Imagine slicing into a juicy, red tomato on a steamy July evening. Summer squash sizzles on the grill, and watermelon chills on ice. Summer is peak season for these fruits and vegetables — their flavors are never better.
Do you follow the seasons when you eat? What I mean is … do you enjoy fresh produce in its prime, or do you want what you want when you want it, perhaps sacrificing premium flavor and overall quality?
It’s January. I can buy tomatoes now, but they don’t have a rich, red color or the garden-fresh flavor of deep summer. I can purchase fresh green beans, but they’re best flavor occurs in warmer weather — when they’re in season. Vegetables are best when grown and harvested during certain times of year.
For peak flavor, eat what’s in season. It sounds challenging, I know. Much of the country has dipped into single digits or minus degree temperatures. Snow is blowing into southern states. And I’m telling you to eat fresh veggies? Yes. You might be surprised at the goodness winter has to offer! Pair one or several of these winter and year-round vegetables with your favorite Certified Angus Beef ® brand dishes:
One of my favorite winter comfort foods is pot roast. You can roast it in the oven, braise it on the stove, or fix it and forget it all day in a slow cooker. Essentially, you put a juicy hunk of beef in a pot, toss in some stock and chunky vegetables, then simmer until everything is tender, juicy and absolutely delicious. Here’s a favorite recipe that includes tasty winter veggies like potatoes, parsnips, carrots, onion, celery, squash, and mushrooms. Enjoy!
- 1 (3-pound) Certified Angus Beef ® English roast or Chuck Arm Roast
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 3 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1/2 butternut squash (1-1 1/2 pounds), seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 ounces crimini mushrooms (baby portabellas)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 5 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 bottle red wine
- 1 can (11-ounce) condensed cream of chicken and mushroom soup
- 16 ounces beef broth
- 1 apple, quartered and cored
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 250° F.
- Season roast generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large roasting pan over high heat. Brown roast on all sides, remove from pan and place on a clean plate.
- Add potatoes, parsnips, carrots, onion, celery, squash, mushrooms, sage, oregano, bay leaves and pepper; cook over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add honey and wine; reduce liquid by half. Return roast to pan, add soup, beef broth and apple. Bring to a low simmer.
- Place in oven and cook for 4 hours, until fork tender. Remove roast and strained vegetables from pan. Cook remaining liquid on stove top over high heat, stirring occasionally to thicken to a sauce consistency.
- Serve sauce over roast and vegetables.
Q. Braised pot roast w root veges. Step 3. Reduce liquid by half? Do you mean to cook it down to boil off half the liquid? Recipe sounds wonderful. Also any input on Emerile electric pressure cooker that is supposed to also sear? Thanks.
Hi Bev, that’s correct. Cook it until the liquid is reduced (and alcohol evaporated). Enjoy! Sorry, no experience with the pressure cooker.