Recipes and Traditions to Warm You Up

As the cold weather settles in, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty soup or stew to keep you warm and satisfied. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these comforting dishes are perfect for the winter months, and amazing for using up leftovers are a festive feast!

Classic Chicken Soup: A Timeless Favourite

Chicken soup is known for its soothing properties, particularly when you’re under the weather. This simple yet satisfying dish has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, offering warmth and comfort during the cold months.

• In a large pot, cover pieces of chicken with water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
• Add carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 1.5 – 2 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
• Remove the chicken and shred the meat off the bones.
• Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add noodles or rice if desired.
• Simmer until the noodles are tender, then adjust the seasoning to taste.

Chicken soup is often made in large batches and passed down from generation to generation, making it a deeply rooted tradition in many households, especially during the colder months.

Beef Stew: A Hearty Winter Dish

Beef stew is another classic winter dish, loved for its rich, deep flavours and filling ingredients. The long cooking time allows the meat to become tender and the flavors to meld together, creating a warming meal that sticks to your ribs.

• Brown the beef cubes in a hot pot with a little oil. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pot, sauté the onions, carrots, and garlic until softened.
• Stir in the tomato paste, flour, and wine, and cook for a few minutes.
• Return the beef to the pot, adding beef broth, bay leaves, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
• Add potatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Beef stew is often served with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes, making it the perfect dish to enjoy during winter gatherings or as a Sunday dinner.

Winter Soup and Stew Traditions from around the globe.

Winter soups and stews have a rich history around the world. In many cultures, these dishes are more than just meals, they’re a way to gather family and friends around the table and share comfort during the cold months. This no more so than around Christmas.

France – French onion soup, made with caramelised onions and topped with melted cheese, is a classic winter dish. The French often enjoy it with a glass of wine and a baguette.

Italy – Minestrone, a vegetable-based soup with beans and pasta, is a winter favourite in Italy. It’s a dish that changes with the seasons and incorporates whatever vegetables are on hand.

Scotland – Scottish stovies, a stew made from leftover meat, potatoes, and onions, is traditionally eaten in winter, especially after large family gatherings like Hogmanay.

Russia – Borscht, a beetroot-based soup, is a staple in Russian and Eastern European kitchens. It’s often served hot or cold and can be made with various meats or entirely vegetarian.

Winter soups and stews are more than just food, they’re a celebration of tradition, warmth, and family. Whether you’re stirring a pot of classic chicken soup or savouring a rich beef stew, these dishes bring comfort to the coldest days.

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