Article by Marcus Nandakoban (Year 7)
If you’re looking to burn some time or have been inspired by the new ‘MasterChef’ season, these 10 meals are your best companion over this winter. From quick and easy meals to complex and rich dishes, everyone can find something they will like out of all these recipes. But only one question remains. Which meal do you crave?
Difficulty-meter:
Easy: 1-4 out of 10
Medium: 5-8 out of 10
Hard (near impossible): 9-10 out of 10
10 (easy) Lasagna
Quick and easy, but rich. Try a lasagna. Less of a fixed taste, add your favourite flavours from spice to sour. Perfect for dinners on weekdays, and very easy to learn.
Difficulty: 2.5 out of 10
Tastes: Sweet, hot, hearty
Recipe: https://www.recipetineats.com/lasagna/
9 (easy): Pumpkin Soup with Bread Pieces
This classic meal is a dinner-table favourite and soothes all palettes. Sweet, warm and fuzzy, this meal is perfect for the cold winter days. This meal is simple, but elegant, and suits all occasions.
Difficulty: 4 out of 10
Taste: Warm, soft, soothing, sweet
Recipe: https://www.recipetineats.com/classic-pumpkin-soup/
8 (medium) Shepards Pie
Craving a crispy and hot meal? Shepards Pie has all the rich flavours you desire. From the chewy lamb to the crunchy pastry, Shepards Pie never fails to entertain.
Difficulty: 7 out of 10
Tastes: Chewy, warm.
Recipe: https://www.recipetineats.com/classic-pumpkin-soup/
7 (easy) Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
This meal explains itself. It is soft, warm and delicious. The perfect and easy dessert, bake this with family or even friends. It requires little expertise but is always fun.
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
Tastes: Hearty, chocolaty, soft
Recipe: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/the-ultimate-brownie/7c67b3a9-5f92-48e4-a029-28170d777abb
6 (easy) Mexican Pulled Pork Taco’s
Easily a fan-favourite, Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos is loved everywhere. Not a chef? This meal is super easy, and if you want to have a bit of fun, you can even start from scratch, or if you’re not, buy a Taco Kit.
Difficulty: 2.5 out of 10
Tastes: Hot, chewy, sweet
Recipe: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/slow_cooker_mexican_pulled_pork/
5 (medium) Clam Chowder inside Bread Bowl
This meal is delicious. The flavours tie in well and is perfect to keep those ‘shivers’ away. The addition of the ‘bread bowl’ adds a soft and diverse flavour combination to the meal, creating a ‘seafood sandwich’ type dish.
Difficulty: 5.5. out of 10
Tastes: Bready, warm, soupy
Recipe: https://www.crumbsnatched.com/clam-chowder-bread-bowl/
4 (easy) Italian Sandwich
There’s a reason this meal takes Top 5. Although, simple, the flavours are not. It can be cheesy, or hot. Spicy, or tangy. This is obviously your easiest and most flavourful dish for this winter.
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
Tastes: Cheesy, rich, saucy
Recipe: http://nocrumbsleft.net/2025/02/13/the-best-italian-sandwich/
3 (easy) Greek Pita Gyro
Some may argue this dish is too simple, but in this dish, simplicity is the element that makes it a star. You’ll especially love this meal for its sour and sweetness.
Difficulty: 3.5 out of 10
Tastes: Charcoal, sour, sweet
Recipe: https://www.wenthere8this.com/chicken-gyro-pita/
2 (medium) Butter Chicken Curry
This meal deserves its title. It’s creamy, tender, warm, and the perfect dish for this winter. Originated from India, this meal is universally known and universally loved. Not too hard too make with some patience, love and experience.
Difficulty: 6 out of 10
Tastes: Creamy, tender, spicy
1 (near impossible) Beef Wellington
If you’ve made it this far, you are somewhat of an expert cook. That’s why this last meal is extra hard. Beef Wellington is the ultimate juicy and tender meat, perfect to showcase your skill.
Difficulty: 9.5 out of 10
Tastes: Juicy, tender and chewy
Recipe: https://www.gordonramsay.com/gr/recipes/beef-wellington/
Congratulations, you made it to the end of my amazing winter-dish list. Hopefully you’ve found the dish that will fulfill your palette or have inspiration for another dish. Stick around, however, for our next season’s dish list.
Bonne appetit!