Living Seasonally

As we begin to transition from winter to spring, I’ve been reflecting on seasonal cooking. To me, there’s a unique beauty in using what the earth offers at any given moment. It hasn’t been forced to grow, nor does it carry a bitter taste—it's simply sprung up when the time is right, holding its richest flavors.

I’m a bit of a cookbook nerd and love to read every inch of them whenever I can. With Christmas and my birthday recently passed, I’ve been blessed with an array of new reading material. My most recent gift was The Farm Table by Julius Roberts, a chef in England who transitioned from working in a Michelin-starred city restaurant to cooking on his farm in a greenhouse. I’ve followed him for a few years (@juliusroberts), and his deep love for the land, dedication to highlighting produce, and advocacy for seasonal cooking bring me so much warmth. His videos convey this passion, and his book makes you long for the simple farm life—raising ducks, milling flour, and having a dreamy orchard to read in. Well, at least that’s my version of it.

But in a world where everything seems to be moving faster than ever, I’ve noticed a common longing for a quieter life—one that involves hard work and great reward. Though we can’t drop everything and live this way right now, striving to listen to the world around us and the land beneath our feet is a wonderful step toward intentional living.

This is the first recipe I’ve cooked from his book (though there will be many more behind the scenes), and I wanted to try one of his winter recipes before it was too late. The reason for my eagerness is that Julius has a way of making you crave the shift from a chill that makes your hairs stand on end to a dish that gently steams through your body, warming you from the inside out. It’s as if the dish is reweaving your body after a cold commute or a long day—soothing and healing.

My FIRST YouTube video cooks you through this recipe! Find it here: https://youtu.be/PbMyvThJO9M?si=nYXDoEpWqMw4-6VM

I made his Hearty Sausage Stew this past week, and it couldn't have worked out better! It was right after a snowstorm the day before, and on this day, there was such a spring-like breeze in the air that it seemed as though every bird was chirping! What a perfect day to make the seasonal transition out of winter. Some of my favorite days are when it’s warm or sunny after a long, cold spell, and everyone is walking with friends, or kids are playing on their lawns—the world feels like it’s come out of hibernation. That’s what this soup felt like: a step toward a fresher, warmer season.

It’s packed with heart-healthy vitamins and minerals, which are beneficial for the seasonal allergies that come with spring! This recipe is based on Julius’ version from his book, with some minor adjustments. For the complete The Farm Table version, check out his cookbook! Here’s how it goes:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage

• 3 cloves garlic

• 2 celery stalks

• 2 yellow onions

• Olive oil

• Red pepper flakes

• Rosemary

• Bay leaves

• 1 stick of cinnamon

• A small glass of white wine

• 2 whole canned tomatoes

• 1 can of cannellini beans

• 1 can of butter beans

• Chicken stock (I used 2 cups, but you can add more if you want more of a soup, rather than a stew)

• 9 oz kale

  
  

Directions:

1. In a heavy pot, coat the bottom with olive oil and add the ground Italian sausage on low heat. Cook just until it begins to brown and release its fat.

2. Chop the garlic, celery, and onions. Add them to the pot with the sausage.

3. Add your desired amount of red pepper flakes, rosemary, bay leaves, and the cinnamon stick. Set the temperature low so that everything can simmer for a minute.

4. Add the white wine and tomatoes, then let everything sit and get cozy for 10-12 minutes.

5. Lastly, add the beans, chicken stock, and chopped kale. Let it sit again for about 20-30 minutes.

6. After this, taste and add a pinch of salt, pepper, and any additional rosemary or pepper flakes that are calling to you.

7. Serve and ENJOY!

   
   

I hope this recipe brings you as much comfort and warmth as it did for me. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the beauty of seasonal eating. Whether you're in the midst of winter or on the brink of spring, there’s something special about cooking with ingredients that feel grounded in the time of year. So, gather your ingredients, find a cozy spot, and enjoy the nourishment of a dish that brings both heart and healing.

Happy cooking!