4 Healthy And Hearty Winter Foods

Winter food is generally warm, heavy and filling. People crave these types of food when the weather is cold because the human body has to burn more calories to stay warm. However, just because you and your diners want rich meals this time of year doesn’t mean you have to miss out on healthy options. Your online culinary classes have given you the skills to make nutritious and filling dishes. Here are a few winter ingredients to incorporate in your next meal:

1. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are a very sweet fruit. Unlike other produce, you eat the pomegranate seeds, not the meat. They are rich in antioxidants and available during winter. You can eat them on their own or incorporate the seeds or juice into a hearty dish. Try sprinkling a few seeds in your oatmeal or creating a pomegranate-wine reduction to pour over lamb.

2. Dark leafy greens
These vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and iron. Whether you prefer kale, collard greens or chard, you can cook cold-weather food that will keep you healthy. Furthermore, kale grown in cold weather tends to be less bitter, as frost shocks the plant. Add kale to a Moroccan stew that’s filled with beans and spices.

3. Potatoes
Potatoes are a whole starch that provide a great source of vitamins when eaten with the skin on. They are also the perfect winter food. Potatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, often adding an element of heaviness. Apple and onion curry with some potato is a hearty meal for a cold night. You can also roast fingerling potatoes with olive oil and spices for a great side dish.

4. Squash
Squash has vitamins A, C, B6 and K, as well as potassium. This low-calorie vegetable feels substantial. Butternut squash soup is one winter favorite that requires very little work to prepare. All you need is butter (and lots of it), salt and pepper, and squash.

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