5 Unique and Healthy Winter Recipes to Boost Your Wellness This Season

As the temperature drops and the leaves turn golden, winter season calls in with numerous seasonal produce, those are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Winter foods are embraced with its vibrant colors and rich flavor making them highly comforting. Below are exclusive winter recipes, healthy and delicious to enjoy-perfect to keep you warm in the chilled climate and also designed keeping wellness in consideration.

Sweet Potato & Spinach Frittata

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and beta-carotene while spinach gives in a powerful punch of iron and vitamins. Eggs boosts this dish with proteins, which makes it a balanced meal in only 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and grated)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté till golden brown
2. Add grated sweet potato and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Then add spinach and cook till it gets wilted.
4. Whisk the eggs in a bowl with salt, pepper and oregano. Pour this egg mixture on the vegetables in the skillet.
5. Cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes until the eggs are set or place it in oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.
6. Slice and serve warm.

No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

These energy bites are a quick snack or ready for a perfect on the go breakfast. Made with Oats, almond butter, and pumpkin puree, they are rich in fiber and healthy fats that keeps you energized the whole day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup almond butter (or any nut butter)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Method

1. In a large bowl combine oats, pumpkin puree, almond butter, honey, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. Mix it well till the ingredients turn into a sticky dough.
3. Make bite-sized balls with the dough and place in the fridge till 30 minutes until firm
4. Store them in fridge up to 1 week for a quick snack.

Maple-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash

 

Butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins A, C, and fiber which makes it a healthy addition to the winter recipes. Maple glaze adds in a touch of sweetness without being heavily indulgent.

Ingredients:

• For the Vegetables:

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

• For the Maple Glaze:

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

Method

1. Pre heat the oven for 400°F (200°C). Toss brussels sprouts and squash with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. 
2. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast it in preheat oven for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized. 
3. While the vegetables get roasted mix maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. 
4. Once brussels sprouts and squash are roasted take them off the oven. Drizzle the maple glaze. Return to the oven for 5-10 minute till the glaze is golden and bubbly. 
5. Serve warm as a side dish or toss it with quinoa for a filling meal.

Roasted Carrot and Quinoa Salad with Tahini Dressing

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy seasonal vegetables, and carrot is one choice that stands out. This roasted Carrot and Quinoa Salad is not only colorful and flavorful, but packed with nutrients. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• For the Salad:

4 large carrots (peeled and sliced into sticks)

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup spinach or kale (roughly chopped)

¼ cup almonds (sliced or chopped)

¼ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tsp ground cumin (optional)

• For the Tahini Dressing:

3 tbsp tahini

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 clove garlic (minced)

1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)

2-3 tbsp water (to thin)

Salt & pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven at 425°F (220°C). Toss sliced carrots in olive oil, salt, pepper, and ground cumin. 
2. Transfer the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Don’t forget to flip then in between.
3. While the carrots are roasted cook quinoa as written in the package instructions. When cooked place it aside to cool down. 
4. Prepare tahini dressing by mixing tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, maple syrup a pinch of salt and pepper. 
5. In a bowl add roasted carrot, cooked quinoa, chopped spinach or kale, sliced almonds, and dried cranberries. 
6. Drizzle the dressing on the salad and mix well. Serve it warm or at room temperature

 Main ingredients to improve wellness in winters

• Water vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots, beets) - These vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help boost immunity and also improve digestion
• Green leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, collards) - Rich in Vitamin A, C and K, these vegetables help in boosting immunity and also make up for the deficiency of sunlight in winters as they contain calcium and iron.
• Citrus Fruits (orange, lemon, grapefruits) - Rich in Vitamin C, these fruits are a very good source for immunity.
• Hot spices (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon) - All of these have anti-inflammatory properties which warm your body in winter and also protect you from many diseases.

These easy and healthy Winter recipes celebrate the winter season and its flavors. Try them and bring the autumn flavors to your kitchen.