1. Pumpkin & Chickpea Curry

Why it’s cozy: Creamy, spiced, and full of plant-based protein.
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 small pumpkin or 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.
2. Add spices, cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add pumpkin, chickpeas, and coconut milk. Simmer 20 minutes.
4. Blend slightly for creaminess if desired.
5. Serve hot with brown rice or quinoa, topped with cilantro.

Tip: Add a dash of chili flakes for extra warmth.

2. Mushroom & Barley Risotto

Why it’s cozy: Earthy, hearty, and creamy without heavy cream.
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add mushrooms and cook 5 minutes.
2. Stir in barley, cook 1–2 minutes.
3. Gradually add warm vegetable broth, stirring until absorbed, about 25–30 minutes.
4. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and nutritional yeast or Parmesan.
5. Serve warm, creamy, and comforting.

Tip: Swap mushrooms for roasted root vegetables for a different flavour profile.

3. Spiced Carrot & Lentil Soup

Why it’s cozy: Sweet, earthy, and packed with protein and fiber.
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils
• 4–5 large carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add carrots, lentils, spices, and broth. Simmer 25–30 minutes until tender.
3. Blend until smooth, season to taste.
4. Serve with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.

Tip: Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamier texture.

4. Baked Sweet Potato with Black Bean & Avocado

Why it’s cozy: Filling, nutritious, and easy for a weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh lime juice and cilantro

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork, bake 45–50 minutes until soft.
2. Mix black beans with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Warm in a pan.
3. Slice baked sweet potatoes open, top with black bean mix, avocado, lime juice, and cilantro.

Tip: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tahini for extra creaminess.

5. Spiced Pear & Almond Crumble

Why it’s cozy: Naturally sweet, crunchy, and perfect for fall dessert.
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 pears, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• ¼ cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss pears with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Place in a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix oats, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, and almonds. Sprinkle over pears.
3. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
4. Serve warm, optionally with Greek yogurt.

Tip: Add a pinch of cardamom for a warming twist.