Call me dramatic, but I have a stash of spicy dinner meals for those brutal winter nights where no amount of socks, sweatshirts, or blankets [1] can thaw the chill I feel deep inside.
If you live in New York City and you have to walk your dog in the middle of December, you know the feeling I'm talking about — that East River wind is no joke.
Sometimes you need to be warmed up from the inside out, and these delicious dinners will do the trick — and if you don't bookmark them now, you'll be wishing you did come the next snowstorm.
Green Chicken Chili
To me, chili is the poster child of comforting winter dishes — and this spicy jalapeno take is no different.
Get the recipe: green chicken chili [3]
Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
The hardest part about pasta night is picking between all the delicious sauce possibilities — but with this plate, you don't have to decide on just one flavour.
Get the recipe: spicy pesto pasta alla vodka [4]
Sesame Chicken Dumplings in Spicy Broth with Garlic Crisps
Dumplings are delicious in almost every form, but soaked in spicy broth has to take the cake for me.
Get the recipe: sesame chicken dumplings in a spicy broth with garlic crisps [5]
Spicy Baked Salmon
With just seven ingredients, a sheet pan, and tin foil, you can create this zesty salmon dish for four in only 20 minutes.
Get the recipe: spicy baked salmon [6]
Sweet and Spicy Asian Pork Quesadillas
Quesadilla night is meant to be easy — just because you want to upgrade your flavours doesn't mean things have to get complicated. Just take this sweet Asian and spicy Mexican flavour combination as proof.
Get the recipe: sweet and spicy Asian pork quesadillas [7]
Buffalo Chickpea Salad With Yoghurt Ranch Dressing
Just in case you enjoy a lower-grade spice, this tangy buffalo chickpea salad is paired with a yoghurt ranch to help cool down your palette when needed.
Get the recipe: buffalo chickpea salad with yoghurt ranch [8]
Spicy Shrimp Pasta
You can feel good about serving (and enjoying!) this spicy spaghetti — it's packed with whole grains, fresh veggies, and lean protein.
Get the recipe: spicy shrimp pasta [9]
Spicy Chicken Samosas
If the sight of these golden savory pastries doesn't make you drool, I don't know what will.
Get the recipe: spicy chicken samosas [10]
Spicy Caribbean Inspired Sweet Potato Soup
This vegan, gluten-free recipe combines jalapeno, coconut milk, and sweet potatoes to create a creamy, rich plate that packs restaurant-grade flavour.
Get the recipe: spicy Caribbean-inspired sweet potato soup [11]
Spicy Veggie Sushi Bowls
Sushi might not be the easiest dish to prepare at home, but sushi bowls are a whole different story. This dish shouldn't take you longer than 15 minutes to prepare.
Get the recipe: spicy veggie sushi bowls [12]
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