Are you ever left wandering how to use all your farmer's market bounty? Here are a few ideas to get the most out of your fresh produce and herbs.
Cooking with fresh, local produce and herbs is always a great idea. But it can be hard to use all your purchases before they start to go bad. And if you aren't one for freezing, canning, or drying - here are a few ideas to help you get the most flavor and nutrition for your money.
Extra Produce
- Any leftover vegetables can either be left raw or quickly blanched for fondue or served with hummus for a light weeknight meal.
- Make a simple ratatouille. Just heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat and saute leftover eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onions, tomatoes, or any combination of vegetables you have on hand. When all the vegetables have cooked, add a splash of fresh lemon juice, some salt and pepper, and any combination of fresh herbs. Top with Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese for a quick side dish, or toss with pasta for an easy main course.
- Make your own roasted peppers by drizzling bell peppers with olive oil and placing under a broiler until barely charred on all sides. Once cool, remove the skins and cut into strips and place in an air-tight container.
- Try replacing lasagna noodles or other types of pasta with thin slices or strips of eggplant or zucchini. They add great texture and reduce your carbohydrate intake.
- Make your own flavored yogurt by pureeing over-ripe peaches (or other fruits) with a little sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Then mix into plain yogurt or softened ice cream.
- Juice any over-ripe fruits and freeze in ice cube trays. Then use to ice and flavor sangria. Or simply allow the cubes to enhance cocktails.
Extra Herbs
- Use leftover fresh herbs while making rice. Simply place a few stems (you don't even have to worry about chopping them) into your rice and water mixture as it comes to a boil. Allow the herbs to cook along with the rice. Once all the liquid is absorbed, remove the stems and you have herb-infused rice.
- Rosemary stems complement gin based cocktails beautifully. So try garnishing your next gin and tonic with a rosemary stem and enjoy the added flavor profile.
- Use a mix of finely chopped fresh herbs to make your own herb goat cheese. Just roll the goat cheese in the herbs to coat, then lightly drizzle with olive oil. You could also mix the herbs into cream cheese for a simple spread.
- Enhance your sandwiches by mixing leftover herbs with mayonnaise and fresh lemon juice.
- Make an easy herb flatbread by brushing down a store-bought pizza crust with olive oil, top with a generous amount of freshly chopped herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Bake according to package directions and you have an elegant appetizer or snack.
Go ahead - keep on buying fresh, local produce and don't worry about not being able to use it all in time. And remember - if all else fails, there's always compost.
Copyright Rebecca Taylor May. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Rebecca Taylor May - Rebecca and her husband, Jonathan, currently own a cafe in north Louisiana called The Frothy Monkey Coffeehouse. Being a self-professed ...
