If my budget gets bigger with the CSA, I'll probably end it in July. But we'll see. Until then, here's a look at my first haul. Mostly greens — mixed baby lettuce, kale, chard, garlic, cauliflower, and garlic scapes.
I sort of forget that things like tomatoes and squash aren't in season here yet, so I wasn't expecting so many greens. But that's okay! I need to be eating more greens anyway. I've been eating plenty of salads using the mixed lettuce, plus other veggies that were already in my fridge, like carrots, radishes, and bell pepper and add-ons like tofu, raisins, almonds, and cashew ranch.
Last night, I had some bean and rice leftovers from Imagine Vegan Cafe with a saute of cauliflower and scapes (from the CSA bag), plus squash and broccoli. On the side, I sauteed the kale and topped with a little tahini. I wasn't crazy about this kale. I think it's Russian kale? Really bitter!
I had the Swiss chard tonight as a side to yummy vegan eggplant lasagna dish from Memphis-based food prep company, Your Personal Chef. I sauteed the chard with the garlic and some scapes. No oil!
I got my second CSA bag today, but I'm leaving for Bonnaroo early Thursday morning. It has kale, lettuce (2 kinds — mixed baby greens and a head of red leaf lettuce), beets, collards, broccoli, and garlic. I'm making it my goal to take as much of the fresh produce with me as possible, so I can eat very healthily at the campsite. I'm turning the kale into kale chips for snacking on while I'm there, and I'm bringing the baby lettuce to make salads at the campsite! I gave the red leaf lettuce to a friend since I doubt it'll last, but I figure the other veggies are hearty enough to stay fresh in my fridge until I return.
Speaking of Bonnaroo, this will be my last post until I return early next week. But I'll report back with lots of delicious campsite meal pics and pictures of the vegan goodies I find at festival vendors. I've heard tale of vegan cheese tots this year, so I'll be on the hunt for those.
5 comments:
Oh Bianca - I participated in a CSA for four years (one year for both spring/summer and the other years just summer) and despite that fact that you're vegan, you'll still find yourself with an overabundance of produce each week! It's really fun trying to come up with dishes that incorporate as much of the stuff as you can, but I'll bet you end up giving some of it away. It's been about three years since I've done a CSA. I miss it. Enjoy!
Oooh what a great CSA haul! I always get so jealous when I see everyone's CSA boxes. Your meals all look amazing and OMG that eggplant lasagna! That looks incredible and must have been perfect with the chard (one of my favorite greens!).
I’ve always wanted to participate in a CSA but the logistics get very complicated here. I know exactly what kind of kale you got- it is really bitter unless you braise it a long time like slow cooked collards.
I bet those beets will be amazing! Be sure to use the greens too, those are great sautéed with some garlic.
Have fun at Bonaroo! Hope you have good weather and find tasty treats!
Ttrockwood
I have a CSA share and been doing it for 5 years now, and it is a little shock the first year how many greens there are in spring! It becomes obvious what is commercially done and what farmers do to satisfy the needs of customers/health of the plants.
A general rule of thumb- the more bitter the plant is the healthier it is for you! Usually all the antioxidant and vitamins and stuff that is good for you are bitter, so it must be really healthy kale ^__~
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