January is the strangest month of the year for me. While it marks the start of a new year and the need to clear my mind and drive what matters in my life, I also feel I need to take it slow since everything around me seems asleep. Well, I have to confess that I never manage to take it slow, and it seems the nature does not do it either considering the tons of in-season veggies the month has to offer.
So, what to cook in January? Here is a list of easy recipes that are on my blog, to provide you with new ideas for some good seasonal cooking and delicious weeknight dinners. Whatever is your new year’s resolution, bring to your table more seasonal produce. I hope this post will help you! Happy January!
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS POST
–Easting fresh seasonal ingredients will add fresh nutrients to your diet, and support local business!
– January is the time of year when you will need healthy recipes you will need nourishing meals to fuel your body and prepare it to the spring!
– There are easy meals, hearty stew and delicious recipes that are perfect for this month of the year.
APPLES, PEARS
So much variety of fruit this month! And so versatile both in sweet and savory dishes! The better way to get the nutrients of apples is to chop them and use them in salad. Try my Kale, Carrot Apple Salad for a recipe with less meat and be generous with extra-virgin olive oil, which contains healthy fats. Not sure what to do with pears? A classic Italian Pear Cake is delicious for your breakfast.
ARTICHOKES
Artichokes are the gems of the winter months and I can never get enough of them!
Try a classic Artichokes Risotto, creamy and filling, it is a great comfort food . Or consider slicing thinly some artichokes in a raw Artichoke Parmesan Salad, a delicious appetizer or light lunch accompanied by some crusty bread.
CABBAGE
Either red or white, cabbage is a humble vegetable that last long and will surprise you with its variety of use! Make a filling cabbage soup, very dear to me because is popular in Veneto, the region I am from. It is a great recipe, that can be stored in the freezer and be ready when you are in a hurry but still want a comforting home cooked meal. Or shred some red cabbage it finely and make a winter slaw , add some grilled chicken breast or some whole grains such as farro or quinoa, for a more complete meal.
CAULIFLOWER
Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are reversing at farmers’market and grocery stores! So there is no better time than now to eat this superfood and use it to prepare healthy dinner recipes. I have some delicious recipes for you this month: Make a hearty Roasted Cauliflower with Asiago cheese, or a try savory Cauliflower Anchovies Pasta.
JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE
A North America vegetable that is quite interesting for its taste crossing an artichoke with a potato. Bake it, sliced it in salad or follow my recipe for a creamy and easy soup, a great way to enjoy this vegetable.
LEEK
Leek are in season from fall to spring. While I am testing new recipes, using leek, I recommend you these two delicious dishes as winning January dinner ideas. Make this easy Gemelli pasta with Leek and Mushroom, which will delight you with its creamy flavor. Or use leek to make fritters with a yogurt sumac dipping sauce.
MANDARIN, ORANGES
Mandarin and oranges are in season. They are very versatile, and it is now the time of the year to consider all the delicious things you can do with them! From Navel, to cara cara to blood oranges you can create wonderful dishes. Try this blood orange ricotta cake which will leave you with a clean slate . If you are looking for an elegant dish, make smoked salmon, mandarin, fennel salad. And stay tuned for a recipe with blood oranges!
POTATOES
Potatoes are always a winner. Bake some potatoes with a full clove of garlic to burst flavors. Or during these cold weekends make some gnocchi, a traditional Italian dish!
Here is below the list of vegetables and fruit produce for your seasonal cooking, at least until the end of the month! Happy cooking and please do leave a comment, I would love to hear your feedback!
Programma molto invitante!
Molto bene! Scelte perfette!