There’s something about fresh produce that adds a multidimensional element to even the most novice of cooks. Fruits and vegetables offer the right amount of flavor to dishes that canned or frozen foods can’t touch. And now that spring is right around the corner, you have more options to include the finishing touches to your dishes. But if you aren’t a culinary genius, here are a few spring dinner ideas you’ll love to get the creative juices flowing.
1. Leek and Potato Galette
Leeks are a broadleaf plant that look like giant green onions, but have a subtler flavor with a hint of sweetness. Fresh leeks often get ripe around March and April, making spring the best time to try them in a dish. Plus, leeks are low in calories and high in nutrients such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Magnesium
A galette is a French culinary creation that sounds complicated, but it isn’t. It’s open-face crepe that’s normally stuffed with veggies, meats, and goat cheese. To make the crepe portion of the galette, you can make your own dough or even use pre-made ones from the store.
Then, chop up some potatoes and leeks, add some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and top it with goat cheese. Throw it in the oven at 400 degrees for 35 minutes for a tasty sensation your family will love.
2. Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts
Want to bring a taste of the Far East to your home kitchen? Try Kung Pao brussel sprouts! Brussel sprouts are in peak season in early spring, making them less bitter than ones that are picked too early. They also offer tons of nutritional value, including:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Folate
- Calcium
- Iron
To make this dish, cut about 2 pounds of brussel sprouts in half. Then, toss the brussel sprouts with olive oil in a large bowl and put them in the oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
In the meantime, you can make the kung pao sauce by combining equal parts soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil and then simmer the sauce until the brussel sprouts are done!
3. Rosemary Roasted Chicken with Fresh Apples
All types of apples are in season in early spring, so if you’re an apple fanatic, you can have your pick of the litter. In-season apples are full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber to make you feel energized.
Once you have apples in hand, start this rosemary roasted chicken recipe by preheating the over to 400 degrees. Next, sautee some onions in butter until they’re translucent. Slice up some apples and potatoes into thin layers and then throw them in a broiler pan in the oven with the onions.
After that, take either chicken thighs or breasts and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, rosemary, and olive oil. From here, you can either throw them in a baking dish or use the top portion of the broiler pan. Roast everything for one hour, combine them together, and you have a healthy, nutritional, and flavor-packed meal!
When Produce Is Ripe, Shop Local
No matter what type of diet you have or what flavors you love, you’re bound to find the perfect veggie or fruit dish to get your taste buds dancing. But make sure that you’re truly buying fresh, local produce. Supermarkets always buy the most affordable option, so if you have a local grocer or produce stand, give them your business instead.
We invite you to look for our label at your local grocer, you’re sure to love our fresh produce. We are the nationwide supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables nationwide. Our focus is freshness! We chase the harvest to make sure you it’s delivered tasty and fresh to your local grocery store.
By buying fresh, local, and sustainable produce, you give growers and small businesses a chance to thrive among the national chains. Your act of shopping local will put your mind at ease and give your palate a reason to go back. If you want to discuss the produce varieties we carry, give us a call, we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.
