Winter Warmers

When the weather turns cold, dark, and gloomy, it's often tempting to indulge in our favourite comfort foods. However, we may not always make the healthiest choices. Opting for a nourishing and wholesome meal not only keeps us warm but also ensures we get essential nutrients to fend off the common cold. Here are three nutritious dinners that we trust you and your family will savour!

Sausage and Bean Casserole

* Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil or a low-calorie spray
• 8 reduced-fat pork sausages
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped celery stick
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• 400ml chicken stock (made up with ½ stock cube)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 400g can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 100g sliced greens

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or flameproof casserole dish over medium-high heat. Brown the sausages for 5 mins, then set them aside on a plate.
2. Cook the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in the same pan over medium-high heat for 10 minutes until softened.
3. Return the sausages to the pan, add tomatoes, stock, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in the beans and greens, cover, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the greens soften. Spoon into bowls, sprinkle with black pepper, and serve with additional seasonal vegetables.

*Source: Tesco Real Food (https://realfood.tesco.com/recipes/sausage-and-cannellini-bean-casserole)*

Black Bean Chilli

* Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or a low-calorie spray
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 3 tbsp paprika or mild chilli powder
• 3 tbsp ground cumin
• 3 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 2 x 400g cans black beans, rinsed and drained

Method:

1. Fry garlic and onions in a large saucepan for 5 mins until almost softened. Add paprika, cumin, vinegar, sugar, tomatoes, and season to taste. Cook for 10 minutes.
2. Add black beans and cook for another 10 minutes. Serve with rice and additional vegetables of your choice.

*Source: BBC Good Food (https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/236609/black-bean-chilli)*

Ratatouille

* Serves 8

Ingredients:

• Olive oil or a low-calorie spray
• 2 red onions, cut into wedges
• 4 cloves garlic, finely sliced
• 2 aubergines, roughly chopped
• 3 mixed peppers, roughly chopped
• 3 courgettes, roughly chopped
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 3 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp sugar or sweetener
• 1 tsp Italian mixed dried herbs
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan, add onions, garlic, aubergines, and peppers. Cook for 10 minutes until soft.
2. Add courgettes and fry for 5 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, season, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until tender.

*Source: Good to Know (https://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes/ratatouille)*

These recipes not only promise a delightful dining experience but also ensure you're treating yourself and your loved ones to wholesome, immune-boosting meals during the chilly season.