Somehow it feels like Thanksgiving is fall’s true end. Once December begins, we’re in full winter mode. To kick the month off right, we’ve rounded up seven easy, tasty seasonal dinners that will warm you from the inside out. This week’s menu includes a soul-soothing soup, drool-worthy mac and cheese, an easy-as-pie sheet pan meal and more.
Here’s What to Cook Every Night This Week (December 4 – 10)
Take that, winter blues
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Published Nov 30, 2023
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
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Shopping List
Produce
Two 1-inch pieces ginger
3 carrots
1 small yellow onion
6 garlic cloves
2 ounces shiitake mushrooms
2 ounces baby spinach
3 celery stalks
1 lemon
3 large parsnips
2 medium sweet potatoes
1 small butternut squash
1 sweet onion
2 bunches thyme
1 bunch broccoli rabe
1 bunch scallions
3 bunches kale
1 bunch parsley
1 bunch rosemary
Meat
4 mild Italian sausages
1 pound ground pork
1 egg
2 split chicken breasts
1½ pounds shrimp
Dairy
40 ounces whole milk
1 stick unsalted butter
6½ ounces grated smoked Gouda cheese
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
5 ounces grated Gruyère cheese
Grains
1 pound orecchiette or other bite-size pasta
4 ounces dried soba noodles
4 ounces dry pasta
Canned and Packaged Goods
One 14-ounce can white beans
32 ounces low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
6 ounces silken tofu
4 ounces panko breadcrumbs
9 ounces pearl onions (frozen is fine)
4 ounces white wine
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
32 ounces seafood or vegetable broth
Pantry Ingredients: kosher salt, extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, ground ginger, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, soy sauce or tamari, white miso paste, all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, hot paprika, nonstick spray
Monday: 5-Ingredient Smoked Gouda-Thyme Mac and Cheese
Nothing soothes the winter blues (or a case of the Mondays) like cheese. This one-pot, six-ingredient stunner is just the ticket. A flourish of fresh thyme makes the dish feel extra rustic and cozy, but we wouldn’t blame you for topping your bowl with hot sauce too.
Wednesday: Warm Ginger-Scallion Pork & Kale Salad
If you’re not a fan of kale, odds are it’s because you’re always eating it raw. With a bit of TLC (read: a vinegary, tenderizing dressing and a stint in a hot skillet), it turns slightly wilted and deeply flavorful. Finish your plate with toasted sesame seeds for good measure.
Thursday: Restorative Miso Noodle Soup
Friday: Garlic Breaded Roast Chicken Breast
This pantry powerhouse is only nine ingredients away, and we’re betting they’re all in your kitchen right now. This delectably crunchy chicken tastes fried, but it’s actually roasted in the oven instead. (Oh, and it’s decidedly picky eater-proof.)
Saturday: Shrimp and Pasta Stew
We know, we know: The word “stew” sounds like standing at the stove all night long watching a pot simmer. But this seafood-based delight actually only takes 45 minutes to pull off. Finish each serving with lemon zest, lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Sunday: Spiralized Winter Vegetable Gratin
Instead of relying on sliced white potatoes, this gratin stars parsnips, sweet potatoes and butternut squash, all spiralized to give the dish a unique appearance and texture. Don’t let the veggies fool you, though: The gratin is still packed with all the dairy you crave.
