Vegetables that really shine in winter and what to do with them

Cauliflower

Let’s be honest, cauliflower is popular throughout the year but there’s something especially cosy about it in wintertime.

Cauliflower mac ’n cheese

The love child of two great comforting dishes – macaroni cheese and cauliflower cheese – you’d be hard-pressed to find a more winter-appropriate dish than this.
Get the recipe for cauliflower mac 'n cheese here.

Cauliflower korma

With all of the benefits of a warming curry without much of the fuss, this hands-off cauliflower korma also comes together in less than 30 minutes. Serve with fluffy rice and yoghurt.
Get the recipe for cauliflower korma here.

Cabbage

The comeback kid of 2021, cabbage has never been cooler. Which isn’t hard to believe when you consider how versatile and delicious it is.

Three-cheese cabbage bake

For those times you want to eat an entire block of cheese (or three) and somehow still want to feel a little virtuous – this cheesy bake is the recipe for you.
Get the recipe for three-cheese cabbage bake here.

Prawn-and-cabbage okonomiyaki

We’ll admit that this might not be the most wintery way to use cabbage, but it’s an extremely tasty way, which is all the motivation we need. Serve these as little snacks or turn them into a meal by topping with a poached egg.
Get the recipe for prawn-and-cabbage okonomiyaki here.

Brussels sprouts

Easily one of the most divisive vegetables out there, Brussels truly don’t deserve the bad rap they get. Think of them as tiny cabbages, treat them as such and you’ll see what the fuss is about.

Brussels sprouts, anchovy and Parmesan salad

A salad for all non-salad lovers out there, this recipe only proves how well sprouts can handle punchy flavours. You can serve them at room temperature as suggested, or even warm, dressed straight out of the oven.
Get the recipe for Brussels sprouts, anchovy and Parmesan salad here.

Crunchy fried Brussels sprouts

No one can resist a crispy fried sprout – not even the biggest skeptic out there.
Get the recipe for crunchy fried Brussels sprouts here.

Parsnips

Often described as a cousin to the carrot, parsnips are the best in winter months.

Bulgur wheat, honey-roasted parsnips and roast peanut salad

Making salads in winter can feel a little uninspiring, but this parsnip one is interesting and hearty – perfect despite the chilly weather.
Get the recipe for bulgur wheat, honey-roasted parsnips and roast peanut salad here.

Celeriac

The MVP of winter veg, celeriac is the root of the celery plant and even those who don’t like celery have been known to fall for its nutty charm.

Roast celeriac

Sometimes, simple is best and this recipe proves it. If the spiced butter feels like too much work, you can skip it and serve the roasted celeriac as is.
Get the recipe for roast celeriac here.

Celeriac bake with horseradish and blue cheese

Celeriac’s mild flavour doesn’t need much to boost it, and while you could make a bake without the horseradish and blue cheese, the three work very well together.
Get the recipe for celeriac bake with horseradish and blue cheese here.

Potato

While potatoes don’t stick to a season, they’re especially satisfying in winter.

Abi’s ultimate potato bake

The best potato recipe is hotly-contended issue but we’d be remiss if we didn’t include at least one great way to cook them in winter – a creamy, potato bake.
Get the recipe for Abi's ultimate potato bake here.

Butternut

As with potatoes, butternut is a great evergreen veg throughout the year but one that also lends itself well to wintery dishes.

Risotto-stuffed squash with Parmesan and pancetta

Sure you could make a butternut risotto, but this genius recipe combines two great winter squashes and risotto all into one.
Get the recipe for risotto-stuffed squash with Parmesan and pancetta here.