Brrr! It’s cold outside. The chilly weather may bring with it cooler days and nights, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to nurture our health with ingredients that not only warm the body but also protect it.
Embracing winter health means choosing foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immunity and overall well-being during colder months. From hearty root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, which provide essential nutrients and fibre, to immune-boosting herbs like thyme and oregano, each ingredient plays a crucial role in maintaining vitality and helping fortify your immunity against illness.
Incorporating these seasonal treasures into our diets not only enhances flavour but also ensures we thrive throughout winter, feeling nourished and resilient. Eden’s Culinary Director is a great fan of healthy winter recipes and shares his favourite three recipes with you.
Winter vegetable and bean broth
Warm up this winter with Eden’s hearty winter vegetable and bean broth, a comforting blend that epitomises healthy winter recipes.
Loaded with a variety of nutritious vegetables and protein-packed beans like chickpeas, black beans, and cannellini beans, this broth is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. The combination of carrots, celery, beans, and zucchini provides a medley of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your immune system and overall well-being.
Enhanced with herbs and a rich tomato base, each spoonful promises warmth and nourishment. Garnish with shaved parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
- 400g tin organic chickpeas, drained
- 400g tin organic black beans, drained
- 400g tin organic cannellini beans, drained
- 2 x large brown onions, diced
- 4 x garlic cloves, minced
- 170g diced, carrot
- 170g diced, celery
- 170g diced beans (yellow and green)
- 170g diced, zucchini
- 100g tomato paste
- 600g mild crushed tomato
- 1 x tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 x tablespoon fresh oregano
- 2 x cups of vegetable/chicken stock
- salt and pepper
Method
In a large pot add diced onion and garlic and sweat for 5 minutes. Add the carrot, celery and tomato paste and cook for 10 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the beans and chickpeas and cook until the veg is tender (approximately 20 minutes). Add the drained chickpeas and beans and season. Serve with shaved parmesan (the more the better).
Fermented buckwheat and brown rice bread
Our fermented buckwheat and brown rice bread is the essence of healthy winter recipes.
Created from organic buckwheat, brown rice, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, this bread is not only delicious but also rich in fibre and essential nutrients. The fermentation process enhances digestibility and nutritional value, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a gut-friendly option.
With a hearty texture and nutty flavour, this bread is perfect for pairing with soups or enjoying on its own as a nutritious snack. Bake a batch and savour the warmth of homemade goodness this winter – add avocado, nut spread or honey.
Ingredients
- 1kg organic buckwheat
- 1kg organic brown rice
- 500g sunflower seeds
- 500g pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 tbs salt
Method
Cover the buckwheat and rice with water and soak for 24 hours (cover with Glad wrap). Drain all the water off the buckwheat and rice (do not rinse). Blend the buckwheat and rice in a blender with some fresh water and 1/2 tbsp salt (it should resemble a pancake batter). Place into a clean bowl and cover in glad wrap for another 24 hours.
Soak your pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds in filtered water for a minimum of 2 hours. Mix half of your seeds into the batter and keep the other half for sprinkling on the top of your bread.
Line an oven-safe tin or deep tray with greaseproof paper and spray a little amount of spray oil. Pour the batter into the tin. Sprinkle with the remainder of the seeds. Bake at 180°C. Check after 20 minutes with a skewer. It should come out clean just like a cake. If not, bake for a bit longer.
Black Garlic Butter
Healthy and decadence go hand in hand with our luxurious black garlic butter recipe.
Blended with organic salted butter and a hint of citric acid, it boasts a creamy texture and a savoury, umami taste that complements a variety of dishes. Spread it on freshly baked bread, melt it over steamed vegetables, or use it to enhance the flavour of grilled meats. Keep a jar on hand for culinary indulgence throughout the season and for optimal winter health.
Ingredients
- 1 x bulb of black garlic peeled
- 200g organic salted butter
- Salt to taste
- Pinch citric acid
Method
Bring butter to room temperature. Put all ingredients into a blender. Mix but don’t over-blend.
Transfer to a glass jar and keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. Tip: when you want to serve the garlic butter, remove from the fridge a couple of hours earlier.
