Four cozy winter dishes from the British Isles

A FORECAST OF SNOW GOT ME THINKING OF WARM, HEARTY MEALS. Comfort food, preferably oven-braised or roasted. And that got me thinking of the British Isles, places well-versed in homey dishes to take off the chill on cold, damp days, food to make you happy to be indoors at a kitchen table. These four dishes came to mind.

Shepherd’s Pie

Originally created as a frugal way to use leftovers, proper shepherd’s pie is made with lamb (the same dish with beef is cottage pie) mixed with vegetables, topped with mashed potatoes, then baked. Pictured above, this hearty UK favorite is make-it-again delicious.

Lamb Stew

Lamb stew is practically the national dish of Ireland. Our version uses dark beer, root vegetables, aromatics and potatoes to create a satisfying winter antidote. You’ll find the recipe here.

Lancaster Hotpot

This traditional dish from England’s northwest coast features lamb (sensing a theme here?) and all the usual suspects—onions, carrots, garlic and thyme—covered with sliced potatoes, then baked. Even the name says warm and cozy: hotpot.

White Bean Soup with Sage and Sausage

Okay, the UK is just one place this dish calls home. You’ll also find versions in Tuscany and France. It also doesn’t have lamb. Or potatoes. Cannellini beans, kielbasa, carrots and aromatics drive the flavor bus on this hearty dish.

If winter is settling in for a long stay where you are, warm up with one of these cozy dishes. If you’re someplace warm, just crank up the A/C and pretend it’s winter.