These days it’s hard to say what exactly IS a winter vegetable. During the winter months, produce departments are full of virtually every type of vegetable flown in from countries around the world where the weather is still warm and their farms are still producing summer type crops. That, combined with the miracle of cold storage, and the variety of seasonal availability has seriously changed. Having said that, we still try to stick to produce seasonally grown in our region. 

Butternut Squash Gratin

Typically, root vegetables and squash are what most people think of when thinking of winter vegetables. Potatoes, carrots, butternut and acorn squash, pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli are all common winter vegetables. These vegetables also suffer from a rather boring reputation. As we all know, reputations can be changed! The great thing about these vegetables is that their natural flavors can be easily enhanced with other flavoring ingredients like shallots, garlic, pancetta, nuts, cheese, herbs and spices.

These vegetables take a little cooking time because of their density. To make the process simpler, blanch the vegetables first; by cooking in boiling water until just underdone then immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. The vegetable can now be drained and refrigerated until you are ready. When ready to cook, slice the vegetable and sauté in a little butter with whatever you have on hand. Quick, easy and delicious!

This month we’d like to share some outstanding vegetable recipes that are anything but boring.

Cream of Carrot & Ginger Soup

Soups

Cauliflower Soup with Gorgonzola & Pecan Toasts
Butternut Squash and Caramelized Apple Soup
Butternut Squash Soup with Mushroom Mousse & Fresh Chive
Baked Potato Soup
Cream of Carrot & Ginger Soup

Vegetable Dishes

Acorn Squash w/Sliced Apples

Sautéed Cauliflower with Garlic Oil & White Cheddar
Brussel Sprouts with Red Grapes
Cauliflower with Pancetta & Gruyere
Sweet Potatoes w/Orange-Chipotle Glaze
Acorn Squash w/Sliced Apples
Broccoli Gratin
Brussel Sprouts with Hazelnuts
Butternut Squash Gratin
Caramelized Brussel Sprouts
Sautéed Carrots & Shallots
Scalloped Cauliflower

Purees and Sauce

Squash and Applesauce
Broccoli Puree
Apple & Beet Puree

- Chef Jessica

ADVERTISEMENT