Five great winter meat dishes

When the cold weather sets in and the days get darker, there is nothing quite as nice as gathering round the table to enjoy a piping hot home cooked meal. In the UK, we are famous for loving our hearty comfort foods, which more often than not contain a good chunk of meat and potatoes. In this article, we will sum up five great winter meat dishes, which will comfort the coldest of hearts.

1. Bangers and Mash

We could not compile a list of winter meat dishes without the extremely popular and delicious dish of bangers and mash. Seemingly simple, sausage and mash can be spiced up in a variety of ways to make it into a truly spectacular dish.

Using an unusual sausage, such as a stilton and mustard or pork and black pudding, and adding garlic or mustard to some creamy mash can make this dish truly gourmet. Of course, the usual pork sausages and buttery mash with onion gravy makes for a perfectly fine winter supper too.

2. Shepherd’s Pie

We Brits love our pies and we enjoy potatoes even more, so a dish marrying the two together so perfectly was always going to be a big hit. Shepherd’s pie, served right out of the oven, with a crusty top and a rich gravy is the perfect winter warmer.

This dish is very versatile and can be made with leftover meat, or chefs can make it a bit posher with finer cuts of meat. Traditionally, shepherd’s pie is made with lamb, but variations can be used with any mince available. The only essential part is to top the pie with creamy mashed potato and serve with a side of green veg for an authentic and affordable winter dish.

3. Beef Stew

There are few winter dishes as hearty and flavoursome as a beef stew. We all have our own ways of making one – some of us slow cook, some braise, others leave in the oven for a few hours. However it’s prepared, one thing is for sure; it never disappoints, especially when served with mashed potato and dumplings.

4. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is fantastic when winter sets in and “the sniffles” become a burden to the family. Pegged as a pick-me up when one has a cold, this rich broth is packed with flavour and nutrients that cannot fail to lift the spirits.

5. Curry

We are a nation of curry lovers, and the colder winter months are perfect for enjoying a warming curry. Whether you prefer chicken tikka or curried mutton, the mixture of herbs and spices never fails to warm the body and soul. Curries are also extremely easy to prepare and, as they get better with age, they are perfect for preparing in advance. It’s the perfect way to come home to a warming winter dish with a kick.

We think these five great winter meat dishes are just the ticket to perk up anyone who is suffering from the winter blues.