Winter brings holidays filled with family and a new year filled with possibilities, but what we often forget is that winter can also bring colds and an overall feeling of being under the weather. Take control of your winter wellness this year by making sure you eat nutrient-dense and hearty meals. Check out the warm recipes below to keep yourself well this winter:
White Turkey Chili
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until the meat is no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is starting to soften, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add bulgur, oregano, cumin, coriander, white pepper and salt and cook, stirring until aromatic, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Stir in white beans and chiles, then pour in broth; bring to boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced and thickened and the bulgur is tender, about 50 minutes.
Image and Recipe Source: http://www.whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/recipes/myplate-cnpp/white-turkey-chili
Chinese Winter
Melon Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
1 large winter melon seeded and chopped
2 cups Chicken broth
4 dried black mushrooms rehydrated
2 teaspoons grated ginger root
1- 1/2 cups cooked chicken shredded
1 cup asparagus tips
Salt to taste
Directions:
1. Place melon in pot of boiling water; simmer 20-30 minutes until tender. Drain.
2. Add remaining ingredients; simmer additional 5 minutes.
Image and Recipe Source: http://eatfresh.org/recipe/main-dish-side-dish-soups/chinese-winter-melon-chicken-soup#.WE8qZfkrJPY
Pumpkin Oatmeal
Ingredients: 
1 cup rolled oats
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup raisins
1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or other sweetener optional
Directions:
1. Heat water over medium heat in a skillet until bubbles form. This takes about 3-5 minutes.
2. Stir in oats. Cover and lower heat to low.
3. Cook oats until thick, about 5 minutes. Lift lid and stir every minute or two.
4. Stir in milk and other ingredients.
5. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
Image and Recipe Source: http://eatfresh.org/recipe/snacks-breakfast-desserts/pumpkin-oatmeal#.WE8qR_krJPY
Meatball
Soup
Ingredients:
6 cups water
1/3 cup brown rice
3 low-sodium beef or chicken flavored bouillon cubes or 1 tablespoon low-sodium bouillon powder
4 sprigs fresh oregano finely chopped (or 1 Tablespoon dried oregano)
8 ounces lean ground beef, turkey, or chicken
1 tomato finely chopped
1/2 onion peeled and finely chopped
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, broccoli)
Directions:
1. In a large pot, combine water, rice, bouillon cubes, and oregano. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stir to dissolve bouillon. Reduce heat to low and simmer.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix ground meat, tomato, onion, egg, and salt. Form into 12 large meatballs.
3. Add meatball to broth mixture and simmer 30 minutes.
4. Add vegetables. Cook 10-15 minutes or until meatballs are cooked and rice and vegetables are tender. Serve hot.
Image and Recipe Source: http://eatfresh.org/recipe/soups/meatball-soup#.WE8p1_krJPY