When we think of fruits and vegetables in season, we usually think of the new growth of spring, the ripening warmth of summer, or the harvests of fall. But it might surprise you to see how much rich, colorful produce blossoms in the cool of winter!
Here are seven recipes that feature delicious winter veggies to treat your taste buds, fill your belly, and warm your bones.
Carrots
- These root veggies are a delight for your eyes ― inside and out! They come in a rainbow of colors, so you can turn any meal into a festive feast. But carrots are also packed with natural antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, which help prevent vision problems in your eyes. Treat your peepers and your palate to this cool-season crop.
- Winter Recipe: Garbanzo Bean Curry With Carrots
Leeks
- Leeks have a tasty onion-like flavor that can make your favorite meals pop. But they’re also rich in vitamins. The manganese in leeks can help support thyroid health and may lessen the pains of PMS. Plus, leeks are a great source of allicin, which can lower your cholesterol.
- Winter Recipe: Italian Spaghetti Squash With Leeks
Broccoli
- These sturdy sprouts have a hidden talent: Broccoli can take on different flavors based on how it’s cooked. You can enjoy its many tastes while filling up on its hearty amounts of folate, which has been linked with better brain function.
- Winter Recipe: Cashew Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Onions
- Crisp and spicy, onions are a mouthwatering addition to many meals. And while onions thrill your taste buds, they may also support heart health. Research has begun to link the many nutrients in onions with lower blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease. Peel back those layers, unlock that zingy flavor, and savor some good-for-you food!
- Winter Recipe: Breakfast Fajitas With Onions
Collard Greens
- These thick, leafy greens add smooth, slightly bitter flavor to many comfort-food dishes. They are a filling veggie packed with fiber to help you digest your food. Collard greens are also rich in vitamin K, which can help keep your blood healthy.
- Winter Recipe: Black Bean Collard Burrito
Brussels Sprouts
- You already know brussels sprouts are good for you. They’ve been shown to help people balance their blood sugar levels, and they’re chock-full of vitamin C, which helps boost your immune system. But they’re also a perfect winter produce dish! Roasting brussels sprouts unlocks a nutty flavor that can turn a bland meal into a satisfying supper.
- Winter Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Mushrooms
- There are over 50,000 kinds of mushrooms you can eat! Whether you love a simple cremini or a beefy portobello, each mushroom can soak up the flavors around it. And each one comes with tons of nutrients for your body. A fibre called beta-glucan, found in many mushrooms, is linked with improved heart health and lower cholesterol.
- Winter Recipe: Pasta With Ricotta and Mushrooms
You can enjoy these hearty recipes with coworkers, friends, and family. They’ll love the fresh flavors and healthy meals you’ve prepared!