Cozy Egyptian Dishes to Warm You Up This Winter

As the cold months settle in, there’s nothing quite like a comforting, warm meal to soothe the soul and keep the chill at bay. With its rich culinary heritage, Egypt offers an array of hearty and cozy dishes perfect for winter. Steeped in tradition, these recipes contain flavors that warm the body and evoke comfort and nostalgia. Whether you are looking for something sweet or savory, Egypt’s winter dishes will surely make you feel at home.

Overview

Egyptian cuisine is known for its depth of flavor, generous use of spices, and ability to blend simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. During winter, Egyptian kitchens come alive with hearty soups, warm drinks, and baked delights that are both nourishing and satisfying. Many of these dishes have been passed down through generations, each carrying the essence of Egyptian hospitality and tradition. From savory soups to sweet treats, these dishes will warm you up from the inside out.

Lentil Soup (Shorbet Ads)

Overview:

Lentil soup is a staple comfort food in Egyptian households, especially during the colder months.  Rich in protein and  flavors, this hearty soup is a nourishing and satisfying meal that is simple to prepare yet profoundly comforting. The smooth texture and warm spices make it a go-to winter dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup red lentils

– 1 onion (chopped)

– 2 carrots (chopped)

– 1 potato (diced)

– 2 cloves garlic (minced)

– 1 tsp cumin

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth

– Olive oil

– Lemon wedges for serving

Recipe:

1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water.
2. In a suitable pot, heat the oil and sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
3. Add the carrots, potatoes, and cumin, stirring for a few minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the stock and add the lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables and lentils are tender.
5. Blend the soup to a smooth consistency.
6. Season with salt and cummin, and serve hot with olive oil and lemon wedges.

Best Places for It:

Abou El Sid (Cairo):

Known for its authentic Egyptian dishes, Abou El Sid serves a comforting bowl of rich and flavorful lentil soup.

Zooba (Various Locations):

A modern take on traditional Egyptian street food, Zooba offers a delicious lentil soup with a contemporary twist.

Roasted Sweet Potato (Batata Mashwiya)

Overview:

Simple yet satisfying, roasted sweet potatoes are a favorite winter snack in Egypt. Sold by street vendors during the colder months, this dish is all about letting the potato’s natural sweetness shine. Roasting brings out its caramelized flavor, making it a delicious and nutritious treat.

Ingredients:

– 4 large sweet potatoes

– Olive oil (optional)

– Honey or cinnamon for serving (optional)

Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and prick them with a fork a few times.
3. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes or until soft and caramelized.
4. Serve hot, optionally drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon for extra warmth.

Best Places for It:

Street vendors across Egypt commonly sell roasted sweet potatoes, especially in downtown Cairo and Alexandria.

Sahlab

Overview:

Sahlab is a traditional Egyptian winter drink that’s thick, creamy, and perfectly indulgent. Made from a starchy powder derived from the tubers of orchids, this decadent drink is often topped with nuts and cinnamon, making it a luxurious treat for cold days. Its thick, pudding-like consistency makes it feel more like a dessert in a cup.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups milk

– 2 tbsp sahlab powder (or cornstarch as a substitute)

– 1 tbsp sugar (to taste)

– 1 tsp rosewater (optional)

– Ground cinnamon and crushed nuts for topping

Recipe:

1. Mix the sahlab powder or cornstarch with a bit of cold milk in a small bowl to form a slurry.
2. Heat the remaining milk and sugar in a saucepan, stirring constantly.
3. Once the milk begins to heat up, stir in the sahlab mixture and continue to stir until the drink thickens.
4. Add rosewater if desired and pour into cups.
5. Top with ground cinnamon and crushed nuts before serving hot.

Best Places for It:

El Fishawy Cafe (Khan El Khalili, Cairo):

A historic cafe that serves a comforting, traditional version of sahlab.

Cafe Riche (Downtown Cairo):

One of Cairo’s most famous cafes, offering delicious sahlab during the winter months.

Spicy Chickpea Soup (Hummus El Sham)

Overview:

Hummus El Sham is a spicy, tangy chickpea drink served piping hot in Egypt’s winter months. Street vendors sell it, and it offers flavors of cumin, lemon, and cayenne pepper. This warm, hearty drink is both nutritious and warming, perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight)

– 1 onion (chopped)

– 1 tomato (chopped)

– 1 tsp cumin

– 1 tsp cayenne pepper

– Juice of 1 lemon

– Salt to taste

– Water

Recipe:

1. Place the soaked chickpeas in a suitable pot with water. Bring to a boil and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes.
2. In a separate pan, sauté the onion and tomato until soft, then add cumin and cayenne pepper.
3. Combine the chickpeas with the onion mixture and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add lemon juice and salt to taste.
5. Serve hot in cups, garnished with extra lemon wedges.

Best Places for It:

Hummus El Sham is a popular street food in Egypt, especially along the Corniche of Alexandria during the winter.

Wheat berries (Belila)

Overview:

Belila is a warm and wholesome Egyptian breakfast dish made from whole wheat kernels simmered in milk and topped with nuts and honey. It’s nutritious and perfect for warming up on a cold winter morning. The soft texture of the wheat, combined with the sweetness of the toppings, makes for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup whole wheat kernels (soaked overnight)

– 2 cups milk

– 1 tbsp. sugar or honey

– 1 tsp cinnamon

– Nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut for topping

Recipe:

1. Drain the soaked wheat kernels and cook them in water for 30 minutes until tender.
2. Drain the cooked wheat and return it with milk and sugar to the pot. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
3. Serve hot, topped with nuts, raisins, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey.

Best Places for It:

Local Egyptian Cafes (Across Egypt):

Many small cafes serve this dish during winter, especially in the early mornings.

Baked Rice (Roz Meammar)

Overview:

Roz Meammar is a classic Egyptian dish that involves baking rice with milk and butter until it forms a golden crust on top. This creamy, rich dish is often served during family gatherings and holidays, and it’s the suitable food to warm you up during the winter.

Ingredients:

– 1 ½ cups short-grain rice

– 2 cups milk

– 1 cup cream

– 3 tbsp. butter

– Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
2. Mix the rice, milk, cream, butter, salt, and pepper in a baking dish.
3. Bake uncovered for about 60-70 minutes, until the top forms a golden crust and the rice is tender.
4. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Best Places for It:

Abou El Sid (Cairo):

Known for its traditional Egyptian dishes, Abou El Sid serves a mouthwatering version of roz meammar.

Balbaa Village (Alexandria):

A famous restaurant serving cozy Egyptian dishes, including delicious baked rice.

Taro Stew (Kolkas)

Overview:

Kolkas is a winter favorite in Egypt. It is a hearty taro root stew made with lemon, garlic, and greens like Swiss chard. The rich texture of the taro, combined with the tangy broth, makes it a unique and flavorful dish perfect for cold evenings.

Ingredients:

– 1 kg kolkas (taro root, peeled and cubed)

– 2 cloves garlic (minced)

– 1 bunch of Swiss chard or spinach (chopped)

– 1 lemon (juiced)

– 2 tbsp. butter

– Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:

1. In a large pot, boil the kolkas cubes in salted water until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, butter and sauté the garlic and greens until wilted.
3. Add the sautéed greens and garlic to the boiled kolkas, lemon juice, and a cup of the cooking water.
4. Simmer for another 10 minutes and season with salt and pepper.

Best Places for It:

Home-Cooked (Throughout Egypt):

This dish is best enjoyed as a homemade meal, often passed down through family recipes.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Egyptian Mahshi Crumb)

Overview:

Mahshi crumb, or stuffed cabbage rolls, is a popular winter dish in Egypt. It includes cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful rice mixture, often with ground meat or vegetables. The dish is cooked in a tangy tomato sauce, resulting in a comforting, satisfying dish perfect for a family gathering.

Ingredients:

– 1 head of cabbage

– 1 cup rice

– 200g ground beef or lamb (optional)

– 1 onion (chopped)

– 2 cloves garlic (minced)

– 2 tbsp. tomato paste

– 1 tsp cumin

– Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:

1. Boil the cabbage leaves until soft, then set aside.
2. In a pan, sauté the onions and garlic, then add the ground meat (if using), rice, tomato paste, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Place a spoonful of the rice mixture onto each peice of cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly.
4. Arrange the rolls in a pot, cover with water, and simmer for about 30 minutes until it is wholey cooked and the rolls are tender.

Best Places for It:

Home-Cooked (Throughout Egypt):

Mahshi is often served at family gatherings and is considered a homey, comforting dish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make lentil soup without blending it?

For a chunkier texture, skip the blending step and enjoy it as a hearty stew.

Can I roast the sweet potatoes with other vegetables?

Absolutely! Roasting them alongside carrots or parsnips can add variety and make a great side dish.

Can I use non-dairy milk to make sahlab?

Almond, coconut, or soy milk  are suitable substitutes for a lactose-free version.

Can I use canned chickpeas ?

Yes, canned chickpeas can significantly reduce cooking time, but the flavor will differ slightly.

Can I make Belila with non-dairy milk?

Yes, almond or coconut milk works well as a dairy-free substitute.

Can I add meat to roz meammar?

Some versions include chunks of lamb or chicken for added flavor.

What can I substitute for kolkas if I can’t find it?

Potatoes or yams can be used as a substitute, though the texture will differ slightly.

Can I make mahshi vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and add extra vegetables to the rice mixture for a vegetarian version.

Egyptian cuisine offers a wealth of cozy dishes perfect for warming up during the colder months. From hearty stews and soups to sweet and creamy treats, these dishes are delicious and embody Egyptian hospitality and tradition. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, indulging in these comforting meals is the perfect way to enjoy the winter season. So, grab your ingredients and try out these classic recipes, or visit some of the best restaurants in Egypt to savor these heartwarming dishes!