Ten Dishes That Are Perfect for Eating on the Couch

When the temperatures dip this low and the winds get all blistery, the only thing we want to do is stay home and cook. And then sit on the couch to enjoy the fruits of our labors while Netflix plays … for hours and hours. Ideally, with a deep, full-bodied red wine.? That’s what you want to do, too, right? To help you get as cozy as we’ve been lately, we rounded up some of our favorite stick-to-your-ribs, hearty, winter dinners that are easy to eat on the couch. These dishes all make minimal mess and can be served either in a bowl or eaten one-handed.

1. Heirloom Bean Chili

Chili is practically the mascot for cold winter nights. And this one is extra special because, instead of the more traditional pinto or kidney beans, it’s made with heirloom beans, which add a gorgeous color and complex flavors. (You’ll just need to plan ahead, as these dried beans should be soaked in water overnight.) Simmer this in a Dutch oven all day and refill your bowl whenever you’re hungry again.

2. Celery Root Soup with Truffle Oil

The truffle oil in this soup is totally optionalbut we don’t see why you wouldn’t add it! It adds that perfectly rich indulgence factor that we can all use right about now. And despite what your tastebuds will lead you believe, this creamy soup is actually dairy free. Skip the spoon and use a piece of whole-grain bread to mop up every last drop.

3. Nacho Pizza

Nachos are not super easy to eat on the couch. Everyone has to hunch over the coffee table and a dollop of something is bound to fall either on you or the couch. Pizza on the other hand? Well, pizza is totally couch food. Enter: this Nacho Pizza. Complete with ground beef, pickled onions,?tomato, green chiles, and even tomato sauce, it truly is the best of both worlds.

4. Baked Pasta Primavera?

In our opinion, baked pasta is always going to be better than regular pasta. And we’re partial to this recipe, which allows you to swap out the veggies for more seasonal ingredients. (We strongly suggest adding mushrooms this time of year!) You can make this in one big baking dish and dole it out into bowls, or you can bake up individual portions in these mini cocottes.

5. Farro with Butternut Squash, Cauliflower and Kale

Here’s proof (incase you needed it!) that vegetarian meals can be hearty. Loaded with butternut squash, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, feta cheese and more, this dish will fill you up without weighing you down. Tip: The?pomegranate seeds in here really brighten things up, so don’t skimp on them.

6. Gruyre and Cheddar Mac and Cheese

It’s a bold claim to call a mac and cheese recipe the best, but this mac and cheese recipe is the best. For starters, it features a surprising and superior pasta shape (ideally campanelle or straccetti). And it calls for three of the most necessary cheeses: Gruyre, cheddar and Parmesan. Again, you can bake this in a larger dish or make individual portions.

7. Thai Cashew Bowl with Quinoa, Tofu and Zucchini Noodles

You’ll have to go shopping for this Flower Child Thai Cashew Bowl Starter, and then you can get cooking. This recipe is yet another hearty vegetarian dishbrimming with quinoa, tofu, zucchini noodles, and loads of flavor. It’s super easy to make on a cold and busy weeknight, yet still special enough for a weekend.

8. Warm Chickpea and Chorizo Salad

Salad? On a cold night like this?! Yes! Because this one is warm. It’s also extra savory thanks to fried chorizo and crispy chickpeas. If you want to have a bunch of little snack-y things for dinner, make sure this is one of them. Or just load up on this until it’s time for popcorn.

9. Risotto with Taleggio, Radicchio & Red Wine

Risotto is a perfect cold-weather cooking project: You get to stand in front of a warm stove and work on a key technique! And this risotto is made with red wine, so it’s even more suited for the winter. Once you get the risotto just right, you’ll add?sauted?radicchio, taleggio, and toasted walnuts. Aren’t you warming up just thinking about this?

10. Chicken and Chorizo Stew

Not in the mood for chili or soup? What about their cousin, stew? This stew has it all: braised chicken thighs, chorizo, tons of seasonings,?potatoes, manzanillo olives (for a Spanish twist!), and more. It’ll need at least 45 minutes to simmer on the stove, which gives you plenty of time to watch two episodes of Friends from College.