The Top 5 Recipes to Prepare in January.

New Year's greetings! I always take the same approach when it comes to cooking in January: I give myself a little cooking reset, I focus heavily on warm, comforting dishes for chilly winter days (such as hot and sour soup and red lentil chili), and, most importantly, I ease into the new year with a small collection of simple, low-effort recipes (think: 5-ingredient no-boil baked ziti, 20-minute pork and broccoli rice bowls, and skillet chili mac).

We set goals and resolutions related to cooking and eating so frequently. I've decided to concentrate on increasing my water intake once more and menu planning for the upcoming week's lunch. Egg muffins with peanut butter and oatmeal are a terrific place to start if you want to improve your breakfast routine. Want to consume more vegetables? Choose sautéed escarole instead of spinach or kale; it's a tasty change from those vegetables, cooks up quickly, and pairs well with almost anything. You probably thought I was going to say a green smoothie. Sheet pan roasted chicken and vegetables are a great place to start for aspiring meal preppers (as well as anyone who is adhering to Whole30 or seeking to restrict carbs).

Make a loaf of cinnamon-raisin swirl bread over the long weekend that occurs in the middle of the month. If you'll be spending more time inside this month or need to refuel after being outside in the snow, snacks are also a necessity. You won't regret having a large supply of Chex mix on hand.

Warming, hearty soups and chilis, noodles dishes, and cozy casseroles are perfect for huddling up in January. We have each of those things and much more. We want you to have a positively delicious January, so we've compiled 31 of our favorite cooking (and baking!) ideas to get you started.

1. Potato Soup with Salt and Vinegar

This filling potato soup, which was inspired by salt-and-vinegar potato chips, is both inexpensive and vegan. In contrast to other potato soups, which are typically made with cream or cheese, this one is made with canned white beans and coconut milk. These subdued components contribute to the velvety texture of the soup and allow the flavors of the potato and vinegar to stand out.

2. Stroganoff with Mushrooms

Although it's commonly believed that opulently rich stroganoff is all about the beef, this dish shows that it's truly all about the sauce and meaty mushrooms. This straightforward vegetarian version of a traditional Russian meal is likely to please even the most ardent carnivores. Because of the tomato paste, Dijon, and soy sauce, it has a lot of umami flavor and is perfect over soft egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.

3. Potatoes Roasted in the Air Fryer

I use my air fryer on those occasions when I want a quick side dish that will be unbelievably crispy. It produces crisp-tender green beans that will blow your mind, and it's even better (and quicker!) than the oven when it comes to making a killer batch of roasted broccoli. I've learned from experience that it's the best way to make the crispiest restaurant-style fries and tater tots (without deep frying).

So it comes as no surprise that the key to a delicious batch of roasted potatoes is the air fryer. This recipe starts with baby potatoes that have been cut in half and are tossed with a mixture of Italian seasoning and garlic powder. When cooked, the potatoes develop the desired golden, crispy exterior and tender, creamy interior. The best part is that air fryer roasted potatoes can be prepared in only 20 minutes and are simple to combine with almost any supper dish.

4. Broccoli-Cheddar Egg Muffins with High-Protein

The greatest way to add protein to your morning meal is with eggs and cottage cheese, which is one of the best breakfast lessons I've learnt in recent months.

When I have some additional time in the mornings, I love making cottage cheese pancakes and omelets, but when I need to go quickly, nothing beats a few egg muffins that I can eat at my desk or on the go. This portable breakfast can be prepared ahead of time and is equally filling cold as it is warm. Each one is also double-loaded with cheese and vegetables for good measure.

When I have some additional time in the mornings, I love making cottage cheese pancakes and omelets, but when I need to go quickly, nothing beats a few egg muffins that I can eat at my desk or on the go. This portable breakfast can be prepared ahead of time and is equally filling cold as it is warm. Each one is also double-loaded with cheese and vegetables for good measure.

5. Skillet Gratin with Charred Cabbage

The cabbage ingredient is incredibly versatile. In the summer, you may grill it on the barbecue, turn it into a crunchy salad, or create coleslaw out of it. In the colder months, I like to roast, braise, pancakes, and stir-fry with it.

By slicing it into substantial wedges and roasting them in a skillet with heavy cream and leeks, you can likewise turn the ordinary ingredient into a stunning centerpiece. The wedges are cooked through and then the tops are blackened for an additional layer of flavorful flavor (and a little dramatic flair). For a filling one-pan meal, top everything off with bacon bits, thyme-infused walnuts, and blue cheese.

This recipe is one of our favorites because it requires the most work at the beginning. Cook the leeks in the bacon oil after rendering the bacon in a skillet, reserving the crispy bacon bits. To create a cream sauce, combine heavy cream, thyme, and spice. This dish is gluten-free because there is no wheat used to make the sauce.

Add the wedges of cabbage, wrap the skillet in foil, and place it in the oven. By sealing in the moisture, a cover keeps the cabbage soft without causing the cream to overly reduce. It's also advisable to use a tiny cabbage (about two pounds) for this recipe so the wedges will fit in the skillet and cook quickly.

You'll quickly toast some walnuts and prepare a garnish of them with olive oil and fresh thyme while the cabbage cooks. Once the center is soft, take off the foil and let the top burn. Add the bacon bits, walnuts, and blue cheese crumbles to the cabbage as a garnish. When you put it on the table, it will make people's mouths drop because it is hearty, intensely flavorful, and comforting.