Garden-to-Table: Seasonal Recipes From the Garden

If you love gardening and cooking, then this blog post is for you!

In this article, I will be sharing some of my favorite garden-to-table recipes for each season of the year.

Eating seasonally is not only good for your health but is also a great way to support your local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.

By using fresh produce from your garden or local farmers’ market, you can create delicious and nutritious meals while also supporting your community.

Keep reading and get ready to be inspired by some delicious recipes.

Let’s dive right in!

Spring

Spring is a time of renewal in the garden, with fresh, tender vegetables bursting forth from the earth. Take advantage of the abundance of fresh produce by incorporating it into your everyday cooking.

If you have a vegetable garden, you can harvest your asparagus and peas in the spring. These two vegetables go together perfectly in a creamy risotto that is full of spring flavor. You can find plenty of recipes online, but here is one of my favorites:

Asparagus and Pea Risotto:

• Saute onion in butter until tender.
• Add Arborio rice and stir until coated.
• Add white wine and chicken broth, one time at a time.
• Stir in cooked asparagus and peas.
• Add cheese and parsley; serve.

Another great spring recipe is a radish and avocado salad. This colorful salad is a refreshing and healthy way to add more vegetables to your diet. Just slice up some fresh radishes, avocado, and cucumber and toss with a tangy vinaigrette.

Radish and Avocado Salad:

• Slice radishes and cucumbers.
• Cube avocados.
• Mix together with a vinaigrette.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

Eating seasonally means that you will be enjoying fresh, delicious produce when it is in season. By taking advantage of spring’s bounty, you can create healthy and flavorful meals that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Summer: Seasonal Produce and Recipes

Summer is a time for sunshine and fresh produce from the garden. Eating fresh and in season is especially delicious during the summer months, as many fruits and vegetables are at their peak.

Seasonal Produce

During the summer, fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apricots, cherries, peaches, and melons are in abundance. Vegetables such as zucchini, corn, bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes are plentiful too.

Recipe 1: Grilled Zucchini and Corn Salad

For a light and refreshing summer salad, try grilling some zucchini and corn on the barbecue and toss them in a simple dressing made with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle some chopped herbs such as mint or chives for some added flavour.

Recipe 2: Watermelon and Feta Salad

Watermelon is one of the quintessential summer fruits, and pairs perfectly with salty feta cheese. To make this salad, cube some fresh watermelon and mix in some crumbled feta cheese with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of chopped mint.

Eating seasonally in the summer means taking advantage of the abundance of fresh produce available. These two recipes are great ways to enjoy summer vegetables and fruits in a delicious and healthy way.

Fall

Fall is my favourite season in terms of cooking. The season brings a rich harvest of earthy root vegetables, sweet apples, and delicious squash. The cooler weather also makes it the perfect time to enjoy savoury soups and warm salads. Here are two of my favourite recipes that make great use of fall produce:

Butternut Squash Soup This hearty soup is perfect for chilly autumn days. To make it, you’ll need peeled and chopped butternut squash, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and a few spices. Sauté the onions and garlic in a little bit of oil until soft, then add the squash, spices, and broth. Simmer for around 25 minutes, or until the squash is soft. Blend the soup with an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, and you’ll have an instant taste of fall.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad This colorful salad is packed with fall flavors, thanks to roasted beets and crunchy walnuts. To make it, roast trimmed and scrubbed beets in the oven until they’re tender, then slice and chill. Toss the beets with some mixed greens, toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and honey. The result is a salad that’s both sweet and savory, and perfect for any fall meal.

Winter Seasonal Produce

In the winter, seasonal produce gets more scarce when compared to other seasons. But don’t be discouraged, there are still some great options for garden-to-table cooking in the winter.

One of my favorite winter vegetables is the root vegetable. These include vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips. These vegetables have a longer shelf life and their earthiness pairs well with hearty winter dishes.

Another great winter vegetable is kale. Kale is a nutritious powerhouse and a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s great in soups, salads, and even as a substitute for spinach in warm dishes like lasagna.

By utilizing these winter vegetables in your cooking, you can not only eat seasonally but also keep your meals nutritious and flavorful during the colder months.

Root Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie

A classic comfort food dish, shepherd’s pie is a perfect winter dish. The root vegetables in this recipe add a delicious earthy flavor that’s perfect for colder months. The pie is fairly easy to make and is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of mashed potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 parsnip, chopped
• 1 turnip, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 ½ cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, parsnips and turnips. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet. Cook until browned.
4. Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, pepper and beef broth. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Spread the mashed potatoes on top of the meat and vegetable mixture.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until heated through and the potatoes are golden brown.

Kale and White Bean Soup

A hearty soup is essential for winter, and this Kale and White Bean Soup recipe is perfect for any winter day. This flavorful soup is healthy, packed with protein, and will keep you feeling full for hours.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 (15 ounce) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Add the chopped kale and cook until it starts to wilt.
4. Add the cannellini beans and chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Herbs

Herbs are an essential component of most cuisines globally, and they’re perfect for adding flavor without adding extra calories or fat. If you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to using herbs in your cooking, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Here is a list of the most commonly used herbs and how to use them:

• Basil: This versatile herb is a kitchen staple. It’s perfect for adding to pasta dishes like my recipe for basil pesto pasta. Additionally, it can be mixed with garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar to make a delicious salad dressing.

• Rosemary: Rosemary is a woody herb that works well with roasted or grilled meat. It is perfect for my recipe for rosemary roasted chicken. You can also add it to soups or stews to give a more robust flavor.

• Thyme: Thyme is a fragrant herb that tastes great with roasted vegetables. It’s also perfect for adding to stuffings or braised meat dishes.

• Oregano: Oregano is an herb that comes to life when it’s dried. It’s a must-have herb to season tomato-based sauces like pizza or spaghetti sauces.

• Parsley: Parsley is a mild-flavored herb that can be used to add a touch of freshness to many different dishes. It’s perfect for garnishing plates or adding to a salad.

Recipe 1: Basil Pesto Pasta

You can use basil pesto on pizza, sandwiches, as a dip, or even as a sauce for pasta, as you’ll see in this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 large bunch basil
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 pound pasta, cooked according to package instructions

Steps:

1. In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until everything is combined.
2. Add the olive oil while continuing to pulse until the ingredients are well combined.
3. Pour the pesto sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well.
4. Serve hot or cold.

Recipe 2: Rosemary Roasted Chicken

This simple recipe for roasted chicken takes just a few minutes to prepare and is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• One whole chicken, patted dry
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil and rosemary.
4. Drizzle the mixture over the chicken and rub it into the skin.
5. Roast the chicken for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Herbs are a perfect way to add flavor, color, and interest to your dishes. Whether you’re cooking a simple chicken dish or making a salad dressing, fresh herbs can take your recipe to the next level. So go ahead and experiment with different herbs to find the perfect one for your favorite dishes.

Edible Flowers

Edible flowers can be used to add a unique touch to your dishes, as well as provide some nutritional benefits. Some of the most common edible flowers include roses, lavender, violets, and nasturtiums, among many others.

If you’re unsure of which flowers are edible, it’s always best to do some research or consult an expert to ensure that they are safe to eat. Additionally, make sure that they haven’t been sprayed with any harmful pesticides or chemicals.

Dandelion greens are one type of edible flower that can add a slight bitterness to your dishes, resembling the taste of arugula or endive. To make a dandelion and nasturtium salad, simply mix together some freshly picked dandelion greens and nasturtium petals. You can add some freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple yet flavorful dressing.

Lavender is a popular choice for infused oils, teas, and even desserts. To make lavender honey glazed carrots, start by roasting some baby carrots until they are tender. Then, mix together some melted butter, honey, and dried lavender buds in a small saucepan. Once the carrots are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the honey mixture over them.

Adding edible flowers to your dishes is a simple way to elevate the flavors and impress your guests. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also provide some health benefits and are a great way to experiment with new flavors.

Desserts

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Luckily, dessert can be just as seasonal and garden-fresh as the rest of your meals. Here are two delicious recipes that utilize fruits and berries at their peak in the summer months:

If you’re a fan of fruity, summery desserts, try making a strawberry shortcake. This classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser and screams summertime. Use freshly-picked strawberries from your garden or a local farmers’ market for the most flavorful result. The trick to a perfectly balanced strawberry shortcake is using sweetened whipped cream. Make sure to generously dollop all over the cake before serving!

Another fantastic dessert to make with summer fruits are crumbles. For a fun twist on a classic crumble, try this blueberry peach crumble recipe. The flavors go together perfectly and, when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect end to a summer meal. Don’t be afraid to add in some extra herbs or spices to elevate the dish; a little bit of nutmeg or a sprinkle of fresh basil can make all the difference.

Whether you’re serving guests or just enjoying these desserts on your own, using seasonal produce and herbs will enhance the flavors and impress anyone who tries them. It’s truly amazing what a difference using garden-fresh ingredients can make in your cooking and baking!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I hope these seasonal garden-to-table recipes inspired you to make the most of your garden and embrace the benefits of eating seasonally.

Which recipe are you going to try first?

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, so feel free to send me a message.

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Thank you for reading!