Winter Warmers from Around the World!
As winter is upon us on the Costa del Sol, it’s the perfect time to warm up with hearty, comforting dishes from around the world. At Leo Foods in Marbella, we pride ourselves on offering a wide selection of international ingredients, allowing you to recreate authentic flavours from across the globe.
Whether you’re a home cook looking to spice up your winter menu or a restaurant owner hoping to bring new seasonal dishes to your customers, our store has everything you need to make these winter warmers in your own kitchen! Let’s take a look at some of our favourite traditional winter dishes from different countries, each designed to bring warmth, flavour, and comfort to your table.
Asian Delights: Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
If you’re craving something exotic and warm, Tom Kha Gai is a popular Thai soup made with coconut milk, lemongrass, and chicken. This creamy, fragrant dish is great for adding a touch of the tropics to your winter evenings while still bringing warmth and comfort.
Ingredients:
- 400ml coconut milk
- 240ml chicken stock
- 40g lemongrass paste
- 25g galangal paste
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 450g chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 100g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1-2 Thai red chilies, sliced
Method:
- In a large pot, combine the coconut milk, chicken broth, lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the chicken slices and mushrooms, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and chilies. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Remove the lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves before serving. Garnish with fresh coriander if desired.
British Comforts: Beef and Guinness Stew
Nothing says comfort quite like a traditional Beef and Guinness Stew. This hearty dish combines tender beef with Guinness and vegetables, creating a rich, flavourful stew that’s ideal for cold nights. It’s a true winter warmer that brings a taste of the UK to the Costa del Sol.
Ingredients:
- 900g beef stew meat, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 240ml Guinness beer
- 480ml beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Method:
- Season the beef with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then brown the beef in batches. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Add the tomato paste and stir well, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour in the Guinness and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the beef to the pot and add the thyme and bay leaves. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender.
- Adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.
Indian Flavors: Masoor Dal (Red Lentil Soup)
For a vegetarian-friendly winter warmer, try Masoor Dal. This Indian red lentil soup is packed with flavour, thanks to spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. It’s a wholesome, nutritious dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients:
- 200g red lentils, rinsed
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5cm piece of ginger or 1 tsp of ginger paste
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala paste
- 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 litre water or vegetable broth
Method:
- Heat the ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and cook until the onion is golden.
- Stir in the turmeric and garam masala, cooking for another minute.
- Add the lentils, diced tomato, and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 20-30 minutes until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.
Find it at Leo Foods: We carry a wide range of Indian spices and fresh ingredients, perfect for crafting all kinds of Indian dishes on the Costa del Sol.
Latin American Warmth: Pozole Rojo
Transport yourself to Mexico with Pozole Rojo, a hearty stew made with pork, hominy, and red chili broth. It’s a traditional dish often enjoyed during colder months, bringing a warm, spicy kick that’s ideal for a winter evening.
Ingredients:
- 450g pork shoulder, cubed
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.4 litres chicken broth
- 400g hominy (canned), drained and rinsed
- 2 dried guajillo chilies
- 1 dried ancho chili
Method:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the pork and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
- Rehydrate the dried chilies by soaking them in hot water for 10 minutes. Once softened, blend the chilies with a bit of the soaking water until smooth.
- Add the chili paste to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.
- Return the pork to the pot along with the chicken broth and hominy. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1.5-2 hours until the pork is tender.
- Serve with fresh lettuce, radishes, and lime wedges for garnish.
Mediterranean Classic: Fasolada (Greek Bean Soup)
A traditional Greek dish, Fasolada is a simple yet hearty white bean soup that’s perfect for winter. Made with olive oil, vegetables, and beans, it’s a Mediterranean classic that offers comfort and warmth.
Ingredients:
- 450g white beans, soaked overnight
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 60ml olive oil
- 400g crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 4 litres water or vegetable broth
Method:
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans. In a large pot, add the beans, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, and olive oil.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and water or broth, then season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the beans are tender.
- Stir occasionally and add more water if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Middle Eastern Comfort: Shakshuka
For a warming breakfast or light dinner, Shakshuka is a Middle Eastern dish made of eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s perfect for cool mornings or cozy nights and is easy to customize with your favourite vegetables and spices.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 400g crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 4-6 eggs
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Method:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in the cumin and paprika, cooking for another minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
- Create small wells in the tomato mixture and crack an egg into each well.
- Cover the pan and cook until the eggs are set to your desired level.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with bread.
Find it at Leo Foods: Discover Middle Eastern spices and herbs to make this vibrant dish right here in Marbella.
Persian Flavor: Ashe Reshteh (Persian Noodle Soup)
Finally, warm up with Ashe Reshteh, a Persian noodle soup made with beans, herbs, and noodles. This thick, nutritious soup is perfect for winter and is known for its unique flavours, thanks to a mix of fresh herbs and Kashk (fermented whey).
Ingredients:
- 200g chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 200g kidney beans, soaked overnight
- 200g lentils
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 30g fresh parsley, chopped
- 30g fresh coriander, chopped
- 30g fresh spinach, chopped
- 15g dried mint
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 4 litres water or vegetable broth
- 200g Persian noodles or linguine
- Kashk for garnish (optional)
Method:
- In a large pot, add the chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, spinach, mint, and turmeric. Simmer for about 1 hour, until the beans are tender.
- Add the noodles and continue to cook until they are soft.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with Kashk and fried onions if desired.
Find it at Leo Foods: With Persian noodles, fresh herbs, and Kashk, Leo Foods has everything you need to create this comforting Persian soup.
Find Your Winter Warmers at Leo Foods on the Costa del Sol
Whether you’re craving the creamy warmth of a Tom Kha Gai or the spicy kick of Pozole Rojo, Leo Foods in Marbella offers all the authentic ingredients you need to create these international winter warmers. Our selection of products makes it easy for you to try new dishes and bring a taste of the world to your table this winter.
Visit Leo Foods in-store or online to stock up on ingredients and discover new flavours. Whether you’re a home cook or a restaurant owner, our international food selection is here to help you create the perfect winter feast. Warm up with flavours from around the world, right here on the Costa del Sol!
