The November harvest may not be bursting with the plump, juicy peaches or crisp, red tomatoes we’re craving, but that doesn’t mean the winter months don’t bring their own special flavors to the table. We’ve rounded up five cold-weather veggies Broccoli Rabe This winter veggie different from the little florets you’re used to dunking in Ranch dressing at snack time. Broccoli rabe has thinner stalks and softer, more delicate tops than traditional broccoli. It also packs more of a punchy, bitter flavor. To tone down of some of this broccolini’s bite, try cooking it in a splash of white vinegar. Try it: Broccoli Rabe with Garlic (20 minutes, less than 150 calories per serving) Parsnips Similar to a carrot, parsnips have the same addictive crunch with a sweeter, nuttier flavor. Some people even say parsnips taste like buttery potatoes. Parsnips are best known for their versatility. Try them roasted, fried, pureed, boiled or steamed–you can’t go wrong. Try it: Pureed Roasted Parsnips (30 minutes, less than 150 calories per serving) Sweet Potatoes Time to think of sweet potatoes as more than just a Thanksgiving casserole ingredient. These spuds pack a powerful nutritional punch. Just one potato serving gives you a hearty dose of calcium and magnesium with more than 300 percent of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin A. (How’s that for boosting your immune system?) Try it: “Sweet” Potato Wedges (45 minutes, 160 calories per serving) Turnips If you’re like most people, just the word turnip brings back memories of sitting at the dinner table facing a plate of cold, slimy goo. The good news is it doesn’t take much to bring out the bold flavor of these crunchy winter veggies. A few spices and a dab of olive oil is all you need for a Vitamin C-rich side. Try it: Roasted Turnips with Parmesan (35 minutes, less than 150 calories per serving) Leeks Often overlooked, these onion-like veggies are perfect for spicing up a bland meal or adding some zing to a cozy bowl of soup. Bonus: One serving of leeks is full of cancer-fighting antioxidants. They’re also chock full of fiber, which helps you stay fuller longer. Try it: Potato-Leek Soup (30 minutes, 158 calories per serving) Photo courtesy of Joy on Flickr