Have you hit that mid-winter slump where you find yourself repeating the same familiar meals?
We ask a lot from our Winter food. It needs to support our immunity and wellness while also giving us the nourishment and comfort we need through the coldest months.
But cooking doesn’t have to become part of winter’s drag. It can lift the season and be an important source of cheer through the senses as our kitchens fill with warmth and rich aromas.
Why dairy has the advantage
According to Maretha Vermaak, Registered Dietitian at Rediscover Dairy, milk, amasi, yoghurt and cheese also make a unique nutritional contribution to our wellness as we navigate the peak of winter’s cold temperatures.
She says, “While focusing on more hearty meals to help maintain body temperature is instinctive, we also want to ensure the nutritional balance needed to protect our health. Dairy foods offer a unique nutritional profile from high-quality protein to bone-building calcium and immune-supporting vitamins and minerals.”
Here are 8 delicious recipes that illustrate just how adaptable dairy can be in winter cooking:
Mexican bowl with amasi & herb dressing
Ingredients:
For the bowl
- 2 medium deboned chicken breast
- 1 small avocado
- ½ cup cooked sweetcorn
- ½ cup cooked red kidney beans
- 1 cup cooked basmati rice
- 2 tbsp cottage cheese
- 1 small tomato
- 1 small ripe mango
- ½ small red onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp Portuguese chicken spice
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Chilli flakes
- Salt & pepper
For the dressing
- ⅓ cup Amasi
- ¼ cup each parsley, coriander & chives
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Method:
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Pre-heat oven to 180°
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Season the chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper and Portuguese chicken spice. Heat the olive oil in an oven-proof skillet on medium heat and place the chicken breast in once the oil is hot. Sear for about 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned
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Place the skillet in the oven and grill for 15 minutes depending on the size and remove from the oven. Be careful to not dry the chicken out. You will slice it just before plating
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Make the dressing while the chicken is grilling by adding all of the ingredients into a blender and blitzing until the dressing is fully combined. You may add a bit more honey if you prefer slightly more sweetness
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Next, smash the avocado adding a bit of fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper for flavour
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Then, make the salsa by finely chopping the tomato, mango, red onion and adding the remaining lemon juice. Combine well
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You’re now ready to put the bowl together. In a medium relatively flat bowl, plate the rice, sliced chicken breast, red kidney beans, smashed avo, salsa and cottage cheese. Then either drizzle the Amasi & Herb dressing over the bowl or pour it on the side
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Sprinkle the chilli flakes over the bowl for a bit of a bite. And serve
Creamy mushroom soup & easy cheesy toasts
Ingredients:
- 50 g butter
- 125 ml cream or 75ml yoghurt/75ml cream
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 5 sprigs thyme stripped
- 500 g mushrooms roughly chopped
- 500 ml beef or vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese toast ingredients:
- Baguette or white crusty bread, sliced and par toasted one side only
- 50 g grated cheddar
- 50 g grated mozzarella
- 50 g sour cream
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
Method:
Creamy mushroom soup
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Melt butter and sweat shallots until shiny and sizzling.
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Add garlic and thyme and stir for a minute, then add mushrooms.
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Stir well, coating all the ingredients in butter and allow to cook for 3-4 minutes.
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Add broth and bring to a bubble – reduce heat and allow soup to simmer for another 5-6 minutes. While it’s cooking, mix up your sour cream and grated cheese for the toasts.
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Take off the heat and allow to rest for a minute or two – blend to your preferred consistency, stir in cream (or cream/yoghurt mixture), grind over black pepper and serve with Cheesy Toasts.
Cheese toast
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Mix together cheeses, sour cream and mustard and smear onto uncooked side of bread with the back of a spoon. Place under a grill for 5 minutes as you take the soup off the stove.
Winter fisherman’s pie – Chunks of white fish, smoked fish and prawns are folded into a rich, milk-based sauce with leeks, spinach, peas, dill and chives. Topped with crisp, golden puff pastry, this comforting seafood pie is packed with flavour and perfect for sharing on a chilly evening.
Cheesy lasagne – There’s nothing quite like a homemade lasagne in the middle of winter. This veg-forward take on the Italian classic layers a rich beef mince sauce made with carrot, thyme, tomatoes and garlic with tender lasagne sheets and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Finished with extra cheddar, basil pesto, paprika and roasted tomatoes, this is the ultimate winter comfort food.
Bunny chow – What’s a South African winter without a warm and spicy curry? This Bunny Chow recipe features a fragrant chicken curry made with coriander, garlic and ginger, potatoes and tomatoes. Creamy full cream yoghurt and easy homemade paneer add delicious dairy flair.
Roast beetroot salad with herbed amasi dressing – Amasi is such a quintessential South African ingredient, and it’s fun to find new ways to use this versatile ingredient. Here, sweet roasted beetroot is paired with peppery wild rocket and crunchy toasted almonds for a hearty winter salad. A smooth dressing of amasi, fresh herbs, lime, ginger, garlic and warm spices adds a creamy, zesty finish that complements the earthy beetroot beautifully.
Spicy roasted winter vegetables with za’atar yoghurt – A colourful medley of roasted butternut, sweet potato, carrots, baby marrow, peppers, cauliflower and red onion is seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, coriander and a hint of chilli. Served with a creamy za’atar yoghurt dressing brightened with lemon, fresh herbs and garlic, it’s a warming dish that balances bold spices with cool, tangy dairy.
Baked camembert with honey and herbs – Creamy camembert cheese is topped with honey and fragrant herbs and then baked until irresistibly soft and gooey. Served with toasted French bread or ciabatta for dipping, it’s a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for cosy winter entertaining, especially in front of the fireplace!
These winter recipes highlight that it’s worth looking beyond the obvious ways of enjoying dairy.
