Warming recipes from around the world

Written By Jodi Serafin

Human survival once relied on our being in tune with nature. As the sun set early, we’d head for a cave with our stash of nuts, insects, plants, and dried food. It’s much easier these days. Alexa reports the weather as I down a protein drink and re-heat soup in the microwave to fill my belly.

Natures’ bounty is still the preferred method to achieve nutritional wellness. There is joy in creating and sharing beautiful, flavorful food. Today’s blog continues our investigation of the winter season and  foods while exploring different cuisines. In the process, we expand our taste buds, appreciate many cultures, and enrich our bodies with a broader nutrient makeup. 

Ready to step outside of your comfort zone this winter? Here are a few recipes to try:

  • Laksa, a Southeast Asian noodle soup has tasty anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties. Try Sweet potato, buckwheat soba, mung bean, brown rice, or edamame noodles in this dish. 

  • Sadly, while we won’t be in the Basque region of Spain, my husband can’t wait to create this high protein, simply elegant Spanish dish, Bacalao Al Pil Pil. 

  • Of the two friends that said “Don’t forget the Latkes!” only one recommended making them in the air fryer. Time for a taste test!  

  • Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican soup that has all the flavor and so many veggies: cabbage, radishes, avocados, cilantro, onion, etc.

  • A dish with deep, vibrant colors that screams, BEETS, is right up my alley: Eastern European Borscht.

  • Nuts and fruit IN bread? Yes please! Stollen is sweet but with little added sugar. It dates back 700 years in Germany and can be found around the world.    

  • We’re a little fiber crazy at Chesapeake Nutrition Company, and this North African and Moroccan recipe for Harira  meets our needs with lentils, chickpeas and tomatoes.   

  • There is nothing like a warm flavor-filled dumpling! Here are 11 varieties from around the world.  

  • Many people eat kabocha squash (Japanese pumpkin) on the winter solstice, for good luck (plus, it’s amazing). This version is simple! 

  • Winter solstice is also celebrated on,“Yalda night,” (Shab-e Yalda) in Iran and the wider region, with food AND poetry (swoon!). Try this: Pomegranate soup!  

As my teenager says, “I can’t even…” talk about all the other cuisines, so let’s end on a high note with two easy win-wins (healthy and delicious): 

 ENJOY every bite and bowl as you celebrate the foods of winter

Author: Shannon Svikhart, RDN


Jodi Serafin
Next

Winter cheer, part II