With fall here and winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to stay in and cook a hearty meal. As the delicious aromas of a simmering stew fill your home, the thought of cozying up under a big throw blanket in the living room is nothing short of music to your ears!

Here are six easy-to-make recipes using local products to keep you warm during the cold weather, for a cozy night in! For vegetarians, vegans, and those looking to reduce their meat consumption, we also have variations of several of these recipes, without animal products.

1- THE DECADENT CHEESE FONDUE BOWL

It’s always a good idea to buy local. And Quebec produces so much cheese, so why not make a delicious fondue? The following recipe will take all the guesswork out of making a renowned comfort food: fondue in a bread bowl! With our three-Quebec-cheeses fondue recipe, you can enjoy our favourite fondue, and enhance it with walnuts, for example, for more pronounced flavours. Don’t have much time on your hands? Then swap the cheese with a product by SOS Fondue; these cheese products already contain white wine and kirsch, for example, so there’s nothing more for you to do!

Click here to discover some of Quebec's best cheese factories and some of their gourmet products. Each factory is worth a visit.

Psst! Compliments cheeses are always fair-priced, and they are sure to elevate your fondue’s flavours. Choose from Swiss, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Havarti, and take your dinner to new heights!

2- COLOURFUL TOMATO SHAKSHUKA

Some people like a Shakshuka with croutons during cocktail hour, while others prefer to have it with a cup of coffee for a weekend brunch! This egg casserole with tomato and pepper sauce is an easy-to-make copious dish. For smaller appetites, cut the bread into small sticks, called mouillettes by the French, to be dipped into the egg yolk and tomato sauce.

Long live savings!

Besides remaining fresh for several days once refrigerated, Compliments large eggs come in packs of 30, for an economical solution.

3- WARM TONKINESE SOUP

Comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. There is such a thing as light comfort food. Our Tonkinese chicken and edamame soup is just that. Plus, it’s ready in a snap, so you can make the most of your night of TV binge-watching! Prepare extra broth to freeze for use at a later time, maybe with a different protein (think meat, tofu, or eggs). For a smoother, creamier texture, replace half the liquid with coconut milk (about two cans, for 1,000 mL). Bon appétit!

For a vegan version, add more edamame and/or firm tofu instead of chicken, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and the fish sauce with soy sauce. 

4- FALL VEGETABLE STEW

The slow cooker is a Godsend! In the morning, just put whatever you have in your fridge in the crockpot (or a large cast-iron pot), and you’ll end up with a hearty, healthy, comforting meal. This vegetarian fall stew is a great way to switch it up from the classic meat stew your grandma used to make. Legumes add flavour and consistency, while the ground garam masala and ginger bring heat to the dish. For the ultimate comfort food experience, serve your stew with some grilled bread, like À Chacun Son Pain’s Complete Loaf Bread. The perfect solution for those busy weeknights!

Environmentally and budget friendly!

This stew will cost considerably less than one using animal protein. Plus, by choosing Canadian chickpeas and Quebec vegetables, you also significantly reduce this meal's ecological footprint! Just another reason to prepare large quantities, which you can freeze for days when you’re pressed for time!

5- HEARTY MEDITERRANEAN STYLE PASTA

Oh pasta! Is there any food more comforting than pasta? This Mediterranean-style pasta dish is so easy to make. You can even add your favourite fall veggies to it (think butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes) for a meal that’s on point and supports local producers. For a meatless version, simply swap the veal for silky tofu and replace the beef broth with a vegetable broth. The onions and garlic will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering fall aromas! A true delight!

This recipe freezes well! Keep an eye on the IGA flyer and the TADA meal planner to buy veal in bulk the next time it goes on sale!

6- SALMON AND ASPARAGUS GRATIN WITH PARMESAN SAUCE

Gratins are often associated with the fall season. With salmon, leek, and asparagus, you can be sure to have a truly delicious meal. This salmon and asparagus gratin with Parmesan sauce recipe will make you want to combine fish and cheese more often. The salmon flesh brings some heartiness, without being too heavy. Plus, you can easily swap the creamy sauce for a soy cream, and use vegan cheese instead, for a little variety!