When the cold weather hits, so do the gingerbread cookies, eggnog lattes, holiday cocktails, fruitcakes, turkey dinners … phew.
There are so many excuses to indulge in fall and winter (hello, Thanksgiving and Christmas and basically any day of the week). Before you know it, mashed potatoes with dinner and pumpkin pie for dessert are the norm. But if you’d like to avoid wolfing down comfort food every evening, stick with this lineup of healthy winter meals.
We’ll never get tired of having breakfast for dinner. Frittatas seem a bit more meal worthy than omelettes or pancakes, and this version is ready in a flash.
Just because you’re not making mashed potatoes doesn’t mean you have to skip them entirely. Potatoes help create a smooth, decadent base for this zippy puréed soup, which is inspired by Scandinavian cuisine.
The next time you’re tempted to order takeout sushi … make this better-for-you sushi bowl instead. It’s topped by a miso gravy that’s seriously divine.
In case you can’t tell, cauliflower is the secret to making every comfort food dish healthier. Although this recipe isn’t vegan, a few simple tweaks will remove all traces of dairy.
Here’s an easy way to help meet your twice-a-week fish quota, and it’s surprisingly simple to throw together. This Nordic-inspired recipe will also give you a little taste of the hygge life.
Psst … can you keep a secret? There’s zero dairy in this mac and cheese, which can be baked and served in mason jars for minimal cleanup (and adorable presentation). Cashews and carrots form the base of the “cheese” sauce.
You probably don’t crave salads in winter, but this versatile dish might change your mind. Everything just gets thrown on one sheet pan, meaning minimal cleanup too.
Butternut squash is a staple in winter, and it’s the star in this vegetarian dish. Simple and satisfying, you could make a case for eating this meal every week.
Colleen Grant
The digital editor at alive, Colleen likes baking healthy(ish) desserts and cooking up a good pun.
