There is a reason why we enjoy spicy food in winter – it keeps us warm! But according to various Dr Google’s, adding some spice to your diet has more benefits. It can be anti-inflammatory and good for your heart. It also suppresses your appetite (Whoop! Whoop!) and boost your metabolism (double bonus!). 

We are, however, luckily enough that we don’t only eat for wellness, but also for enjoyment.  And enjoy is what you’ll do when you try out some of our warming spicy dishes for winter!

Wine is of course also a contentious subject when it comes to the balance between healthy and enjoyable, but a generous glass of our mellow reds or wintery whites, will be just beautiful with a bowl of spice!

A Spicy Start

Start your day on a spicy note with a warming Shakshuka. Said to have originated in Tunisia, this recipe’s eggs are poached in a sauce of tomatoes, olive oil, peppers, onion and garlic, commonly spiced with cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. A refreshing glass of bubbly is the perfect breakfast tipple, so do pour a glass of Leopard’s Leap Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir. Recipe for a Shakshuka breakfast.

Soupy & Spicy

Laksa is a spicy noodle dish and in our version we add plump prawns, rice noodles and an array of delicious spices. Popular in Southeast Asia, this rich and spicy broth is a wonderful addition to our usual winter soup repertoire. Freshen up the spicy notes with a glass of 2022 Leopard’s Leap Chescato! Recipe for our Prawn Laksa Recipe.

Buttery Beauty

Butter Chicken is a favourite on many Indian menus. Although it is one of the mildest curries, it still has that wonderful warming quality winter nights are begging for. We love how the Classic Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc balances the richness of this dish, while the fuller Culinaria Chenin Blanc harmonises perfectly! Recipe for our beautiful Butter Chicken.

Simple Spice

Chili on Carne is basically hot mince and while it is one of the simplest spicy dishes, it is also one of the most popular. With its origin somewhere between Northern Mexico and Southern Texas, it promises to add ooooomph to any chilly day. Try it with a fruity red that’s not afraid of a little competition. We suggest our 2020 Special Edition Pinotage. Get the Chili con Carne recipe here.

The Sweet Spot

We’ve covered spicy recipes from East to West, but sometimes the sweet spot is in the middle. What’s not to love about the spicy notes in our Moroccan Mint Julep wine cocktail? Refreshingly different to spicy red wine mixes, this one brings some exotic notes from the Middle-East to make you all cosy and comfortable…Made with Leopard’s Leap Chenin Blanc, it is also the ideal and alternative way to enjoy white wine in winter! Get recipe here.