Winter has well and truly made itself at home all over Canada. With coats buttoned up tight and snow shovels at the ready, we braved the wind and snow as only we knew how. But there’s no need to feel blue. Winter is also the time of year when our favourite cold-weather comfort foods really come into their own.
From spicy chilli recipes to satisfying soups to quick curry meals, Minute Rice® is here to take you through classic winter recipes that are both delicious and easy to make.
Easy, Spicy Recipes in Minutes
Nothing hits the spot in winter quite like spicy food, and this chilli supper recipe demonstrates that. Made with ground beef, garlic, and chilli powder and topped off with melted cheddar cheese, this recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making for a delicious and stress-free meal you can count on any night of the week.
Then, for another spicy recipe that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser, try this spiced curry coconut rice. Its delicious blend of sweet coconut and aromatic spices makes it a flavourful dish you can whip up in a flash. You’ll love how the simple addition of cashews adds crunch and texture to what is ostensibly an easy curry recipe. Made with fluffy and fragrant Minute® Jasmine Rice, it’s also ready in 15 minutes, making it a comfort food that’s not only great tasting but also convenient.
Skillet meals made easy
Upping your skillet game is another way to make sure you’re never stuck for comforting meals when the cold weather comes. Skillets are easy to use, reduce clean-up, and are particularly conducive to making your favourite rice meals, as the shape and depth of the skillet allow for the infusion of flavours throughout the rice.
This Chicken and Rice with Broccoli Skillet takes only 15 minutes to make and is just the kind of hearty meal that cold weather calls for.
How do you clean a skillet?
Knowing how best to clean your skillet depends on the kind of skillet you’re using. Cast-iron or stainless steel skillets are perhaps the easiest to clean and the most durable.
- Leave your skillet to soak for 5–10 minutes in hot, soapy water.
- Drain the skillet and scrub with a metal scourer and soapy water.
- Add vinegar to the mix to remove stronger flavours that might linger after cooking.
If your skillet is non-stick and contains a chemically treated layer, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for how to go about cleaning it, as certain cleaning implements, such as metal scourers, may cause damage to this layer.
Quick and Easy Soup Recipes
We’ve all had those days when we come in from the cold, hang our coats up on, and rub our hands together. Then we head for the kitchen with our appetite whetted by hours spent traversing the cold weather. On these occasions, could there be a better remedy for the chill in your bones than a steaming bowl of delicious soup?
The answer is probably not! Soup is synonymous with winter because it’s simple, warm, and comforting, with a feel-good factor. For an easy soup recipe that’s also spicy, try this Creamy Thai Soup. You won’t regret it!
If there’s one soup that’s particularly synonymous with winter, it’s got to be chicken soup. For many of us, chicken soup recipes have a special place in our hearts as they remind us of winter childhoods and coming home to warm, comforting meals.
If you’re looking for an easy yet creative take on a classic soup dish, then have a go at this Chunky Chicken Vegetable Soup. You won’t believe that a dish that’s as packed with tasty vegetables and succulent chicken as this takes only 10 minutes to prepare, but it’s true!
And if these recipes have got your creative juices flowing, then there’s plenty more where they came from. See our Winter Soups and Casseroles Made Simple.
How to Host a Winter Potluck
Now that you’ve got some meal inspiration, why not gather friends and family around for a winter-themed pot-luck? Create a group chat and have fun sharing and exchanging recipe ideas as well as the all-important dietary preferences.
This way, everyone will know what to bring for the day. Come to our kitchen for even more quick and easy recipe ideas to make your gathering stress-free and memorable.