When it comes to seasonal produce, January is all about humble root veg and leafy brassicas, which are perfect for those hearty, warming winter dishes. Look out for cabbages, leeks, carrots, swede and so much more to brighten up your weekly food shop.
In the first month of the year, the ground is hard and the air is frosty. And while much of the veg patch is in hibernation, the hardier British varieties are in their prime right now, including root veg, sprouting broccoli and leeks. Here are our favourite seasonal recipes for January using the best the UK has to offer this month.
Want more? Be inspired by our brilliant budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips
Tick off two seasonal veggies in one go with this beautiful Parsnip & beetroot bake. This vibrant gratin is full of earthy notes and fragrant rosemary and garlic, while orange gives it a sweet zing. Delicious served with roast beef or a pile of green veg.
A healthy, budget-friendly dinner that tastes like a real treat. Jamie’s Cauliflower cheese pasta from 7 Ways is creamy and satisfying, heroing beautiful seasonal cauliflower, topped with garlicky breadcrumbs to give a bit of crunch — it’s the easiest dish to win the whole family over with!
MORE: 10 delicious cauliflower recipes
January is all about cosy comfort and this Kale & sausage stew recipe has it in spades. Fennel seeds, crushed chilli flakes and lemon bring aromatic notes to this wintry bowl, and a handful of nourishing kale wilted at the end finishes it off just perfectly.
MORE: 9 incredible kale recipes
Celeriac is such an underrated star of British winter veg, with its nutty, celery-like flavour. And it pairs beautifully with sweet apple in this soup, topped with crispy sage and crunchy hazelnuts. January is the time of year to hunker down and batch up a few soups, and this is one of our absolute favourites.
MORE: Wintry soups
These cute little cupcakes are brilliant if you have a load of carrots to use up. With cinnamon and ginger for a hint of spice and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, this is a super easy bake that the whole family can get involved with.
Winter weekends call for something indulgent, and this cheesy side dish ticks all the boxes. Sweet leeks are coated in a rich creamy sauce, spiked with thyme and garlic, topped with Cheddar and brie and baked until golden and bubbling. A must for any Sunday roast.
MORE: Lovely leek recipes
Brussels sprouts are bang-in season throughout the winter months, and after all the indulging over the festive season, this zesty salad will blow the cobwebs away. Serve with slices of leftover roast meat or nut roast from your Sunday lunch or with cheese and pickles.
MORE: Best Brussels sprouts recipes
Purple sprouting broccoli and creamy Stilton are the perfect flavour mates in this gorgeous frittata. Lightly charring the broccoli gives it a delicious smoky flavour, while still keeping a bit of crunch. Served with a green salad, this dish is perfection.
MORE: 10 tasty broccoli recipes
Hungry for more seasonal inspiration? Check out our round-up of the best things to eat each month of the year
