Winter Recipes

Foods in season may be fewer in winter, but winter boasts some amazing health superstars. Dark leafy greens thrive in the chill of winter, as well as citrus, potatoes, pumpkin, and pomegranates. Sure you might be craving red wine and rich creamy sauces now the chill has set in, but we assure you that you can be comforted and healthy at the same time. You just have to know where to shop and what to cook.

Where to shop in winter
Strolling around the farmer’s market on a chilly winter’s morning might be a joy for some, but we prefer the comforts of The Strand Coolangatta. At The Strand you can pick up a hot coffee from The Black Sheep Espresso Baa or Zarraffas, then head to Meat Merchant, Strand Fruit and Veggies & Healthy House to gather up your fresh and tasty produce. Anything else you need can be found at Woolworths or Aldi.

What to cook
Soups are an obvious choice in winter, but baked pasta dishes and risottos packed full of vegetables and flavour are clear favourites too. For the diet conscious, think Asian cuisine such as Japanese and Thai noodle soup or Indian curries and vegetable dahl, as opposed to indulgent French rarebit and croque madame.
Baked potatoes are a filling lunch option and can be stuffed with all kinds of things. Eggs too are a must, creating warming lunch favourites like frittata, quiche and vegetable omelettes. In short, be smart in your winter shopping, talk to Meat Merchant and Strand Fruit and Veggies about the best produce, and enjoy the best of winter recipes without the extra weight.

To get you started, try these seven warming yet healthy recipes…

1. Asian Noodle Omelette
Easy, low in fat, high in protein, and super filling, this Asian noodle omelette will make you feel good just looking at it. Made in just minutes, it’s a great way to feed the family on busy evenings, and it’s friendly on the family budget too. Fill it with shiitake mushrooms, baby corn and red capsicum, or whatever veggies you like. Serve sprinkled with fresh coriander to finish.

2. Rustic Vegetable Soup
This vegetarian soup is packed with vegetables and lentils making it a powerhouse of nutritious goodness when keeping winter colds at bay. Are the sniffles starting in your household? Whip up this delicious soup stat. If you want to bulk it up a little, why not add some free range chicken from Meat Merchant or grab a tin of borlotti beans from Woolworths?

3. Cardamom Chicken with Lime Leaves
If you love a good curry, you’ll love this fragrant and tender chicken thigh curry. Served with brown basmati rice and red lentils, this curry truly hits the spot, packing a flavour punch based on the season’s best ingredients. Nothing tastes more like winter than cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.

4. Balsamic and Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
As far as winter sides go, it doesn’t get much tastier than this roasted cauliflower side dish with balsamic vinegar and parmesan cheese. Roasting might not be the first cooking method you think of when cooking cauliflower, but the results really are delicious. Cut into thick slices and tossed in extra-virgin olive oil and herbs, it offers a gorgeous browning and a nutty and sweet taste.

Have friends coming for dinner? This dish perfectly complements a roast. Pick up a kilo of top rump beef joint from Meat Merchant, rub with mustard powder and flour for seasoning, and serve this side along with some healthy Dutch carrots.  

5. Gnocchi with Chard and White Beans
This one-pan gnocchi wonder combines the flavours of superfoods such as dark leafy greens, juicy ripe tomatoes, white beans and potato and tops it off with gooey mozzarella. Served with a mixed green salad and vinaigrette, it’s the perfect recipe for those warmer winter nights when you don’t want anything too heavy and rich.

6. Indian Winter Soup
This warming winter soup is high in fibre meaning it will keep you feeling full and warm for longer. Featuring winter staples like butternut squash, sweet potato and parsnips, it’s flavoured with cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and brown mustard seeds – the must-have flavours of winter. It doesn’t get much better than this.

7. Almond Rice Pudding with Flax and Figs
Here’s a dessert that’s creamy and indulgent yet surprisingly good for you. Not just for dessert, you could eat almond rice pudding for breakfast too. Grab some fresh figs from Strand Fruit and Veggies or use dried figs from Woolworths – either way this dessert is delicious. A touch of honey and a good sprinkle of cinnamon is all the sweetness you need.

Are you feeling inspired yet? Hop on down to The Strand Coolangatta and get everything you need to keep your belly warm and happy.