As winter settles in, culinary experts are highlighting the versatility and comfort of soups, stews, and porridges, which not only provide warmth but also serve as a foundation for nutritious meals. These dishes are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and are adaptable to various flavors and ingredients.
Alicia Henson, a pediatric clinical dietitian at Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, described beans and legumes as a “nutritional powerhouse.” She noted that these ingredients are economical and rich in plant-based protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for winter meals.
Porridges are also gaining attention as they can be enjoyed at any time of day. They allow for experimentation with different grains and can be flavored with various cultural influences. “You can make it savory or sweet, top it with leftovers, lemon, salsa macha, chili oil, or an egg,” explained culinary expert Amy Rasmussen. “There’s so much versatility.”.
In addition to these hearty meals, experts encourage the use of herbs and spices throughout the winter months. Ingredients like rosemary, thyme, nutmeg, and star anise not only enhance flavor but also offer nutritional benefits. For instance, turmeric is praised for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This winter season presents an opportunity to explore new culinary horizons through comforting dishes that nourish both body and soul.
Sources:
[1] https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/winter-can-be-a-time-of-culinary-abundance-19969129.php
[2] https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC193
[3] https://apnews.com/article/winter-soups-stews-porridge-seasonal-eating-6e89c43e2d3cc8a15bc48fa2676065e0
[4] https://spcollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=254319&p=1695316
[5] https://www.foodtimeline.org/foodsoups.html
[6] https://guides.library.illinois.edu/periodicals/article
[7] https://www.jamieoliver.com/inspiration/glorious-roasted-pumpkin-soup/
[8] https://opentextbc.ca/writingforsuccess/chapter/chapter-3-putting-ideas-into-your-own-words-and-paragraphs/