January brings a fresh start, making it the perfect time to embrace seasonal cooking. As winter's root vegetables continue to shine and Seville oranges add a splash of brightness to the gloomy days, this month offers plenty of culinary inspiration. Here’s a guide to the ingredients to focus on this season.
Cauliflower
No longer just a cheesy side dish, cauliflower has evolved into a versatile ingredient that takes center stage in many dishes. Whether used as rice, pizza bases, or hearty steaks, this humble vegetable can be transformed with spices and marinades to elevate its mild flavor. Roasting a whole cauliflower creates a show-stopping main dish, while blending it into a creamy soup offers a cozy lunch option.
Seville Orange
With its brief season extending only until mid-February, Seville oranges are ideal for kickstarting the year with some homemade marmalade. Their thick, tangy peel is naturally high in pectin, ensuring a perfect marmalade texture. For the best results, choose firm oranges with smooth, plump skin.
Celeriac
This knobbly winter root vegetable hides a subtle, nutty flavor reminiscent of celery. Swap out traditional potatoes for celeriac in mashed dishes, gratins, or hearty stews. Its creamy texture lends itself well to soups and purées, while thinly sliced raw celeriac adds crunch to slaws and remoulades. To ensure freshness, select celeriac that feels heavy for its size, as older ones tend to hollow out.
Guinea Fowl
Originally a game bird, guinea fowl has become a favorite for home cooking. Its small size makes it a great roasting option for two, with a flavor similar to chicken but richer and gamier. Since it contains less fat than chicken, wrapping it in bacon or Parma ham helps retain moisture during cooking.
Swede
A member of the turnip family, swede is a budget-friendly vegetable with sweet, earthy flesh and purple-green skin. Incorporate swede into warming stews, creamy mash, or indulgent gratins. In Scotland, swede—known as “neeps”—is traditionally paired with haggis and potatoes (“tatties”) during Burns Night celebrations later this month.