Why winter is the perfect time to eat more veg

When it gets cold, we often turn to heavy comfort foods, but winter is also a great time to add more vegetables to our meals. Seasonal vegies are nutritious, affordable, and help balance hearty dishes.   

Here are some ways to boost your vegie intake this season and reach the recommended 5 serves of vegies a day. 

1. Sensational soups

Soups are a simple way to eat more vegetables. Our easy pumpkin soup recipe is a great example – just one bowl provides nearly all your daily vegie needs.   

Adding legumes, such as in our red lentil soup, not only adds to your vegie count but also provides protein, fibre and essential nutrients. They support digestive health and keep you feeling full for longer.  

You might also enjoy our chicken and vegetable noodle soup or vegie pasta soup, each offering more than 2 serves of vegies per bowl.     

Top tip: Soups freeze well, so make extra to store for quick, nutritious meals later.   

2. Seasonal stars that steal the show

Winter vegies like pumpkin, sweet potato, cauliflower, and broccoli aren’t just in season — they’re at their absolute best. They’re naturally sweeter, more affordable, and full of nutrients like fibre and vitamin C which support good health during the colder months. 

Here are some simple ways to use seasonal produce: 

• Tray bakes: roast a mix of winter vegies with some balsamic vinegar, honey and olive oil for a tasty side dish. You can also use the roasted vegies as a sandwich filling for lunch.      
• Curries: add seasonal vegies such as cauliflower or sweet potato to your favourite curry.
• Stirfries: a quick and easy way to enjoy a variety of winter veg such as broccoli, cabbage or green beans.  
• Sneaky sauces: blend cooked carrots, zucchini or pumpkin into tomato-based sauces to boost the vegie content without even noticing.   

3. Comfort food, boosted with vegies

Winter meals can be warm, hearty and still packed with nutrition. These comfort food favourites are full of flavour and loaded with vegies.

• Vegetable pasta bake * 3.5 serves of vegies * easy to make, freezer friendly and a great way to get a variety of vegies in one dish.   
• Cauliflower and broccoli ‘Mac N Cheese’  * 2 serves of vegies * a healthy twist on the classic, with hidden veg and cheesy goodness.  
• Beef casserole with cannellini beans * 3.5 serves of vegies * a traditional winter favourite, made even better with a hearty mix of vegies and beans.  

Winter is more than just comfort food – it’s your chance to fall in love with vegetables all over again! Grab your apron, fire up the oven, and let winter work its magic on your plate!