Warm Up Your Winter with These Delicious Foods (and 3 Cozy Recipes!)

Winter is here, bringing with it its share of cold weather, shorter days and… comfort food! But did you know that some foods are particularly beneficial during this season? Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they will help you stay in shape, boost your immune system and face the cold with energy.

In short:

• Discover the star foods of winter and their benefits.

• 3 gourmet and easy-to-make recipes: a starter, a main course and a dessert.

• Tips for adapting your diet to the needs of winter.

• FAQ to answer your questions about winter nutrition.

Table of Contents

1. The Best Foods to Face Winter

2. 3 Recipes to Warm You from the Inside Out

   • Starter: Spiced Pumpkin Soup

   • Main Course: Classic Veal Blanquette

   • Dessert: Apple Crumble with Cinnamon

3. FAQ on Winter Nutrition

4. Conclusion

1. The Best Foods to Face Winter

Seasonal fruits and vegetables:

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits): packed with vitamin C, they strengthen your immune system.

• Kiwi: rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, it helps fight fatigue.

• Pumpkin, butternut squash, carrots: sources of vitamin A and beta-carotene, they contribute to good vision and healthy skin.

• Cabbages (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts): rich in fiber and vitamins, they promote digestion and strengthen immunity.

• Onions and garlic: their antiseptic and antiviral properties help prevent winter infections.

Other essential foods:

• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans): sources of vegetable protein, fiber and iron, they provide you with energy and satiety.

• Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines): rich in omega-3s, they contribute to cardiovascular health and good brain function.

• Dried fruits and oilseeds (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts): concentrated with vitamins, minerals and good fats, they are perfect for an energy snack.

• Honey: a natural ally against sore throats and colds, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. 3 Recipes to Warm You from the Inside Out

Starter: Spiced Pumpkin Soup

This creamy and fragrant soup is a true concentrate of autumn flavors. Pumpkin, rich in vitamins and fiber, is enhanced by sweet spices like cinnamon and ginger.

Ingredients:

• 1 pumpkin

• 1 onion

• 1 clove garlic

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• Vegetable broth

• Crème fraîche (optional)

Preparation:

1. Cut the pumpkin in half, remove the seeds and skin. Cut into cubes.

2. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic in a saucepan with a little olive oil.

3. Add the pumpkin cubes, ginger and cinnamon. Sauté for a few minutes.

4. Cover with vegetable broth and cook until pumpkin is tender.

5. Blend until smooth.

6. Serve hot, with a touch of crème fraîche if desired.

Main Course: Classic Veal Blanquette

A great classic of French cuisine, ideal for cold winter days. The tender and tasty veal is simmered in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and small onions.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg veal (shoulder, breast or blanquette)

• 2 carrots

• 2 onions

• 1 bouquet garni

• 250 g button mushrooms

• 100 g small white onions

• 2 egg yolks

• 10 cl thick crème fraîche

• Lemon juice

• Butter

• Flour

• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

1. Cut the veal into pieces. Brown them in a Dutch oven with butter.

2. Add the carrots and an onion cut into slices, the bouquet garni and cover with cold water. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 2 hours.

4. Meanwhile, sauté the mushrooms and small onions in butter.

5. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks with the crème fraîche and a little lemon juice.

6. Remove the veal and vegetables from the Dutch oven.

7. Mix a little flour into the cooking broth, then add the mushrooms, small onions and the egg-cream mixture.

8. Return the veal to the Dutch oven and simmer for a few minutes.

9. Serve hot with rice or steamed potatoes.

Dessert: Apple Crumble with Cinnamon

A gourmet and comforting dessert, perfect for ending a winter meal. The melting and fragrant apples with cinnamon are covered with a crispy crumble.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg apples

• 100 g flour

• 100 g cold butter

• 100 g sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Peel and cut the apples into pieces.

3. In a bowl, mix the flour, diced butter and sugar with your fingertips until you get a sandy texture.

4. Arrange the apples in a baking dish, sprinkle with cinnamon.

5. Cover the apples with the crumble dough.

6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the crumble is golden brown.

7. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or crème fraîche.

3. FAQ on Winter Nutrition

Q: Why is it important to adapt your diet in winter?

A: In winter, our bodies need more energy to fight the cold and infections. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants helps strengthen our immune system and stay in shape.

Q: What are the risks of a poor diet in winter?

A: An unbalanced diet in winter can lead to increased fatigue, low morale, greater susceptibility to infections and weight gain.

Q: How to get enough vitamin D in winter?

A: Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and immune system. In winter, as exposure to sunlight is limited, it is important to eat foods rich in vitamin D such as fatty fish, eggs and fortified dairy products.

Q: Is it advisable to take food supplements in winter?

A: In some cases, taking food supplements can be helpful, especially for vitamin D. It is advisable to discuss this with your doctor or a nutritionist.

Conclusion

In winter, favor a varied and balanced diet, rich in seasonal fruits and vegetables, legumes, fatty fish and good fats. Don't forget to treat yourself to comforting and tasty dishes, like the ones offered in this article. Take care of yourself and have a healthy winter!