Bringing back comfort classics: hearty dishes for the soul

As the chill sets in, it’s the perfect time to cosy up with warming dishes that not only hit the spot, but also nourish your body. Whether it’s a hearty beef stew, a fragrant lamb curry, or a classic shepherd’s pie, beef and lamb are a tasty way to fuel up with the nutrients you need to stay strong and healthy over the cooler months. Let’s explore wonderful ways to power up the nutrition of your favourite comfort classics.

Choose a quality protein like lean beef or lamb

New Zealand beef and lamb are rich in high-quality protein, which helps maintain muscle mass and keeps us feeling full. They also provide a range of essential nutrients, such as iron, which supports oxygen transport and energy levels; zinc, which helps keep our immune system strong; and vitamin B12, which is essential for healthy nerve function.

Add more vegetables

Vegetables are an easy way to boost fibre, aiding digestion and helping you feel fuller longer. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and silver beet are packed with vitamins and minerals. Vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, and kumara provide complex carbs for lasting energy - add these to stews, mash for shepherd’s pie, or toss them into a curry. Frozen mixed vegetables are convenient and great for adding texture and nutrition to any meal.

Use whole grains

For an added nutrition boost, serve your comfort classics with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or barley. These grains are rich in fibre, B vitamins, and minerals. They digest slowly, helping maintain steady energy levels and supporting digestion.

Include legumes

Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans are a fantastic way to add protein, fibre, and iron to your meals. Add red lentils or kidney beans to a beef stew for extra protein or stir in chickpeas or lentils to a lamb curry to make it more filling and nutritious.

Craving some inspiration? Check out these recipes for your next comfy evening in:

Lamb and Mushroom Korma

Slow Cooked Teriyaki Beef

Warming beef and chickpea stew

The best beef and lentil cottage pie

Hearty lasagne

Hearty beef pies topped with cheesy cauliflower mash

Lamb and lentil moussaka

Aromatic lamb and coconut curry