Why these hearty winter comfort dishes are worth the wait

WHEN the winter chill settles into the air, our natural instinct is to retreat indoors and seek out comfort.

- GERRY CUPIDO

There is a distinct shift in how we approach the kitchen during the colder months.

The quick, light salads of summer make way for meals that require a bit of patience, the kind of cooking that fills the entire house with a rich, welcoming aroma hours before dinner is even served.

Embracing the low and slow method is the ultimate way to tackle winter cooking.

Taking tough cuts of meat and letting them simmer gently over several hours transforms them into something incredibly tender and flavourful.

It is a slow process, but the reward is a meal that feels like a warm hug. Here are three classic dishes that prove the best things in life truly take time.

Traditional oxtail stew