Warm, comforting meals

With the cold 

When temperatures drop, our bodies crave heartier meals to keep us warm. We need something that really fills us up. 

Soups make a great meal and warm us up from the very first bite. A root vegetable soup or a ramen soup with coconut milk and curry can easily serve as a complete meal. These recipes, available at Café Ricardo, can also be found on the Ricardo website. They can therefore be easily prepared at home, using local ingredients such as those from Marineau Farm. 

Make the most of winter 

At home, choosing winter vegetables that are easy to store makes meal planning easier, and it’s also an eco-friendly and more economical option. Squash, carrots, potatoes, and onions keep for a long time and make a great base for hearty, slow-cooked meals.  

Heavier soups are also a good choice. Adding protein helps you feel full longer. Lamb, for example, works well in broths and stews. Agneaux de Laval offers a practical local option for preparing a hot, nourishing meal that can simmer gently as the evening goes on. These dishes also freeze very well. Having a few portions ready ensures easy dinners when time is short. 

When everything moves fast 

In winter, the days always seem too short. Between work, the sun setting earlier, and a growing list of things to do, cooking can feel like just one more chore to tackle. 

At times like these, having good options on hand really helps. At the At Forget Farm, you can pick up ready-to-eat and easy-to-cook items: meat pies, meatball stews, and squash and vegetables perfect for soups. A single stop lets you plan several dinners in advance. 

Another helpful habit is to cook in large batches. A soup made at the beginning of the week can be served as is, or turned into a sauce or thickened to make a stew. This flexibility takes a lot of pressure off on busy evenings. 

To cheer yourself up 

In winter, comfort often comes down to texture. A warm, comforting dish that invites you to slow down. 

Bread makes all the difference. A bowl of soup served with a good loaf of bread is much more satisfying. The breads from La Bête à Pain , with their firm crust and nourishing artisanal crumb, turn a simple bowl of soup into a real meal. A single slice is enough to keep you going until the next day. 

It’s also the perfect time of year to return to the classics: pea soup, vegetable soup, and homemade broth. Simple, hearty dishes that are easy to make.