Warm and Economical Meals for the Brazilian Winter

Dish 1: Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Ginger

Seasonal ingredients: pumpkin, ginger, onion.

Simple preparation:

• Sauté the chopped onion in a little oil until soft.
• Add the cubed pumpkin and grated ginger. Cover with water and cook until the pumpkin is very soft.
• Blend everything in a blender until you get a creamy consistency. Return to the pot, adjust the salt, and serve hot.

Tip: A drizzle of coconut milk or heavy cream can add more creaminess to the soup.

Dish 2: Quinoa Risotto with Vegetables

Seasonal ingredients: cauliflower, quinoa, leek (or onion).

Simple preparation:

• Sauté the chopped leek (or onion) in a little oil. Add the cauliflower in small pieces and cook lightly.
• Add the quinoa (previously washed) and cover with hot vegetable broth. Stir occasionally until the quinoa absorbs the liquid and is cooked.
• Adjust the seasoning and serve.

Tip: Using a homemade vegetable broth enhances the flavor without the need for ready-made seasonings.

Dish 3: Lentil Stew with Vegetables

Seasonal ingredients: lentils, carrots, tomatoes.

Simple preparation:

• Sauté chopped garlic and onion. Add the grated carrot and chopped tomato, cooking for a few minutes.
• Add the lentils, cover with water, and cook until the lentils are soft.
• Finish with chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley and chives) and adjust the salt.

Tip: Soaking the lentils for about 30 minutes before cooking can help reduce the total preparation time.

Dish 4: Chicken with Citrus Sauce and Herbs

Seasonal ingredients: orange, rosemary, sweet potato (or other tuber).

Simple preparation:

• Season chicken fillets with salt and rosemary. Brown the fillets in a skillet with a drizzle of oil.
• Add fresh orange juice and let the liquid reduce, forming a light sauce.
• Meanwhile, roast seasoned sweet potato cubes in the oven until soft.

Tip: A pinch of orange zest can intensify the aroma of the sauce.

Dish 5: Spinach and Cheese Savory Pie

Seasonal ingredients: spinach, ricotta (or other fresh cheese), whole wheat flour (for the dough).

Simple preparation:

• Sauté the spinach with garlic until wilted. Drain excess water well and mix with ricotta seasoned to taste.
• Use a ready-made dough (or prepare one with whole wheat flour) to line a pan. Add the filling and cover with another layer of dough.
• Bake in the oven until the surface is golden.

Tip: Make sure the spinach is well-drained after cooking to prevent the pie from becoming soggy.