When the frosty weather hits, there's nothing better than a hearty, homemade stew to heat things up. We've released our top 10 winter recipes inspired by some of our favourite locations around the world, so you can turn up the temperature and try out these tasty new dishes... 

ALBONDIGAS OR MEXICAN MEATBALL SOUP

This classic meatball soup is a menu favourite in Mexico. Albondigas combines a mixture of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots and celery, with rice and delicious meatballs to make a warming winter dish that's quick and easy to serve. Roll out the ground beef meatballs, combining rice, onions, garlic powder and black pepper and throw them into the soup when it’s ready. It’s particularly tasty when served with piping hot corn tortillas and salsa.

GREEK CHICKEN SOUP AVGOLEMONO

Avgolemono literally means egg and lemon, the main ingredients of this traditional creamy Greek soup. A heart-warming concoction which blends broth, chicken and rice - or pasta - can either be made slowly using a whole chicken or with chicken broth, for speedy dinners. While the chicken and rice is cooking, whisk 3 eggs and lemon juice in a bowl and gently combine with the broth to create the sauce, (whisking quickly to ensure the eggs don't curdle) before adding to the pot to simmer. 

FRENCH BEEF BOURGUIGNON STEW

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that's guaranteed to chase away winter blues. Hearty chunks of beef braised in wine, are cooked until tender in a wine-flavoured broth, along with fresh herbs, mushrooms and onions. As the sauce thickens, the aroma alone will make you feel warm and fuzzy. Choose to serve it with rice, noodles or a slice of freshly cut bread.

ITALIAN PASTA E FAGIOLI SOUP

This wholesome Pasta e fagioli or “pasta and beans” dish is an Italian classic for those cosy nights in. Lightly fry pieces of pancetta before throwing in cannelini beans, a few vegetables of choice and mixing with chopped tomatoes, garlic, bay leaf, herbs and vegetable or chicken stock - if you prefer your pasta meaty, simply add some crumbled sausage into the pan and stir. Top with grated cheese and settle down on the couch with a warm bowl for company!

JAMAICAN CONCH SOUP

This easy-to-make soup is a Jamaican classic that's packed with flavour. To make it, boil conch (edible sea snails) in a pot, drain, and set aside. Add this to a broth of onions, garlic, celery, carrots, pumpkin, potatoes or yam and sit down to a warm meal that’s sure to become a new winter staple.

TEXAS BEEF CHILI

Tender chunks of seared beef slow-cooked in a spicy and smokey sauce is sure to add the fire to those frosty evenings. You can use ground beef for a quick version of this warming Texas Beef Chili (or Chili Con Carne), but it will never taste quite the same. Blend a handful of chilies -fiery Arbols or smoky Chipotle - with oregano, cumin, garic, honey and a mixture of vegetables and simmer in beef stock. Season to taste and you’re ready to embrace the chilli weather.

SPANISH COCIDO MADRILEÑO

This popular plate Cocido Madrileño is so good, it's crowned as Spain’s national dish. The chickpea-based stew is a filing preparation of meat and vegetables, cooked traditionally in large pots in family kitchens. You can throw in a variety of meats, including smoked sausages, trotters, chicken and beef, besides chickpeas (soaked overnight), seasonal veggies, onions and garlic. Cook until the meat is tender and pour it over a serving of vermicelli, seasoning with tomato sauce and pepper. 

SWISS FONDUE

There's nothing quite like a gooey, cheesy fondue to make you feel grate this winter. This creamy concoction of melted cheese and wine (already a winner, right?) can easily be made at home if you pick your ingredients well. Though opinions are mixed with regards to the best cheeses to include in a fondue, you can work with a flavoursome gruyere, combined with emmentaler and a creamy raclette - if you're feeling fancy, you can add some garlic, onions and a dash of nutmeg to the pot before serving! Pair with a fruity white wine and you're set for an evening that oozes comfort. 

VIETNAMESE PHO CURRY

An all-time classic, this diverse Vietnamese Pho curry can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner - ideal for batch making. The richly layered dish starts with a bed of chewy rice noodles, topped with finely sliced raw beef and covered with a piping hot, aromatic broth that consists of chicken, beef, fresh herbs and spices. Serve this with chili peppers, bean sprouts, basil and lime and indulge on cold, lazy afternoons and weekends!

GERMAN SCHWEINEBRATEN OR PORK ROAST

This German-style pork roast or Schweinebraten makes for a popular Sunday meal and is really simple to make. Pick a large chunk of boneless pork, capped with fat, and marinate it with oil, caraway seeds, salt and pepper. Roast on a bed of vegetables and stock (you can use white wine or beer instead), and that's it! A filling dinner fit for family meals.