It’s not just your imagination - the spring vegetable harvest outshines every other season. As the days continue to get longer and the sun shines brighter, fresh veggies and herbs burst from the earth in jaw-dropping abundance. So what does that mean for you??
Obvious answer: Get cooking! In this post, we’ll highlight the very best spring vegetable recipes and the necessary cookware needed to flawlessly execute these meals so that you can take advantage of the season’s mouth-watering veggie harvest. But first, let’s step back and cover some basics.
If you swing by your local farmer’s market in the spring, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Here’s a wide list of the in-season spring vegetables to choose from:
Again, this is just a starting point. These spring veggies and many more are available every spring, just waiting to be baked, stewed, and fried to perfection in your kitchen.
The most important thing to remember about cooking summer vegetables is to make what makes you happy. There’s no right or wrong way to shop, cook, and feed yourself, and no one should tell you otherwise. That said, here are three ideas to maximize the fun (and sheer deliciousness) of your spring veggie shopping experience:
If you’re like most of us, strolling through the grocery store can be a slightly overwhelming experience. You end up grabbing the same stuff you always buy - which may not be as wholesome or healthy as you hoped.
The solution may seem a little obvious, but it’s time-tested and works like a charm: Bring a shopping list. Before you hit the supermarket or farmers’ market, find at least one new recipe you’re excited about, and make sure all the ingredients are on your list. Pretty soon, you’ll find yourself keeping a running list as you spot intriguing new dishes in your day-to-day life.
And if there is a vegetable or item that is intriguing, buy it! Experimenting and trying new foods is a great way to become a better cook and broaden your culinary horizons.
The best fresh veggies are the ones grown locally and are perfect for trying new potential wok recipes. Locally grown vegetables - like those available at your local farmers’ market - are often fresher and tastier than veggies from a big supermarket. (That’s because they haven’t sat on a refrigerated shelf for weeks or been trucked across the country.) Buying local also gets your money directly to farmers, which is very important.
Of course, not everyone has constant access to a thriving farmers’ market. If a big grocery store is your only option, don’t worry - the vegetables, fruits, and herbs you find there will still make for hearty, delectable meals.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is like shopping at a farmers’ market, but even more accessible and more convenient. Typically, you’ll pay a seasonal or annual fee for a “share” of your local farmer’s bounty. Then, once a week, you’ll receive a fresh box of in-season spring produce, direct from the source. The benefits of this setup are:
These last two points are huge. If you’re an adventurous home chef, You’ll be exposed to unusual new veggies and have to experiment with bold new spring produce recipes and flavors to make use of them. And supporting your local farmers is extremely important. Farms rely on CSAs as part of their revenue, and without could be faced with excess crops.
Best Tools for Vegetables
Each piece of Made In’s cookware serves a purpose, and when it comes to vegetables, each pan will deliver different results. If you’re looking for charred vegetables, carbon steel cookware should be used. For lightly sautéed vegetables that are delicate, non stick cookware’s slick surface and even heating will deliver perfect results. And lastly, stainless clad cookware is perfect for sautéeing vegetables and incorporating them into other dishes. Since our Stainless Clad Cookware can get hot, stay hot, and has a stay-cool handle, it will be at the center of all your spring vegetable meals.
Ready to tear into the best spring vegetable recipes? We’ve got you covered. Here are 4 of our all-time favorites.
If you find yourself craving a spring vegetable salad, you really can’t miss this simple and delicious recipe. The fresh romaine and butter lettuce are set off by the candied pecans’ sweetness - a longstanding crowd-pleaser. Pro tip: make extra candied pecans to use in other salads or just to snack on.
If you’re craving a hearty, filling veggie dish, nothing beats roasted asparagus and potatoes topped with some fresh herbs. And if you’re a mushroom fan, you can include them as well!
This recipe is based on the classic Anginares a la Polita - a traditional Greek stew that’s savory, hearty, and utterly delicious. It’s a flexible, forgiving dish so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it.
When you’re craving something hearty and filling, you truly can’t go wrong with pasta. And though radishes aren’t the most popular or trendy of spring veggies, you’ll be blown away by the peppery yet subtle flavor they bring to this (or any other) pasta dish.
1A (Optional). Place your Made In entrée bowl in the oven at 250F. This will heat the bowl, keeping your pasta at its intended temperature while you eat it!
If you’re looking for new and innovative ways to incorporate hunger-satisfying, but essentially healthy dishes into your daily eating routine, Made In has you covered. With all of the spring inspired recipes outlined above, you will be able to take a better step towards that spring veggie-filled lifestyle that you are craving. Here at Made In, we care about you, your kitchen, and your stomach. We design stainless steel cookware that is meant to spark inspiration in home chefs and enable them to make their favorite meals.
