Midwinter (or Yule) is my favourite time on the pagan Wheel of the Year, especially when it comes to resting and enjoying hearty foods.
Winter warmer foods bring the family together, recharging the soul after banishing things during Samhain. This season’s chill makes us crave comfort and nourishment, creating perfect moments for shared meals and togetherness.
Stews, pies, soups, and comforting desserts all play a crucial role in our Midwinter celebrations. The aroma of simmering stews and baking pies fills the home, making it a sanctuary of warmth and love.
Here are a few of my favourite foods for Midwinter that I make sure to have ready whenever needed!
Foods for Midwinter
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables bring colour and nutrition to the winter table. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets, roasted to perfection, deliver a sweet and savory balance. These vegetables, seasoned with rosemary, thyme and olive oil, provide essential vitamins and minerals, making them a wholesome, delicious side.
Rich Soups
Soups are a staple for Midwinter, providing warmth and easy nutrition! They range from light broths to creamy, hearty bowls. Popular choices include pumpkin soup, chicken noodle soup, and pea and bacon soup. These soups often incorporate seasonal vegetables and warming spices, making them perfect for the colder weather.
Chunky Pies
Pies bring comfort and satisfaction during the coldest months, especially when covered in tomato sauce. These versatile dishes can be sweet or savory, featuring a variety of fillings encased in flaky or crumbly buttery crusts. Traditional favourites include meat pies, vegetable pies, and fruit pies. The keto winter pie, made with almond flour crust and a creamy, beef and mushroom filling, offers a low-carb alternative without sacrificing taste.
Hearty Stews
Stews are a quintessential part of Midwinter for the family, offering warmth and nourishment. These hearty dishes often combine tender meats with root vegetables, beans, and savory broths, simmered slowly for hours to meld flavours. Popular options include beef and mushroom stew, chicken and vegetable stew, and lamb stew with barley. The best stew for my little family is the beef and mushroom stew, but unfortunately the teenager now dislikes mushrooms so a new recipe will be coming soon!
Cosy Winter Desserts
Comforting desserts add a sweet end to winter meals, bringing a touch of indulgence to the season. Classic foods include apple pies, bread puddings, and spiced fruit compotes. These desserts often feature warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a cosy, fragrant treat that complements the winter chill.