During winter, there’s no better time to warm up with a delicious, nourishing meal . . . starring nuts!

With their earthy, flavourful taste, crunchy texture, and impressive nutritional profile, nuts make the perfect ingredient inclusion in all types of winter recipes.    

These tiny nutritional powerhouses add filling plant protein, healthy fats, and gut-loving fibre to any meal. Plus, they’re rich in immunity-giving vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  

Six nourishing recipes to go nuts over this winter:

Chicken and cashew curry

Sunshine in a bowl! This tasty, golden curry is the perfect way to warm up on a cold winter’s day. It includes creamy cashews – a source of plant-based iron and zinc, which support immunity. Plus, a serve provides 30g of nuts (the daily target), and it’s on the table within 30 minutes.  

Did you know? As well as helping to manage body weight, a handful of nuts a day provides valuable nutrients for immunity and heart health, and can even lower the glycaemic load of carb-rich meals.

Nut loaf with red wine jus

Looking for an alternative to classic meat loaf? Brown rice, lentils, veggies, and nuts make a powerful good-for-you combination in this plant-based dish. That means a healthy dose of protein and gut-loving fibre. It’s winter nourishment at its tastiest!

Tip: This recipe freezes well and is a brilliant way to use up pantry staples.

Creamy broccoli, chicken, and wild rice soup

This nourishing soup is the cold-weather equivalent to a power smoothie! It’s packed with essential nutrients – like zinc, selenium, and magnesium, thanks to the crunchy nuts. Plus, broccoli, onion and garlic form the perfect antioxidant-rich trio to help support immunity.

Pistachio-crusted barramundi with zucchini & pistachio baba ganoush

This creamy baba ganoush recipe – a perfect fit with fish – is a must-try! That’s because the sweet, earthy taste of the pistachios pairs so well with the vibrant Mediterranean flavours of lemon, Greek yogurt and garlic. Plus, pistachios are a top nut source of plant protein, to help with satiety.

Did you know? The protein, healthy fats and fibre in nuts helps to satisfy hunger and reduce appetite.

Mac ‘n’ cheese with nut crumble

It’s the perfect time of year to try this modern, healthy take on an old favourite! Our recipe features a crunchy pecan and pine nut crumble, and creamy sweet potato base. The good fats in the nuts help the body absorb the sweet potato’s immunity-boosting vitamin A. A win-win!

Tip: Along with sweet potato, other in-season winter veggies include broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, parsnips and pumpkin.

Did you know? Nutrients in nuts – such as zinc, copper, iron, selenium and vitamin B6 – help support a healthy immune system.

Braised chicken with chestnuts

Mushrooms, ginger and chestnuts pair perfectly in this Asian-style dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this simple-to-prepare meal is a godsend at the end of a long day. When braised like this, the chestnuts absorb all the delicious flavours of the stock. Best served steaming hot with a bowl of rice.

Tip: Fresh chestnuts are in season now. If you’re not able to get them, you can also use frozen or canned chestnuts.

Did you know? As with all fresh produce, nuts are best stored cold.