5 Classic Hearty Winter Dishes

Cold weather comfort food doesn’t get any better than lasagna, with its thin layers of pasta, hearty Bolognese sauce and mozzarella cheese that’s baked until bubbly. While some home chefs like to add a layer of ricotta or a decadent béchamel, substituting Greek yogurt for either one will add richness without heft. Try it with this recipe that opts for Oikos 2% plain Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and freshly chopped spinach.

A veggie-packed version of a brunch favourite, this Eggs Benedict recipe skips the tricky-to-make Hollandaise sauce and instead combines whole milk Greek yogurt with feta cheese and a dash of Aleppo pepper. Warm pita bread rounds are topped with garlicky sautéed spinach, poached eggs, and the simple, creamy sauce.

Penne with a creamy tomato vodka sauce has gone from a restaurant classic to a home-cooked dish that works for weeknights or special occasions. The richness comes from the addition of heavy cream to the tomato sauce, giving it that alluring pink hue and lush texture. There is a way to lighten up the sauce without compromising the flavour – substituting half of the cream with 2% Greek yogurt. Pair the sauce with a whole-wheat penne for a comforting winter meal.

Greek yogurt not only keeps these turkey burgers moist, it helps tenderize the meat, infusing it with even more flavour. This recipe calls for sweet potato rounds in place of buns, but you can always go with a brioche or milk bun instead. Bursting with jerk seasoning, it’s the island-inspired meal you need to add sunshine to those cold winter days.

Winter mornings are made better by waking up to the irresistible aroma of a breakfast casserole baking in the oven. Potatoes and mushrooms are the stars of this luscious, creamy recipe with a golden, cheesy top. It’s surprisingly not too heavy thanks to the addition of 2% Greek yogurt instead of cream which lightens up the dish without sacrificing the rich taste.