Three Nutritious Cold Weather Recipes To Keep You Warm

Get creative with moringa-based recipes perfectly suited for the winter season

On cold days, there is nothing better than wrapping yourself up in a blanket and cozying up to some comfort food. With days getting chillier and nights getting longer, cold weather recipes are bound to help keep the winter blues at bay. This winter, swap your everyday cold weather recipes with these moringa-inspired ones. Moringa is full of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants that help boost energy levels and may help build immunity to fight the seasonal flu. Here are three moringa-based cold weather recipes that you need to try:

Moringa Soup (serves 1) 

Moringa soup is the perfect way to introduce the superfood into your meals. This cold weather recipe is easily digestible and makes sure you get the full benefits of moringa’s nutritive powers. Moringa’s flavor profile also makes it excellent for soups. 

What you need: 

• 1 tbsp Miracle Tree Superfood Powder
• 1 red carrot, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• Some freshly cilantro, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp salt 
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• A pinch of turmeric powder
• ¼ tsp cumin powder 
• 1 tbsp groundnut oil
• 1 cup water 

How to make it:

1. In a small non-stick bowl, heat the oil on a medium flame. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Add carrots and tomatoes. Sauté until tender. Mash the tender vegetables for a smooth mixture.
2. Add salt, pepper, turmeric powder, cumin powder and chili powder. Mix well. 
3. Pour in water and cover with a lid. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes on a medium flame. 
4. Remove the lid and check the consistency. If it is of desired consistency, add the superfood powder and blend well. Let the mixture sit for two minutes and stir again. If needed, add more salt. Garnish with cilantro. 

Vegetarian Chili (serves 4-6)

Chili is a staple cold weather recipe that is comforting, nourishing and delicious. Try a meatless chili, which is a healthier alternative to your regular winter comfort food. Just a dash of moringa can enhance the protein-rich qualities of the chili. Moringa contains amino acids that help in the formation of proteins. It is the perfect pick-me-up for the winter season.

What you need: 

• 3-4 tsp Miracle Tree Superfood Powder
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped 
• 2 medium carrots 
• 2 stalks celery 
• 4 large tomatoes
• 1 stalk cilantro, freshly chopped
• 2 cans black beans 
• 1 can of pinto beans 
• 5 large cloves garlic, minced 
• 2 tsp chili powder 
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano 
• 1 bay leaf 
• 2 cups water 
• 2 tbsp extra virgin oil 
• ½ tsp salt 
• 1 tsp lime juice 

For tomato paste: 

Boil the tomatoes in a small bowl for 5-10 minutes. Let them cool and remove the skin. Blend the skinned tomatoes in a food processor till you get a semi-solid gravy. 

How to make it:

1. In a large non-stick pan, warm the oil on medium heat for two minutes. Add chopped onions and saute till they are translucent. Add bell pepper, carrots and celery. Simmer till the vegetables are tender. 
2. Add all the spices to the pan and stir till they are properly mixed.  
3. Pour the tomato purée along with drained beans. Add water and mix well. Add the moringa powder and stir for a minute. Cover the mixture with a lid and let it simmer. Stir occasionally and let it cook for 20-25 minutes. 
4. Check for consistency, let the mixture boil if the gravy is watery. Mash the chili with a potato masher to get a smoother texture. 
5. Once the desired consistency is achieved, add lime juice and cilantro. Check for salt and add more if needed. 

Moringa Hot Chocolate (serves 1) 

Who doesn't love hot chocolate on cold days? This staple cold weather recipe can benefit from the addition of moringa powder. Moringa and chocolate are both antioxidant-rich and help boost immunity. Moringa hot chocolate also helps you stay energized and look fresh all day. 

What you need: 

• 1 tsp Miracle Tree Superfood Powder
• 3 ounces sweetened dark chocolate
• 1 cup milk (whole milk, coconut milk, soy milk or oat milk) 
• ⅛ tsp cinnamon powder 
• ⅛ tsp vanilla essence 
• Marshmallows (optional) 

How to make it: 

1. In a deep pan, heat ¼ of the milk and chocolate. Wait for the chocolate to melt completely. If you prefer, you can also melt the chocolate in a microwave.
2. Add the moringa powder to the melted chocolate and mix well. 
3. Pour milk and stir till it blends. Add cinnamon powder and vanilla essence. 
4. Top the hot chocolate with some marshmallows and enjoy this unique cold weather recipe.