12 Cozy Winter Meals to Live Your Best, Hygge-Inspired Life

For some people, the winter season is associated with feelings of depression, sadness, boredom, or general depression. There is a possibility. Things like depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can be unavoidable in winter, but cultures have learned how to find joy, peace and comfort in the midst of the harshest winter months. The Danish practice of ‘hygge’ is a perfect example of this.

What is hygge? Pronounced “hoo-gah”, hygge is a Danish practice of creating a warm atmosphere and slowly enjoying the people and things in life. CEO of the Happiness Institute in Copenhagen, Hygge Booklet: Danish Secrets for a Happy Lifebelieves that the reason Danes are some of the happiest people in the world is because of hygge.

But what is the practice of hygge like? hygge little bookcreate a cozy atmosphere with candles, blankets, warm socks, and warm lighting, take a break from your cell phone, spend time in the community, eat warm and cozy food, and enjoy your favorite treats. That’s right, you heard right: hygge allows you to embrace your favorite indulgence and take a break from dieting.

When it comes to food, hygge has no specific rules other than trying to be as cozy and happy as possible.according to Hygge: Hygge Art Secrets for a stress-free and happy life According to Danielle Kristiansen, shopping locally and incorporating seasonal ingredients into recipes can also help you find food hygge, but this will of course depend on where you live and your accessibility.

For easy food inspiration, we’ve collected recipes to help you live your best hygge life. The focus is on eating healthy, or simple enough to keep stress levels low and comfort embracing. So without further ado, here are some foods to start your hygge journey.

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1

grilled cheese and tomato soup

There aren’t many things more cozy and nostalgic than a grilled cheese sandwich with a side of tomato soup, but this recipe is more than just grilled cheese. This sandwich combines pimento peppers, jalapenos, green onions, tobasco sauce, and mayonnaise with cheese for decadent flavor and an extra creamy texture.

Check out our recipe for grilled cheese and tomato soup.

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2

Turkish Swedish Meatballs

Same comfort as a typical meatball, but with leaner meat options. It tastes even more perfect.

Get the recipe for Turkish Swedish Meatballs.

3

Danish risalamande (rice pudding)

Lisalamande, or almond rice pudding, is a traditional Danish Christmas dessert that makes a perfect hygge treat. According to Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking blog, risalamande differs from other rice her puddings in that it contains almonds, vanilla her extract, and rich whipped her cream. Sounds like a pretty cozy indulgence.

Get the recipe from Gemma’s Bigger Bolder Baking.

Four

Swedish cardamom buns

These cardamom buns are perfect for a midday coffee break with your closest friends. It helps you embrace your hygge self and slowly enjoy your favorite flavors and favorite loved ones!

Get the recipe from The View From Great Island.

Five

broccoli cheddar soup

If you’re a fan of Panera’s famous broccoli cheddar soup, you know how comforting a warm bowl served with warm bread is. If you decide to do so, it will become a favorite among your family and friends.

Get the Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe.

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6

decadent pumpkin bread pudding

There is something very warm and rich in bread pudding. This recipe utilizes popular winter flavors like pumpkin, vanilla, and orange peel to give this dish even more decadence. Savor a serving (or two) of this comforting dessert while enjoying a recipe for hygge.

Get the Pumpkin Bread Pudding recipe.

7

Slow Cooker Green Chili Pork Soup

Not only is this soup hearty with ingredients and rich in flavor, it’s so easy to make that you can just throw everything in a pot and cook for a few hours. Take it and have time to turn on your favorite slow jazz playlist while Soup does all the work.

Check out our Green Chili Pork Soup recipe.

8

roasted salmon and lentils

If you don’t want to eat heavy meat, fish is a great way to get protein and healthy fats in the winter, and this salmon recipe is incredibly easy to make. Eating right will make you feel full and satisfied.

Get the roasted salmon and lentil recipe.

9

instant pot french onion soup

French onion soup is a popular cold winter dish, but many recipes for this soup are complicated and take a long time to make. This recipe is just as thick and flavorful as regular French onion soup, but it’s made in the Instant Pot, saving you a lot of time and energy. Relax by the fire.

Get the recipe for Instant Pot French Onion Soup.

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Ten

Cinnamon apple oatmeal pancakes

A hygge-inspired breakfast is one that doesn’t stress you rushing out the door or picking up pastries on the go. Instead, a hygge breakfast involves eating slowly over coffee, and these oatmeal pancakes with cinnamon his apple are the perfect recipe for a calm morning. .

Get the oatmeal pancake recipe.

11

crispy rosemary potatoes

Potatoes are a nutritious carb that’s perfect for the cold winter months. These rosemary potatoes are a simple, healthy way to enjoy this food and can be a great side item to your favorite steak or poultry meals.

Get the rosemary potato recipe.

12

hot wine

This traditional-style mulled wine cocktail is the perfect hygge recipe as it warms, relaxes and is easy to share with friends and family. When you’re ready to serve, add a cinnamon stick for extra sophistication.

Get the red mulled wine recipe.