These 11 cozy dishes are so comforting, they’ll make you forget how cold it is outside

Sunday 26 October 2025 10:00 - Daniele Mainieri
These 11 cozy dishes are so comforting, they’ll make you forget how cold it is outside

When the days go shorter and the air becomes biting, there is nothing more comforting than taking refuge in the kitchen. The smell of simmering soup, the warmth of the oven wafting through the house, the sound of the ladle slowly stirring: these are small gestures that smell of home, of quiet and care. In winter, cooking becomes almost a ritual, a way to warm not only the stomach but also the soul.

These easy recipes for cold evenings are designed for just that: simple, wholesome dishes with an authentic flavor, capable of transforming an ordinary evening into a moment of well-being. No complex techniques or rare ingredients are needed, just the desire to prepare something warm and comforting.





The power of comfort food

The term "comfort food" is not just a trend, but a philosophy of taste that speaks of emotions and warmth. It is those dishes that taste like home, evoke happy memories and provide a sense of calm after a long day. On an autumn or winter evening, when the cold stings outside, a steaming dish becomes a caress.

The secret of comfort food lies in creating harmony between nutritious ingredients and enveloping flavors: soups, velvety soups, slow-cooked legumes, golden potatoes, whole grains, and melted cheeses that melt at the first taste. 

The ingredients that really warm

Some foods, more than others, can bring warmth and energy in the cold months.

Here are the ideal protagonists of your cold evening dinners:

  • Pumpkin: sweet and velvety, it is perfect for soups and risottos.
  • Potatoes: versatile and satiating, they lend themselves to a thousand preparations.
  • Legumes: a source of protein and fiber, they give body and creaminess.
  • Spices such as turmeric, ginger and paprika: warm and stimulate digestion.
  • Soft, aged cheeses: perfect for adding a touch of comfort to any dish.
  • Broths and soups: rich in minerals, they are a real warm hug on colder days.

These ingredients not only nourish, but help keep the body at the right temperature balance, ideal for dealing with the coldest days.

The ingredients that really warm

And now we get to the heart of the article: the 11 easy and irresistible recipes perfect for chilly evenings. You'll find dishes that can be prepared in no time but look like something out of a mountain kitchen, full of flavor, warmth and fragrance.

Whether you prefer creamy soup, pie gratin, or steaming pasta, each recipe will be a pampering treat that warms the body and ignites good spirits. Scroll below to discover all the recipes!



Pasta e fagioli alla veneta: grandma's recipe creamy and full of flavorRecipe Pasta e fagioli alla veneta: grandma's recipe creamy and full of flavor

Pasta e fagioli alla veneta , also known as "pasta e fasioi ," is an iconic dish from the peasant tradition of northern Italy, rich in flavor, simple and incredibly creamy . Prepared with borlotti beans , vegetables and short pasta, this...


Potato gratin with airfryerRecipe Potato gratin with airfryer

Looking for a super-easy-to-make side dish that's both delicious and crunchy? This potato gratin with Air Fryer will delight you! With melt-in-the-mouth potatoes on the inside and a golden crust on the outside, this gratin, cousin to the Gratin...


Chickpea curry, the super gourmet vegan recipeRecipe Chickpea curry, the super gourmet vegan recipe

In the list of comforting dishes , we gladly ask for a chickpea curry ! Served with rice, this fragrant recipe will warm your stomach :-) You'll see how easy this recipe is with the steps explained below ↓


Breaded caprice des dieux cheese with potatoes, the viral recipe cooked with airfryerRecipe Breaded caprice des dieux cheese with potatoes, the viral recipe cooked with airfryer

Fancy an ultra-comforting, quick and crispy meal? This combo has it all: heart-melting Caprice des dieux cheese , coated in a golden breading, and airfryer-roasted baby potatoes , flavored with garlic and rosemary. It's simple, effective and...


Chickpea and spinach soupRecipe Chickpea and spinach soup

For an easy-to-make recipe that warms you up on chilly days, choose this soup! With the addition of chickpeas and spinach, it will be hearty and balanced while being simple! A great trick when you want to get kids (or adults ;-) ) to eat their veggies!


Spanish lentilsRecipe Spanish lentils

Looking for an easy and hearty stew recipe? Try these Spanish lentils, traditionally called "Lentejas". A meal whose recipe is passed down through generations :-) You can add your personal touch that will make all the difference! Some may like to add...


Risotto with 'nduja sausage, the perfect dish for spicy lovers!Recipe Risotto with 'nduja sausage, the perfect dish for spicy lovers!

Have you ever taste the spicy Calabrian sausage called 'nduja ?Why not try it in a risotto for a super comforting and spicy dish? It offers a unique blend of spicy and smoky tastes that pair wonderfully with the rustic texture of the sausage and...


Perfect creamy polenta: easy recipe for a soft and flavorful dishRecipe Perfect creamy polenta: easy recipe for a soft and flavorful dish

Looking for a mild, comforting, and super-simple dish ? This creamy polenta is the perfect recipe to accompany stewed meat, roasted vegetables, or even to enjoy on its own, with a good drizzle of olive oil or a touch of grated cheese. Prepared with...


Colorful and delicate pumpkin risottoRecipe Colorful and delicate pumpkin risotto

We are now right in the middle of pumpkin season . Its warm colour and delicate flavour make us feel good. That’s why we suggest preparing a tasty pumpkin risotto , either to serve as a meal for the whole family or to make a big impression at...


Easy and quick leek and potato soupRecipe Easy and quick leek and potato soup

During the cold autumn and winter days, nothing beats a good homemade soup to warm you up! Easy to make, it's also a great recipe tip to load up on seasonal vegetables. Try the combination of potatoes and leeks, and feel free to add some crunch with...


Butternut squash and red lentil soupRecipe Butternut squash and red lentil soup

On the menu tonight, a super comforting and spicy soup to travel while staying cozy under a blanket. Rich in plant-based proteins thanks to the red lentils, this complete soup will also highlight one of the seasonal squashes: butternut :-) It's your...

Daniele MainieriDaniele Mainieri
Every day I immerse myself in the world of cooking, looking for new recipes and flavors to share: from grandma's dish to the latest food trends. I have been working in food communication for over 10 years!

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