One of the most enjoyable parts of winter is all of the good food that you can make to eat! As the weather gets colder, many Canadians start enjoying heavier, warmer foods. Fall produce such as carrots, potatoes, cabbage, beets, sweet potatoes, leeks, and pears are ready to eat in the early winter, making them more affordable than other food at this time of year. Many families will enjoy these fruits and vegetables with meat such as chicken, beef, or pork, or legumes such as lentils and chickpeas, which are high in protein and make you feel full. Some people will use more cream, butter, or milk in their cooking at this time of year as well, making food taste richer. What are some foods that you eat in cold weather in your country?
Soups, Stews, and Warming Meals
Vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or corn, and meat such as chicken or beef, are mixed together with broth or water to create warming, delicious, soup. A thick soup using less water or broth is called a stew. These filling dishes can feed many people and will keep you warm and full all day! Here are some recipes for popular soups and stews that are influenced by cultures around the world:
- Chicken Noodle Soup (this soup is often prepared for people when they have a cold, as it is not only delicious but has important vitamins and minerals to help you feel better quickly)
- Tomato-egg soup
- Borscht
- Chicken stew
- Goulash
- French onion soup
- Cheddar broccoli soup
Other warm and comforting meals eaten frequently during the Canadian winter include:
- Tourtiere
- Chili
- Lentil dal
- Shepherd’s pie
- Couscous
- Poutine
- Dumplings (such as perogies or momo) *Note: pre-made, frozen dumplings can be found at all major grocery stores, and only need to be boiled before eating
- Split pea soup
