As winter fades away and spring begins to bloom, March brings a delightful array of fresh produce to the tables across the UK. From hearty root vegetables to vibrant greens and fruits the seasonal offerings inspire a variety of flavorful dishes. Let’s explore what’s in season this March and whip up a few delicious recipes to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Leeks, March heralds the peak season for leeks, offering a mild onion flavor and versatile culinary uses. Try incorporating them into a comforting leek and potato soup. Simply sauté chopped leeks with potatoes, garlic, and vegetable broth until tender, then blend until smooth. Finish with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of fresh chives for a satisfying bowl of warmth.
Purple Sprouting Broccoli, This vibrant cruciferous vegetable brightens up March with its earthy flavor and tender stems. Roast purple sprouting broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple yet delicious side dish. Alternatively, toss it into a pasta primavera for a burst of color and nutrients.
Rhubarb, Rhubarb makes its debut in March, offering tartness and vibrancy to both sweet and savory dishes. Whip up a batch of rhubarb compote by stewing rhubarb with sugar and a splash of water until soft. Serve it over yogurt for a delightful breakfast or spoon it onto vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert.
Spinach, Packed with iron and vitamins, spinach is a nutritional powerhouse that thrives in March. Incorporate it into a classic spinach and feta quiche for a satisfying brunch or lunch option. Sauté spinach with garlic and olive oil, then layer it onto a pre-baked pie crust with crumbled feta cheese before pouring over a mixture of eggs and cream. Bake until set and golden brown for a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Parsnips, Sweet and earthy, parsnips reach their peak in March, offering a delicious addition to soups, stews, and roasts. Roast parsnip slices with maple syrup, thyme, and a pinch of cinnamon for a tasty side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats. Alternatively, puree cooked parsnips with butter and cream for a velvety mash that’s both comforting and decadent.
Wild Garlic, Foraged wild garlic adds a pungent kick to dishes in March, lending its distinctive flavor to pestos, sauces, and soups. Create a vibrant wild garlic pesto by blending wild garlic leaves with toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth. Toss it with freshly cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful meal that celebrates the best of spring.
Beetroot, With its earthy sweetness and vibrant hue, beetroot shines in March, whether roasted, pickled, or grated raw into salads. Combine roasted beets with creamy goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic glaze for a delightful beetroot and goat cheese salad that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.
Cauliflower, Versatile and nutritious, cauliflower takes center stage in March, offering endless possibilities for creative cooking. Transform cauliflower into a flavorful cauliflower and chickpea curry by simmering cauliflower florets and chickpeas in a fragrant coconut milk-based sauce seasoned with curry spices. Serve over steamed rice for a wholesome and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Apples (Late Season Varieties), Baked Apples: Core apples and fill them with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Bake until the apples are tender and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple and satisfying dessert. Apple and Walnut Salad, Toss sliced apples with mixed greens, crumbled Stilton cheese, toasted walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey for a flavorful and elegant salad.
Pears (Late Season Varieties), Pear and Almond Tart: Arrange sliced pears on a sheet of puff pastry, then sprinkle with almond frangipane and bake until golden and caramelized. Serve slices of the tart warm or at room temperature for a delightful dessert. Poached Pears, Simmer whole pears in a mixture of water, sugar, lemon zest, and spices like cinnamon and star anise until tender. Serve the poached pears with a drizzle of honey and a dollop of crème fraîche for an elegant and easy dessert.
As March unfolds, embrace the bounty of seasonal produce available in the UK and let their fresh flavors inspire your culinary creations. Whether you’re whipping up a comforting soup, a vibrant salad, or a hearty roast, incorporating seasonal ingredients into your cooking celebrates the arrival of spring in the most delicious way possible.
Please don't forget that Local is Lekker!
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