10 vegetables to try this winter

Our diet evolves and changes with the seasons. In fact, a recent study showed that the consumption of vegetables, eggs, alcoholic drinks and meat is higher during the summer than during the winter. To help you eat healthier during the cold season, I suggest different ways you can cook my favourite winter vegetables!

1- Kale

This food has been one of the biggest trends in recent years. I like to add it to a minestrone soup near the end of cooking it, or mix it into my salads. I also add kale to my grilled cheese. You can also incorporate it into smoothies in the morning or make a delicious pesto to serve on fish, or mixed with a little sour cream and Greek yogurt to make a dip for raw vegetables.

2- Brussels sprouts

I serve them peeled, then sautéed in a pan with a little olive oil. It’s the best way to prepare them!

3- Potatoes

Potatoes are your ultimate healthy ally. They contain fibre, vitamin C, potassium and even fewer calories than a 250 ml serving of white rice. I like to serve them stuffed with spinach, olives and sundried tomatoes. Otherwise, serve them mashed with a dab of plain Greek yogurt!

4- Onions

Did you know that you can prepare an onion salad (yes, you read that right and it’s delicious) just like in the hot Mediterranean countries! Just slice a sweet onion and soak it for 15 minutes in ice water. Drain, pat dry and add salt, chopped parsley and sumac powder (sold in Asian grocery stores).

5- Celeriac

Serve the celeriac in a soup or cut it into julienne in a coleslaw!

6- Colourful carrots

Roast them in the oven with a little orange juice, maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon!

7- Parsnip

Cook up a soup made from parsnips, onions, celery and add fresh thyme, cumin, a little honey and mustard!

8- Radicchio

Serve it simply as a salad or toast it in the oven with a little balsamic vinegar and grated Parmesan. Some even add it in their pasta or use it as a garnish for their burgers or wraps.

9- Fennel

I love adding fennel to my side salads because it provides a fresh and distinctive taste reminiscent of anise. You can also grill it, add it to soups or even use it as a topping for vegetarian pizza.

10- Beets

Take advantage of the low price of beets to do some canning. Store all of your jars in a cool, dark place. This way, you’ll have coloured beets all year round to quickly concoct salads, including my favourite: beet + goat cheese + olive oil + pecans + basil!

In conclusion, our winter diet is disrupted by the availability of products. It’s also influenced by the variations in prices. On the other hand, you can make informed choices and opt for the specials to include more vegetables, especially during the winter, because these have a low energy density, are satiating due to their high dietary fibre content, and are bursting with vitamins and minerals. Enjoy your meal!

Familiprix in collaboration with Hubert Cormier