Spring is officially here in the Carolinas, as is our weekly community-supported agriculture (CSA) program! Not sure how to use the CSA vegetables you received? Below are a few suggestions for how to use the seasonal veggies you might not usually buy at the grocery store.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a fantastic green that does not get much attention, thanks to more popular ones like kale and spinach overshadowing it. Swiss chard is two veggies in one - the beautiful leafy greens and the stalks can be sauteed and added to any dish. I love a veggie that works overtime. So how do I use it?
Frittata
I favor versatile dishes in which I can put any veggies on hand. And a frittata delivers! You only need eggs (or egg substitute) and a cheese, typically Swiss, feta, or goat. You can follow a recipe or go rogue with what you already have in the fridge.
I made a Swiss chard frittata this week, and loved it! Using the whole leaf and stem added even more nutrition to this already mostly unprocessed meal. I use eggs from the farm, onions, fresh butter, feta cheese (not unprocessed), and of course, farm-fresh chard. Here's the recipe I used for this tasty and minimally-processed dish.
Sauteed Chard with Onions
This side dish looks and tastes like cooked spinach, so if you like that, you're in luck! It's super simple (right up my alley). All you need is chard, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth. Check out this recipe. I sub the vinegar for homemade veggie broth and skip the walnuts; however, I'll consider adding the walnuts to add a bit of meatiness and even more nutrition.
Radishes
Real talk: radishes confound me. They're spicy and small, and I only know them in side salads. This season, however, I will embrace the radish because people seem to like them. How will I use these vegetables?? Here are three radish recipes I found online that are easy to make.
Turnips
Turnips are often considered a potato alternative. While they contain the same levels of vitamins and fiber, they have lower carbohydrates than potatoes. They also have lower fermentable carbs, so if you live with irritable bowel syndrome or have other digestive issues, try turnips! Here's how I use these cruciferous veggies:
(Pictured left)
Consider making your vegetable broth to amp up the unprocessed factor. Click here for the how-to!
Comfort food, yes, please. This recipe adds sage, and it's delish. Up the unprocessed factor by using farm-fresh shallots, sage, and local butter.
My motto is: when in doubt, roast it. Cut up the turnips and toss with olive oil and salt. You can even add other veggies like carrots and parsnips. Super easy and fresh!
Receiving new veggies from our CSA is one of the great joys of the program. You can experiment with new recipes and flex your cooking muscles. How fun!
Has a CSA delivery caused you to try a new vegetable or recipe? How did it turn out? Share in the comments below!