Five Plant-Focused Holiday Recipes

The holiday season is upon us! Though the growing season has come to a close in most northern climates, local farmers markets may still offer an abundance of tasty options. Winter is the time for hardy root vegetables and winter squashes.

Warming soups, leafy-green salads, and starchy potatoes are the heroes of the season. In addition to whole plants, winter is a great time to experiment with specialty mushrooms. 

What’s available near you? Check out the USDA’s local food portal! Once you pick up some in-season vegetables and mushrooms, check out these plant-focused recipes for flavorful and nutritious holiday meals!

Easy Orange Cranberry Sauce

Only three ingredients! We’re firm believers that fresh is best. If you only know cranberry sauce as a jelly-like, supersweet substance, you must give this fresh version a try! It’s a game changer.

Butternut Squash Soup

This all-veggie butternut squash soup is basically autumn in a bowl. Ginger, sage, and rosemary shine in this creamy, nourishing delight. With only 10 ingredients, it’s so easy to make!

Maple Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Pecans

This colorful dish is full of holiday flavors. It’s not only hearty—it’s also gorgeous on the plate! Sweet and savory tastes come together to please in this simple yet memorable salad.

Transfarmation Green Bean Casserole

This recipe combines fresh ingredients with delectable specialty mushrooms—we use shiitakes! You’ll want to return to it year after year!

Transfarmation Borscht

Root vegetables really get a chance to shine in this unforgettable soup that combines potatoes, beets, carrots, and other vegetables.