In the deepest, darkest depths of winter, everyone wants to say inside, hunker down on the sofa and enjoy the food that’s going to bring the most warmth and cosiness. From rich and creamy classic lasagne to mild and nutty korma or the best hot pudding, these comforting recipes will see you through until spring.
Kick start a winter's day with a sky-high stack of warming gingerbread pancakes. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and ginger, they're served with a drizzle of sweet orange maple sauce for added indulgence.
More inclined to enjoy a savoury start to the morning? This one-pan shakshuka pairs North African flavours with the ingredients of a full english. Simply cook eggs, bacon and mushrooms in a smoky paprika sauce for a hearty dish first thing.
Combining all the classic flavours of a creamy korma curry, this aromatic sweet potato soup is the perfect recipe to warm you up come noon. Made with crunchy peanut butter, it has a rich, nutty note, making it an ideal winter lunch.
More of a toastie fan? Try this skyscraping katsu chicken sandwich. Melted cheese and breaded chicken meets katsu sauce and crunchy red cabbage for the ultimate posh toasted sandwich. The spicy mayo adds a hint of heat to help combat the cold, too.
Layers of rich beef ragu, creamy béchamel, al dente lasagne sheets and a winning combination of Parmesan and mozzarella – is there anything better on a cold Saturday night than a homemade lasagne? Whether it's an aubergine and red pepper vegetarian recipe, an all-green broccoli, kale and spinach bake or a twist on the classic with this chicken lasagne, just add some garlic bread and you’ve got the perfect night in.
A homemade korma is so much better than a takeaway. Tender chicken, spiced creamy sauce and proper crunchy toasted flaked almonds. If you’re vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken for butternut squash or mushrooms.
Looking for something with a little more kick? Try this Punjabi chicken masala recipe that pairs warming spices with the fiery heat of bird's-eye chillies. Or, go veggie with a cosy bowl of fresh tomato and chickpea curry.
Lamb mince flavoured with Worcestershire sauce and topped with fluffy potato – take a trip down memory lane with a nostalgic shepherd’s pie or find the same umami rich flavours, without the meat, in this showstopping shiitake and lentil cottage pie with cauliflower mash.
More of a pastry fan? Try a simple chicken and mushroom pie to keep the cold at bay, or make fish the star of the show with this filo fish pie served beside a pea-spiked mash.
Let the oven do the work with easy traybake recipes that save you time without compromising on flavour. With red lentils, tomatoes, warm spices and chicken drumsticks this chicken traybake should be top of your list.
Craving asian-inspired flavours? Try this one-tray spicy pork chop recipe where fluffy lemongrass rice, leeks and pak choi are topped with juicy pork chops for a stress-free family meal. Or, take it back to basics with a cheese and onion toad-in-the-hole served with traditional mash, peas and gravy.
Top of the comfort food list has to be roast chicken with all the trimmings. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe is served with garlicky potatoes and a zesty salsa. Buy a bigger bird than you need so you have enough for the best chicken sandwiches the following day…
Don't forget – no roast is complete without its starring side dishes! Make the most of winter's best produce with whisky-glazed carrots, a warming leek, squash and parsely crumble and, of course, a gloriously golden gravy.
Little will warm you up more than a hearty bowl of pasta bake. Try this chorizo-studded macaroni cheese, a luxurious dish that pairs the classic cheese sauce with chunks of salty chorizo, or take it veggie with a creamy cavolo nero and mushroom pasta bake.
For something gooey and moreish, give this sausage and courgette pasta bake a go – it's topped with a molten layer of melted cheddar. You'll be making it on repeat when the cold weather arrives.
If there's one good thing about winter, it's the opportunity to enjoy some of your favourite hot puddings. Finish of your comforting winter meal with a nutty apple and berry crumble, go all out and indulge in a chocolate bread and butter pudding or enjoy a hit of nostalgia with a rich and creamy rice pudding, dolloped with some red fruits jam.
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