Chryso Patsalidou shares her passion for wholesome cooking with delightful recipes that are as nutritious as they are tasty. Her approach to food embraces the idea that healthy eating can be enjoyable and guilt-free. In this article, we explore two of her favourite winter recipes that are perfect for satisfying those seasonal cravings.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Chryso patsalidou: Winter Spiced Apple Oat Bars
These Winter Spiced Apple Oat Bars are a naturally sweet, high-fibre snack that makes for a wonderful treat during the colder months. With a base of rolled oats, they are infused with the sweetness of grated apples and the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bar is soft and aromatic, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (≈180g)
- 2 medium apples, grated (≈200 g)
- 2 eggs
- 3 tbsp olive oil or coconut oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
To get started, preheat your oven to 180C and line a small baking tray with parchment paper. In one bowl, mix together the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the grated apples, eggs, and chosen oil. Once mixed, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring well to combine. If you’d like a bit of added sweetness, now is the time to include the raisins or dates.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared tray, smoothing the top before placing it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until set and lightly golden. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into pieces.
Cozy Carrot & Ginger Soup
As the chill of winter settles in, a warm bowl of Cozy Carrot & Ginger Soup is just what you need. This comforting dish combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the gentle heat of fresh ginger, creating a smooth and nourishing soup that’s perfect for cold evenings.
Ingredients
- 500g carrots, chopped
- 1 medium potato (≈150 g), chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 vegetable stock cube (low sodium) + 1 L water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tbsp yogurt for serving
Instructions
Begin by heating the olive oil in a pot and sautéing the diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the chopped carrots, potato, and grated ginger to the pot. Stir these ingredients together for a few minutes until they release their fragrant aromas. Next, pour in the water and add the vegetable stock cube, bringing the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. After cooking, blend the soup until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and serve with a dollop of yogurt if desired.
Embracing Healthy Eating
Chryso Patsalidou, a registered clinical dietitian, champions a way of eating that focuses on building a healthy relationship with food. She believes in freedom from restrictive diets and promotes intuitive eating through simple, delicious recipes. By sharing her creations, she hopes to inspire others to enjoy cooking and eating without guilt. Follow her culinary journey on Instagram @nurishwith_goldy.
