16 Spicy Comfort Foods to Keep You Warm During the Winter

Winter calls for meals that warm you up, and a bit of spice can make all the difference. These recipes are perfect for staying cozy while enjoying bold, flavorful dishes. From soups to curries, there’s something here to keep you feeling warm and satisfied. Get ready to try some simple, spicy comfort foods this season!

Spicy Butternut Squash Soup

This creamy soup combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with a spicy kick, making it a perfect winter warmer. To prepare, sauté 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon olive oil until translucent. Add 1 large butternut squash (peeled and cubed), 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes until the squash is tender. Blend until smooth, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Spicy Chicken Chili

A hearty dish that combines tender chicken with beans and spices, offering a satisfying heat to fend off the winter chill. In a large pot, brown 1 pound ground chicken over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper; sauté until vegetables are tender. Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Add 2 cans of diced tomatoes and 2 cans of drained beans (kidney or black), bring to a simmer, and cook for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

Spicy Korean Beef Stew

This flavorful stew features tender beef simmered with Korean spices, providing a warming and spicy meal for cold days. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat, then brown 1 pound beef stew meat (cubed). Add 1 diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves; sauté until aromatic. Stir in 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Add 4 cups beef broth, 2 sliced carrots, 1 cubed potato, and 1 cup sliced mushrooms; bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour until the beef is tender. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with rice.

Spicy Thai Coconut Curry

A rich and creamy curry that balances spicy heat with the sweetness of coconut milk, perfect for warming up during winter. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon coconut oil over medium heat. Add 1 sliced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger; sauté until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons red curry paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 pound of sliced chicken breast and cook until no longer pink. Pour in 1 can of coconut milk and add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 sliced zucchini; simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Spicy Lamb Vindaloo

An Indian-inspired dish featuring tender lamb cooked in a tangy and spicy sauce, offering a delightful warmth during cold months. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add 1 diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger; sauté until golden brown. Stir in 2 tablespoons vindaloo paste and 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Add 1 pound cubed lamb and brown on all sides. Pour in 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup coconut milk, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; bring to a boil, then simmer for 1 hour until the lamb is tender. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with naan or rice.

Spicy Szechuan Noodles

These noodles are tossed in a fiery Szechuan sauce, delivering a satisfying heat that makes for a comforting winter meal. Cook 8 ounces of Szechuan noodles according to package instructions. In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 1 chopped red chili, and 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns; sauté until fragrant. Stir in ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, and 1 tablespoon chili oil. Add the cooked noodles and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Spicy Black Bean Soup

A hearty and zesty soup that combines black beans with spices, providing warmth and comfort on chilly winter days. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté until translucent. Stir in 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Add 2 cans of drained black beans and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Partially blend the soup for a thicker consistency, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with lime wedges and cilantro.

Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate

A rich and creamy hot chocolate infused with spices, offering a comforting and warming beverage for cold winter nights. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups whole milk over medium heat. Stir in 2 cups chopped dark chocolate, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons sugar (or more, to taste) and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Pour into mugs and serve with whipped cream or marshmallows for a spicy twist on a classic winter treat.

Spicy Cajun Gumbo

A hearty, flavorful dish loaded with spices, vegetables, and protein, gumbo is a classic comfort food for cold weather. In a large pot, heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil and stir in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, cooking to make a dark roux. Add 1 diced onion, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté until softened. Stir in 1 pound of sliced sausage, 1 pound of peeled shrimp, 4 cups of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Simmer for 30 minutes, then serve hot over rice. The rich, spicy flavors make it a soul-soothing meal for winter evenings.

Spicy Moroccan Chickpea Stew

Packed with warm spices and hearty ingredients, this stew brings a touch of exotic comfort to cold days. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot, then sauté 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger. Add 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of cayenne. Stir in 2 cups cooked chickpeas, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1 diced sweet potato; simmer for 30 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a flavorful and warming meal.

Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy, tangy, and spicy, these cauliflower bites are a vegetarian comfort food perfect for winter. In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne with 1 cup water to make a batter. Dip cauliflower florets into the batter and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Toss with a sauce made from 1/4 cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 tablespoon honey, then bake for another 10 minutes. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a spicy yet satisfying treat.

Spicy Ramen Bowl

A quick and comforting meal, spicy ramen warms you up with its rich broth and fiery seasoning. Cook one pack of ramen noodles according to package instructions, then set aside. In a pot, sauté 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon minced ginger, and 1 tablespoon chili paste in 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar; bring to a simmer. Add the noodles and top with boiled eggs, sliced green onions, and a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy and filling dish.

Spicy Sausage and Kale Soup

This rustic soup is hearty and flavorful, perfect for cozying up on cold evenings. In a large pot, brown 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Add 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced carrot; sauté until softened. Stir in 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 1 cup white beans, and 2 cups chopped kale; simmer for 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, then serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Spicy Paneer Tikka Masala

A creamy, spiced dish featuring paneer (Indian cheese), this curry is ideal for warming up during winter. In a bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; marinate 1 pound paneer cubes for 30 minutes. In a pan, sauté 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, then stir in 1 can diced tomatoes and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Add the marinated paneer, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon ground cumin, then simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with rice or naan for a comforting meal.

Spicy Shrimp Jambalaya

A Southern classic, jambalaya is packed with spices, shrimp, and rice for a satisfying winter dish. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, then sauté 1 diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir in 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 cup long-grain rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 1 pound peeled shrimp; bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot for a flavorful and filling meal.

Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice

A simple yet flavorful dish, kimchi fried rice is spicy, tangy, and satisfying. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a pan, then sauté 1 cup chopped kimchi and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 2 cups cooked rice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); stir-fry for 5 minutes. Push the rice to one side and scramble 2 eggs on the other side of the pan, then mix together. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a comforting winter meal.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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