Winter vegetables: why they’re  good for you and how to cook them with couscous

We all know that vegetables are good for our health. Thankfully, Mother Nature has planned for us to have fresh vegetables year-round. Now, as the weather is getting colder and the days shorter, you can still enjoy a varied and balanced diet by introducing winter vegetables to it.

Roasted, steamed or sautéed – winter vegetables can be cooked in a variety of ways and they go well in strews, soups, salads and as side dishes. Their versatility makes them a good source of vitamins and nutrients at a time when many people suffer from nutritional deficiencies. It is always best to eat food in season. 

The human body is made to eat seasonally. Late fall and winter produce vegetables rich in vitamin C, which provide a boost to your immune system during cold and flu season. Eating fruits and vegetables in season provides your body with necessary nutrients appropriate for the time of year.

What fruits and vegetables are in season

Seasonal produce varies in different countries and climates, so it’s best to check online. Because Italy is closer to the Equator than most places, we are lucky to have access to a variety of fruits and vegetables year-round.  

Fruits and vegetables in season in Italy include:

• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Brussel sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Grapefruit
• Mushrooms
• Pears
• Squash
• Sweet corn
• Sweet potatoes

When you have such a variety of produce you also need a suitable food to pair it up with. And what better option than couscous!

Couscous is versatile!

We know well that couscous is prepared quickly and is easy to assemble, but above all you do not need particular culinary skills to know how to cook it well. These are perhaps some of the reasons that see couscous depopulating on our tables and on supermarket shelves, a food increasingly loved by both adults and children.

The decisive element that will make you fall in love with couscous is its versatility: it can be the protagonist of the recipe or become its side dish, it can be combined with meat, fish and vegetables and be perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Versatility is a feature that helps a lot when in winter you want to try your hand at the stove with a nutritious and genuine preparation.

Vegetarian couscous: 6 winter recipes

It’s time to see how to cook vegetable couscous: they are versatile and perfect recipes for any occasion, from finger food for an aperitif to the main course of a dinner with friends or a single dish when the time to stay in the kitchen is really little.

Here are 6 winter recipes of couscous with vegetables to prepare during the colder months. Click on the corresponding link and go directly to the recipe complete with video!

1. The Martino Couscous and pumpkin cream pie is delicious and original, ideal for taking advantage of all the properties of the vegetable.
2. Are you tired of always cooking vegetables in the oven or au gratin? The Couscous Martino with pesto broccoli is ideal to surprise the guests and leave them speechless!
3. Create this finger food with beetroot couscous and caprino cheese, easy to make and delicious for a rich snack.
4. If artichokes are your passion, the Couscous flan is for you: watch the video tutorial and make your winter lunch unique.
5. Aperitif at home? Find out how to make tasty Couscous Pie with purple cabbage. 
6. A creative first to amaze your guests: run to discover all the ingredients to prepare the Couscous Martino of baked peas with carrots and almonds.

Enjoy!