It’s been cold the past plenty of days, hasn’t it? You know what kind of food really works with freezing weather and the need for warmth? Some fabulous hot and spicy meals that can give you (and your immune system) the kind of kick it needs. Here are some of them.Â
For me, winter is a time of low-energy days, when I miss the sunlight and I feel exactly like a sloth, trying to get through it all, even at a slower pace, until I finally make it home. Do you have the same problem? Then maybe this trick of mine might help. Trying to include some hot and spicy meals in your menu gives you a boost, thoroughly warms you up on the inside and also gives your immune system a fighting chance against the grey days. And I have to say, February is the worst because it’s like the last legs of the cold and the ice and the blizzards. Until March, try to eat these!
7 hot and spicy meals to warm you up
1. Red Wine Spaghetti
Is this decadent pasta, or what? Just use one of your favorite dry red wines to cook the spaghetti and your palate will thank you. Although the pasta wonderfully soaks up the wine flavor, this should not prevent you from further spiking the overall taste with chili flakes, oregano, and tomato sauce.
2. White chili chicken
Let’s give your chicken breast a light, Mexican touch by cooking this delicious white chili chicken. We call it “white” because chicken is tucked in a savory cream sauce, and “chili” because it is all spiced up with jalapeno. Give it an authentic Mexican flavor by serving it with some tortilla chips.
3. Clam and mussel soup
This Asian cuisine-inspired clam and mussel soup will be ready in no time, 10 minutes to be precise and, as a result, is a no-brainer. Let’s make it hot, because it is always a good idea to herb or spike your seafood, so toss green chili, chili paste, and garlic into the simmering pot.
4. Beer shrimp skillet
Pan-cooking shrimp is a simple 15-minute job and you get a juicy and nutritious appetizer. The beer-flavored sauce is the true game-changer in our case. Spike it with ginger and chili and give it a hint of sweet. Use cornstarch instead of flour to get a thicker sauce and don’t forget to use your favorite beer.
5. Sous-vide rack of lamb
Juicy lamb racks coated with a crunchy parsley mixture and served with a potato and beetroot mash. What a treat! As is customary in the case of lamb you should use a lot of spices and herbs. Add them into the vacuum pouch together with the lamb and they will transfer their whole aroma to the meat. Don’t forget to add some tangy rose wine, too.
6. Asian hot chicken wings
Mouth-watering and, literally, finger-licking good. That’s how your friends will describe these hot chicken wings. Give them an Asian touch by tossing soy sauce into the saucepan. Also, spike the sauce with minced ginger, chili flakes, and garlic. A hint of sweet and a few crumbled walnuts, and you’re done.
7. Spicy chicken with red bean stew
Learn to prepare this because you will definitely hear the call of this spicy chicken and stew dish, especially in cold weather. It is a warming and nutritious comfort dish which you can make by combining hot and spicy chicken with creamy red beans and sweet corn. All enhanced with acidic tomatoes and lime. Serve with a pan-fried tortilla.
