My Top Recipe For Welcoming Winter This Year!

The first day of winter marks a seasonal shift toward colder temperatures and heartier meals. During this time of year, olive oil becomes an essential ingredient in the kitchen due to its versatility, flavor, and suitability for warm, nourishing dishes.

Olive oil is widely used in winter cooking for sautéing vegetables, preparing soups, and enhancing simple meals with depth and balance. Its smooth texture and rich taste make it an effective base for comfort foods while supporting a well-rounded diet. Using high-quality olive oil allows even basic ingredients to produce satisfying results.

As winter begins, incorporating olive oil into everyday cooking can help create meals that are both practical and enjoyable. The following recipe is an example of a simple winter dish that relies on olive oil as a key component.

Recipe: Olive Oil Vegetable Soup

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 carrots, sliced

• 1 celery stalk, sliced

• 1 medium potato, diced

• 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: spinach or kale

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and cook until softened, approximately 5 minutes.

3. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook for 3–4 minutes.

4. Stir in the potato, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and herbs.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

6. Season with salt and black pepper. Add spinach or kale if desired and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

7. Serve warm. Optionally, add a small amount of olive oil before serving.