There's nothing quite like the feeling of being wrapped in warmth on a chilly day, and that includes the warmth that comes from comfort food. But let's be honest, sometimes our go-to comfort foods leave us feeling sluggish or overly full. That's why we were thrilled to discover the cookbook Warm Your Bones. Written by Vanessa Seder, this book is packed with recipes designed for cold weather that won't leave you feeling weighed down.
According to Vanessa Seder, "The recipes in this book are crafted to help you feel energized and ready to tackle your day, even after indulging in a hearty meal." Many of these dishes are loaded with ingredients rich in iron, healthy fats, vitamin C, and complex carbohydrates—all nutrients that studies show can help not only warm us up but keep us warm longer. This cookbook is all about fueling your body while still savoring those cozy flavors we crave.
Ready to Try Something New?
If you're ready to trade that post-meal nap for an extra burst of energy, tonight's the night to give one of these recipes a try. Here's a delicious dish from the cookbook to get you started:
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Sweet Potato and Squash Soup
Serves 8
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 tbsp. (½ stick) unsalted butter
2 cups chopped yellow onions
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1 ½ lbs. Japanese sweet potato, peeled and chopped
1 (1 ½ lbs.) kabocha squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
¼ cup sweet white miso paste
¼ cup chopped fresh chives, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, warm the olive oil and butter over low heat until the butter has melted—this should take about 2 minutes. Once melted, toss in the onions and garlic, cover the pot, and let them cook for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial for building that rich, savory flavor base.
2. Now it's time to add the sweet potatoes and squash to the mix, along with your broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. As the vegetables soften, they'll release their natural sweetness, creating a velvety texture.
3. Once everything is cooked through, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Remove the center of the blender lid and cover with a dishcloth to prevent any hot splashes. Blend until smooth, then return the soup to the pot and keep it warm while you prepare the miso.
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4. Ladle about ½ cup of the soup into a small bowl and stir in the miso paste. Use a spoon to mash and mix the miso until it's completely incorporated into the soup. Once smooth, add this mixture back into the main pot of soup and season to taste.
5. Finally, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chives, and serve warm. This comforting dish is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo on a quiet evening.
Nutritional Info Per Serving: 143 cal, 4g protein, 11g carbs, 2g fiber, 3g sugar, 10g fat
Spicy Fideos with Seafood
Serves 4
1 (28-oz.) can fire-roasted tomatoes
1 cup chopped white onion
4 garlic cloves
1 chipotle in adobo, chopped
6 tbsp. olive oil
8 oz. angel hair pasta, broken into pieces
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. oregano
3 cups seafood stock
1 lb. littleneck clams, scrubbed
8 oz. mussels, scrubbed
8 oz. squid rings and tentacles
8 oz. large shrimp, peeled
Instructions:
1. Start by processing the first four ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Set this tomato mixture aside for now. In a large Dutch oven, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the broken fideo pasta and cook for about 2 minutes until golden brown, then transfer it to a plate to set aside.
2. In the same pot over medium heat, combine the remaining olive oil, tomato paste, and sugar. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Next, add in the tomato mixture, oregano, a teaspoon of salt, and a teaspoon of pepper. Let this cook for around 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Pour in the seafood stock and bring everything to a simmer. Now's the time to add the fideos back in, along with the clams and mussels. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 8 minutes. Afterward, toss in the squid and shrimp, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and oregano if needed, then serve immediately. This dish is a fiesta of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Nutritional Info Per Serving: 625 cal, 38g protein, 62g carbs, 5g fiber, 11g sugar, 25g fat
