11 Easy Recipes to Cook When You’re Tired of Winter
We hope this stormy weekend finds you warm and safe—and, ideally, with power and running water. At this point, winter, and winter cooking, just might not be feeling fun anymore. You’ve simmered pot after pot of soup. You’ve cooked so, so many beans. You’ve roasted vegetables, you’ve roasted chickens, you’ve roasted…more vegetables. At this point, you need easy and spirit-lifting meals and snacks. This rough last stretch of winter is the time for quick and simple pasta dishes, steaming, savory porridge, anytime cookies, and breakfast for dinner. The list below includes some of our best easy winter recipes that go beyond soup (and braises and roasts)—but will surely keep you warm.
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich2/11Lemon Curd
This classic lemon curd consists of equal parts fresh lemon juice and sugar, which makes it bright and tart. Serve it on scones, on toast, or swirled into yogurt. Then try the recipe with lime juice, grapefruit juice, passionfruit juice, or (almost) any kind of fruit.
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Susie Theodorou5/11Slow-Cooked Halibut with Garlic Cream and Fennel
Photo & Food Styling by Kendra Vaculin6/11Spiced Lentil and Caramelized Onion Baked Eggs
The secret to these stewy baked eggs is a can of lentil soup. Any variety of lentil soup will work, just stick with a basic one, like Amy’s. You'll dress it up with the earthy spices and caramelized onions.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Katherine Sacks7/11Take It Easy Dutch Baby
When coming up with an idea for another dinner at home feels impossible, breakfast for dinner is here for you. This Dutch baby is somewhere between a custard, a crepe, and a pancake—and it couldn’t be easier to make. Just whip the ingredients in a blender for a super-airy texture and minimal cleanup.
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell8/11Freeform Chicken Meatballs With Carrots and Yogurt Sauce
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Sue Li10/11Roast Sausage and Fennel with Orange
Put the last of winter citrus to good use with this sheet-pan supper. Roasting sausages on a bed of fennel and red onion allows the drippings to flavor the veggies as they cook. Looking for other sheet-pan dinners? We've got you.
Photo and Food Styling by Joseph De Leo11/11Okonomiyaki (“As You Like It”) Pancakes With Bonito Flakes
The best easy winter recipes are flexible, like these savory pancakes, which are great for using whatever's left in your fridge. Add ribbons of cabbage, crunchy bell pepper, and any meat or seafood you have on hand. Then top each serving the way you like it: a little mayo, some homemade or store-bought tonkatsu sauce, plus crumbled nori, and/or bonito flakes.
