Check out these amazing health boosting recipes coordinated with the ingredients in this week's Organic Fruit & Vegetable basket.
To sign up for a Weekly or Bi-weekly Organic Basket click here https://www.gdorganics.com/book-online
This Week's Ingredients
Green Kale
Green Beans
Red Beets
Rainbow Carrots
Celery
Cilantro
Leeks (In the large and Jumbo baskets)
White Mushrooms (In the Jumbo baskets)
Bartlett Pears
Fuji Apples
Bananas
Menu #1
Chicken and Green Bean Stir-Fry with Basil-Sour Cream Sauce
YIELD Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil
1 tablespoon honey
12 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast (about 1 large or 2 small breasts), cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
Salt and pepper
Sunflower or other high heat oil
12 ounces green beans, ends trimmed
1/2 bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
2 cups cooked white or brown rice, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine the sour cream, basil, and honey in a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place a wok or large skillet over high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook until it just begins to brown, about 3 minutes, stirring a couple times to evenly cook. Add the green beans and bell pepper and cook another 3 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Serve over rice and drizzled with the basil sour cream.
Orange-Roasted Rainbow Carrots
1pound orange carrots, unpeeled
1 pound rainbow carrots, unpeeled
Good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon fleur de sol
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Remove the tops and scrub the orange and rainbow carrots with a vegetable brush. Cut the carrots in long diagonal slices. (You want fairly uniform sticks about 4 inches long by ½ inch wide.)
Place the carrots on a sheet pan, drizzle with 3 tablespoons olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Toss well with your hands and spread out in one layer.
Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until the carrots are lightly browned and tender. Sprinkle with the orange zest, orange juice, and fleur de sel and toss well. Serve hot or at room temperature.
https://barefootcontessa.com/recipes/orange-roasted-rainbow-carrots
Beet Recipes: Simple Roasted Beets
rate this recipe:
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Serves 4
These roasted beets are one of our favorite beet recipes!
Ingredients
6 to 8 small or medium red or yellow beets
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1 large navel orange
Sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for drizzling
Juice of ½ lemon, or to taste
Handful of watercress leaves, or arugula or microgreens
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Flaky sea salt, optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Place each beet on a piece of foil and drizzle generously with olive oil and pinches of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Wrap the beets in the foil and roast on a baking sheet for 35 to 60 minutes, or until soft and fork-tender. The time will depend on the size and freshness of the beets. Remove the beets from the oven, remove the foil, and set aside to cool. When they are cool to the touch, peel the skins. I like to hold them under running water and slide the skins off with my hands.
Use a citrus peeler to peel long strips around the orange, avoiding the white pith. Grated zest would work here also. Slice ¾ of the orange into segments and reserve the remaining ¼ wedge for squeezing.
Slice the beets into 1” wedges or chunks and place them in a bowl. If you’re using red and yellow beets, place each color into separate bowls so the red beets don’t stain the yellow beets.
Drizzle with olive oil and sherry vinegar, then add the lemon juice, orange juice squeezed from the remaining wedge, and a few pinches of salt and pepper and toss. Chill until ready to serve.
Taste before serving and season with more salt (flaky sea salt, if using) and pepper or more vinegar (for more tang), orange, or lemon juice, as desired.
Serve on a platter with the orange segments, watercress, and citrus curls.
https://www.loveandlemons.com/beet-recipes/#wprm-recipe-container-52380
PEAR, CHEESE, AND WINE PAIRING
The Pair
The Bartlett has a quintessential pear flavor (sweet, buttery, musky and a little herbaceous) and fragrance. This succulent pear is delicious cooked or fresh and makes a wonderful addition to salads. Try Bartlett pears with mascarpone cheese and Brut Champagne. Gouda cheese and Merlot make a terrific alternative match.
The Cheese
Mascarpone is a fresh, spreadable triple-crème cheese from Italy made from the cream of cow’s milk. One of the richest of cheeses, mascarpone has a smooth, buttery texture that compliments the juicy Bartlett. Mascarpone’s rich, yet subtle and delicate flavor work well with the aromatic Bartlett.
Gouda is the Netherlands’ most famous exported cheese. It is made from whole or part-skim cow’s milk and is aged anywhere from four months to two years or more. Gouda has a mild, nutty flavor when young; it sharpens with age and takes on hints of honey, caramel, spice and butterscotch. Aged Gouda also has a firm texture and lovely amber color, and it plays nicely off the Bartlett’s sweetness.
The Wine
True Brut Champagne comes only from the Champagne region of northeast France and is usually a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. That said, many Washington and Oregon vintners use the traditional French method and grapes to produce outstanding sparkling wines. “Brut” simply means the wine is dry (or less sweet), and its toasty, nutty flavor enhances both the sweet Bartlett pear and the rich mascarpone cheese.
Merlot is made from a red-wine grape by the same name that originated in France’s Bordeaux region and is now also a star performer in Washington. It has a soft, mellow, fruity flavor that complements the Gouda-Bartlett duo.
Bartlett Pairing Suggestions
Caerphilly and Dry Riesling (appetizer)
Crater Lake Blue and Riesling (appetizer)
Explorateur and Champagne (dessert)
Feta and Sparkling Wine
Fromager d’Affinois and Riesling (appetizer)
Gouda and Merlot (cheese board)
Mascarpone and Brut Champagne (dessert)
Saint Andre and Brut Champagne (dessert)
Toma and Barolo (cheese board)
https://usapears.org/pear-cheese-wine-pairing/
Menu 2
CREAMY LEEK & MUSHROOM PASTA
PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES
COOK TIME: 20 MINUTES
TOTAL TIME: 30 MINUTES
SERVINGS: 4 SERVINGS
One pot, light and creamy, leek and mushroom pasta with fresh herbs, ricotta, and parmesan that's ready in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
INGREDIENTS
12 oz pasta preferably long (I use bucatini)
LEEK AND MUSHROOM SAUCE
2 tablespoons olive oil. (substitute butter for a richer pasta)
1 shallot diced
2 leeks cleaned and diced (check post for details)
5 oz mushrooms chopped
2 cloves garlic minced, or substitute 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
3/4 cup ricotta cheese (substitute heavy cream for a creamier pasta)
3 cups water (substitute broth for a richer pasta); check recipe notes for wine addition
SEASONING
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
1 teaspoon pepper adjust to taste
1/4 cup parmesan divided, 2 teaspoons for garnish
1-2 teaspoon fresh parsley chopped finely
INSTRUCTIONS
CLEAN AND PREP LEEKS
Wash the leeks thoroughly. Slice the root ends, hairs, and very leafy portion. You will be left with half the length of the leek you started with.
Slice the leek vertically down the middle to make two half-cylinders. Repeat to get four semi-cylinders. Chop each piece and dump in a bowl of water immediately.
Once you’re done chopping all the leeks, rinse the chopped leeks in your bowl of water, turning them over with your hands. Let them sit in the water for a few minutes and you’ll get rid of most of the dirt.
Note: Check the post for step-by-step visual instructions!
MAKE PASTA AND SAUCE
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot on medium flame. Add shallots when the oil is hot and sauté for a minute, until fragrant.
Add chopped mushrooms and leeks and cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes or so, until the water evaporates (and you can continue cooking up to 8 minutes, for the mushrooms to brown). Stir in the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Note: Here, you can either choose to set the vegetables aside in case you want crispier mushrooms and leeks, or you can just make the whole recipe in one pot (in which case your veggies will be softer - this is totally a preference thing!)
Add water, oregano, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. For a richer pasta, you can substitute ½ cup of water with white wine. If you use wine, add that first, and cook for 2 minutes before adding the rest of the broth.
Add pasta, and cook for about 8 minutes. Stir the pasta every 30 seconds at the beginning to ensure it's submerged in the liquid. checking frequently to make sure it stays al dente (refer to package instructions to ensure pasta cooks to your desire).
Note: Alternatively, you can also cook the pasta and the vegetables separately and mix them together later, depending on your preferred consistency of vegetables.
Once the pasta is ready, turn off the heat, add ricotta and mix well together. Then add parmesan and give that a good stir. Finally, garnish with a bit more freshly grated parmesan and fresh parsley and serve hot!
NOTES
I prefer using a cast iron braiser or a Dutch oven to cook this dish to avoid sticking at the bottom. If you use a traditional pot, just make sure to scrape the bottom for the first couple of minutes to avoid stuff getting stuck!
Ideally, you want 3 cups of liquid for ~12 oz of pasta. This liquid can be any combination of water, broth or white wine. If you use white wine, make sure to add that first and cook off the alcohol before adding broth.
This is a super versatile dish - you can add peas, broccoli, asparagus, scallions and any other green vegetables of your choice. Or scallions.
I use ricotta to keep the dish creamy but light - for a more decadent pasta, you can substitute olive oil with butter and ricotta with heavy cream!
NUTRITION
Calories: 239kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 1333mg | Potassium: 650mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1504IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 233mg | Iron: 3mg
https://urbanfarmie.com/leek-and-mushroom-pasta/
Simple Lacinato Kale Salad with Walnuts, Bacon, and Lemon Dressing
A simple lacinato kale salad that is packed full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. A powerful super brunch.
Special Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 583kcal
Ingredients
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lemons - juiced
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 bunch lacinato kale (also called cavolo nero, black kale, tuscan kale) (about 4 cups) - with the thick stems removed, washed and roughly chopped
7 ounces smoked lardons (200 grams)
1 cup walnuts (120 grams) - roughly chopped
1/2 cup grated parmesan (60 grams)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (40 grams)
Instructions
In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the kale leaves, and using your fingers, rub the dressing into the kale leaves. Make sure to work each of the leaves. Cover and set aside for at least 30 minutes to allow the olive oil and lemon juice to soften the kale.
When you are ready to serve the salad, heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a small frying pan on medium heat. Add in the lardons and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the fat has rendered and the lardons are starting to brown. Remove the cooked lardons, leaving the grease in the pan. Add in the walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until the walnuts are lightly toasted, about 3-5 minutes.
Pour the hot bacon and walnut mixture, over the softened kale leaves and toss. Toss in the cranberries and parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
https://www.theworktop.com/breakfast-brunch-recipes/lacinato-kale-salad/
Simple Celery Soup
Author: Sylvia Fountaine
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 7 cups
Category: Soup, vegan, Gluten free
Method: Stove top
Description
A healing bowl of Celery Soup- comforting, affordable and flavorful, that can be made in 35 minutes. Healthy, delicious and vegan adaptable!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, or butter
1 onion, diced
4 fat garlic cloves, rough chopped
6 cups celery, sliced thin (about 1 ¼–1 ½ pounds) 1 extra-large head, save some leaves for garnish
2 cups potatoes, sliced into ½ inch thick rounds ( about ¾ lb – 1 extra-large russet peeled, or use a few yukons, unpeeled.
4 cups veggie or chicken broth ( or 4 cups water + 1 tablespoon “Better than Bouillon” Vegetable Base)
1 cup water
1 bay leaf (optional, remove before blending)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, start conservatively, add more to taste or leave it out entirely.
Add:
¼ cup fresh dill (small stems ok)
½ cup fresh parsley (small stems ok)
Stir in: ½ cup (or more) of sour cream, plain yogurt, vegan sour cream, heavy cream or cashew cream. (see notes)
Instructions
Heat the oil in a big pot over medium high heat, and add the onion, stirring occasionally, letting the onions get golden, about 5 minutes.
While the onions are cooking, rough chop the garlic, celery and potatoes. When the onions are golden add the garlic and stir 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the celery, potatoes, broth, water, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cayenne. The liquid should just cover the veggies. Cover, bring to a rolling boil, turn heat down and simmer gently until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
Turn heat off, remove bay leaf and add the fresh herbs and just wilt them (don’t cook herbs or you lose the vibrant color!)
Using an immersion blender blend until very silky smooth – OR if using a regular blender, let cool before blending in smaller batches. ( If blending warm soup, fill blender no more than halfway full, cover tightly with a lid and kitchen towel, holding it down firmly, when you start the motor (on the lowest setting, working up gradually) to prevent a blender “explosion”).
Blend well, a full minute, until herbs are fully blended, creating a vibrant colored soup. For extra “green” color, add a handful of raw spinach if you like, or more fresh parsley. Place it back in the same pot over low heat. Stir in your choice of sour cream, or any of the other options.
***Gently heat, careful to not over simmer, or you may lose the lovely vibrant color.
To make the crispy celery leaves, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Wait until the oil is hot. Fry a “tester” celery leaf for 10-20 seconds on each side. Set on a paper towel. If it is crisp, continue on. Adding a few at a time, not overly crowding. If not crisp, fry them a little longer. You want about 3-5 leaves per serving bowl. In the same oil, you could fry the nigella seeds until you just begin to hear popping. Turn heat off. Arrange the crispy celery leaves in a crescent shape. Spoon a little of the nigella seeds along with a little oil in the same shape. Sprinkle with hemp seeds if you like.
Enjoy!
https://www.feastingathome.com/celery-soup
French Apple Cake
With chunks of sweet apples nestled in a tender and buttery rum cake, this French apple cake is the essence of simplicity.
Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour
INGREDIENTS
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling over cake
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons dark rum
2 baking apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (I like Honeycrisp, Fuji or Granny Smith) (3-1/2 - 4 cups chopped)
Confectioners' sugar (optional), for decorating
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Grease a 9-inch springform or regular cake pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray. If using a regular cake pan, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and grease again.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Using a handheld mixer with beaters or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and rum. Don't worry if the batter looks grainy at this point; that's okay. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the chopped apples.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and even the top. Sprinkle evenly with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a rack in the pan. Once cool, run a blunt knife around the edges of the cake. If using a springform pan, remove the sides. If using a regular cake pan, carefully invert the cake onto the rack, remove the parchment paper, then gently flip the cake over and place right-side-up on a platter. Using a fine sieve, dust with confectioners' sugar (if using). Cake can be served warm or room temperature, plain or with lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Freezer Friendly Instructions: The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or freezer wrap. Thaw overnight on the countertop before serving
Menu 3
LEMONY KALE AND WHITE BEAN SOUP
Cozy up with a warm bowl of this well-balanced, nutrient dense soup. It cooks in one pot and will be ready in under 30 minutes!
Author: Julie | The Simple Veganista
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4 - 6 1x
Category: Soup, Entree
Cuisine: Vegan
ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil or 1/2 cup water for water saute
2 medium leeks (about 3 – 4 cups), thinly sliced (white & pale green parts only)
2 large carrots (about 1 cup), diced
2 celery stalks (about 1 cup), diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano, rosemary or thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped
pinch of red pepper flakes
6 – 7 cups low-sodium vegetable broth or combo of water & broth
2 cans (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed or 3 cups cooked
1 bunch kale (lacinato or curly), middle stem removed and julienned
2 – 3 lemons, juice of
mineral salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste
chopped parsley, to serve
instructions
Saute: In a large pot or dutch oven, heat oil or water over medium heat, add leeks, carrots and celery and saute about 5 – 7 minutes (leeks should be softened and wilted). Add garlic and herbs & red pepper flakes, saute 1 minute more or until fragrant.
Boil & Simmer: Add liquids and beans, bring to a slight boil, add kale, turn down heat to low and cook until kale softens and wilts, about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and salt & pepper to taste. Add extra water/broth as needed.
Serve with a sprinkle of parsley and squeeze of lemon. A light dusting of Almond Parmesan would be a nice touch too. Pair with your favorite crusty bread or naan bread to soak up the juices.
Serves 4 – 6
NOTES:
Add in 1/2 cup of rice before bringing to a boil, cook soup at least 10 minutes on medium before adding the kale. Add an extra cup of water if needed.
Use 1 onion in place of the leeks if needed. Dice onion and cook the same as the leeks in this recipe.
Use baby kale in the tub (5 oz.) if you prefer.
Nutrition information is calculated using 1 Tbsp oil and 3 cups veggie broth.
https://simple-veganista.com/lemony-kale-leek-white-bean-soup
Cilantro Lime Rice
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Serves 4
I love serving this cilantro lime rice recipe as a fresh, bright side dish with Asian or Mexican food. Plus, it's a great base for homemade burrito bowls!
Ingredients
1 cup long-grain jasmine rice, rinsed well and drained
1½ cups water
3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon lime zest
¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt
1½ tablespoons lime juice
½ cup finely chopped cilantro
pinch of red pepper flakes or ¼ diced jalapeño, optional
Instructions
Combine the rice, water, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes (or check the time listed on the package of your rice).
Uncover, fluff with a fork, then add the garlic, scallions, and lime zest and stir to combine. Let cool for 1 minute then add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, lime juice, cilantro, and red pepper flakes or jalapeño, if using. Stir to combine and season to taste.
https://www.loveandlemons.com/cilantro-lime-rice
Green Bean Casserole
30-minute green bean casserole from scratch! Creamy, flavorful, delicious, and entirely vegan. Perfect for the holidays and beyond.
Author Minimalist Baker
PREP TIME 10 minutes
COOK TIME 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME 30 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine Vegan
Ingredients
1 pound green beans (rinsed, trimmed and cut in half)
Sea salt and black pepper
2 Tbsp vegan butter or olive oil
1 medium shallot (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms (button, baby bella, or cremini)
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 cup vegetable broth (DIY or store-bought)
1 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions (divided )
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt well - it will help season the green beans. Add green beans and cook for 5 minutes, then drain and place in an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
In the meantime, start preparing sauce. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add vegan butter or olive oil and shallots and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then add mushrooms and season with a bit more salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes more or until lightly browned.
Sprinkle in flour and whisk to stir and coat the veggies. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly add in veggie stock, whisking to incorporate.
Add almond milk next and whisk to stir again. Season with a touch more salt and pepper and bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low to thicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes more, or until thick and bubbly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Remove from heat and add 1/3 of the fried onions (1/2 cup as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size) and all of the cooked green beans. Toss to coat well, and top with remaining fried onions.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly and slightly browned on top. Serve immediately (handle pan carefully).