Seasonal eating has loads of benefits. It’s healthier, tastier, cheaper, more sustainable and even better for farmers! So, what are the best vegetables to eat in winter? And which vegan dishes can you rustle up to make the most of them?

Below, we’ll provide some simple lists, tips for seasonal cooking in winter and look at 14 of our favourite meal ideas…

Best vegetables to eat in winter

Let’s start with a quick shopping list of the best seasonal veggies to eat through winter…

Root vegetables

Parsnips
Carrots
Swede
Celeriac
Beetroot
Potatoes
Jerusalem artichokes

Hardy greens

Kale (both curly and cavolo nero)
Cabbage
Purple sprouting broccoli
Brussels sprouts

Other great options

Leeks
Cauliflower
Winter squash and pumpkin
Chicory
Watercress

5 tips for seasonal cooking in winter

The ingredients above are a great starting point for winter vegan dishes. Here’s how to make sure you get the most out of those gorgeous seasonal veggies!

1. Add protein with beans, lentils, and split peas

Beans, lentils and split peas are excellent sources of plant-based protein. You can get them dried or tinned and chuck them into soups, stews and casseroles. They’re both nutritious and filling, making them a winter pantry essential.

2. Use tinned and pureed tomatoes

Tinned and pureed tomatoes add a rich, tangy base to any dish, from pasta sauces to soups. They bring depth of flavour and colour, making them a versatile ingredient for quick and warming meals.

3. Try jarred veggies for extra flavour

Stock up on jarred veggies like beetroots, red peppers and sundried tomatoes. These preserved ingredients add complexity and depth to salads, grain bowls and sauces, perfect for winter when fresh produce is limited.

Remember: Tinned and jarred products are typically harvested in peak season, giving them similar benefits to seasonal produce.

4. Seasoning is key

Spices and spice blends like suya, garam masala, harissa and jerk seasoning bring warmth and flavour to your winter meals. Experiment with different combinations to elevate your dishes with bold, comforting flavours.

5. Pop in some aromatics as flavour foundations

Shallots and leeks are perfect aromatics for winter cooking. Sauté them as a base for soups, stews or roasts to create a fragrant, flavourful foundation that brings every dish to life.

14 amazing winter vegan dishes

Onto some seasonal staples. Here’s what we love to eat in winter, using all the best seasonal vegetables…

Squash and red lentil soup – A hearty, warming soup that combines winter squash and red lentils for protein and comfort.
Curried parsnip and white bean soup – A spiced, creamy winter soup with sweet parsnips and protein-packed white beans for nourishment.
Root veg lasagne – Layers of root vegetables and rich tomato sauce create a comforting, seasonal lasagne perfect for winter.
Root veg chilli – A warming, hearty chilli with roasted root vegetables and beans.
Pumpkin and black bean curry – A rich, spiced curry with pumpkin and black beans, offering a hearty and warming winter dish.
Apple/pear/nutty pies and crumbles – Take your pick from these winter fruit desserts with apples, pears, nuts or all three.
Jollof rice – A vibrant, flavourful West African rice dish made with tomatoes, peppers and spices, plus your choice of winter vegetables.
Harissa butter beans with kale – Spicy, creamy harissa butter beans paired with kale for a satisfying, seasonal winter meal. There’s a reason this went viral!
Spanish garlic cauliflower – This garlicky, roasted cauliflower with a rich Spanish-inspired seasoning is a great main, side or tapas dish.
Apple pecan baklava scrolls – Just sub in vegan butter and use maple instead of honey to keep it plant-based.
Pumpkin and plantain pie – A delicious Halloween-themed pie with a West African twist .
Blended beetroot pasta – Swap the feta for vegan feta or nutritional yeast in this quick, colourful dish.
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie – Hearty, warming, protein-rich and pretty easy to make!
Jerk lentils – Try Rachel Ama’s jerk lentils, not to mention her other vegan Caribbean favourites!

While you’re here…

If we’ve not met before, Gwafuvegan is a plant-based catering provider in Manchester. We focus on sustainable cooking, using seasonal and home-grown ingredients wherever possible to make the most delicious vegan food.

You’ll find us at pop ups, supper clubs and other events throughout the city. But feel free to hit us up if you want to add seasonal, sustainable catering to your event. We work throughout the North West on everything from weddings to corporate gigs.

All the Best Seasonal Vegetables and Vegan Dishes for Winter