Supersize Your Meals

Tip #1: Bulk Up with Beans and Pulses

Hearty grains, beans, and pulses are your winter pantry BFFs. They add substance and texture to any dish, turning light summer salads or grilled veggies into full-fledged meals.

Now, I confess, I’m not a huge fan of the whole bean-soaking ritual. That’s why canned beans are my lifesaver. Toss some chickpeas into a Greek salad, kidney beans into chili, or lentils into a stew – an instant upgrade!

Tip #2: Spice Up Your Life (Literally!)

Transform your favourite dishes with a sprinkle of magic – spices! A pinch of chili flakes, a dash of paprika, or a pre-mixed spice blend can add depth and warmth to anything.

Feeling uninspired? Take that classic chicken a la king and give it a Moroccan twist with cinnamon and nutmeg, or go Asian with a hit of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment – a little spice goes a long way, both in flavour and internal warmth (trust me, even a spice wimp like me can handle it!).

Tip #3: Creamy Comfort

For a touch of indulgence, embrace the creamy side. Sour cream, Greek yoghurt, or even cream cheese can add richness and counter excessive spice. Bonus: they also work as binding agents, holding your seasonings close to the party.

Think grilled chicken or pork chops? Take it up a notch with a dollop of sour cream or a schmear of cream cheese. Feeling cheesy? Grated Parmesan on a breadcrumb crust takes any dish to winner-winner-chicken-dinner territory (wheat intolerance be darn, a little winter indulgence never hurt anyone).

Winter meals don’t have to be bland or take hours to prepare. With a few simple tricks, you can turn up the flavour and warmth without breaking a sweat (or the bank). So ditch the chills and embrace the cosy goodness!