Winter warmers: nourishing foods to keep you cosy

Winter’s chill has a way of making us crave warmth – not just from extra layers, but in the food we eat. While soup is an obvious go-to, there’s an entire world of comforting, nourishing meals that can keep you feeling cosy and energised all season long. Let’s explore some warming, nutrient-packed dishes to brighten even the coldest days.

1. Winter salads with roasted veggies

Salads aren’t just for summer! In colder months, swap crisp greens for hearty roasted vegetables, adding warmth and depth to your plate.

Try tossing roasted pumpkin, beetroot, or sweet potato with baby spinach or arugula, finishing with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for crunch. A drizzle of tahini or balsamic glaze adds richness, while fresh herbs like parsley or coriander bring a refreshing contrast.

Winter salad idea: Warm roasted pumpkin and chickpea salad

• Roasted pumpkin cubes
• Crispy chickpeas
• Wilted kale
• A squeeze of lemon & tahini dressing

This mix delivers fibre, plant-based protein, and essential vitamins to keep you fuelled throughout winter.

2. Immune-boosting broths and brews

Rather than a full soup, nutrient-dense broths provide a warming base for meals. A good homemade broth – whether vegetable, mushroom, or miso-based – supports gut health, hydration, and immunity in colder months.

Infuse your broths with ginger, turmeric, garlic, and shiitake mushrooms for an extra immune boost. Sip on them solo, or use them as a base for slow-cooked grains and legumes.

Healing broth idea: Turmeric ginger miso broth

• Miso paste for probiotics
• Fresh turmeric and ginger for anti-inflammatory benefits
• Garlic and mushrooms for immune support

Drink it warm or ladle over rice noodles for a nourishing winter meal.

3. Slow-cooked plant-based comfort meals

Long, slow simmering brings out deep flavours in food, making winter the perfect season for hearty stews, braises, and casseroles.

Legumes, grains, and root vegetables shine in slow cooking – absorbing aromatic spices and creating rich, satisfying textures.

Comfort meal idea: Slow-cooked Moroccan lentils and root veggies

• Red lentils for protein
• Carrots and parsnips for sweetness
• Cinnamon, cumin and smoked paprika for warmth

Pair with brown rice or crusty bread for a deeply nourishing, grounding meal.

Embrace winter with nourishing foods

The beauty of winter eating lies in its deep, warming flavours – rich roasts, slow simmers, and hearty bowls that nourish body and soul. Whether you’re sipping a restorative broth, savouring slow-cooked grains, or indulging in roasted veggie salads, winter food is as comforting as it is healthful.

So, let winter’s bounty warm you – one cosy, wholesome meal at a time.