Po-tay-to, Po-tah-to, Ya-may-to, Ya-mah-to
21 Recipes To Celebrate The Winter Solstice
The Winter solstice isn’t just the longest night of the year—it’s the perfect excuse to gather around the table and savor the season’s coziest flavors. These dishes celebrate ingredients that feel like they’re straight from Grandma’s pantry… earthy, hearty and timeless.
Whether you’re snowed in or embracing the stillness of winter, check below for recipes that capture the bold, soulful flavors that make the dark feel anything but cold.
Hungry for more? Explore our library of winter recipes for ideas & inspo for your own solstice soirée!
D’artagnan Wild Boar Ragù
Rustic tradition, refined taste.
Slow-simmered with aromatic herbs, red wine and wild-caught boar, this winter solstice recipe is savory with a touch of down-to-earth flavor.
Braised Veal Breast with Pearl Onions and Artichokes
Dinner’s done faster with just one pot.
The veal is slow-cooked until tender in a rich, herby sauce. Sweet pearl onions and artichokes add brightness and texture, making each bite hearty and satisfying.
Get the Braised Veal Breast with Pearl Onions and Artichokes recipe!
Instant Pot Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetables
Fall-apart ribs that redefine comfort food.
These ribs cook to perfection under pressure, locking in all the tenderness quickly. Paired with mashed potatoes and veggies, it’s a gourmet dish made easy.
Get the Instant Pot Short Ribs with Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetables recipe!
Beef Tenderloin Roast
It’s all about precision. Start with a quick sear, then finish in the oven for a juicy roast.
Pro Tip: Let it rest before slicing to keep every bite delicious.
Beef, Barley and Vegetable Soup
A hug in a bowl.
Brown the beef to build a deep, savory base, then let the barley and vegetables simmer until everything is tender and the broth is rich. Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lemon!
Walnut Pesto Stuffed Pork Roast
This is the kind of winter recipe people talk about.
Butterfly the pork evenly, spread the nutty pesto and roll it tightly. Sear before roasting for a golden crust and juicy slices… simple steps, spectacular results.
Baked Polenta with Chanterelles and Sage Ragout
Polenta lovers, this one’s for you.
It’s all about getting that creamy texture just right before baking it gold. The chanterelle and sage ragout take it over the top, bringing an earthy balance that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Baked Polenta with Chanterelles and Sage Ragout recipe!
Veggie Pearl Couscous with Chive Vinaigrette
The secret to this fresh dish? Toss the couscous with the vinaigrette while it’s warm—it soaks up all those zesty flavors. Don’t skimp out on the veggies too; their bold colors and crisp textures make this dish a feast for the eyes and palate.
Get the Veggie Pearl Couscous with Chive Vinaigrette recipe!
Roasted Chicken and Veggies with Herb Sauce
Think of the herb sauce as your secret weapon.
Whisk it up while everything’s in the oven, letting the herbs and citrus do the work. A quick drizzle make it look (and taste) like you spent hours perfecting it.
Roasted Acorn Squash and Broccoli Rabe Salad with Ricotta Salata
Say hello to the salad that’s about to upstage your entrée. The squash, broccoli and ricotta Salata create an earthy and vibrant taste. It’s fresh, it’s fancy and, yes, it’s the salad everyone will be excited to eat.
Get the Roasted Acorn Squash and Broccoli Rabe Salad with Ricotta Salata recipe!
Farro Risotto with Butternut Squash and Kale Chips
Risotto just got a serious upgrade.
Nutty farro, butternut squash and crispy kale chips combine for a dish that’s as chic as it is comforting. One bite, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Get the Farro Risotto with Butternut Squash and Kale Chips recipe!
Mushrooms with Garlic and Parsley
Who knew mushrooms could steal the spotlight? Sautéed with garlic and parsley, they’re earthy, fragrant and packed with flavor. Whether on toast, steak or straight out of the pan, this side dish is all you really need.
Braised Artichokes with Fennel and Olives
Artichokes, fennel and olives. It’s the power trio your table’s been missing.
Slow braised to perfection, this dish is flavorful, rich and a showstopper. Serve it up and watch everyone swoon.
Cumin Roasted Butternut Squash with Chickpeas
Cumin brings the warmth; chickpeas bring the crunch.
Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness, while cumin adds a smoky, aromatic touch that ties everything together.
Get the Cumin Roasted Butternut Squash with Chickpeas recipe!
Root Vegetable Gratin with Gruyère and Thyme
Layers of golden root veggies are nestled together, topped with melted Gruyère cheese, creating a crispy crust with thyme.
Not only does it taste incredible, but its colors make it the kind of dish that will have everyone reaching for their plates.
Get the Root Vegetable Gratin with Gruyère and Thyme recipe!
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Honey
Want carrots that pop? Toss carrots in honey and olive oil before roasting.
Finish with a pinch of sea salt to really make them shine.
Kale and Winter Greens Caesar Salad
Give your Caesar salad a makeover—swap the usual greens for hearty kale and winter greens. They hold up better to the dressing and add a crunch.
Chef’s Tip: Pair it with a crisp white or a zesty cocktail!
Root Vegetable Soup
Roast the root vegetables first to deepen their natural flavors before blending them into this velvety soup. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving takes it from great to unforgettable.
One-Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Orzo with Tarragon Sauce
This winter dish is a total weeknight win.
Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms and creamy orzo come together in a tarragon sauce that’s just begging to be dipped into. Who says you can’t have gourmet at home?
Get the One-Skillet Chicken and Mushroom Orzo with Tarragon Sauce recipe!
Duck Cassoulet
Here’s a recipe for those nights when you want to feel a little fancy.
With tender duck, smoky sausage and beans in savory broth, it’s the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication—no reservation required.
Quick Coq Au Vin
Think tender chicken, rich wine sauce and earthy mushrooms—all in half the time. Perfect for a cozy night in when you want to feel like you’re dining at a Parisian bistro, but without the wait or the work.
Hungry for more? Explore our library of winter recipes for ideas & inspo for your own solstice soirée!
Join The Conversation