20 healthy and hearty winter dinners at under 500 calories

It’s difficult to eat healthy during the winter season but Taste has made it easier with these 20 different recipes, all coming in at under 500 calories.

Because it’s hard to eat salad when it’s cold, here are our favourite weight-loss-friendly healthy and hearty winter dinners.

They all come in at under 500 calories a serve and they’re loaded with vegetables, legumes and fibre-boosting ingredients, so you can rug up and stay fuller for longer.

Try these Taste recipes to help you get through winter that little bit healthier.

Roasted pumpkin and mushroom lasagne

Roasted pumpkin adds a natural sweetness to the lasagne, as well as a dose of beta carotene, a form of vitamin A. it is high in dietary fibre, and a good source of potassium, essential for controlling blood pressure.

Silverbeet pies with filo chia topping

Currants add tangy sweetness to the silverbeet filling of this vegetarian pie.

These silverbeet pies with filo are a healthy option.

Cambodian fish curry

Makrut lime leaves add aromatic Asian flavour, essential to this fish curry.

Lentil, pumpkin & cashew curry with roti

Red lentils make this curry hearty and act as a natural thickener.

Spicy steak tacos with smashed kidney beans

Go spicy with these steak tacos.

Vietnamese fish with dill and vermicelli

Dill goes perfectly with aromatic marinated fish and the tangy, salty, sweet dressing.

This vermicelli dish is a winner

Sticky honey and fennel seed roasted vegetable tart

The sticky honey, mustard and fennel glaze is topped with fresh beetroot, carrot and leek, then a layer of puff pastry. The tart is then baked upside-down, so the vegies absorb all the gorgeous glaze. Delicious.

Chorizo, kale and apple frittata

This frittata is ideal for using up leftover roast vegies. Replace the apple with potato, sweet potato or carrot.

Try this chorizo, kale and apple frittata.

Roast mushrooms with spinach and ricotta

Chickpeas make this meat-free dish filling and hearty, and add protein and fibre.

Sweet potato, broccoli, tofu and cashew curry

Cashews add texture and crunch to this tasty vegetarian curry. They’re rich in potassium, iron and vitamin E.

Pumpkin, ricotta and quinoa fritters

Whip up these easy fritters for a no-fuss meat-free meal.

Fritters are a great option.

Hearty cauliflower dahl

Try this deliciously healthy dahl and save your budget, too – it’s only $3 per serve!

Quinoa, tomato, asparagus and goat’s cheese tart

A healthy and sumptuous meal that is low calorie, low fat and gluten-free – what’s not to love?

Udon noodle and Peking duck soup bowl

The Asian-inspired flavours of Peking duck, udon noodles, buk choy and coriander are combined in this satisfying soup. Ready in 20 minutes.

Polenta-crusted quiche with asparagus and parmesan

This golden, cheesy, polenta-crusted quiches makes a hearty and delicious meat-free main – and it’s low calorie too.

Cheesy beef and lentil meatballs

Made with lean mince and lentils, these cheesy meatballs are under 500 calories per serve.

These beef and lentil meatballs are a healthy alternative.

Honey soy beef and roasted vegie noodles

Freshly grated ginger in the dressing adds warmth and freshness to the beef, noodles and roasted vegetables.

Teriyaki beef and pickled vegie lettuce cups

This low kilojoule meal is a flavoursome mix of traditional Japanese ingredients.

Creamy pumpkin, sage, broccolini and kale pasta

This creamy pumpkin and pasta will fill you up, but is also lower in fat and calories.

Beef and quinoa rice paper rolls with tamarind dipping sauce

Create a kaleidoscope of colour and flavour with these rice paper rolls which are gluten free, low in fat and kilojoules.

For more recipe ideas, go to taste.com.au or check out the Taste Test Kitchen now.

Originally published as 20 healthy and hearty winter dinners at under 500 calories