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Fruits, vegetables and even meats are more abundant in some seasons than others, and eating these seasonal foods has its perks – for your health, your taste buds, your local farmers, and your wallet. Seasonal fruits and veggies are picked at the peak of their ripeness and growth - that extra sun exposure and growth time means more antioxidants, more nutrients and better flavor. Eating seasonally also supports local, sustainable farmers, as most seasonal food is grown locally and without pesticides and genetic modification. Finally, when there’s abundance of a product, prices go down, meaning buying seasonal foods saves you money.
Convinced? Now it’s time to hit the kitchen and try these five hearty winter recipes that make use of seasonal ingredients.
1. MOROCCAN HARIRA
WINTER INGREDIENT: Kale
A warming blend of chickpeas, tomatoes, cumin and cilantro, this is the perfect winter recipe for a chilly evening. A healthy, vegetarian alternative to a meat and potatoes stew, this dish can be eaten with whole wheat pita and labneh yogurt.
SEASONAL BONUS: Kale is a great substitute for spinach, and is especially flavorful when sautéed. If you have a casserole or another dish that calls for spinach, during wintertime swap in the kale instead.
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2. POTATO LEEK SOUP
WINTER INGREDIENT: Leeks
For cozy indulgence, look no further than this cozy, comforting winter soup. The butter and cream make for a rich texture and you can sprinkle cheddar cheese on top for some added flavor.
SEASONAL BONUS: Buy leeks with crisp leaves and blemish-free stalks, and make sure to cook well to diminish their fibrous texture.
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3. BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS
WINTER INGREDIENT: Butternut squash
This easy, soul-warming dish is filled with black beans and butternut squash wrapped in corn tortillas and covered with savory tomato sauce. Top it off this winter recipe with sliced avocados, roasted pumpkin seeds, and chopped cilantro.
SEASONAL BONUS: There are many other varieties of winter squash you can try – including acorn and spaghetti squash. Squash is also high in vitamin A and vitamin C, and a good source of potassium!
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4. SPICED BEET AND CARROT SOUP
WINTER INGREDIENT: Beets
Sweet yet hearty, this winter recipe is a great way to incorporate seasonal ingredients into a soup. Carrots, apple, Greek yogurt, and walnut add to the tartness of this delectable dish.
SEASONAL BONUS: Look for firm, smooth beets with stems and leaves attached for this recipe. Beets come in a variety of colors, as well - feel free to experiment with different hues for different flavors.
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5. PULLED LAMB WITH POMEGRANATE GLAZE
WINTER INGREDIENTS: Pomegranate
A great option for meat-eaters, this succulent dish incorporates a unique winter fruit, which makes for a sweet glaze to this savory dish. The key to this winter recipe is to cook the meat very slowly and, of course, use as much pomegranate as possible.
SEASONAL BONUS: Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure. If you’re feeling up to a challenge you can extract the seeds yourself, or buy sugar-free pomegranate juice for a quicker option.
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