I always find the stretch after the exciting run up to Christmas a bit of a slog. I am however noticing and enjoying that the evenings are getting lighter, but this is also typically the time of year for colder, crisper and wetter weather.

If like me, food is a real motivation and comfort to get me through to spring. I’m personally all about the hearty winter warmers, and ideally those low admin, low & slow dishes you can bang in the oven or leave to simmer away until dinner time.

Here I want to share with you my top 3 winter warmers to get you through February and March and my top 3 tips for these dishes:

1. Don’t overdo the salt early on, do a final season of the dish once you think it’s cooked and ready. Throughout the cooking process use things like unsalted butter so you can control the salt content. Salt really does enhance the flavour of ingredients.

2. Don’t be afraid to taste, taste, taste as you cook to ensure each dish is yummy! Cooking is meant to be fun, so colour outside the lines when you want to. Add that extra splash of wine, or sprinkling of chilli and garlic if you think it needs it.

3. Give the onions the love they deserve. They are the foundation to the dish being excellent, and not just good. Use an unflavoured oil (sunflower or vegetable, not olive oil), starting with a cold pan, add the onions, a good pinch of salt and oil. Turn the pan to hot and watch it closely until they brown lightly, don’t be tempted to stir them! Then add a dash of water, stir and deglaze the pan, turning the pan down it to a medium heat to avoid the brown going to black! Leave the onions again to let them brown some more, and repeat this process until your onions are a caramel brown, it can take up to 20 mins.

Right bring on the winter warmer recipes…..

I’ve selected what I feel are foolproof winter warmer recipes, they taste DELCIOUS and take advantage of seasonal or store cupboard ingredients, so think root veggies! I’ve also suggested alternative ingredients for occasions when you can’t get your hands on everything. Any comments or questions do let me know. Happy cooking & stay warm!

With love from the Hidden Kitchen x

Winter warmers to get you through to spring!

The Hidden Kitchen