02.01.2022
In-Season Winter Vegetable Recipes
Warm up with winter vegetable recipes, spice pairings, and simple tips for roasting, dressings, and seasoning leafy greens.
- Use bold spices like freshly cracked pepper, mustard seeds, and grains of paradise to boost winter vegetables.
- Roast roots in their skins and lightly dress hearty greens like kale for better texture and flavor.
- Simple swaps make recipes vegan or dairy free, and most dishes store or reheat well with small adjustments.
Rustic root vegetables and crisp leafy greens stay en vogue through spring’s snowmelt. Freshly ground spices enhance the flavors of these cold weather crops, bringing warmth to our lives while breaking winter's cooking rut. Below you can discover our favorite recipes for winter veggies, along with the spices and seasonings that bring them to life. If you have a favorite vegetable to cook in the winter, let us know in the comments below. Be sure to explore our collection of Seasonings for Vegetables for more inspiration.
Kale Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
Winter kale is delightfully crunchy and packed with nutritional value, but it often needs a little something to let it shine. The sweet-tangy taste of this dressing is perfect, especially if you make the Dijon Mustard base from scratch. Our premium Mustard Seeds add the perfect pop and heat to this zesty recipe.
MAPLE-DIJON VINAIGRETTE RECIPE
Beet Salad With Goat Cheese and Tuscan Vinaigrette
True to the term “rustic” we roast these beets in their jacket until perfectly tender before peeling, slicing, and tossing them in our Maple Garlic Seasoning. The arugula salad base is light and springy, even for winter—tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette seasoned perfectly with our Tuscan Harvest Seasoning.
Brussels Sprouts Cacio e Pepe
Inspired by the classic Roman pasta dish, this recipe celebrates the perfect pairing of freshly cracked peppercorns and shaved Parmesan cheese. Freshly cracked pepper really is the key to this preparation. Be sure to pick up some of our whole Tellicherry Peppercorns, or treat yourself to our super premium Kampot Black Peppercorns.
Tagliatelle alla Salsa di Zucca
Pumpkins take the spotlight in the fall, but are a key player throughout the winter menu. This pasta recipe brings together the typically sweet pairing of acorn squash and Nutmeg with savory garlic confit, salty parmesan cheese, and aromatic Black Peppercorns.
Carrot-Ginger Soup with Grains of Paradise
This savory carrot soup is like a comfort blanket in a bowl. Grains of Paradise are a cousin of ginger, making a perfect pairing for the blended carrots, onion, and garlic. The spice has a unique flavor that is sweet and peppery, with hints of hazelnut, cocoa butter and citrus.
Orecchiette with Sausage and Broccoli
Don’t let the broccoli fool you, this is a hearty winter meal the whole family can gather around. This recipe is full of Italian flair with Fennel Seed, Red Pepper Flakes, Granulated Garlic, Freshly Cracked Pepper, and Dried Parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a Maple-Dijon vinaigrette and can I use store-bought Dijon?
Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can use store-bought Dijon, but making mustard from whole mustard seeds gives more texture and a brighter flavor. Whisk or shake until emulsified and taste for sweetness and acidity.
What is the best way to roast beets in their jacket?
Trim the greens, scrub the beets, and place them unpeeled on a foil-lined tray or in a covered dish. Roast at 375 to 425 F until a fork slides in easily, 45 to 60 minutes depending on size. Let cool, then slip off the skins with your fingers or a towel.
How can I make kale less bitter and more tender for salads?
Strip the tough stems and chop the leaves. Massage the kale with a little salt and part of the dressing for 1 to 3 minutes to soften it. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes so the dressing and flavors mellow the bitterness.
Why use freshly cracked peppercorns instead of pre-ground pepper?
Freshly cracked pepper releases more volatile oils so it smells and tastes brighter. It works best finishing dishes like cacio e pepe style recipes and salads. Grind right before serving for maximum aroma.
What is grains of paradise and how do I use it in soup?
Grains of paradise is a peppery spice with citrus and nutty notes, related to ginger. Lightly toast and grind it, then add during the saute stage or scatter a pinch into the finished bowl for a warm, complex kick. Substitute with black pepper plus a touch of ground ginger if you cannot find it.
Can I make these recipes vegan or dairy free?
Yes. Swap goat cheese or parmesan for vegan cheeses or nutritional yeast. Replace sausage with plant-based sausages or mushrooms, and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy. Adjust salt and umami with soy sauce, miso, or a splash of vinegar.
How do I store and reheat leftovers for these winter dishes?
Keep roasted roots in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store soups refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen for longer. Reheat soups gently on the stove. For pasta, add a splash of water or reserved cooking liquid when warming so the sauce loosens.
Where can I buy the whole spices recommended in the recipes?
Look for whole Tellicherry or Kampot peppercorns, mustard seeds, and grains of paradise at specialty spice shops, well stocked grocery stores, farmers markets, or online spice retailers. Check the Seasonings for Vegetables collection mentioned in the post for curated options.
How do I make a Maple-Dijon vinaigrette and can I use store-bought Dijon?
Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can use store-bought Dijon, but making mustard from whole mustard seeds gives more texture and a brighter flavor. Whisk or shake until emulsified and taste for sweetness and acidity.
What is the best way to roast beets in their jacket?
Trim the greens, scrub the beets, and place them unpeeled on a foil-lined tray or in a covered dish. Roast at 375 to 425 F until a fork slides in easily, 45 to 60 minutes depending on size. Let cool, then slip off the skins with your fingers or a towel.
How can I make kale less bitter and more tender for salads?
Strip the tough stems and chop the leaves. Massage the kale with a little salt and part of the dressing for 1 to 3 minutes to soften it. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes so the dressing and flavors mellow the bitterness.
Why use freshly cracked peppercorns instead of pre-ground pepper?
Freshly cracked pepper releases more volatile oils so it smells and tastes brighter. It works best finishing dishes like cacio e pepe style recipes and salads. Grind right before serving for maximum aroma.
What is grains of paradise and how do I use it in soup?
Grains of paradise is a peppery spice with citrus and nutty notes, related to ginger. Lightly toast and grind it, then add during the saute stage or scatter a pinch into the finished bowl for a warm, complex kick. Substitute with black pepper plus a touch of ground ginger if you cannot find it.
Can I make these recipes vegan or dairy free?
Yes. Swap goat cheese or parmesan for vegan cheeses or nutritional yeast. Replace sausage with plant-based sausages or mushrooms, and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of dairy. Adjust salt and umami with soy sauce, miso, or a splash of vinegar.
How do I store and reheat leftovers for these winter dishes?
Keep roasted roots in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store soups refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen for longer. Reheat soups gently on the stove. For pasta, add a splash of water or reserved cooking liquid when warming so the sauce loosens.
Where can I buy the whole spices recommended in the recipes?
Look for whole Tellicherry or Kampot peppercorns, mustard seeds, and grains of paradise at specialty spice shops, well stocked grocery stores, farmers markets, or online spice retailers. Check the Seasonings for Vegetables collection mentioned in the post for curated options.
I LOVE the Spice Houses! I also really appreciate all the hints and recipes you provide for inspiration!
One happy customer!