Almond Lentil Stew : Hygge and Food

People have been talking about “hygge” (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) for a few years now. It’s the Danish word for cosiness or feeling warm, comfortable, and safe. It was back in 2016 that The New Yorker reported it was the “year of hygge.”

And wellness experts say that if you haven’t joined the trend yet, these colder weather months are the perfect time to do so.

It’s not so much an activity you might choose to do or not do; hygge is more a way of life, one that makes ordinary moments feel special, pleasurable, and meaningful.

The concept of hygge is about creating a cosy, comforting physical environment: lighting candles, snuggling up with soft blankets, and consuming warm, soothing drinks. But it’s also (and perhaps more importantly) a mindset and a philosophy.

“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things,” “It is about being with the people we love; a feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and are allowing ourselves to let our guard down.”

It’s not just the cooler weather that may make adopting a hygge mindset attractive; it’s a way to take care of yourself during a time filled with all sorts of worldwide stressors and negative news cycles. During this time of uncertainty and stress, we crave consistency, predictability, and a sense of control, hygge practices and its emphasis on self-care can help individuals exercise control amid uncontrollable circumstances.

Hygge is also about food! So as well as creating a cosy atmosphere, and enjoying the good things, despite the cold, gloomy weather. Think candles, thick rugs, spending time with friends and family, and enjoying delicious comforting meals. Warm, cosy and 'Scandi' is the hygge way of life.

You can read more about Hygge here

So, as we have been talking/reading about Hygge, I now share a recipe by Nigel Slater which is described as Hygge food. This easy vegetarian lentil stew is served with cherry tomatoes and cinnamon-flavoured almonds.
This meal if served as four portions provides 20g protein, 37g carbohydrate (of which 7.5g sugars), 14g fat (of which 1.5g saturates), 11.5g fibre and 1.9g salt per portion.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for frying the almonds
1 carrot, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 turnip, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
150g/5½oz baby button mushrooms, halved
250g/9oz green lentils
1.2 litres/2 pints vegetable stock
1 bay leaf
1 sprig rosemary
4 sprigs thyme
handful almonds
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
10 cherry tomatoes, quartered

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan and fry the carrot, celery, onion and turnip until softened – about five minutes.
2. Add the garlic and mushrooms. Fry for a further five minutes.
3. Add the lentils to the pan. Pour over the stock and add the herbs. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
4. Just before the end of the cooking time for the stew, in another pan, fry the almonds in a splash of olive oil with the cinnamon for two minutes.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes and warm through.
6. Serve the lentil stew with the almonds and tomatoes.

Recipe taken from Hygge Food Collection here

~ enjoy your day ~

image from google

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan