Harmony in Food 

Words, images, and unforgettable recipe for a warming winter stew by Sahra Samnani . 

There’s a rustle in our icy garden, followed by the flutter of little wings. Dancing from branch to branch, tiny winter birds flit about, gathering what they can. I too, with our cat as my quiet companion, have been called outside to gather the remains of our ever-valiant kale. The frost-coated, deep green leaves feel like they hold the very essence of winter. January has flown by, and now we find ourselves in the heart of the quiet season. The chill has deepened, weaving itself into our bones with a hushed, knowing persistence.

This kind of chill calls for the kind of warmth that reaches inward—a belly full of herbs and spices, their heat traveling to meet the frost clinging to our edges. There is magic in food, in the way it transforms us from within. A meal is a spell we cast upon ourselves: to heal, to comfort, to nourish, to uplift.

We often think of ingredients as mere notes in the melody of a dish, but they are so much more than that. They hold stories, energy, and even wisdom. Through their alchemy, they don’t just nourish us; they have the power to rebalance us. In many cultures, food has long been revered as medicine. Through my own exploration of Ayurveda, I’ve learned how food can attune us to the rhythm of the seasons, helping us find harmony with our surroundings. It can be our bold knight, warding off imbalances and easing the ailments of body and spirit alike.

After the bustling energy of the festive season, winter calls us to recalibrate. This is the time for grounding, for gentle warmth that steadies us. Through food, we can meet winter’s chill with spices and herbs that warm and center us, alongside the humble vegetables that hold the stored energy of the growing seasons.

In our home, one of the recipes we turn to for this purpose is a cherished winter stew. Inspired by a sumptuous saffron sauce Alex created years ago, we’ve adapted it into a staple dish—one that nourishes us with every bite and reminds us of the beauty in simplicity.This saffron, coconut, ginger, and turmeric winter vegetable stew feels like a spell cast in layers of warmth. Each spoonful carries a bright yet grounding melody, a harmony of mystical ingredients.

Saffron is the enigmatic star of this recipe, lending it a regal depth and sumptuousness. Known for its calming properties, it eases anxiety and restlessness, offering comfort in each golden thread. Turmeric and ginger, deeply grounding and restorative, act as quiet magicians, soothing inflammation and warming the body from the inside out. And then, like a sudden burst of sunlight on a gray day, the lime zest sings—a bright, zingy note that lifts the dish into joy. Together, these ingredients weave a melody of grounding, vibrancy, and light—warming not just our bodies, but our very beings. 

A midwinter recipe to warm you from the inside out: 

Warming Spiced Saffron Stew 

Ingredients 

Base:

• 2 cans of coconut milk

• 1 cup water or vegetable broth

Vegetables (choose a variety):

• 2-3 carrots, sliced

• A generous handful of mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or button)

• 1-2 sweet potatoes, cubed

• A few handfuls of kale (or substitute with bok choy, chard, or spinach)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 lime (zest reserved for garnish)

Herbs & Aromatics:

• 4-6 lime leaves

• 1-2 tbsp grated fresh ginger

• 1 tbsp grated fresh turmeric

• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• 1-2 bay leaves

• 1 dried chili (optional)

Spices:

• 1 tbsp curry powder

• 1 tsp cardamom powder

• 1 tsp Madras curry powder

• 1 large pinch (or 1 tsp) saffron, bloomed in warm water

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• Black pepper, to taste

To Serve:

• Black rice, quinoa, or any whole grain of your choice

• Lime wedges

Instructions 

Create the Base:

In a large pot, warm the coconut milk and vegetable broth over medium heat. Once warmed, stir in the saffron (bloomed in warm water beforehand), grated ginger, grated turmeric, dried chili, lime leaves, bay leaves, and spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.

Add the Heartier Vegetables:

Stir in the onion, sweet potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms. Reduce to a simmer and let the vegetables cook until the sweet potatoes and carrots are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Finish with Greens:

Add the kale or your choice of soft greens, folding them gently into the stew. Allow them to cook just until wilted, preserving their vibrant color and nutrients.

Garnish and Serve:

Ladle the stew into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and the reserved lime zest. Serve alongside black rice, quinoa, or your preferred grain, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright, zesty touch.

Savour:

Let each spoonful bring you the warmth, grounding, and vibrancy of these beautiful, nourishing ingredients.

You can find more of Sahra's words, wisdom, and glimpses of her visual poetry through her Instagram page @sahrasamnani .