We all crave comfort food when the cold draws near – rich and spicy curries, tender meat and luscious puddings. This is the time of year when we skip the salads and acai bowls and indulge in the kind of food we remember from childhood.
It’s also the perfect time to curl up in a sunny spot with a new cookbook filled with inspiring winter recipes. Here’s our pick of the best new cook books.
Low & Slow: Comfort food for Cold Nights by Louise Franc
All the classic slow-cooking recipes are here – hearty beef bourguignon, braised lamb shanks, pulled pork, osso buco – as well as hearty soups, slow-cooked barbequing classics, curries and warming puddings. We love this recipe for dulche de leche & chocolate peanut butter puddings.
Smoked: A Beginner’s Guide to Hot- and Cold-Smoked Fish, Meat, Cheese and Vegetables by Charlotte Pike.
If the “River Cottage” lifestyle is what you aspire to, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cooking your food with succulent flavours and smoky aromas. Want to get started? You’ll love this lamb shawarma recipe.
The Good Carbs Cook Book by Dr Alan Barclay, Kate McGhie & Philippa Sandall
If you don’t know where to start with choosing good carbs, this book will guide you through everything – the best fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, seeds, nuts and grains – and how to use them. It even has desserts! Try this no-bake poached pear flan with lime cream recipe from the book.
Indian Festival Feasts by Vivek Singh
You can’t go past a vibrant, spicy curry when the weather turns dreary outside. This new book covers all of the classic Indian celebration dishes – from a rich pork vindaloo and steamed rice dumplings to chicken butter masala. Try Vivek’s tandoori chicken recipe – you don’t need a tandoor to make it!