Seasonal Comfort Foods: Nourishing Recipes built for comfort

Amelia Kell
Sep 19
4 min read

Updated: Oct 1

As the seasons change, so do our cravings. There is something special about comfort food that warms the heart and nourishes the soul. Whether it is a chilly winter evening or a breezy autumn afternoon, comfort foods bring a sense of coziness and satisfaction and for me, reminds me of the big 'C', which will always be the highlight of my year. In this post, I will go through all the ways in which we get ready for the colder seasons, my home comforts and what we typically do and eat to feel cosy, nourished but still on track with eating to get leaner. Get ready to fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and your table with hearty meals.

The Essence of Comfort Food

Comfort food is more than just a meal; it is a feeling. It often reminds us of home, family gatherings, and cherished memories. These dishes are typically rich, hearty, and satisfying. They can be made with simple ingredients, yet they deliver a sense of warmth and happiness.

Seasonal comfort foods take advantage of fresh, local ingredients. They reflect the flavors of the time of year, making them even more special.

Slow Cookers, Stews, and Soups

When it comes to preparing comforting meals, slow cookers, stews, and soups are unbeatable. They not only offer an incredible depth of flavor but also provide the convenience of a hands-off cooking experience. One of my favorite kitchen tools for this purpose is my food processor. It saves me a significant amount of time when it comes to chopping vegetables and prepping ingredients. With just a few pulses, I can have everything ready to go, allowing me to spend more time enjoying my meal and less time in the kitchen.

The Magic of Slow Cookers

There’s something truly special about coming home after a long day to the enticing aromas wafting from the slow cooker. As the ingredients simmer together throughout the day, they meld into a rich and flavorful dish that feels like a warm embrace. Slow cookers are perfect for stews and soups, allowing tougher cuts of meat to become tender and flavorful while infusing the broth with depth.

Bulk Up Your Stews

One of the best aspects of making stews is their versatility and the ability to bulk them out with humble, seasonal ingredients. Whether it’s root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, or leafy greens like kale and cabbage, you can stretch your meals further while keeping costs down. Seasonal produce often comes at a lower price point and is packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for hearty stews.

Creating Flavorful Soups

Soups are another fantastic way to utilize your slow cooker and food processor. You can easily blend ingredients to create smooth, creamy textures or leave them chunky for a rustic feel. The beauty of soups is that you can throw in whatever you have on hand, leftover vegetables, grains, or even beans, to create a nutritious and satisfying meal. In summary, embracing slow cookers, stews, and soups not only saves time and energy but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. With the help of a food processor and seasonal ingredients, you can whip up delicious meals that are both economical and satisfying. So, whether it's a hearty stew or a comforting soup, the possibilities are endless!

I always love to make a slow cooked beef stew, mine is heavily inspired by Jamie Oliver's Jools beef stew recipe. I always find this recipe nicer the next day, so create this illusion, i make mine in the slow cooker either the night before or morning of, then come home to the best smell and a meal that feeds about 6 which can be frozen, saved for tomorrow or shared with loved ones. Give it a try:

Ingredients:

1 glug olive oil (optional)
Beef roasting joint (1kg serves 6-8 people)
2 onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 parsnips, peeled and chunked
3 carrots, peeled and chunked
1/2 swede, peeled and chunked
500g potatoes, peeled and chunked
350ml good quality vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
3 sprigs of fresh sage
3 tbsp tomato puree
2 tbsp of plain or gluten free flour
1/2 bottle red wine (If it's not good enough to drink, it's not good enough for the dish!)
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon, rosemary and minced garlic for garnish

Instructions:

Rub the beef well with the flour and season with salt and pepper. You can keep the string on to hold the meat in place whilst it cooks. Adding flour to the meat will create a lovely thick gravy.
In a slow cooker, add all ingredients except the garnishes, adding the floured beef last and on top.
Turn the slow cooker onto a low heat for 8-10 hours. quite frankly, if this is on low, it will last until when you get home from work, although I wouldn't recommend more than 12 hours or it will all be too mushy and more like soup!
Serve hot, garnished with the zest of a lemon, 1 minced garlic clove (chopped, not using a mincer as you still want a bit of bite) and some fresh, finely chopped rosemary. I don't know what witchcraft this combination is, but it's my favourite part!

This stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of autumn and costs around £4.50 per portion and can be bulked out with some fresh bread to feed 8 at £3.40. per portion.

Embracing Seasonal Cooking

Cooking with the seasons not only enhances the flavors of your dishes but also supports local farmers. By using fresh, seasonal ingredients, you can create meals that are both delicious and nourishing.

As you explore my seasonal comfort foods, remember to share it with as many people as you can. Whether you are preparing a cosy meal for yourself or hosting a gathering with friends, these recipes will surely bring joy to your table.