Cooking with Uncommon Foods: 3 Winter Comfort Food Recipes

Three Unique Recipes to Elevate Your Cold Weather Comfort Foods

As the mercury dips and the cozy blankets become our companions, there's nothing quite like the allure of comfort food to warm both the heart and hearth. Yet, while classics have their charm, this winter, we're taking a culinary detour from the well-trodden path of soups, warm drinks, and pumpkin-spiced everything. It's time to rejuvenate your winter menu with an array of unique and uncommon ingredients that promise to intrigue your palate and infuse warmth into those chilly evenings.

Spice up Thanksgiving or Holiday dinners with these three recipes:

1. Parsnip and Pear Soup with Cardamom Cream

Ingredients:

• 3 large parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 ripe but firm pears, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• Freshly grated nutmeg for garnish
• Chopped hazelnuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until translucent.
2. Add the chopped parsnips and pears, and cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the parsnips are completely tender.
4. While the soup is simmering, whisk together the heavy cream and ground cardamom until well combined.
5. Once the parsnips are tender, puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Season with salt and white pepper.
6. Serve the soup in bowls, drizzle with the cardamom cream, and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg and chopped hazelnuts.

2. Black Garlic Salsify Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups of salsify roots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of black garlic, mashed into a paste
• 4 cups vegetable stock, kept warm
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté the shallot until soft and translucent.
2. Add the Arborio rice and stir until the grains are well coated and slightly toasted.
3. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until the liquid has almost entirely evaporated.
4. Add the salsify and one cup of the warm vegetable stock. Cook, stirring frequently, until the stock is absorbed.
5. Continue adding stock, one cup at a time, waiting until the liquid is absorbed before adding more, and stirring continuously.
6. When the rice is al dente and creamy, stir in the black garlic paste, remaining butter, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve the risotto hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

3. Sweet Potato and Chai Spice Marshmallow Fluff

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon chai spice mix (cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and pepper)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup marshmallow fluff

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and place the flesh in a large bowl.
3. Add the brown sugar, butter, chai spice mix, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until smooth and well combined.
5. Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff until it's streaked throughout the sweet potato mixture, creating a marbled effect.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil for a few minutes until the top is golden and slightly crisp (watch it carefully to prevent burning).
7. Serve warm as a unique and comforting dessert or side dish.