Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Veggie Meals
These formulas make it easier to use up any CSA or farmers market surprise. Here are some mix-and-match recipe blueprints you can plug any veggie into:
🥘 Roasted Veg Formula
Veggies: anything firm (carrots, beets, broccoli, squash, cauliflower, cabbage, fennel, etc.)
Oil: olive, avocado, or melted butter
Seasoning: salt + pepper + (choose one: cumin, smoked paprika, curry powder, Italian herbs, za’atar)
Finish: fresh herbs, lemon zest, or grated cheese
👉 Toss + roast at 425°F until caramelized.
🍲 Creamy Soup Formula
Base: onion/leek/shallot sautéed in oil or butter
Veggies: one type or a mix (potato, celeriac, parsnip, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, squash)
Liquid: broth (veg/chicken)
Optional creaminess: coconut milk, cream, or cashew puree
Finish: blend smooth + garnish with herbs, chili oil, or crunchy seeds
👉 Comfort in a bowl, no matter the veg.
🥗 Raw Slaw/Salad Formula
Crunchy base: cabbage, kohlrabi, radish, carrot, beet
Add-ins: apple, fennel, herbs, seeds, or nuts
Dressing: olive oil + acid (lemon, lime, vinegar) + honey or maple + mustard
Extras: feta, avocado, or dried fruit
👉 Shred, toss, let it marinate.
🍝 Pasta/Sauté Formula
Veggies: leafy (spinach, kale, chard, escarole) or quick-cooking (zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, onions)
Fat: olive oil + garlic/onion
Liquid: splash of pasta water, broth, or cream
Flavor boosters: parmesan, chili flakes, lemon, capers, anchovy, miso
Base: toss with pasta, grains, or beans
👉 Greens + garlic + heat = instant dinner.
🥬 Quick Pickle Formula
Veggies: cucumbers, radish, carrots, beets, onions, peppers, beans
Brine: 1 part vinegar + 1 part water + salt + sugar (to taste)
Spices: garlic, mustard seed, dill, chili flakes, bay leaf
Time: at least 1 hour (better after 24 hrs)
👉 Bright pop for tacos, sandwiches, bowls.
🥘 Stir-Fry Formula
Veggies: anything (bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini)
Aromatics: garlic, ginger, scallion
Sauce: soy/tamari + rice vinegar + honey/maple + sesame oil + chili flakes
Protein (optional): tofu, egg, chicken, shrimp
Finish: sesame seeds, cilantro, lime
👉 High heat, quick cook, big flavor.
Happy Mixing-and-Matching!
