April 1^st 2021

And this is NO JOKE – Spring is here and I’m sharing my top 5 go to GREENS that will add fiber, vitamins, minerals and color to your meals!

1. Artichokes

• Packed with antioxidants, fiber, folate, Vitamins C and K, artichokes are in season, delicious and easy to make.

How to Steam an Artichoke:

• Simply wash, trim ends and steam for 30 minutes.
• Mix together some olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, pepper and garlic for a dipping sauce.

2. Shishito Peppers

• Packed with antioxidants, Vitamins C and fiber, shishito peppers are full of nutrients that are good for your immune system and gut.  
• One in ten peppers is spicy hot, so be careful!

How to Make Pan Roasted Shishitos:

• In a large skillet add 1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil and heat on high.
• Add 2-3 cups of peppers and cook about 2 minutes until they begin to blister, turn with tongs and cook 2 more minutes.  
• Transfer to plate, sprinkle with Sea Salt and lemon zest.

3. Edamame

• Packed with antioxidants, fiber, protein and Vitamin K.

How to Make Edamame Hummus:

• Defrost package of frozen edamame in microwave with ¼ cup of water and ½ teaspoon of Sea Salt for 5 minutes on high.
• To make edamame hummus, add defrosted edamame, 1 can of drained garbanzo beans, 3 Tablespoons tahini, 1 clove of garlic, ¼ cup Olive Oil, and 1 teaspoon Sea Salt to a food processor and blend until smooth.  Add a little water if needed.

4. Zucchini

• Packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, zucchini is a versatile food that can be added to brownies/cakes, smoothies, enjoyed grilled or sautéed in place of pasta.

How to Make Zoodles:

-Using a spiralizer to make zoodles, set aside.  Heat some 1 Tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté zoodles for 1-2 minutes.  Top with your favorite tomato sauce and parmesan cheese!

5. Kale

-Packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as Iron, Vitamin A, C, K and Calcium, kale is another versatile food that can be added to smoothies, enjoyed raw in salad or sautéed as a side or even roasted into chips.

How to Make Kale Chips:

-Preheat oven to 275°.  Remove ribs from the kale, break into small pieces.  Lay on baking sheet and toss with spray olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.  Bake until crisp, turning the leaves halfway through, about 20 minutes.