Winter Recipes: Food to Warm Body and Soul

7 February 2023

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire. It is a time for home. ~ Edith Sitwell

As we make the yearly transition from the light and cooling foods of summer to heartier winter options, it’s also good to reflect on healthy ways to make the leap. Eating locally and in season are well-known ways to satisfy cravings, keep waistlines in check, and take advantage of the freshest, most vitamin-packed local foods available.

Local markets are fantastic places to source seasonal fare and speciality items such as local olive oil, almonds, salt and honey. The selection is vast and as most of us have a weekly market within a 10km radius, it’s not as if it is necessary to make several long treks to gather what you need.

Another option is to grow it yourself. Mallorca’s Mediterranean climate is ideal for harvesting a vast number of things in winter, such as cruciferous vegetables, salads, leafy greens, root veg, cauliflower celery and potatoes.

Affordable Mallorca would like to offer some ideas on good winter eats that you can find right here on the island… some traditional local favourites, others old standbys using the best native ingredients of the season, and all staying within a budget!

Autumn food market mallorca

Local Faves #

Mallorcan dishes are usually passed down through the generations, so ingredients can vary depending on the season and the family, making them incredibly versatile. Of course, there are those who believe their family’s recipe is the only one worth eating, but I’ve found there really isn’t a bad one in the bunch! Needless to say, use all locally-sourced ingredients when possible.

Arroz Brut
Arroz Brut is a savoury rice casserole and staple of Mallorcan cooking. The name literally translates "dirty rice" – click here to find out why and get the recipe for this warming winter dish >>

Fish Tumbet
Tumbet is the Mallorquin answer to the French ratatouille. The cold weather cousin to the warm weather staple, this version isn’t vegetarian, but it is delicious. click here for the recipe>>

Coca Mallorquina
I will refrain from calling this what it looks like: Mallorcan pizza, as it might be a tad bit annoying to them and it is a delicious dish in its own right. Super simple to make, this is another example for a recipe that uses different ingredients depending on the season. >>

  • Kenwood

  • Recetas Mallorquinas

Comfort Food #

Now that we’ve covered local favourites, let’s throw in a few old standards from more northern climes, just using the Mallorcan twist of local seasonal produce and other indigenous items.

Lentil and Veg Soup with a Mallorquin Twist
It’s cold, you’re hungry. What better way to warm your tummy than a nice hearty soup? You decide for yourself if you want it vegetarian or … surprise! >>

Cauliflower Gratin with Ramallet Tomatoes
It's the ultimate cold-season veg and it's delicious: Cauliflower. Try this recipe using ingredients fresh from the market >>

Roast Pork and Winter Veg
The Mallorquin cuisine is definitely not a vegetarian one, and pork is one of its staples. Try our recipe for a Sunday roast with ingredients sourced on the island. click here for the recipe>>

End Notes #

We hope we’ve whetted your appetite and given you some ideas for those cold winter nights when a sandwich just won’t do. Winter is our quietest time. Using what is available and in-season here on the island is the healthiest way to get through winter, and at the same time you are supporting local farmers and businesses. Buying from them helps us all by keeping them going in the off months. Win-win, really!

Keep warm and bon profit!

Winter meal at table

Sources

Okdiario.com
Spain.info
Thecutlerychronicles.com
Tastymediterraneo.com
Bbcgoodfood.com
Allrecipes.com
Bonappetit.com

#healthywintermeals #healthywintermealsonabudget #wintercomfortfood #healthyheartymeal #mallorcawinter

7 February, 2023

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