Warm up with these feel-good recipes, using in-season produce
When it comes time to rug up for cooler weather, there’s nothing more comforting than a hot meal and a cosy spot on the couch. The foods we crave may be on the less healthy side, so we asked ourselves: how do we turn our favourite comfort foods into healthier versions?
Discover ways to make your comfort food favourites healthier with these nutritionally approved recipes. Plus, see how easy it is to incorporate some extra winter fruit and vegetables.
01
Cheesy pumpkin risotto
Pumpkin mashed through the mix gives this cheesy risotto a sweet and creamy taste, while grated zucchini stirred in adds an extra helping of veggies. You can also try making this healthier baked risotto with mushroom.
02
Healthier roasted tomato risotto
This risotto recipe is creamy, comforting and healthier. Made with half arborio rice and half freekeh, it’s a high-protein, high-fibre dish that packs plenty of flavour — including an easy homemade rocket pesto topping.
03
Healthier Lebanese-style pizza
Mix lentils and mince together for a cost-effective, healthier topping for this Lebanese-style pizza. This recipe is also easy to increase if you’re serving a crowd thanks to Lebanese bread used as the pizza base.
04
Healthier lamb korma meatballs
Enjoy rich lamb korma flavours in a mere 30 minutes with this twist on a classic, using lamb meatballs. Serve with rice or this healthier garlic naan recipe.
05
Chicken & corn noodle soup
Double this chicken noodle soup recipe to enjoy as a cosy dinner and then as a warming flask-friendly packed lunch. Find more warm ideas to pack in your food flask.
06
Healthier cauliflower nachos
The best kind of finger food, this healthier one-tray nachos recipe doesn’t skimp on cheese or bold Mexican flavours. It’s meat-free and combines roasted spiced cauliflower with all your favourite nacho toppings.
07
Zucchini lasagne
With ricotta cheese and zucchini, this lasagne recipe is the perfect vegetarian alternative. Zesty lemon packs a punch and the light, creamy ricotta adds a touch of indulgence to this hearty weeknight meal.
08
Healthier roasted spiced cauliflower with freekeh
Spiced roasted cauliflower is the star of this healthier vegetarian dinner. Served on a bed of whole grain freekeh and tahini yoghurt, this is a flavourful, no-fuss recipe that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
09
Baked cauliflower cheese
Learn how to make this baked cauliflower cheese recipe that features a creamy bechamel sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a great way to use in-season cauliflower, and this healthier side pairs well with roast beef, chicken or lamb.
10
Healthier chicken ramen
Ramen is a winter essential. Slurping up noodles and sipping on steamy, rich broth is one of the best ways to warm up instantly. This version is made with reduced-salt stock and soy sauce, but still plenty of flavour.
11
Healthier spiced sweet potato and lentil soup
Sweet potato is the hero of this warming winter soup. This nutritionally approved soup is packed with lentils, making it a hearty and filling option for lunches or midweek dinners. Serve with a swirl of creamy Greek yoghurt.
12
Healthier pad Thai
This pad Thai recipe is an easy, healthier replacement for your favourite takeaway meal. Plus, it takes less than 5 minutes to prepare and under 20 to cook. For another healthier version of your favourite takeaway, try this quick veggie fried rice recipe.
13
Healthier roasted broccolini with parmesan crumb
Take your side of broccolini to the next level with this cheesy roasted broccolini recipe. Topped with parmesan-wholemeal breadcrumbs and zesty roasted lemon, this dish pairs well with roast chicken, fish or a vegetable quiche.
14
Gnocchi with sweet potato sauce
Gnocchi is a wonderfully filling, hearty option, and this sweet potato sauce makes this recipe rich and flavourful while sneaking in some extra serves of vegetables.
15
Healthier creamy mushroom pasta
Learn how to make creamy mushroom pasta healthier with this nutritionally approved recipe. Buttery and garlicky mushrooms take centre stage in this easy, speedy pasta recipe.
16
Slow-cooked lamb with cheesy mash
Is there anything more warming than a rich, meaty slow-cooked stew with creamy mash? This lamb shank stew is melt-in-your-mouth good, with a cheesy mash made from parmesan and skim milk.
17
Rainbow minestrone soup
You can’t go through winter without whipping up a soup. This nutritious minestrone soup recipe is packed with vegetables, and the prep time is made easy with a pre-cut, ready-to-cook veggie mix.
18
Healthier shepherd’s pie with cauliflower mash
Creamy, cheesy mash paired with rich, hearty beef and lentils. Need we say more about this healthier version of shepherd’s pie?
19
Easy cheesy zucchini muffins
Make these cheesy zucchini muffins ahead of time for a simple on-the-go snack to enjoy during the week. They’re an easy and tasty way to up your daily veg intake.
20
Healthier apple pie
This recipe is as wholesome as, well, apple pie. Cut the prep time by using pre-made filo pastry, and if it’s too cold for ice cream, try this recipe topped with ricotta and a drizzle of honey.
21
Healthier vanilla and spice poached pears with yoghurt
A healthier dessert ideal for the colder months, these pears are stewed in a concoction of pear juice, maple syrup, mixed spice and vanilla bean. A warming treat sure to satisfy any sweet cravings.
22
Healthier blueberry and ricotta pancakes
Put in-season blueberries to good use with this recipe for wholemeal blueberry pancakes. The batter contains ricotta and a drizzle of honey, making a wholesome and hearty way to start a wintry weekend.
23
Chocolate pumpkin mug cake
Next time you're curled up on the couch and craving something sweet, try this microwave chocolate mug cake. It’s ready in no time and features pureed apple and pumpkin, resulting in a healthier, surprisingly sweet wintry dessert.
24
Apple crumble
With mashed sweet potato hidden inside, you’d never guess this apple crumble features vegetables. Warm, toasty spices and a hint of maple syrup really hit the spot in this decadent dessert. Sweet potato not your thing? Try adding berries instead.
25
Blueberry muffin slice
This blueberry muffin slice recipe is the perfect healthier snack for hungry little tummies. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly and predominantly made with pantry staples.