29 Cozy Curries and Stews to Spice Up a Gray Night

Cold nights call for meals that feel grounding, and nothing does that better than a pot of curry or stew. These recipes are made for slow cooking and simple ingredients that come together without much effort. They fill the kitchen with real comfort and leave enough for tomorrow. From lighter vegetable curries to rich meat stews, each one brings something different to the table.

Winter Vegetable Curry

Butternut squash, cauliflower, kale, and chickpeas simmer in a flavorful curry sauce for a filling vegetarian dinner. It’s colorful, comforting, and perfect for cold weather cooking.
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Thai Red Curry Soup

A quick 25-minute meal packed with noodles, coconut milk, and red curry paste. It’s easy to make, deeply flavorful, and just spicy enough to perk up a dull evening.
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Lamb Korma

Tender lamb simmers in a creamy, spiced cashew sauce until melt-in-your-mouth soft. It’s a classic comfort meal that feels special but doesn’t take much effort to prepare.
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Turkey Stew

Shredded turkey, mushrooms, and vegetables simmer with herbs and a splash of tomato paste for a cozy dinner that’s simple and hearty. It’s perfect for using leftovers and makes plenty to reheat later.
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Easy One-Pot Lentil Stew

Lentils, vegetables, and turmeric create a nutrient-rich meal that’s both hearty and simple to make. It’s perfect for batch cooking and stays flavorful after reheating.
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Slow Cooker Lamb Stew

Lean lamb, beans, kale, and tomatoes cook slowly with rosemary until tender and fragrant. It’s an easy set-and-forget dinner that fills the kitchen with the best kind of comfort food aroma.
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Moroccan Lamb Lentil Stew

This stew combines lamb, lentils, and chickpeas with Moroccan spices for a rich, flavorful dish. It’s hearty enough for winter nights and great for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
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Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

A thick, rich beef stew cooked with red wine and a touch of chocolate is spooned into baked potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s a creative way to serve a cozy dinner that feels special.
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Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Beef and mushrooms cook together in the Instant Pot for a meal that’s both quick and comforting. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for nights when you need dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl.
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Broccoli and Potato Curry

Roasted potatoes and crisp broccoli simmer in a creamy, spiced peanut butter sauce for a hearty curry that’s simple to prepare. The garam masala adds depth, while coriander and peanuts bring freshness and texture. It’s a great choice for a gray evening when you need something filling with a touch of warmth.
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Sri Lankan-Style Beetroot Curry

This beetroot curry brings color and flavor to any cold night. The earthy sweetness of beets pairs perfectly with fragrant spices, creating a rich, aromatic dish that goes well with rice or flatbread for an easy comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Sri Lankan-Style Beetroot Curry

Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs

Juicy chicken meatballs simmer in a creamy red curry coconut sauce that’s sweet, spicy, and full of flavor. It’s ready in under an hour and makes the kind of meal that hits the spot when the weather turns bleak.
Get the Recipe: Thai Curry Chicken Meatballs

Vegetable Stew and Dumplings

Tender vegetables simmer in a savory broth while fluffy dumplings cook on top, soaking up all the flavor. It’s easy to make in one pot and perfect for a slow evening at home when you want something hearty without much effort.
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Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

Sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and peanut butter combine into a rich, creamy stew inspired by classic African flavors. It’s filling, quick to prepare, and exactly what you want when you need comfort food with a little depth.
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Trader Joe’s Holiday Vegetable Hash and Sausage Stew

Prepped in under 30 minutes, this hearty stew uses holiday vegetable hash and sausage for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s a simple way to bring something flavorful and cozy to the table during busy nights.
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Brunswick Stew

Loaded with corn, lima beans, potatoes, and tomatoes, this stew is a Southern classic built for big portions. It’s easy to make ahead and great for reheating when you want something rich and satisfying after a long day.
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Chicken Balti

Tender chicken cooks in a fragrant sauce filled with spices, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s simple, flavorful, and a classic curry that’s perfect for anyone craving something bold and comforting.
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Lemony Greek Chicken Stew with Beans

Chicken, beans, and spinach simmer in a garlicky broth with a hint of lemon for a bright, comforting dish. It’s simple to prepare and makes a great meal when you want something lighter but still filling.
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Stifado

This traditional Greek beef stew uses red wine, tomatoes, and pearl onions to create a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s slow-cooked until the beef is tender and the flavors deepen, making it perfect for an unhurried, cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Stifado

Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

Lentils simmer in coconut milk with fragrant spices for a thick, comforting curry that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying. It’s easy to make, loaded with pantry staples, and perfect for curling up with a big bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry

Thai Vegetable Curry with Mushrooms and Tofu

This vegetable curry layers coconut milk, curry paste, mushrooms, and tofu for a hearty meal that’s full of flavor. It’s easy to customize and makes a great weeknight dinner when you need something comforting and colorful.
Get the Recipe: Thai Vegetable Curry with Mushrooms and Tofu

Cauliflower and Chickpea Curry

Cauliflower and chickpeas simmer in a lightly spiced sauce with a touch of fruitiness that keeps things interesting. It’s quick to prepare, easy to serve with rice, and makes enough for leftovers the next day.
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Lentil and Spinach Dahl

Lentils, spinach, garlic, and turmeric create a simple, wholesome dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for nights when you want something nutritious and comforting.
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Thai Chicken Curry

Chicken simmers in a green curry sauce made with coconut milk, ginger, and lemongrass. It’s a flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and brings just the right amount of heat to a cool evening.
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Butter Bean Curry

Creamy butter beans soak up an aromatic curry sauce filled with spices and herbs. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to throw together and great for leftovers during the week.
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Thai Yellow Chicken Curry with Potatoes

Coconut milk, tender chicken, and potatoes come together in this mildly spiced Thai curry that’s rich and satisfying. It’s a great meal to serve over rice on a quiet, chilly night.
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Green Chile Stew

Tender chunks of pork and potatoes simmer with roasted green chiles for a dish that’s smoky and flavorful. It’s hearty, filling, and just the thing to warm up on a gray day.
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French Onion Beef Stew

This stew combines everything you love about French onion soup with tender beef for a comforting, deeply flavored dish. It’s easy to make in a slow cooker and perfect for cozy nights inside.
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Camp Stew

A simple, hearty mix of meat and vegetables that cooks together for big flavor with minimal effort. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for when you want an easy, no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Camp Stew