Winter, and specifically the beginning of the year, is the most common time for all of us to test our resolve to form healthier habits. While it’s not the liveliest time at the farmers’ market, the quiet after the swirl of the holiday season is a good opportunity to retreat to home-cooked meals. We can hunker down with root vegetables and steamy stews and hearty grains. All that comforting food is best when set off with the bright intensity of herbs or the citrus fruits that are at their prime. Ever-available parsley is another key to freshening up your food during this time. Simple as it is, it gives rich winter meals the contrast they need.

WINTER’S KEY INGREDIENTS

VEGETABLES

Beets

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Celery root

Kale

Leeks

Parsley

Parsnips

FRUIT

Grapefruit

Lemons

Oranges

Pomegranates

OTHER

Barley

Dried beans

Steel-cut oats

Walnuts