; pinch of coriander seeds; one thumb size piece of fresh ginger and one cinnamon stick.
Allow to boil for thee – five minutes and take off heat.
Once it cools down for a few minutes, add two bags of green tea and steep for another three minutes.
Sieve and serve with slices of orange and sweeten with honey.
It’s a comforting tea packed full of antioxidants and vitamin C.
Cinnamon oats
For a nourishing and warming breakfast packed with vitamin C, add fresh berry compote, berries, honey, toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds to your cinnamon spiced oats.
Yemi’s cinnamon oats with berry compote
Spiced parsnip soup
In the heart of winter, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of soup.
One of my favourites is spiced parsnip soup with lemon.
To make it, sauté sliced onions and garlic in a light drizzle of oil, add sliced parsnips and one habanero or scotch bonnet pepper to taste.
Add some cumin seeds, turmeric and curry powder and fry for another two minutes before adding water or stock.
Season with salt and bring to boil. Allow to simmer until the parsnip is cooked through.
Blend and add fresh lemon juice from half or one whole lemon depending on the amount of soup.
Adjust seasoning and serve with some fresh bread.
Crisp and crunchy winter salad
I am not a fan of cold salads in winter, so I opt for salads with hot elements like flaked roasted salmon, roast chicken, warm roasted beetroot or spiced chickpeas.
For a salad that embraces the season, make a roasted Brussels sprouts and pomegranate salad.
Roasting the sprouts imparts a caramelised flavour, while the burst of pomegranate seeds adds a refreshing pop.
Toss in some toasted walnuts for an earthy crunch, and drizzle a vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of Dijon mustard to bring it all together.
Serve with roast chicken thighs or pan-fried salmon.
Yemi’s roasted salmon with potatoes.
One pan dishes
Quick dishes like roasted tomato and garlic risotto topped with scallops and prawns makes a comforting and nourishing meal, that is quick and easy.
For a classic with a healthy twist, consider cooking fish en-papillote, which simply means cooking it in baking parchment paper which traps in the juices.
Simply top your fish with your choice of spices, seasoning, onions, lemon or orange slices, roasted tomatoes, sliced peppers and pepper flakes etc.
Serve with boiled or crushed potatoes and veggies, on a bed of couscous or pasta.
As we wait for warmer weather, I hope you try some of these easy and nourishing recipes with a focus on wholesome ingredients to tide you through the cold snap and boost your immunity.
Read more:
- Yemi’s Food Stories: the versatility of honey
- Yemi’s Food Stories: Post-holiday recipes to re-charge your body
