Brothy, melty and steamy — you can warm your hands over these simple dinner recipes, all served hot.
When you barrel through your front door in the freezing evenings, there are likely two actions front of your mind: eating dinner and heading to bed.
In this recipe collection,
The key to a simple but tasty winter dish is sourcing powerful spices and sauces. They’ll make each dish feel special (with very little effort required).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/7W6OKBMNBZVFZRDPF7FXP45CT4.jpg?auth=089ed969df13ed85ac15763a2eb2f84dd34cab35ca39ba2d77fd1bbe8b4545ca&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
You can dress these vegetarian burgers with all of the trimmings. Make sure you have pickles, aioli and caramelised onions on hand.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/HJRBU6VX4VFXRIGSCMS3UZ35O4.jpg?auth=b8b115d507a4e765cf1ea2412be8b0ca031034631ffcc6d71734fc0fc71b501f&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
If you want reliably melty cheese, you should reach for a softer variety — think mozzarella or a creamy brie.
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Advertise with NZME.![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/D7N5672AG7LPHOGG3VZWIBEVKA.jpg?auth=a69fee0d8394cdecdb8f505a7754966052665c472319d0b3bfc78db2079a5e16&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
This classic and cartoonish meal is a breeze for mid-week cooking (we recommend showering with plenty of parmesan).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ZNP2CPPLJZTF7BYA4XXBMNKQWA.jpg?auth=d886c3ed0952868e586fe926bd4d2cb64f3594fc5b999fcd3684c8af8d7b240e&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This zingy homemade pickle recipe pairs well with plenty of dishes. Recipe editor Angela Casley finds company with golden and turmeric-tinged chicken thighs in this offering.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/6LP2NSXSCXBUHSHFGUKCCR6BDY.jpg?auth=c4f66c8b66e091358afca7ab539c46a22bf0e2f25ac0cde786bd7deead41d244&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This vibrant green pasta sauce is a tasty and unexpected blend of garlic, peas, spinach, lemon and herbs.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/FZETLY3GGBEL3L5AJDU62SWRVM.jpg?auth=42402501912c28dd42833089b8eee2c945ecd681e017a7cf3c35056b4ebcb2a8&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
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Advertise with NZME.This chewy egg noodle dish is deeply savoury and a little spicy (fresh spring onion and coriander give it a little lift).
![Photo / Eleanor Ozich](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/3MTO6O5H6IKM6LR5IKMFZRVBRQ.jpg?auth=b6ed4bfc933f66f64bc51c204636a5ea908a22b46ed6f03ca5a7e7e04b36a813&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Walnuts are a satisfyingly crunchy topping for this cheesy and carby oven-bake dish. Serve alongside your preferred protein (we’d recommend salmon or roast chicken).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/4NXX4RUQC7DGKVYOZUY6DLG3NI.jpg?auth=42b07be2c1674329402cd8bdfc399839957cdfd250005c2f909f088d2cb8dfd2&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Crumbles of feta make this super-quick pasta dish feel special.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/UTHZC6SR5BOMTXHWDUVW3XYUSI.jpg?auth=efbbaa1fb5cb2340005e9e51fcc698d3c4cb1d18361e4a515d191a275683441c&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Angela Casley suggests an alternative serving for these flavourful beans, spooned over a baked potato and dolloped with sour cream.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ZLH4CXNEZVGM5A4B4G664Z4SQY.jpg?auth=1e3744880200aea93406c431c562c2c396b123db7d2a2b4d2a36f01ad77d8ebd&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Crunchy sesame seeds are a must-try sprinkling for this moreish noodle bowl.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/EGMF3XLJ4SC26TDO2CEXLJ6NOY.jpg?auth=22082644a3b430942364f59bd48336e45615dedc0101c5fe5d660ab870be3347&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)
This fluffy and filling risotto is ideal to cosy up with on stormy nights. A hearty squeeze of lemon will bring a hint of tang to the decent mixture.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/3LRPBG3BINLEQBZATWVDBRIWIM.jpg?auth=4eddf658b5472ba458d40934b9587c585336db1dcabded51db97c2f0a3599faf&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Toast your tortillas over an open flame for extra crunch. They’ll provide a contrasting texture to slow-cooked and tender jackfruit.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ZR75RR3PEVG23FWNAMIZJGZD2Y.jpg?auth=8add8f0607d279cb453933d8c84144a90208fa3d7f324361d6fd5fb5493e371b&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This vegetable-packed rice bowl is super simple and totally nutritious. It’s also finished with a drizzle of garlicky and lemony Greek yoghurt.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/QT3JJTRQPRAVO47FC4OYABW2HI.jpg?auth=c83eaa075a94b472254b7db347775e34beaf36ebb1ec223f0513da4757edfcf1&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Sink into this soothing, umami broth, which includes a combination of beef stock, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce and fresh ginger.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ZL74LI63WRZJOKCEREBTP46KVI.jpg?auth=06127c6454c3c302a95108c945ba25a7712e167aa8bd330266c867a876514111&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
This vegetarian stovetop dinner takes care of itself, with a golden mixture that supplies flavour to soft tofu, cauliflower and chickpeas.