Tag Archives: Matariki meals

Winter

From Soup to Stew, These Winter Meals Spark Matariki Joy

As winter nights grow longer and colder, kitchens become the heart of the home once more. From slow-cooked pulled pork to plant-based bourguignon, Great USA News’s archive unfolds a table of warmth, ease, and flavour. These handpicked winter recipes promise comfort without the kitchen fuss—bringing classic family dishes, hearty soups, and one-pan wonders to life. With simple steps and soulful results, each plate is a humble celebration of cold-weather cravings. For every cook seeking cosy meals with little effort, this collection delivers warmth by the spoonful and joy by the bite.

📌 STORY HIGHLIGHTS: READ BOX

  • Pulled Pork (Slow Cooker): A 20-minute prep leads to a tender 8-hour cook—maximum flavor, minimal effort.

  • Boil Up: Chef Cameron Petley’s ancestral dish, passed through generations.

  • Smoky Beans (Slow Cooked): Nadia Lim’s ode to dried beans, outshining the canned variety.

  • Pea, Spinach & Tarragon Soup: Crisp bacon and yogurt flatbreads offer a flavour-packed twist.

  • Not-Beef Bourguignon: Alby Hailes’ vegan-friendly stew uses mushrooms, soy, tomato, and Marmite.

  • Pumpkin Soup, Reinvented: Sam Parish solves the “kids love bread more than soup” problem.

  • Beef & Mushroom Stew: With cheddar, sourdough croutons, and fried onions—it’s a winter triumph.

  • Corned Beef Comeback: Jess Daniell breathes new life into a 90s classic using herbs and oranges.

  • Everything Soup: Big, hearty, and built for leftovers.

  • One-Pan Lamb Lasagne: A faster, smarter version of a comfort food classic.

As winter settles in and daylight becomes a fleeting visitor, many of us find ourselves gravitating toward the familiar comfort of a hearty home-cooked meal. There’s something deeply restorative about the aromas wafting through a warm kitchen, the slow simmer of ingredients blending together, and the rich satisfaction that only a winter dish can deliver.

Great USA News has dug into its archives to bring back a lineup of tried-and-tested recipes that are tailor-made for cold evenings. Whether you’re looking for a modern take on nostalgic flavors or a one-pot miracle that works while you’re away, this collection offers a little something for everyone. Here’s what stands out from the culinary trove.

Slow Cooker Comforts Without the Hassle

For many, the idea of slow cooking suggests patience, planning, and flavor that builds over hours. The Slow Cooker Pulled Pork ticks all those boxes—with only 20 minutes of hands-on work. Once the prep is done, the cooker takes over, allowing you to return to a hot, tender pork meal at the end of your day. It’s the epitome of set-it-and-forget-it cooking.

A Taste of Family History

Then there’s Boil Up, a traditional Māori dish with deep personal roots for Chef Cameron Petley. For him, it’s not just a recipe—it’s a memory, a family legacy that carries generations of comfort. It serves as a reminder that the heart of cooking lies not only in ingredients but in shared experience.

From Pantry to Plate—Smoky Beans, Done Right

Nadia Lim’s Slow-Cooked Smoky Beans offer an elegant solution for those who stock up on pantry staples. This dish turns humble dried beans into a deeply satisfying meal. Forget canned alternatives—this method draws out their natural flavor while delivering a texture that’s hard to beat.

Soups That Actually Satisfy

Soup doesn’t have to be a side act. With Pea, Spinach and Tarragon Soup, you’re looking at a complete dish layered with brightness and depth. The crispy bacon adds a savory hit, and the yogurt flatbreads make it substantial enough to stand on its own.

Sam Parish’s New Take on Pumpkin Soup also deserves attention. Every parent knows the frustration of kids reaching for more bread than soup. Parish flips that script with a version of the dish that wins the kids over—one spoon at a time.

Meat and Mashups—Reimagined for Today

Not everyone wants meat at the center of the plate, and that’s where Not-Beef Bourguignon comes in. Alby Hailes has recreated the French classic using mushrooms, soy, tomatoes, and Marmite. The result? A stew that delivers the deep umami satisfaction you’d expect from beef, but without it.

Meanwhile, Beef and Mushroom Stew by Kelly Gibney caters to the traditionalists. But don’t be fooled—this isn’t just meat and gravy. Topped with sourdough croutons, fried onions, and melted cheddar, it adds crunch, contrast, and richness in every bite.

Old Favorites, New Twists

Corned beef may evoke 90s nostalgia—or 90s regret. But Jess Daniell’s version redeems the canned classic with a refreshing blend of herbs and citrus. It’s proof that forgotten recipes can find their way back to relevance with a few thoughtful updates.

Everything Soup, as the name suggests, takes in all your leftovers and turns them into a symphony of flavor. It’s practical, wholesome, and endlessly adaptable—ideal for a big batch you can revisit throughout the week.

Fast Food (The Good Kind)

For those craving layered, baked comfort but not the effort, One-Pan Lamb and Fennel Lasagne might be the answer. This version throws out the time-consuming prep and bakes everything together in one dish. The result is both streamlined and satisfying—perfect for weeknight indulgence without the drama.

The Warmth Behind Every Bite

As winter deepens, these recipes remind us that nourishment isn’t just about calories—it’s about connection, comfort, and culture. From slow-cooked pork to reinvented stews and soul-soothing soups, RNZ’s archive is filled with meals that meet the moment. Whether you’re chasing tradition or exploring something new, these dishes provide the warmth we all crave when the world outside turns cold.

In the heart of winter, food becomes more than nourishment—it becomes comfort, connection, and culture. Great USA News’s curated selection of winter recipes, from traditional Māori dishes to modern one-pan wonders, reflects a season of warmth and simplicity. As Matariki brings reflection and renewal, these humble yet flavourful meals offer a timely reminder: the best moments often begin at the dinner table, with slow-cooked care and shared delight.

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