20 Gentle Recipes to Ease You Into The New Year

20 Gentle Recipes to Ease You Into The New Year

Embark serene culinary journey with these 20 comforting and gentle Rily recipes tailored for a calm January, perfect for easing into the New Year.

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As the whirlwind of December fades into memories of joyous gatherings and endless holiday cheer, I find myself, like many parents, navigating the aftermath of the festivities. With four energetic kids, the breakneck pace of hosting, and the delightful chaos of keeping them entertained during their school break, it's no wonder I'm feeling a touch of burnout.

With the arrival of 2024, I'm determined to hit the reset button and usher in a gentler January—one filled with nourishing meals that soothe not just my palate but my soul. As I strive to recharge and create a haven of calm in my home, I've curated 20 of my favourite Rily recipes. These dishes aren't just about sustenance; they're about savouring the joy of cooking and sharing meals with my loved ones.

Join me on this culinary journey as we explore recipes crafted to bring comfort, joy, and a touch of fun to the kitchen. These are more than mere recipes; they're a lifeline to a rejuvenating start to the New Year—for me and my family.

Stuffed Pasta Shells
Stuffed Pasta Shells

Stuffed Pasta Shells

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Introducing Rily's Stuffed Pasta Shells—a wholesome start to the year! Bursting with spinach and ricotta, these shells offer a satisfying meal, perfect for a gentle January. Spinach, rich in nutrients and antioxidants, teams up with protein-packed ricotta for a flavourful and nourishing combination. Embracing simplicity, this vegetarian recipe blends shallots, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes, delivering a comforting warmth that pairs effortlessly with marinara sauce and fresh mozzarella. A hint of lemon zest adds a refreshing twist to every bite. Savour this dish as a reminder that embracing wellness doesn't need to compromise on taste. Cheers to a deliciously healthy year ahead!

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Creamy Tahini Tomato Soup

Creamy Tahini Tomato Soup

Recipe by Fran Allen

Rily's Creamy Tahini Tomato Soup is a comforting winter companion. This cozy blend of canned tomatoes, onions, and garlic, enriched with tahini, offers warmth on cold days. Tomatoes, rich in antioxidants, combine with tahini's healthy fats and minerals, creating a creamy, health-conscious delight. Oregano, chili flakes, and sea salt infuse cozy flavours while olive oil adds depth. Enriched with vegetable broth and za'atar, this soup epitomizes both taste and wellness. A simple yet vibrant bowl, symbolizing the balance between nourishment and simplicity. Indulge in this creamy delight as you ease into a new year of well-being and comfort.

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Plate of Pasta Puttanesca
One Pot Pasta Puttanesca

One Pot Pasta Puttanesca

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Savour a delightful and effortless pasta dinner, perfect for a gentle January transition. This dish balances simplicity with nourishment, featuring olive oil, garlic, anchovies, and tomatoes rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients. The inclusion of chili flakes, capers, and Kalamata olives adds a savoury depth, complementing the healthful components. Pair this comforting meal, comprising spelt linguine for a wholesome touch, with the vibrant flavour of freshly grated Parmesan and the freshness of chopped parsley. Indulge in this satisfying dinner, ideal for two or as delightful leftovers, for a comforting and health-conscious start to the new year.

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Quiche
Squash, Brown Butter, and Sage Quiche

Squash, Brown Butter, and Sage Quiche

Recipe by Julia Gibson

Rily's Squash, Brown Butter, and Sage Quiche is a gentle culinary delight for a cozy January start. This quiche offers a harmony of wholesome ingredients: almond and oat flour crust paired with nutrient-rich butternut squash, kale, and a dairy-free egg custard. Butternut squash, a vitamin-rich gem, caramelizes in brown butter, enriching each bite. Complemented by fresh sage, this dish boasts antioxidant properties and a delightful aroma. The crust, tender yet gluten-free, cradles this nourishing amalgamation. Whether for a weekend feast or effortless meal prep, savour this quiche all week—embracing a comforting, health-conscious start to the new year.

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French Toast
Baked Cranberry French Toast

Baked Cranberry French Toast

Recipe by Megan Horsley

Rily's Baked Cranberry French Toast is a comforting delight for a gentle January morning. This recipe, a blend of egg bread, cranberries, and pecans, embodies ease and warmth for a cooler weekend. A wholesome mix of eggs, coconut milk, and maple syrup infuses the dish with richness and nourishment. With prep done the night before, a simple morning involves popping this masterpiece into the oven—effortless and delightful! Serve with fresh berries and orange segments, adding a burst of vitamins and antioxidants. Embrace a stress-free start to the day, savouring this comforting French toast as a wholesome, health-conscious treat for the new year ahead.

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Roasted Rack of Lamb
Roasted Rack of Lamb

Roasted Rack of Lamb

Recipe by Tina Gravalos

Rily's Roasted Rack of Lamb is a Mediterranean delight for a gentle January indulgence. This grass-fed lamb, seasoned with garlic, oregano, rosemary, and a zest of lemon, embodies the heartiness of Greek cuisine. Rich in vitamin B12, protein, selenium, and zinc, lamb aligns with the nutrient-rich Mediterranean diet, famed for supporting heart health. Accompanied by roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, this dish offers a balanced blend of flavours and health benefits. Elevate your mealtime with this savoury delight, celebrating the wholesome goodness and heart-friendly attributes of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine as you ease into the new year.

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Pot of Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff

Recipe by Megan Horsley

Rily's Beef Stroganoff is a cozy, gluten-free rendition brimming with flavour and ease, ideal for a gentle January evening. Tender sirloin steak, seasoned with arrowroot starch, salt, and pepper, forms the heart of this creamy delight. Cremini mushrooms, shallots, and garlic meld in a single pan, enriching each bite with savoury depth. Embrace optional white wine for added richness, balanced by Worcestershire and Dijon mustard. Finish with sour cream and parsley for a creamy finish. A one-pan wonder, this dish is a simple, weeknight indulgence, offering both comfort and delightful taste to ease into the new year's culinary adventures.

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Turmeric Latte
Turmeric Latte

Turmeric Latte

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Rily's Turmeric Latte is the perfect soothing elixir for a gentle January, steeped in the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda. Revered as the golden spice, turmeric takes centre stage, celebrated for its wellness properties in this flavourful concoction. Infused with cinnamon, ginger, and coconut milk, this drink offers both warmth and healing. Turmeric, an Ayurvedic gem, boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, encapsulating centuries of wellness wisdom. Sweetened with raw honey, this flavourful blend harmonizes health and taste. Sip and savour this comforting beverage, embracing its healing essence as you ease into a new year of wellness and tranquility.

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Olive & Rosemary Cast Iron Focaccia
Olive & Rosemary Cast Iron Focaccia

Olive & Rosemary Cast Iron Focaccia

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Rily's Olive & Rosemary Cast Iron Focaccia—a simple yet comforting treat for easing into a gentle January. Crafted with care, this homemade delight requires time but rewards with a crispy golden crust and a soft interior. The blend of bread flour, yeast, and warm water yields a tantalizing texture. Olive oil infuses richness, while Castelvetrano olives, shallots, and rosemary add bursts of flavour. Topped with flakey salt, this focaccia embodies a perfect balance of crunch and softness. Embrace the process and savour this delightful creation, a comforting indulgence brimming with homemade goodness as you start a new year.

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Sunday One Pot Roast Dinner

Sunday One Pot Roast Dinner

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Rily's Sunday One Pot Roast Dinner is a soul-warming delight for a gentle January. This roast, seasoned with kosher salt and pepper, offers a hearty start to the week. The medley of sirloin roast, vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a wholesome symphony of flavours. Packed with vitamins and minerals, carrots, celery, and potatoes add nourishment to this comforting meal. Utilize drippings and red wine to craft a homemade gravy, enriching the dish with depth and taste. Embrace this single-pot marvel, marrying convenience with health, for a cozy Sunday feast, setting the tone for a nourishing and satisfying new year ahead.

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Scones
Gluten-Free Cheddar and Zucchini Scones

Gluten-Free Cheddar and Zucchini Scones

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Rily's Gluten-Free Cheddar and Zucchini Scones are a delightful, gentle start to the new year. Crafted with Greek yogurt, almond milk, and zucchini, these savoury scones offer a soft, buttery texture and simple preparation. Packed with gluten-free all-purpose flour, cheddar cheese, and green onions, they boast both flavour and ease. Zucchini brings vitamins and fibre, while cheddar adds calcium and protein. Perfect for gluten-free diets, these scones offer a guilt-free indulgence. Embrace their savoury goodness and simplicity, making them a perfect accompaniment for a health-conscious, comforting January morning as you embark on a nourishing year ahead.

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Oven Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Oven Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Rily's Oven Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting, hassle-free delight perfect for a gentle January. This recipe eliminates frying by oven-baking eggplant, reducing prep time while preserving the rich taste of this classic dish. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and walnuts create a crunchy, nutritious coating. Topped with tomato sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan, it's a burst of flavour. Mozzarella adds calcium and protein. Ideal for gluten-free and low-sugar diets, this dish offers indulgence without compromise. Embrace this simplified version, relishing its wholesome goodness and savoury taste as you ease into a health-conscious new year, savouring the simplicity of a beloved favourite.

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Bowls of Creamy Mushroom Soup
Creamy Mushroom Soup

Creamy Mushroom Soup

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Rily's Creamy Mushroom Soup is a dairy-free savoury delight for a gentle January. This soup elevates earthy flavours by meticulously browning oyster, cremini, and shiitake mushrooms, infusing depth and texture. Blended with raw cashews for creaminess, it's perfect for a cold day. This method preserves richness and enhances flavour, setting the stage for a wholesome bowl. Ideal for diabetes, kosher, plant-based, low sugar, and gluten-free diets, it offers both taste and versatility. Embrace the warmth of this indulgent yet health-conscious soup, savouring its richness and diverse benefits as you start a nourishing new year journey.

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Savoury Squash Muffins

Savoury Squash Muffins

Recipe by Jaclyn Irwin

Rily's Savoury Squash Muffins—a delightful, gluten-free twist for a gentle January start. Crafted with butternut squash, almond milk, and Greek yogurt, these muffins offer a denser, savoury alternative. Packed with cheddar cheese and pumpkin seeds, they're both flavourful and nutritious. Perfect for meal prep, these muffins provide a cheesy burst ideal for a wholesome breakfast or snack. Their gluten-free nature caters to various dietary needs, adding versatility to their charm. Embrace the richness of these savoury delights, relishing their taste and meal-prep convenience as you ease into a health-conscious new year, welcoming a delightful change to traditional muffins.

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Roasted Cornish Hens

Roasted Cornish Hens

Recipe by Tina Gravalos

Rily's Roasted Cornish Hens provides a gentle start for January's culinary journey. Seasoned with a medley of paprika, garlic, oregano, and more, these hens promise tender, succulent bites. Paired with Yukon Gold potatoes and lemon-infused olive oil, they offer a hearty, comforting meal. Cornish hens, smaller yet equally flavourful as chickens, simplify cooking. This recipe delivers familiar a chicken taste with added convenience. Roasted alongside garlic, lemons, and onions in a savoury broth, these hens provide a delightful feast. Embrace their ease and rich flavours as you embark on a health-conscious new year, relishing a delicious, stress-free start to your culinary adventures.

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Roast Chicken & Mushrooms
Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Mushrooms

Sheet Pan Roast Chicken and Mushrooms

Recipe by Fran Allen

Rily's Sheet Pan Roast Chicken & Mushrooms is a fuss-free, nutritious start to January. Infused with balsamic, maple, and coconut aminos, this dish pairs bone-in chicken thighs with earthy mushrooms, celebrating mushroom season's abundance. Foraged wild mushrooms or a variety from local grocers bring diverse nutrients, enhancing the meal's health quotient. Substituting with home-grown or store-bought mushrooms ensures safety and flavour. This recipe champions simplicity while embracing the richness of seasonal ingredients. Delight in this unfussy yet flavourful dish, exploring the nutritional bounty of mushrooms, and kickstart a health-conscious new year with a nourishing sheet pan feast.

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Curry Goat

Curry Goat

Recipe by Kamoy Williams

Rily's Curry Goat is Jamaica's holiday treasure, a flavourful embrace for a gentle January. This dish, distinct from goat curry, unites robust goat cuts with aromatic spices like turmeric, coriander, and paprika. The fusion of minced fresh turmeric, thyme, and scotch bonnet peppers offers depth and warmth. Slow-cooked with onions in sunflower seed oil, this recipe unfolds rich fragrances, inviting festivity to any table. Goat's nutrient density and spices' antioxidant properties enhance this dish, making it both a flavourful indulgence and a nourishing choice. Savor this aromatic treasure, embodying tradition and health, as you embark on a flavourful start to a vibrant new year.

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Frittata In Cast Iron
Leek and Asparagus Frittata

Leek and Asparagus Frittata

Recipe by Tina Gravalos

Rily's Leek and Asparagus Frittata is a veggie-packed delight perfect for a gentle January start. Brimming with eggs, asparagus, and leeks, this frittata is a wholesome addition to weekly meal prep. Leeks, akin to onions and garlic, offer similar health benefits, supporting heart health and boasting antioxidants that combat cancer. Rich in nutrients, this dish provides a fun way to embrace veggies, elevating both taste and health. Easy to prepare and versatile, it promises a delightful fusion of flavours and nutrients. Indulge in this frittata, savouring its goodness, and kickstart a health-conscious new year, one flavourful bite at a time.

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Gluten-Free Steak & Mushroom Pie

Gluten-Free Steak & Mushroom Pie

Recipe by Megan Horsley

Rily's Gluten-Free Steak and Mushroom Pie is ideal for a cozy January evening, offering comfort and nourishment. Made with grass-fed beef, carrots, celery, and cremini mushrooms, it's a hearty, nutrient-rich meal. Packed with flavours from thyme, garlic, and onions, it warms both body and soul. The gluten-free crust, crafted with care, complements the rich, chunky filling. Indulge in this stick-to-your-ribs delight, savouring its comforting embrace and healthful ingredients. Designed to satiate and provide warmth, this pie encapsulates the essence of a cozy winter evening, initiating a nourishing journey into a new year of wholesome eating.

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 Lentil Shepherds Pie
Lentil Shepherds Pie

Lentil Shepherds Pie

Recipe by Megan Horsley

Rily's Lentil Shepherd's Pie puts a nutritious twist on classic comfort, perfect for a gentle January transition. This plant-powered rendition embraces over eight vegetables, offering a flavourful ensemble. French lentils, mushrooms, carrots, and peas join forces, delivering rich textures and essential nutrients. The topping, a creamy blend of sweet potato and cauliflower, adds a hint of sweetness and a velvety finish. Bursting with flavours and boasting a "meaty" mushroom texture, this dish provides warmth during cooler months. Savour this revitalizing comfort, relishing the plant-forward goodness as you ease into a health-conscious new year with a revitalizing and nurturing meal.

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Tags:
Antioxidant
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Breakfast
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Anti-inflammatory
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Brunch
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Carbohydrates
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Cold Weather Recipes
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Comfort Food
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Cold and Flu Season
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Dinner
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Drinks
Erin Horrocks-PopeBorn and raised in Toronto, Erin is a dedicated freelance journalist, accomplished copywriter, and meticulous copyeditor. Beyond her bustling career, she's a devoted mother of four young kids who can't get enough of the mouthwatering recipes curated by Rily's culinary experts.
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