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Winter evening meals that boost the mood – Soul food
Table of Contents
1. What is a warming and comforting dish?
A warming and comforting dish is a meal that combines the pleasure of eating with emotional fulfillment. It is associated with home warmth, childhood memories, and joy. Its characteristics are easy preparation, rich taste, and ingredients that satiate. It often has a dense consistency, strong aroma, and usually uses ingredients with warming properties (C. Spence 2017). A warming and comforting dish differs depending on culinary tradition and personal preferences.2. Healthier winter recipe variant for warming dishes – pumpkin cream
Its delicate, savory consistency and slightly sweet combination of pumpkin with aromatic ginger and garlic is a real treat for the palate. Additionally, coconut milk gives it a unique creaminess, and the roasted sunflower seeds perfectly complement the whole of the subtle nutty flavor. Ingredients (4 portions): Hokkaido with skin 1 kg (average size), Onion 100 g (piece), Garlic 10 g (2 cloves), Fresh ginger 10 g (piece the size of a thumb), Olive oil 10 g (tablespoon), Butter 10 g (teaspoon), Vegetable or chicken broth 750 ml (4 cups), Coconut milk 125 ml (1/2 small can), Sunflower seeds 50 g (5 tablespoons), Salt and pepper to taste.3. Pasta with baked feta cheese and roasted tomatoes
Pasta with baked feta cheese and roasted tomatoes is a simple yet effective dish that will satisfy hunger and improve the mood. Creamy, baked feta cheese combined with juicy tomatoes and garlic creates a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. Olive oil, oregano, and a pinch of chili pepper add depth and character to the dish. Ingredients (4 servings): – whole wheat penne pasta 300 g (4 cups), – feta cheese 200 g (block), – cocktail tomatoes 300 g (15 pieces), – garlic 15 g (3 cloves), – olive oil 50 g (5 tablespoons), – dried oregano, chili pepper, salt, pepper, fresh basil. Instructions1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (top-bottom). 2. In an ovenproof dish, place the feta cheese in the middle and surround it with the tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves. 3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. 4. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and lightly roasted, and the feta is creamy. 5. In the meantime, cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. 6. Remove the dish from the oven. With a fork, mash the feta and tomatoes together into a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. 7. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and mix well. Serve with fresh basil.4. Chicken schnitzel with lentils
A tender chicken schnitzel, seasoned with various delicious spices, surrounded by colorful bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes is an exceptional, light, but very nutritious dish. The addition of broth provides depth and tomato paste enriches the flavor. Ingredients (4 servings): – Chicken schnitzel 500 g (2 medium pieces), – Red bell pepper 240 g (piece), – Green bell pepper 240 g (piece), – Onion 100 g (piece), – Garlic 10 g (2 cloves), – Carrots 90 g (2 medium pieces), – Canned tomatoes 400 g (package), – Tomato paste 25 g (spoon), – Olive oil 20 g (2 spoons), – Vegetable broth 250 ml (cup), – Paprika, hot paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, fresh parsley. Preparation1. Clean the chicken schnitzel and cut it into cubes, season it with salt, pepper, and paprika. 2. Wash the bell peppers, remove the seeds, and cut them into strips, peel and finely chop the onions and garlic, and slice the carrots. 3. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and brown the chicken cubes for about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the meat to a plate. 4. In the same pot, add the onions, garlic, and carrots. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft. 5. Add the peppers and remaining spices. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. 6. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste and bring to a boil. 7. Reduce heat and simmer the dish for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and the flavors have combined. 8. At the end, add the fried chicken schnitzel to the pot, stir well, and cook for another 5 minutes. 9. Serve hot with freshly chopped parsley. This dish goes well with crusty bread, rice, or grits. Nutritional value (per serving): – Energy: 330,2 kcal, – Protein: 42 g, – Fat: 10,2 g, – Carbohydrates: 17 g.5. Apples with crispy, nutty crumble
Apples with crispy, nutty crumble are the perfect option for a quick dessert that warms up and delightfully stimulates the senses, especially on cooler days. Lightly caramelized apples with cinnamon and a hint of lemon in combination with a nutty and buttery crumble create a unique flavor that will satisfy any lover of traditional pastries. Ingredients (per serving of apple): apples, 180 g (artificial), xylitol, 10 g (spoon), cinnamon, lemon juice. Ingredients for the crumble topping: spelt flour, 30 g (2 tablespoons), xylitol, 20 g (2 tablespoons), butter, 20 g (1 tablespoon). Preparation: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (top and bottom heat). 2. Peel the apples, remove the core and cut into cubes. 3. Heat the apples with xylitol, cinnamon and lemon juice in a small frying pan. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes until the apples softens but does not completely fall apart. Transfer the apples to a heat-resistant bowl, a cocotte or a small baking dish. 4. In a bowl, mix flour and xylitol. Add cold butter and chop it with a knife or fingers until small crumbles form. Sprinkle the apples with the prepared crumble topping. 5. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes until the crumble topping turns golden brown and crispy, and the apples become soft. 6. Serve the dessert warm. Nutritional values (per serving): – energy: 405 kcal, – protein: 4.3 g, – fat: 18 g, – carbohydrates: 67 g.
