EnergyAustralia Social Media Team
June 2025
When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing like a warm, hearty meal to lift your mood and energy. Whether you're curled up under a blanket or cooking for the whole crew, these winter warmers are here to refuel your body and spark some joy. So, pop the kettle on, keep things energy-smart, and get ready to whip up three easy, soul-soothing dishes, that our team love, that'll warm you from the inside out.
- Slow-Cooked Aussie Beef Stew
This one’s a classic – packed with flavour, easy on the budget, and guaranteed to heat things up (on your plate, not your energy usage)
Ingredients:
- 1kg beef chuck, cut into chunks (or any cheap beef cut on special)
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Dust beef with flour and brown in a pot. Set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots and celery until soft.
- Return beef to the pot, add paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme and bay leaf.
- Add stock, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 2.5–3 hours (or 6–8 hours in a slow cooker).
- Season and serve with creamy mash or crusty bread.
Energy tip: Cook once, eat twice—leftovers are your winter MVP.
- Roasted Veg and Sweet Potato Soup
A veggie-powered bowl of goodness that’s light, warming and full of flavour. Great for meat-free nights or when you want something nourishing with minimal fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 small wedge of Pumpkin
- 1 brown onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: swirl of cream or coconut milk
Method:
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Toss veg with oil, roast for 30–35 minutes until golden.
- Blend roasted veg with stock and cumin until smooth.
- Warm gently on the stove, season and top with a drizzle of cream or seeds.
Hot tip: Freeze in portions and reheat as needed—like a warm hug on standby.
- 5-minute mug brownie
For those nights when your energy’s dipping and dessert needs to be now. This quick-fix brownie hits the sweet spot with zero fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2.5\ tbsp milk
- Optional: choc chips, nuts or a spoon of peanut butter
Method:
- Mix everything in a microwave-safe mug.
- Microwave for 60–90 seconds. The edges should be firm, the middle still gooey.
- Let it cool (if you can wait), then enjoy straight from the mug.
Pro tip: Pair with a cosy blanket and your favourite show for max comfort.
Stay Warm, Cook Smart
Turning up the heat in the kitchen? Here’s how to stay energy-savvy while you’re at it:
- Pop lids on pots to speed things up
- Batch cook and reheat in one go
- Let the oven’s residual heat warm your kitchen
Got your own winter favourites? Share them with us! There’s nothing better than good food and good company to keep your home energised and connected all season long.