13 Comfy Cold Weather Recipes to Get You Through the Winter

When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing that will warm you up quicker than some cozy home cooking. Cold and blustery temperatures means switching from delicate salads to hearty soups, stews, and comfort foods. And although these types of dishes tend to be heavier, that doesn’t mean they’ll weigh you down, especially when cooking with plant-based ingredients. 

Foods like peas, lentils, beans, mushrooms, and winter root vegetables are particularly delicious when transformed into a soup, stew, or casserole. They also tend to do well when cooked low-and-slow, which means it might be time to dust off the slow cooker or your favorite crock. Remember, you don’t need beef stew or quarts of heavy cream to create dishes that are delicious and decadent. 

This Monday, start the week right by creating a big batch of one of these comfy cold weather recipes. From mushroom stroganoff to slow cooker tikka masala to spicy Thai coconut curry soup, we’ve got a little bit of everything to keep you warm through the winter.

Black Bean Enchiladas

A piping-hot tray of enchiladas fresh from the oven is the epitome of culinary coziness. The enchiladas are easy to roll up and ensemble, so you’re pretty much making the oven do all the work. The result is a casserole dish of saucy goodness that will keep that winter chill at bay. For the Black Bean Enchiladas recipe, click here.

Carrot Soup with Parsnip Chips

Cooking with seasonal ingredients makes for a better final product, so take advantage of those winter vegetables when you can! To make the carrot soup, simmer the vegetables until tender, and then send them to the blender. Quickly fry slices of parsnips in a bit of oil for a crunchy garnish. For the Carrot Soup with Parsnip Chips recipe, click here.

Meaty Mushroom Stew over Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Nothing warms the soul more than a cozy stew served over a bed of fluffy, garlic mashed potatoes. To recreate that rich, beef stew flavor, this recipe calls for a number of umami-rich ingredients, like shiitake mushrooms, tomato paste, and tamari. When spooned over mashed potatoes, this is the ultimate cold-weather meal. For the Meaty Mushroom Stew over Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe, click here.

Moroccan Split Pea Soup

Underappreciated but unbelievably delicious, the split pea is a humble ingredient that is nutritious and simply delightful in soups and stews. When split peas are cooked down, they naturally develop a velvety texture without the need for milk or cream. This soup uses a simple blend of spices that includes cumin, paprika, and pepper to complement the subtle flavor of the split pea. For the Moroccan Split Pea Soup recipe, click here.

Mushroom Stroganoff

This cozy and comforting (and completely meat-free) version of “beef” stroganoff from Vegan Huggs is a great way to introduce family and friends to plant-based cooking. Succulent baby portobello mushrooms, soy sauce, and your favorite brand of plant-based sour cream do an excellent job at mimicking the flavors and textures of traditional stroganoff. For the Mushroom Stroganoff recipe from Vegan Huggs, click here.

Poblano and White Bean Chili

Chili is the ultimate stew: it’s thick, smoky, spicy, and will keep you full (at least until dessert). This chili recipe from Bean a Foodie uses white beans and hominy for heft and freshly-toasted spices for a pungent taste and aroma that will warm your soul no matter the temperature outdoors. For the Poblano and White Bean Chili recipe from Bean a Foodie, click here.

Red Onion Soup with Shiitake Broth

A vegetarian spin on the French classic, this red onion soup is just as savory and rich as its beef-based counterpart. The key ingredient is fresh shiitake mushrooms, which add that deep umami flavor synonymous with traditional French onion soup. Fresh thyme and rosemary add an herbaceous brightness to the soup. And for the bubbling dome of cheese that goes on top, you can use either Gruyère or your favorite non-dairy variety. For the Red Onion Soup with Shiitake Broth recipe, click here.

Roasted Chestnut Soup

Safely recreate the magical feeling of chestnuts roasting on an open fire by doing all the roasting in your oven. This recipe Apron Strings is just what you want to be slurping on a frosty winter’s night. The soup gets its smooth, silky texture from a quick purée in the blender. You can swap out the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy variety to make this recipe totally plant-based. For the Roasted Chestnut Soup recipe from Apron Strings, click here.

Sheet Pan Ratatouille Gnocchi

Didn’t think you could make gnocchi in the oven? Well think again! This clever recipe from Contentedness Cooking is so simple to prepare and also a quick clean up. Just add the gnocchi, zucchini, onions, eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers onto a sheet pan, cover with olive oil and seasonings, and bake in the oven. Twenty minutes later, your Italian-style ratatouille gnocchi is ready to serve. For the Sheet Pan Ratatouille Gnocchi recipe from Contentedness Cooking, click here.

Slow Cooker Vegan Tikka Masala

Tikka masala sauce is like the best spicy tomato soup you’ve ever had. You can recreate a plant-based version of this classic dish in a slow cooker version thanks to this awesome recipe from Delish Knowledge. Like many slow cooker recipes, this one is simple to prepare and uses a base of tofu and chickpeas followed by a saucy mixture that includes a bold spice mix as well as rich and creamy coconut milk. Set it and forget it for 4 hours (8 hours on low), and dinner is served. For the Slow Cooker Vegan Tikka Masala recipe from Delish Knowledge, click here.

Spicy Thai Coconut Curry Soup

There’s something magical about the combination of rich coconut milk and fiery red curry paste. This recipe from Fit Foodie Finds pairs the two splendidly for a dish that’s complex, pungent, and delicious. The soup is loaded with vegetables, and is topped with fresh cilantro for an extra herbaceous kick. For the Spicy Thai Coconut Curry Soup recipe from Fit Foodie Finds, click here.

Stuffed Potatoes Primavera

Sometimes you need some stick-to-your-rib cooking to keep you insulated during the winter months. So what makes these spuds so special? Unlike your ordinary baked potato, these are stuffed with a mixture of sautéed vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes. Although the recipe calls for milk, butter, and cheese, you can easily use non-dairy varieties if you want this dish entirely plant-based. For the Stuffed Potatoes Primavera recipe, click here.

Vegan Khao Suey

This traditional Burmese dish is typically made with egg noodles, coconut milk, and curried meat. This vegan version skips the beef and chicken, instead getting its flavor from loads of vegetables, garlic, ginger, Thai chiles, and an intense blend of spices. But to really add something extra, try sprinkling fried garlic slices, cilantro, or green onions on top. For the Vegan Khao Suey recipe, click here.

Click here for more Meatless Monday recipes. When posting pictures of recipes to your social media network, tag @MeatlessMonday use #MeatlessMonday to show the plant-based community your creation.