February comfort foods from around the world

February is the coldest month of the year for Canadians, and nothing beats a hot, satisfying meal to ward off winter fatigue and the blues. If you’re tired of the usual grilled cheese with tomato soup or macaroni and cheese, these recipes from around the world bring new flavours and excitement to your everyday meals. All you need to do is pick up high-quality ingredients at a local health foods store, have fun in your kitchen and enjoy these international flavours.

Creamy Indian Dal with Winter Greens

Ingredients: Red lentils (masoor dal), organic winter greens (such as kale or spinach), onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, coconut milk, turmeric, cumin, garam masala, salt, pepper and cilantro.

Start by rinsing the red lentils and cooking them in water with a pinch of turmeric until soft and creamy. In a separate pan, sauté chopped onion, garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add diced tomatoes and cook until they break down into a rich sauce. Stir in your winter greens and cook until just wilted.

Combine the cooked lentils with the vegetable mixture, then add coconut milk for a silky, comforting texture. Season with cumin, garam masala, salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. This hearty dal is perfect for warming up on cold winter days while sneaking in extra greens.

Thai Coconut Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients: Organic pumpkin (peeled and cubed), coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, red curry paste (available at grocery stores in Vancouver), vegetable broth, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper

Begin by sautéing chopped onion, garlic and ginger in a splash of oil until fragrant. Add the pumpkin cubes and a spoonful of red curry paste, stirring to coat the vegetables in warm, aromatic spices. Pour in vegetable broth and simmer until the pumpkin is tender.

Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, then stir in coconut milk for a rich, velvety texture. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm for a comforting, exotic soup that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings.

Classic French Ratatouille

Ingredients: Eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs (thyme, basil, or parsley), salt and pepper. Swap vegetables for organic ones to increase flavour and health benefits. 

Start by slicing all the vegetables into even pieces. In a large skillet or baking dish, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add the bell peppers, zucchini and eggplant, cooking until they begin to soften. Stir in the tomatoes and sprinkle with fresh herbs, salt and pepper.

Simmer gently or bake in the oven until all the vegetables are tender and their flavours meld together into a rich, aromatic medley. Serve warm as a hearty side dish or a colourful centrepiece that celebrates the vibrant tastes of classic French cuisine.

Quick tip: Sourcing your ingredients from a health foods store ensures you have the freshest staples for these healthy meals.

Exploring flavours from around the world can turn even the coldest winter days into a culinary adventure. With fresh ingredients from any grocery store in Vancouver, these recipes show how international dishes can make your meals more exciting and flavourful. Try them out tonight!