Cool Season Recipes for a Healthy Winter By Corey Allred Winter is a time when many people struggle to enjoy a wide variety of fruits and vegetables because so many favorites are out of season. But winter gives us tasty cool season harvests like apples, pears, squash, and root vegetables. One of my favorite snacks is sliced Pink Lady apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of fresh almond butter. If you stop by my home at dinner time, you’ll probably smell a variety of vegetables roasting. It’s a super easy way to make delicious and very nutritious dinners while enjoying the warmth in the winter. If you’ve been looking for ways to enjoy more cool season vegetables, try these simple but delicious recipes:
Roasted Root Veggies
Ingredients: 2 beets, peeled and chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped 1 large onion of choice, chopped 2 tablespoons of grape seed or avocado oil 2 to 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic or garlic powder (1 teaspoon of garlic powder = 1clove) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Wash all veggies and pat dry. Setting aside the veggies, mix all other ingredients in a resealable bag or a bowl. Add all the veggies, and massage mixture in to the veggies and evenly coat them. Pour all ingredients on to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or silpat mat. Bake for 15 minutes; stir and bake another 10 minutes.
Root Veggie Hummus
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Roasted Root Veggies (see recipe above) 2 cloves garlic 1 (19 fluid ounces) can chickpeas, drained Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 tablespoon tahini 1/3 cup olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt Black pepper, to taste Optional: Sprinkle lemon zest and fresh chopped parsley on top or mix right in. Instructions: Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth. Enjoy with sliced veggies, crackers, or corn chips. 80 www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com
Sweet Potato Steak Fries
Ingredients: 3 sweet potatoes, yams, or a mix 2 tablespoons grape seed or avocado oil 2 to 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic or garlic powder (1 teaspoon of garlic powder = 1 clove) 1 teaspoon of salt 1 teaspoon black pepper Instructions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place all ingredients in a large bowl or zipper bag and vigorously mix together. Once all potatoes are lightly coated with mixture, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silpat. Roast at 400 degrees in a standard oven for 15 minutes, then flip and roast for 10 minutes more. In a 1 cup serving, there are approximately 170 calories, 26 carbohydrates, and 1.8 grams of sugar Savory spice options Sweet spice options Real Salt brand seasoned salt 2 tablespoons coconut oil Taco seasoning 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey
