Winter is on its way as the temperature continues to plummet into the frosty 30s, leaving many cranking up the heat and pulling out blankets. They’ll also find themselves preparing piping hot dishes for supper to keep warm. Market research, like that done at companies such as Research America, has shown that consumers want innovative, healthy foods that can be easily prepared at home. Luckily, there are plenty of winter-time meals that will warm your belly and leave you feeling satisfied (and if you watch your portion size, they aren’t too bad for you either!). Here are a few hearty dinner options that are sure to fight off the cold and have the family clamoring for more.
Soups, Stews, and Chili
Making a soup is not only manageable but also filling and tasty. There are countless different types to choose from, too: tomato, chicken and dumpling, basil, potato, vegetable, mushroom, cauliflower, broccoli with cheese, and, the ultimate comfort food, chicken noodle. If you need something with a little more substance, chili is an excellent substitution. Typically filled with protein beans, tomatoes, and sauce, chili can be as mild or spicy as you wish to make it, plus a little cheese and sour cream never hurt, either.
Preparing a hearty stew is equally as wonderful to the belly, and generally consists of chunks of tender roast, vegetables, and a broth, cooked in a pot over a long period of time to meld all the flavors together.
Pot Pie
Pie is always great, even when it’s not pumpkin and topped with whipped cream. Pot pie is a perfect meal for fall and winter. Mixed vegetables, creamy sauce all tucked inside a buttery crust. What could be better than that? You can make one large pie for the whole family, or perhaps create several smaller ones to prep for the next couple of days.
Shepherd’s Pie
Hopefully, you’re not sick of pie yet, because shepherd’s pie is easily one of the best things you could possibly make during the cold months of the year. Rather than being baked in an actual pie crust, this dish can be made in as large or small of a container as you wish. The actual contents of the meal can vary depending on the maker, but most include minced soya topped with specially prepared mashed potatoes and filled with vegetables, onions, and slathered with a gravy or sauce. You’ll have to force yourself to put the fork down, as this meal is just too good to resist.
Grab a Bowl!
You can’t go wrong with any of these dishes; each one offers its own unique blend of flavors that are sure to appease your taste buds and warm you up. There are lots of other recipes to make as well, like lasagna, beef stroganoff, or a casserole. Try a soup or a nut roast or maybe even a pot pie, but in the end, it doesn’t really matter. They will all keep you warm and taste delicious.
