Spring Time Braising

Yesterday marked the first official day of spring. With the beautifully mild weather we've been having on the East Coast for the past few weeks, all of us are more than settled into it.

During these early spring days, it is common for temperatures to quickly shift between warm and sundress-worthy and chilly and fleece-needing. While this might up the risk of allergies and spring colds, the contrasting in between period provides a great juxtoposition to mimic when making early spring meals. Spring time braising is a perfect example.

While braising is most commonly associated with winter because of the heavy flavors and the hearty meat usually cooked with, there are many lighter takes on the standard braising recipes. This updated take on the slow cooking method will fill your home with deliciously deep aromas without burning up the kitchen with a left-on oven or putting you on the couch with a bloated gut.

Read on for the slow cooked, spring-friendly recipes and let us know how you're celebrating the birth of spring below!

Braised Mediterranean Chicken

Warm flavors of fig and pomegranates bring depth to this braised chicken dish, with tomatoes, lemon, cinnamon and saffron all adding their respective kicks. Serve over couscous for a tasty Mediterranean-inspired meal.

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Slow Cooker Osso Bucco

Osso Bucco is a classic Italian winter meal with its rich, meaty flavors and sauce. With this slow cooker-friendly version of the recipe, you get all of those flavors without ever having to turn on the oven! Talk about being perfectly adapted for warmer days of spring.

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Lamb Shoulder Braised with Spring Vegetables, Green Herbs and White Wine

Lamb, typically associated with the warmer days of spring and Easter season, is paired up with seasonal veggies and white wine in this romantic dish. This recipe is simply divine for a family meal or holiday dinner.

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Braised Spring Vegetables

The slow cooking of these spring veggies helps to bring out the sweetness of each green and bean thrown in. Lovely as a side or tossed in a light salad, these braised vegetables are a wonderful spring treat.

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