As I mentioned in a previous post about CSA’s, I recently joined a local CSA and have been happily receiving large boxes of veggies. I’ve made a commitment to using all of the items that I receive in my box, so I don’t waste any food. Sometimes that means getting a little creative, especially if it’s the first time I’ve ever seen the vegetable!
Contents of our last box:
- Red Leaf Lettuce (lots!)
- Swiss Chard
- Kale
- Basil
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Beets
- Carrots
- Baby Broccoli
- Sugar Snap Peas
- Mixed Bean Sprouts (used these as a topping for salads)
Surprisingly, the contents of the box goes way faster than I would have expected! I guess I eat more veggies when they’re around and I don’t want them to go to waste 🙂
So how did I make use of all of this for just the two of us?
- Salads! Lots and lots of large salads with mixed kale and lettuce with tons of toppings:
- Grilled Chicken Thighs with sautéed summer squash (from the previous week’s box) topped with a basil pesto. I saved the left over pesto and used it for various other dishes & on eggs throughout the week.
- Sautéed Baby Broccoli & Kale using a bit of fat and seasonings (for side dishes). I’d also often top the kale with leftover pesto.
- Creamy Coconut and Lemon Chard – I don’t have a picture of my personal creation, but this recipe is so incredibly simple and delicious. Since we received chard two weeks in a row, I made this dish a second time and added in grilled halibut to make a full meal out of it. SO good!
- Simple Steamed Baby Broccoli with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of sea salt for side dishes with a simple protein (i.e. grilled chicken or fish).
- Marinated Roasted Beets from Nom Nom Paleo…LOVE these. My husband isn’t usually a big fan of beets, but he said they were awesome. He even asked for a second helping the next day for his lunch at work!
- Braised Beef Short Ribs from Civilized Caveman Cooking…I added in turnips to the recipe and it turned out great! (this also yielded leftovers for a few other meals)
Finally, we used the sugar snap peas (and carrots) throughout the week as snacks for around the house and to take to work.
Hopefully, this gives you a glance at how we eat at home on a regular basis as well as some ideas for new recipes to try!
What are some of your favorite recipes made with any of these ingredients? Share with us below!