Ease Yourself In To The New Year- Vegetable Forward Comfort

Embrace the idea of starting the year with simple, nourishing dishes that celebrate seasonal vegetables and create warmth.

As the sparkle of New Year’s celebrations settles and we attempt to get back to normality and daily rhythms, January brings a quiet invitation to reset. I do love the reset, but I have learned that there’s no need to plunge headfirst into stringent resolutions or diet plans. Instead, this is a moment to ease in gently, with dishes that nourish and comfort while giving veggies their well-deserved spotlight.

This week, I’m turning to vegetable-forward recipes that deliver on comfort and satisfaction. These dishes are not about sticking rigidly to the latest January fad but a celebration of the winter’s bounty, the warmth of a kitchen alive with good cooking, and the reassurance that a wholesome meal can be as indulgent as it is nutritious.

Brussels Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts & Pecorino

Now you may have had your fill of the Brussels sprout but hear me out - while they are still smack bang in season, we should absolutely still be using them. I have a salad that is worthy of the kitchen table in January- Brussel Sprout Salad with Hazelnuts & Pecorino. In my view this is a dish that could convert even the most skeptical brussels sprouts naysayer. It takes the humble sprout and transforms it into something extraordinary. Thinly shaved sprouts, bunged through a food processor in seconds, offer crunch and freshness, while toasted hazelnuts bring a buttery, nutty note. The salty tang of Pecorino ties everything together. It’s a dish that feels both vibrant and restorative, a perfect antidote to the indulgences of the festive season.

Sunshine Turmeric Winter Roots & Lentil Stew

Next up, a nourishing bowl of Sunshine Turmeric Winter Roots & Lentil Stew. When the days are still short and the evenings demand a bowl of something hearty, this stew is like wrapping yourself in a blanket of sunshine. Turmeric lends its golden hue and anti-inflammatory properties, while winter root vegetables add sweetness and substance. Lentils give the dish body and make it a meal in its own right. With each spoonful, I like to think, perhaps naively, that there’s a promise of brighter days ahead.

Silky Smooth Sweet Potato Soup with Air fryer Kale Chips & Rosemary Croutons

Lastly I leave you with a Silky Smooth Sweet Potato Soup with Airfryer Kale Chips & Rosemary Croutons. This is a soup that is so smooth and velvety it feels like pure luxury, but its simplicity is what makes it so comforting. Sweet potatoes provide the base (though you could also use a small sweet pumpkin) rich, sweet, and full of natural creaminess. The toppings, however, are what take it to the next level. Air fryer kale chips add a whisper of crispiness, and rosemary croutons are the ultimate soup payoff.

January doesn’t have to be about extremes. It’s about finding balance and creating meals that make you feel good from the inside out. These recipes are my way of stepping into the new year with joy and intention. Here’s to a month of vegetable-forward comfort and a year of delicious possibilities!

Photography Credit: Donal Skehan

Food Styling Credit: Charlotte O'Connell