By Cyan Leigh Dacasin
Now that winter is here, it’s the perfect time to frolic in the snow, go skiing, and sip hot chocolate as the snowfall coats the earth with its white blanket. Winter is all about ‘tucking in,’ a phrase that means eating heartily. It’s the perfect time of the year to showcase unique dishes with bright and bold flavors that counteract the chilliness of a blustery winter day.
We all know that long, cold days equate to hot, filling meals that are easy to make anytime and anywhere. As a home cook, I love eating anything from Shawarma, Pho, and Borscht to Minestrone and Bulalo ( A Filipino beef shank soup similar to Spain’s Sopa de Carne). Whenever I crave something on a chilly day, I always spend time in the kitchen, cooking a big pot of Makhani ( Butter Chicken) or Älplermagronen, Switzerland’s version of mac and cheese.
From classics, favorites, and newfound dishes that are incredibly delectable, here are 15 bold and flavor-packed dishes to make as you gear up for the long winter ahead.
1. Tonkotsu Ramen
Who doesn’t love Ramen? It’s one of the most satisfying dishes after a long day at work or if it’s that time of the year that’s chilly to the bone. It’s an intensely flavorful dish with only five ingredients: pork, egg, noodles, broth, and tare.
In Japan, the majority of ramen shops solely make big steaming pots of tonkotsu broth that’s been brewing for at least 12-18 hours.
As a result, you get a thick and creamy broth that’s rich and full of umami notes. Combined with noodles, 7-minute eggs, and tare (miso), you have an incredible bowl of noodle soup that will keep you warm throughout the season.
See the recipe from Serious Eats here.
2. French Onion Soup
This quintessential French classic holds a special place in my heart. During my university years, I was living off a monthly budget by my parents, and I couldn’t afford to eat out as much.
In light of that situation, I had to get creative about what to have for my weekly dinners, and that’s when I discovered Julia Child’s recipe for French Onion Soup.
Despite the painstaking process of cutting up 5-6 yellow onions (which resulted in numerous forced tears), it became one of my favorite dishes. After so many years, the simple combination of caramelized onions, croutons, and cheese had become a staple recipe in my kitchen.
See the recipe here.
3. Curry
Curries have become a culinary wonder of the world. In India alone, there are plenty of varieties, such as Palak Paneer, Dal Makhani, Rogan Josh, and a thousand more that we are unfamiliar with. It’s become a household staple for many families because it is easy to make in batches, especially for the cold weather.
One of our editors, Claire, swears by a good _____ for the winter and a generous serving of garlic naan with a quick salad on the side.
See the recipe here.
4. Chicken Tahchin ( Baked Persian Rice Casserole with Chicken)
This bejeweled Persian rice dish is a twist on Tahchin; it consists of chicken, yogurt, and saffron. Aside from that, it comes with a Tahdig ( A Persian word that refers to the crispy rice found at the bottom of the pot). It’s a generous dish with plenty of buttery, spiced goodness and texture. No wonder it’s impossible to resist.
Photo from Food 52: Photo by Rocky Luten. Food stylist: Anna Billingskog. Prop stylist: Megan Hedgpeth.
See the recipe here.
5. Tofu and Kimchi Soup (Sundubu -Jjigae)
Thanks to the Korean/ Hallyu wave, the world has become addicted to all things Korean. We’re not just talking about Blackpink or Korean skincare, but obviously, the food— which is incredible. Aside from Korean BBQ, Korea’s cuisine is incredibly diverse. Historically, its origins stem from ancient agricultural and nomadic traditions in Korea and Southern Manchuria, China.
This dish is traditionally made with kimchi ( a fermented spicy cabbage), tofu, and pork, or if you want to go vegan, replace it with mushrooms; it’s simmered in a pot for 20 minutes, making it an easy one-pot dinner that’s perfect for the cold weather.
It’s so nutritious that it has become a known staple in Korean households. On a side note, it’s also a great recovery dish if you’ve had too many drinks the night before.
See the recipe here.
6.Lentejas con Chorizo ( Spanish Lentil and Chorizo Soup)
Lentejas con Chorizo, otherwise known as Spanish Lentil and Chorizo soup, is a classic winter staple for households in Spain. Every mom makes their version, but the base ingredients are the same, and it is easily accessible at any deli and supermarket around town. 
From fromachefskitchen.com
Made out of green lentils and chorizo, it’s a great dish that you can build on. For instance, adding potatoes, carrots, and onions are great for added texture and flavor. It only takes 10$ to make, yet it can feed many people in one go.
See the recipe here.
7. Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken with Chimichurri
Were you thinking of cooking up a quick no-fuss roast for dinner? Then let’s take a leaf out of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex’s book and make a scrumptious lemon and herb roast chicken, which can be left in the oven on its own while you’re quickly multi-tasking. 
Take it further and pair it up with chimichurri, a sauce made of anchovies, garlic, chili, olive oil, and parsley, commonly made in Argentina and Uruguay. You can see Cafe Delites’ recipe for an authentic chimichurri on their site for reference.
It’s a delectable flavor combination that pairs well with a nice salad or mashed potatoes. The best part is that you can have it done in a jiffy.
See the recipe here.
8. Vietnamese Pork & Seafood Noodle Soup (Hủ Tiếu Mì)
While this dish may be known as the lesser-known cousin of Pho, it’s a flavor bomb in its own right. Originally from Chinese settlers who initially settled in Cambodia and then southern Vietnam. This beloved and versatile noodle soup is a favorite of our EIC, Natalie, especially during the coldest time of the year.’ I always prefer this with black Chinese vinegar and egg noodles.’
By Vicky Pham
It has a clear, savory broth made of simmering pork or chicken bones, dried shrimp, and squid, which adds richness to its flavor profile. Additionally, it can be served in two ways, wet or dry, with sauces and other small dishes on the side.
See the recipe here.
9. Bulalo ( Filipino Beef Shank Soup)
Being Filipino, I consider bulalo to be one of the best dishes that defines the heart and soul of Filipino food—made from beef shank and bone marrow with potatoes, Bokchoy, corn, fish sauce, string beans, and cabbage. It’s a dish you can’t get enough of once you’ve had it, although it takes time to make.
From Foxy Folksy
In our household alone, we always had bulalo as part of our rotation of monthly dinners. I realize now that having this dish became more common as the rainy season began. Bulalo is served with a cup of white rice and a dipping sauce made out of fish sauce and bird’s eye chili. Finally, the best part of having bulalo is eating the meat falling off the bone and mixing it with the broth’s clear yet strong flavor profile.
See the recipe here.
10. Ribollita
An Italian icon of the cucina povera scene, Ribollita doesn’t need an introduction. This Tuscan soup was conceptualized to use up left-over stewed beans on what were considered lean days.
By Recipes – magsfrisch.com
This nutritious and healthy soup is packed with winter vegetables like kale, carrots, spinach, and potatoes. It’s also thickened with day-old bread and a splash of local olive oil to finish the dish.
See the recipe here.
11. Cambodian Steamed Fish Curry ( Khmer Fish Amok)
Of all the curries I tried in Southeast Asia, Khmer Fish Amok got my vote as one of the most delicious dishes. This gets a special mention for being a perfect embodiment of flavors done well.
In 2023, one of my travels took me to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and after a long day of touring around Angkor Wat’s massive temple complex, I could finally tuck into a meal made for royalty.
By Angkorchef.com
Served in a small clay pot, this Khmer fish recipe has a mousse-like consistency since it’s steamed with banana leaves in coconut milk and spices, which also lends to its fragrant and delicate texture. One of the reasons why this dish left such a lasting impression on me was the fact that it wasn’t overly spiced or heated; it was perfectly balanced. Serve it with white jasmine rice, and you have a winning dish.
See recipe here
A classic recipe for the cold days ahead, Chili con carne (classic beef chili) is a versatile recipe that can be done in plenty of ways. While it’s an American dish at its core, creating chili is about making big flavors stand out in a bowl of deliciousness.
The first step in making a great chili is to cook your beef and spices together until the earthy cumin and chile powder flavors begin to stand out. This was something I didn’t get right away when I first started to make this dish. Back then, I was an impatient student who had no idea about using spices and instead relied on the heaviness of heat to carry flavor throughout the dish. Finally, I realized that adding savory undertones and rich flavors requires much time to build.
From ohsweetbasil.com
Serve this chili with tortilla chips or bread and cheddar, jalapeño, and cilantro, topped with sour cream, and you’ve got a perfect bowl of hearty chili.
See the recipe here.
13. Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni and Cheese)
Älplermagronen is Switzerland’s answer to America’s Mac and Cheese. While one doesn’t wish to draw comparisons, this Alpine dish beats the usual fare, and it’s utterly delicious and exquisite for the taste buds. I discovered this recipe a few years ago, and it is one of the dishes I have on repeat at home, whether in the company of others. 
From tarasmulticulturaltable.com
It is decadent with potatoes, caramelized onions, bacon lardons, and applesauce. This rustic dish is perfect for those cold wintery nights, and it was specifically made for herders looking after the grazing cows of the Alps.
See the recipe here.
14. THE ULTIMATE GRILLED CHEESE
After watching ‘Chef’ with Jon Favreau, this grilled cheese sandwich has been on my mind, and it would be on yours, too, once you’ve had it.
Making the ultimate grilled cheese doesn’t require a lot of frills, and it’s great for any season, especially during the colder months of the year. This sandwich takes less than 5 minutes, with layers of cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan as its key components. Serve this with a bowl of tomato soup, or have it as it is, and you’ve got a hearty dish ready for lunch or dinner.
See the recipe here.
Are you craving enchiladas at home? This green chile chicken skillet is the answer to your mid-week cravings. The best part is that it all comes together in one skillet. The dish’s base starts with sautéed onion, poblano chiles, and garlic. Then, it gets blended with cilantro and green chiles. After that, you can layer corn tortillas, chicken, black beans, and cheese.
Finish it with sour cream, avocado, and cilantro in a bowl. Then, you’ll have a perfect plate of tasty enchiladas done in the shortest amount of time.
From reciperunner.com
See the recipe here.
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