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 winter seasonal vegetable is low in calories and keto-friendly.

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

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Seasonal Veg: Artichoke

This seasonal vegetable isn’t the most popular of the bunch, but Artichokes have been said to aid digestive health and boost your immune system. We reckon it’s worth giving these artichoke recipes a try.

Artichoke and Lemon Mayonnaise with Chicken Dippers

Get the most out of your seasonal veg and play with tasty textures. Artichoke and lemon mayo dip will fast become your fav homemade condiment.

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 salt, nutty goodness from the Parmesan.

Recipe for Jerusalem Artichoke Pithivier with Wild Garlic & Parmesan

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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

Earthy, healthy and chocolatey – have your cake and eat it too.

Recipe for Gluten-free Chocolate & Beetroot Cake

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Seasonal Vegetable: Broccoli

This seasonal winter veg isn’t the most liked, but is filled with fibre, and surprisingly contains more vitamin C than oranges, so time to reconsider. Broccoli doesn’t have to look lonely and one-sided on your dinner plate – blend it to get the most out of this green veg.

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

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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

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Seasonal Vegetable: Horseradish

Horseradish may be pungent for some, but this seasonal winter vegetable 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

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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.

Recipe for Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Leek Soup

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Seasonal Vegetable: Mushrooms

Mushrooms are high in vitamin D. Try these mushroom recipes for a great health boost.

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. This is the ultimate rainy-day, home-cooked meal.

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 tasting 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

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Seasonal Vegetable: Spinach

This seasonal winter vegetable is a great source of vitamin A, folic acid and iron. A little bit of spinach goes a long way.

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.