There is a reason why we enjoy spicy food in winter – it keeps us warm! But according to various Dr Googles, adding some spice to your diet has more benefits: it can be anti-inflammatory and good for your heart, it suppresses your appetite (whoop! whoop!) and it boosts your metabolism (double bonus!).
We are, however, lucky enough that we don’t only eat for wellness, but also for enjoyment. And enjoy is what you’ll do when you try out some of our warming spicy dishes for winter. Add a generous glass of a mellow Leopard’s Leap red or wintery white wine to go just beautifully with your bowl of spice.
Shakshuka
Start your day on a spicy note with a warming Shakshuka. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this recipe’s eggs are poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion and garlic, commonly spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. A refreshing glass of bubbly is the perfect breakfast tipple, so do pour a glass of Leopard’s Leap Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir.
Prawn Laksa with rice noodles
Laksa is a spicy noodle dish and in our version, we add plump prawns, rice noodles and an array of delicious spices. Popular in Southeast Asia, this rich and spicy broth is a wonderful addition to our usual winter soup repertoire. Freshen up the spicy notes with a glass of Leopard’s Leap Chescato!
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is a favourite on many Indian menus. Although it is one of the mildest curries, it still has that wonderful warming quality winter nights are begging for. We love how the Classic Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc balances the richness of this dish, while the fuller Culinaria Chenin Blanc harmonises perfectly!
Chile on Carne
Chile on Carne is basically hot mince and while it is one of the simplest spicy dishes, it is also one of the most popular. With its origin somewhere between Northern Mexico and Southern Texas, it promises to add oomph to any chilly day. Try it with a fruity red that’s not afraid of a little competition. We suggest our Special Edition Pinotage.
Moroccan Mint Julep Wine Cocktail
We’ve covered spicy recipes from East to West, but sometimes the sweet spot is in the middle. What’s not to love about the spicy notes in our Moroccan Mint Julep wine cocktail? Refreshingly different to spicy red wine mixes, this one brings some exotic notes from the Middle-East to make you all cosy and comfortable…Made with Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc.
