Hearty and Healthy Winter Recipes to Warm Your Soul
As winter approaches, there's something truly comforting about warming up with a hot and delicious meal. But who says comfort food can't be healthy too? In this blog, we'll explore a collection of hearty and nutritious winter recipes that are designed to keep you cozy and well-nourished during the colder months. From steaming soups to wholesome stews and satisfying mains, these dishes are not only delicious but also packed with the goodness your body needs.In this blog, I share 3 of my favorite recipes!
Butternut Squash Soup with Patagonia Mix
In winter there are just a few vegetables to cook. One of my favorite dishes to eat in winter is soup to warm up first then the entree, but also you can make a soup so rich that you do not need another dish.
Ingredients:
Butternut Squash 2 lb (Peeled and cut in cubes)
Vegetable Stock 2 qts
Cream 1 cup
Butter 1 tbsp
Presentation (Optional)
Toast
Goat cheese
Method:
In a big pot, place the squash and cover it up with the stock.
Bring the stock to medium heat and let it cook for 25 to 30 minutes. If you cut the squash big you will need more time. Take a knife and cut one cube, if it has resistance keep cooking, we want it to disintegrate.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it set for 5 minutes. Prepare the Blender and another pot with a strainer to prevent big pieces from going to the soup.
Blend the soup with some stock and finish it with the Patagonia Mix, cream, and butter, blending all together at high speed.
Pass it through the strainer and serve.
Asado Stew with Heritage Blend
Here is a really good way to recycle what you have in the fridge. In this recipe, we have leftover asado (grilled meat) and some vegetables.
The asado is a traditional way of cooking meat on a grill or over an open fire in Argentina and other South American countries. It is usually accompanied by salads, bread, wine, and chimichurri sauce. The asado is more than just a meal, it is a social event that brings together family and friends.
There are many ways to use the leftovers of the asado, such as making sandwiches, salads, soups, stews, pies, or empanadas. You can also chop the meat and mix it with rice, beans, cheese, or vegetables to create a new dish. The key is to be creative and not waste any food. Here I recommend a delicious way to use asado leftovers and make a totally different but equally delicious dish.
Ingredients:
Left Over Asado 1 lb
Olive oil 2 tbsps
Onion (in cubes) 1 ea
Garlic (chop) 2ea
Potatoes (in cubes) 2 ea.
Sweet Potatoes (in cubes) 2 ea
Celery (in cubes) 4 stalks
Vegetable Stock 1Qt
Water 1 Qt
(you can add any other vegetables available)
Method:
Let’s preheat a pot. Add the oil, onion and garlic. Caramelize these ingredients and add Heritage Blend spices (this is called sofrito) to the base of the flavor.
Add the Asado cut in cubes into the pot, cook for 5 minutes and add the rest of the vegetables. Cover them with stock and water. Cook all the ingredients together for 30 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.
Adjust the Salt and the Spices as needed.
Serve with some fresh Herbs! In this case I have cilantro.
Now, I saved the best for last. In third place I share with you the recipe that every Argentine has to learn to cook and all people interested in Argentine cuisine should try; I'm talking about the traditional Locro, the one that is prepared in all national celebrations. I leave you here the recipe so that you can encourage yourself to prepare it.
Argentine Locro with Heritage Blend
Ingredients:
Heritage Blend or (paprika, oregano, bay leaf, chili flakes)
Squash: butternut, buttercup and acorn.
White corn
White beans
Pork
Bacon
Beef
Chorizo or red sausage
Onions
Vegetable stock
Oil
Salt and pepper
Method:
Let's start to cook the onions into cubes. In a really hot pot, put oil and onions to caramelize.
Then cut the bacon into cubes and caramelize too.
Cut the chorizo into coins, beef chuck roast cut into cubes, and Pork shoulder cut into cubes and add it to the pot one by one.
Cut the squash (butternut, buttercup, and acorn) into cubes too, and add to the pot.
The white corn had to be soaked overnight, when all the ingredients are cooked, add the white corn, and then add the boiling vegetable stock. It has to cover all the ingredients.
White beans had to soak overnight too. Add to the pot when it is boiling.
Add Heritage Blend of Nativo Spices or paprika, oregano, bay leaf, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Keep stirring from time to time, the squash will melt and give the texture of stew.
Serve it on a plate and enjoy this incredible recipe full of flavor and tradition.
These hot and healthy winter recipes are sure to keep you satisfied and nourished throughout the chilly season. I hope you found the perfect meal to warm your soul. Enjoy the winter wonderland outside, knowing you have a warm and hearty dish waiting for you at the table. Stay cozy and stay healthy! Please support this blog by sharing it with friends.