Brussels sprouts, kale, and cauliflower, oh my! Despite the dreaded seasonal bugs, with winter comes some amazing seasonal produce, in particular the vegetables!
Winter comes around and the brussels sprouts are bigger and better than ever, broccolini is back, cauliflower is coming down in price – and all are ready for some fabulous winter warming dishes!
HBF Health Programs Coordinator Carol Gibson says eating seasonally is not only good for the environment but can also support a less expensive food bill when seasonal produce is typically at its peak flavour. Check out what's in season this winter in WA at buy west eat best.
“You may have heard the stat that as a population most Australians are not eating enough vegetables (that's five servings per day for most of us)," she says.
“You may also be aware of how important it is to eat a variety of foods from the main food groups and limit highly processed, energy dense foods to ensure we meet our dietary needs".
“Just to reiterate, following the dietary patterns recommended in the Australian Dietary Guidelines ensures we are getting enough of the nutrients essential for good health and to help reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity” says Carol
Now that we have established that we could probably be eating more vegetables, let's look at what to cook on a cold dark winter's evening, or a cosy Sunday at home.
Minestrone soup is a fabulous way to incorporate all kinds of great seasonal vegetables – think carrots, celery, capsicum, mushroom, kale, zucchini, cooked down with some tinned tomatoes, vegetable broth and a small pasta, finished off with a piece of cheesy garlic toast on the side. Now that could warm up the coldest of winter nights!
Here are some other simple and delicious ideas:
- Roasted cauliflower and black bean tacos with a cabbage and capsicum slaw, topped with avocado and fresh lime (also in season during winter)
- Cauliflower, potato, and chickpea curry
- On a sheet pan, roasted vegetables with haloumi, including brussels sprouts, broccolini and zucchini served over quinoa topped with roasted pine nuts
- Stir-fried winter vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower) over brown rice
- Packed vegetable shepherd's pie (carrots, celery, mushroom, zucchini, kale) with lentils
- Strawberry and rhubarb crisp/crumble with a delicious crunchy oat topping
For detailed recipes and inspiration check out CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Recipes, Eat for Health – Healthy Recipes, Heart Foundation Winter Comfort Recipe Book, Grains & Legumes Nutrition Council Recipes, and Healthy Easy Recipes – No Money No Time.
When the weather isn't the best and we're all spending a bit more time indoors this can mean more time to get creative in the kitchen and with these great winter vegetables available some fabulous dishes can be produced!
Nutritious weight management with HBF
HBF has partnered with Digital Wellness to offer you new ways to access extra support and reach your health goals.
If you need some support with your health and weight, the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet Programs are here to help.
The programs offer:
- Access to the CSIRO Total Wellbeing Diet– a higher protein, low GI weight loss eating plan specially formulated by Australia’s national science agency.
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Disclaimer:
This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal situation or needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.