By Julia Nikolaus, Contributor
As the weather turns cooler, you and your restaurant’s guests might find yourself craving comforting flavors and familiar winter recipes passed down through the generations.
But what if your guests are looking for something both new and exciting? If your restaurant wants to blend the classic seasonings of grandma’s chicken soup with vibrant global cuisines or create a healthier version of auntie’s apple pie, this blog can help!
Check out these unique takes on classic winter recipes to combine novelty and nostalgia in one!
Why Update Old Favorites?
Like many things in life, the culinary world is constantly evolving to meet the demands of a modernizing populace. Adding a new twist to classic comfort food allows your restaurant to honor classics without losing out on contemporary techniques and flavors.
Will you be adding exotic vegetables like bok choy to a classic dish of greens? Maybe it’s time to garnish with something surprising, like American caviar? Update your favorite winter dishes to breathe new life into old or outdated recipes, making them exciting again and ensuring they appeal to a younger generation of food lovers.
Something New for Your Stew
There’s nothing better than coming in from the cold and slurping up a hot cup of soup to warm your customers from the inside out. Check out these recommendations for a revamp!
Modern Chicken Noodle Soup
As the ultimate comfort food, you may hesitate to change a classic recipe, but experts suggest that a squeeze of lime and some chopped herbs, such as basil or cilantro, can really enhance the flavor of your soup.
If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using zucchini or rice noodles instead.
A Global Beef Stew
Every culture has some version of beef stew—from Africa to Asia! So borrow some of those international spices for yourself. Bring a bit of Morocco into your home with cumin, cinnamon, and coriander in your stew. Or, travel to Thailand when you add lemongrass, Thai basil, and coconut milk to your recipe.
Some Classic Side Options
What’s a meal without some sides? Bring the most popular winter sides into modern times with these ideas.
Kick It Up a Notch with Veggies
Roasted veggies are a quick and easy winter staple, but you can make them different every time with a bit of unique glazing. Try a glaze with honey, Sriracha, and soy sauce. Then, sprinkle with sesame seeds to complete. You can also experiment with honey and balsamic over brussels sprouts! Top with parmesan and bacon bits for a little burst of flavor.
Make a Modern Mash
Elevating mashed potatoes from classic to showstopper is simple. Add roasted garlic and fresh herbs before blending and mashing. Or, mix in turnips for a slightly lighter flavor and different texture. You can also make your mash a bit healthier with olive oil instead of butter and low-fat milk instead of cream.
Bake Up a (Winter) Storm!
Pies, puddings, and turnovers have their place in the restaurant’s winter dessert menu. When the weather turns frigid, your guests will enjoy nice, warm baked goods.
A Twisted Bead Pudding
While bread pudding is usually nice and sweet, it can also serve as a savory dish! Try using hearty breads, like sourdough, to mix with roasted veggies, goat cheese, and caramelized onions. Your favorite casserole ingredients can taste amazing as a bread pudding, so your kitchen staff’s creativity is the only limit.
Now your guests can have bread pudding for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
A Healthy Apple Pie
Warm, spiced, and cozy, apple pie is a quintessential winter recipe, but it can be a little heavy on sugar and calories. With a healthy, modern twist, you can save your guests’ gut! Substitute your regular crust for whole wheat or gluten-free, and use natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Honey, coconut sugar, and real maple syrup are all great options.
A Few Final Tips
With these recipe updates, your restaurant’s kitchen team can easily explore other fun ideas. Here are a few more tips to help you out:
Don’t be afraid of spices! Go bold with fresh herb garnishes and unique flavors.
Draw inspiration from all around the world for more unique flavor combinations.
Replace the usual ingredients with healthier alternatives.
Experiment with modern techniques, like pressure cooking and sous vide.
Using modern and contemporary elements in traditional dishes creates for a nice balance between the familiar and the new. Your guests will enjoy their old favorites given a tasty, modern twist.
