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Celebrate the Season: 40 Healthy Spring Produce Recipes

Michele Foley — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:05:08 PDT

We're smack dab in the middle of Spring, and with all the new colors popping up at the farmers market, I couldn't be happier. If you've been picking up Spring produce (like fava beans, English peas, artichokes, carrots, avocados, and asparagus) and are wondering what to do with your new bounty of veggies, here are 40 healthy recipes to inspire you the next time you're in the kitchen.

Taste the Rainbow: Green

Camilla Salem — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:30:12 PDT

Crisp green produce just looks like it's good for you, doesn't it? Out of all of the colors of the rainbow, I tend to prefer green veggies the most. While there are countless fresh and tasty options, I was drawn in particular to avocados, artichokes, english peas, and lettuce. Find out what we like to do with these bright green ingredients when you keep reading.

Satisfy Your Spring Cravings With Warm Artichoke and Mushroom Salad

Camilla Salem — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:13:21 PST

It's a rare occasion that I venture away from my trusty steamed artichoke recipe, but in the interest of branching out and getting more creative in the kitchen, I set about experimenting with artichokes.

The result: a warm artichoke and mushroom salad over a bed of spinach, with some Parmesan shavings, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. While prepping the artichokes takes some time, it's well worth the effort when you can enjoy the uniquely earthy artichoke flavor.

Prepare baby artichokes by removing the outer leaves until you reach the tender, pale yellow leaves, removing the choke, and peeling the outer layer of the stem off with a small knife. Be sure to soak your prepared artichokes in lemon water while you're waiting to cut them up and cook them. This ensures that they won't oxidize and turn black.

For more and this flavor-packed recipe, keep reading.

Simple Steamed Artichokes With Oil and Vinegar

Camilla Salem — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 04:20:59 PST

When you've got really good ingredients, I believe it's best to prepare them in simple and straightforward ways. When it comes to artichokes, it's best not to mess around much. The flavor of fresh artichoke is unique and earthy, and that flavor is only enhanced by steaming it, then dipping the leaves in oil and vinegar.

Once you've prepared your artichoke, which takes minutes, all you really need is a 30- to 40-minute steam, depending on the size of your artichoke.

Traditionally, people eat steamed artichokes with mayonnaise or butter, but I find that I prefer them with an acid, like red wine vinegar. It's a healthier alternative, and the flavors are more complex. Sit the artichoke in salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar, and attack the leaves until you reach the luscious heart. By this time it has soaked up all that delicious vinaigrette, and you're in for a real treat!

This dish makes a great substitute for a side salad, or enjoy it with a glass of red wine on a lazy Sunday afternoon and everything will just seem to fall into place.

For the simple technique, keep reading.

How to Prepare Artichokes For Steaming

Camilla Salem — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:40:17 PST

One of my favorite foods in the world appears completely inedible at first glance. But in a few simple steps, you can really get to the heart of the matter - and the artichoke.

Using medium to large artichokes, cut one inch off the stem. With your knife, score an "x" into the bottom of each artichoke. Alternatively, you can cut the stems off entirely, peel the outer layers away with a knife, and steam the stems separately, as they are completely edible and delicious.

Keep reading.

A Reader Recipe: Whole Wheat Orzo With Artichokes and Peas

Fit Community — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 03:07:00 PDT

Here's a great recipe that celebrates the best of the Summer! FitSugar reader Dara8182 posted her recipe for whole wheat orzo with artichokes and peas in our Healthy Recipe community group.

Orzo is a delicious and fast way to add some whole grains to your diet. This whole wheat pasta cooks in less than 10 minutes and pairs beautifully with fresh Summer veggies. Artichoke hearts and peas celebrate Summer while adding maximum flavor and minimal calories to this dish. Best of all? This vegetarian/vegan dinner takes only 15 minutes to prepare! Make this as a healthy side at your next cookout.

Find out what goes into this delicious dish after the break!

In Season: Artichokes

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 06 May 2011 03:11:10 PDT

Get excited! Spring is in full effect, and that means markets all across the US are filling up with bright green produce. I can't wait to start cooking with the season's favorites: asparagus and artichokes. Artichokes are at their peak from March until June, so now is the time to enjoy these leafy bulbs. To find out how to select and cook artichokes and to share your favorite artichoke preparations in the comments, keep reading.

Eat Your Heart Out: 10 Healthy Artichoke Recipes

Michele Foley — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 03:07:33 PDT

One food that we're especially excited about this Spring is the now-in-season artichoke. Besides tasting great, it's also good for you: one medium artichoke contains important minerals like iron and calcium, along with over 20 percent of your daily fiber needs, which may help the body burn more fat. From salads to pastas and everything in between, here's what healthy artichoke dishes we'll be cooking up this Spring.

Simple Tip: Season Artichoke Steaming Liquid

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:03:28 PDT

One of the easiest ways to cook artichokes, which are currently in season, is to steam them whole. However, instead of using water, I recommend cooking the chokes in something with a little more complexity. A mixture of chicken broth, white wine, lemons, herbs, olive oil, and garlic is my preferred method. Don't forget to season the liquid with salt and pepper before placing the artichokes inside, upside-down. These simple ingredients give the artichokes a more delicious taste and depth of flavor.

How do you cook artichokes?

Meet the Best Brunch-For-a-Crowd Dish, the Strata

Katie Sweeney — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:29:25 PST

If you've never made a strata before, you are missing out! A strata is a casserole brunch dish that consists of bread, eggs, and cheese. Think of it like a savory breakfast bread pudding. Stratas are excellent for entertaining because they can be assembled the night before the party and feed a large crowd. My favorite strata recipe, one that I've served over and over again, is this version. It's got smoked ham, artichoke hearts, and three different kinds of cheese. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the ham. This recipe is one of my go-tos, and I highly recommend you give it a try. Here's the method.