Winter Vegetarian Recipes: Our Top Picks

While winter is often associated with hearty dishes like beef bourguignon and sauerkraut, it's also a great time to try out recipes that don't include meat or fish. Why not use seasonal fruits and vegetables to create comforting vegetarian meals? We're sure these recipes will delight people of all ages!

Purple Hummus: A Winter Vegetarian Treat

This vibrant purple hummus is not only a feast for the eyes but also a breeze to make. The star ingredient is... Red cabbage is a great option since it's widely available during the winter months. Serve with Lebanese bread, warm pita, or toasted sourdough for a tasty snack.

Ingredients

·       400g cooked chickpeas

·       8 tbsp tahini

·       8 tbsp water

·       5 tbsp bergamot lemon juice

·       4 pinches of salt

·       3 tbsp acai powder

·       125g raw red cabbage

Instructions

1.       Blend water, tahini, and lemon juice in a mixer.

2.       Add acai powder, salt, coarsely chopped red cabbage, and chickpeas.

3.       Blend until smooth. Refrigerate if necessary.

4.       Spread the hummus onto a plate or serving dish.

5.       Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with za’atar, mint leaves, and finely chopped chili.

6.       Add a touch of pan-fried red cabbage to the centre for an extra pop of colour.

Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Gratin: A Winter Favourite

When it's cold outside, there's nothing better than a nice hot meal by the fire. Butternut squash is a great ingredient for soups and purées, and it really shines in this easy-to-make gratin that's perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

·       1 butternut squash

·       2 white onions

·       200g goat cheese (log)

·       200ml double cream

·       Salt

·       Black pepper

·       Parsley

·       Grated cheese (optional)

Instructions

1.       Preheat your oven to 200°C.

2.       Wash and halve the butternut squash to remove seeds, then cut into cubes.

3.       Peel and slice the onions.

4.       Crumble the goat cheese.

5.       Combine onions, goat cheese, butternut squash, cream, salt, and pepper in a large gratin dish.

6.       Add grated cheese if desired.

7.       Bake for 25 minutes.

8.       Sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Roasted Cauliflower with Crispy Chickpeas and Quinoa

This tasty dish is packed with flavour and features roasted cauliflower, crispy chickpeas and quinoa. It's a great, healthy option for family gatherings.

Ingredients

·       For the cauliflower:

·       1 cauliflower

·       4 tbsp olive oil

·       1 tsp curry powder

·       ½ tsp salt

For the crispy seeds:

·       265g cooked chickpeas

·       250g quinoa

·       75g cashews

·       15g coriander seeds

·       1 tsp salt

·       1 tsp turmeric

·       1 tsp curry powder

·       100g sesame seeds

For the yogurt sauce:

·       125g natural yogurt

·       2 tbsp olive oil

·       Juice of ½ lemon

·       Pinch of salt

Instructions

1.       Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2.       Drain chickpeas and bake on a tray for 5 minutes.

3.       Cook quinoa in 700ml boiling water for 10 minutes. Drain and mix with chickpeas.

4.       Combine with remaining crispy seed ingredients and bake for 18 minutes.

5.       Mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt for the sauce.

6.       Increase oven temperature to 250°C.

7.       Boil cauliflower for 3 minutes, then slice into 4cm pieces.

8.       Arrange on a tray, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with curry powder and salt. Roast for 10-12 minutes.

9.       Serve hot with crispy seed mix and yogurt sauce.

Baked Sweet Potatoes: A Quick, Healthy, and Comforting Winter Dish

On the lookout for a quick, healthy, and comforting winter recipe? Baked sweet potatoes are the perfect choice. They're naturally sweet and rich in beta-carotene, making them a great nutritious alternative to traditional potatoes.

Ingredients

·       4 medium organic sweet potatoes

·       Pinch of Espelette pepper

·       50g hazelnuts

·       1 garlic clove

·       60g Parmesan cheese

·       6 sprigs flat-leaf parsley

·       3 tbsp olive oil (plus extra)

·       1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

1.       Preheat your oven to 180°C.

2.       Wash sweet potatoes, halve them lengthwise, and score the flesh.

3.       Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and Espelette pepper.

4.       Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40 minutes.

5.       Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, chopped hazelnuts, and finely chopped parsley.

6.       Grill for a few minutes until golden.

7.       Prepare a dressing with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and drizzle over the potatoes before serving.

Bring on the winter with these tasty vegetarian recipes that'll keep you cosy and full all season long!