24 Winter Recipes That Make the Most Of Seasonal Veg
Everybody loves winter, until it’s winter… but, you can’t be that miffed with the cold snaps and rainfall when we have an abundance of seasonal produce in South Africa. If you’re in need of seasonal cooking inspiration, say less. We’ve hand-picked some of our favourite winter recipes using seasonal vegetables from our handy guide to help warm your bellies.
Seasonal Veg: Asparagus
Asparagus is lovely as a side dish or when incorporated into mains. This vegetable is low in calories and keto-friendly; try it in these delicious winter recipes.
Asparagus, Pea and Goat’s Cheese Tart
Delicious savoury flavours with a refreshing herb oil finish. The asparagus and goat’s cheese go together like two peas in a pod.
Recipe for Asparagus, Pea & Goat’s Cheese Tart with a Green Herb Pastry and Herb Oil
Lemon Buttered Chicken Breasts and Dukkah-spiced Asparagus
Winner winner chicken dinner! This super easy and succulent lemon butter chicken recipe is divine. The fragrant and nutty Dukkah spice takes the asparagus to a whole other level.
Recipe for Lemon Buttered Chicken Breasts & Dukkah-spiced Asparagus
Seasonal Veg: Artichoke
This seasonal vegetable isn’t the most popular, but Artichokes have been said to aid digestive health and boost immunity. If you love artichoke, tuck into these winter recipes.
Artichoke and Lemon Mayonnaise with Chicken Dippers
Artichoke and lemon mayo dip will fast become your fav homemade condiment. Even the kids will love this winter recipe.
Recipe for Artichoke & Lemon Mayonnaise with Chicken Dippers
Braaied Lamb Ribs with Artichokes and Citrus Vinaigrette
Not even winter could stop South Africans from a braai! A simple winter recipe that’s beautifully balanced by the charred artichoke and a citrus vinaigrette.
Recipe for Braaied Lamb Ribs with Artichokes and Citrus Vinaigrette
Jerusalem Artichoke and Sea Asparagus Tortellini
We love this winter recipe simply because it requires few ingredients, yet promises loads of deliciousness.
Recipe for Jerusalem Artichoke and Sea Asparagus Tortellini
Jerusalem Artichoke Pithivier with Wild Garlic & Parmesan
Who said you need meat in a pie? The artichoke in this pithivier is transformed by the wild garlic and nutty goodness from the Parmesan.
Recipe for Jerusalem Artichoke Pithivier with Wild Garlic & Parmesan
Seasonal Veg: Beetroot
Beetroot is filled with earthy and sweet goodness. This seasonal root vegetable is super versatile, meaning the beetroot recipes are endless. Plus, it’s rich in folate!
Beetroot Ravioli with Brown Butter and Poppy Seeds
The ravioli filling you didn’t know you needed! The poppy seeds are a pleasant surprise.
Recipe for Beetroot Ravioli with Brown Butter & Poppy Seeds
Gluten-free Chocolate and Beetroot Cake
Healthy and chocolaty – you can have your cake and eat it too!
Recipe for Gluten-free Chocolate & Beetroot Cake
Seasonal Vegetable: Broccoli
Broccoli isn’t the most liked veg, but is filled with fibre, and actually contains more vitamin C than oranges, so time to reconsider. If the texture doesn’t agree with your taste buds, blend it and make the most of it with these winter recipes.
Broccoli and Crème Frâiche Soup
The perfect lunchtime soup; it’s light yet luscious – you’ll be licking your bowl.
Recipe for Broccoli & Crème Frâiche Soup
Broccoli and Chickpea Bhajis
A seasonal take on traditional Indian bhajis. Packed with flavour and protein, these broccoli bhajis are moreish!
Recipe for Broccoli & Chickpea Bhajis
Seasonal Vegetable: Cauliflower
Cauliflower is the seasonal veg that keeps on giving. It’s super versatile and is also high in fibre and vitamin B. We love that cauliflower is Banting-friendly too.
Cumin Roasted Cauliflower Soup
We couldn’t name a better duo than cumin and cauliflower, so we blended it into a soup.
Recipe for Cumin Roasted Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Craving comfort food but don’t want the carbs? This ‘Mac & Cheese’ is the ultimate Banting-friendly fix.
Recipe for Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Seasonal Vegetable: Horseradish
Horseradish may be pungent for some, but this winter root veg has great antibacterial properties. Make the most of it and turn it into the ultimate condiment.
Crispy Potjie Potatoes with Herby Horseradish Cream
Any excuse for a potjie, right? Ditch the mayo and make a herby horseradish to top these crispy, golden and fluffy potatoes with.
Recipe for Crispy Potjie Potatoes with Herby Horseradish Cream
Vetkoek Steak Sliders with Horseradish Mayo
Not your everyday vetkoek, but sure to become your favourite with the juicy steak and light, creamy horseradish mayo.
Recipe for Vetkoek Steak Sliders with Horseradish Mayo
Seasonal Vegetable: Leek
Leeks are related to garlic, so they naturally have great anti-inflammatory properties. This seasonal vegetable also has a good amount of niacin, calcium and iron.
Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelised Leeks
Anything caramelised is a win in our opinion. The gratin topping makes this mac and cheese a textural delight.
Recipe for Macaroni & Cheese with Caramelised Leeks
Creamy Chicken, Mushroom and Leek Soup
Creamy chicken soup for the soul, and leek for the texture. Another fantastic winter recipe.
Recipe for Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Leek Soup
Seasonal Vegetable: Mushrooms
Mushrooms are high in vitamin D. Try these mushroom recipes for a great health boost.
Country Rustic Dijon Chicken
Creamy and comforting, this French-inspired dish is ideal winter recipe to entertain guests during the rainy season.
Recipe for Country Rustic Dijon Chicken
Smoky BBQ Spiced Pork Fillet with Skillet Onions & Mushrooms
Sometimes ‘simple’ leads to the most satisfying dishes; this pork fillet skillet dish is all the proof you need.
Recipe for Smoky BBQ Spiced Pork Fillet with Skillet Onions & Mushrooms
Beef and Mushroom Stout Stew with Colcannon
This tender beef and mushroom stew cooked in Guinness stout is comfort food at its best. Serve with a side of traditional colcannon – mash with spinach, another seasonal winter veg.
Recipe for Beef and Mushroom Stout Stew with Colcannon
Roasted Mushroom, Chorizo and Old Brown Sherry Soup
Nothing says ‘winter’ better than a tot of Old Brown Sherry in your soup. This belly-warming recipe is smoky, flavourful and hits all the right notes.
Recipe for Roasted Mushroom, Chorizo and Old Brown Sherry Soup
Mushroom, Parmesan and Saffron Risotto
Garlic and mushroom are a match made in heaven. The linguine is simply delicious!
Recipe for Mushroom, Parmesan & Saffron Risotto
Fillet Steak with Café au Lait Mushroom Sauce
If coffee and steak are two of your favourite things, you’ll want a second serving of this dish. The coffee in the mushroom sauce makes it beautifully rich.
Recipe for Fillet Steak with Café au Lait Mushroom Sauce
Seasonal Vegetable: Spinach
Spinach is a great source of vitamin A, folic acid and iron. Try these tasty winter recipes to reap the benefits.


Spinach, Ricotta and Tomato-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
All your favourites stuffed into one succulent chicken breast.
Recipe for Spinach, Ricotta & Tomato-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Parmesan Crust
Low Carb Chicken and Spinach Pie
We can never resist a good chicken and spinach pie. So much deliciousness in one slice!
Recipe for Low Carb Chicken and Spinach Pie
Check out our Seasonal Fruit & Vegetable Chart for South Africa to cook with the seasons. Follow us on Instagram for more yummy inspiration.
Hungry for more? Subscribe to our Newsletter
Definitely going to try some of these vegetarian options out – thanks very much for the wintery inspiration!