Sunday evenings are a time to prepare for the week ahead, to make sure the fridge and pantry are stocked, the laundry folded, and the household organized. Sunday may also include a meal with friends or family, a football game, or some much-needed self-care. If you are the cook in the group, Fall with all its rich harvest can provide inspiration for vegetable-centered meals that are satisfying, nutritious, and healthy.
Over the past year and a half, many households have started vegetable gardens and learned (or relearned) how to cook meals from scratch. Now that summer is winding down, and the tomatoes, corn, and squash – and many more veggies are ready to eat, the home chef may benefit from some fresh recipes.
Pressure cookers, air fryers, and sous vide machines all have their place in a well-appointed kitchen but sheet pans meals not only make clean-up a breeze but roasting also tends to bring out the flavor of fresh produce. Roasted vegetables also hold up better in pasta and salads than boiled or sautéd veggies and can provide a complex base to a creamy soup or sauce. Here’s a recipe to try from the Canadian Living Test Kitchen for Sheet Pan Pasta Salad with Feta & Roasted Vegetables.
Trying to stay away from too many carbs? In addition to leafy greens which are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, if you are keeping a low-carb diet steer clear of starchy or sweet vegetables. According to Very Well Fit, stem vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, and fennel are all low in carbs. Seeded veggies like cucumbers, eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, and green bell peppers are a little higher in carbs but still good choices – try to stick to under 6 grams per serving. Most root vegetables are high in carbs, especially yams, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Radish, turnip, leeks, and scallions are lower in carbs and yield plenty of flavor in a small serving.
Read more about the healthiest vegetables to eat, according to Nutritionist and Head of Nutrition & Wellness at WW Jaclyn London, by following this link to a recent Good Housekeeping article. Even if you aren’t a gardener yourself, buying local and in-season produce helps small growers, ensures freshness, and lowers transportation emissions.
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