VegOut! Week 3 Roundup
VegOut! Weekly Roundup delivers fresh, seasonal inspiration with creative recipes showcasing our handpicked vegetables of the week. From simple weeknight meals to impressive dinner party dishes, discover delicious new ways to enjoy nature’s bounty in your kitchen. Register for the VegOut! Challenge and join our veggie-loving community to transform ordinary produce into extraordinary meals!
VEG OF THE DAY: MARCH 17-23
Monday, March 17
CABBAGE: The Humble Hero with Royal History!
DID YOU KNOW?
This unassuming vegetable boasts a fascinating past—ancient Egyptians consumed it before work to prevent homesickness, while Roman senators relied on it to sober up after indulgent feasts! Valued more than gold by ancient sailors who recognized its ability to prevent scurvy on long voyages, cabbage has also served as a healing tool in Russian folk medicine. With proper storage, a single head can last for months! Available in a spectrum of varieties—classic green, sweet purple, tender Napa, and fancy Savoy—cabbage deserves better than just being boiled. Try grilling wedges for smoky depth, roasting until caramelized, quick-pickling for taco toppings, or stir-frying for satisfying crunch. Kids can join the cabbage celebration by making natural dyes, creating vibrant slaws, using leaves as edible “boats,” or crafting whimsical cabbage patch dolls.
Pro tip: For maximum sweetness, seek out winter cabbage when temperatures drop!
CHINESE CABBAGE STIR FRY
AN ORIGINAL RECIPE BY RECIPE FOR SUCCESS DEVELOPED FOR THE Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education™ Program
Looking for a vibrant side dish with authentic Chinese flavors? This stir fry transforms humble ingredients into a colorful masterpiece. Crisp cabbage, julienned carrots, and sugar snap peas are quickly sautéed with aromatic garlic, ginger, and star anise, then dressed in a light sauce of Shaoxing wine and soy. Fresh scallions and cilantro add the perfect finishing touch to this quick, nutritious dish that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Ready in minutes but packed with complex flavors, this stir fry makes weeknight dinners feel special! Click here for the recipe!
TUESDAY, MARCH 18
NOPALES: The Desert’s Delicious Secret!
DID YOU KNOW?
Move over, trendy sleep aids—this ancient Aztec superfood has been helping people rest easy for centuries! Sacred to ancient Mexicans and proudly featured on the Mexican flag, nopales have deep roots in indigenous healing traditions and still grow wild across Texas today. Their versatility extends far beyond border cuisine—grill them for smoky depth, fold into scrambled eggs, toss in vibrant salads, or blend into nutritious smoothies. With a flavor profile reminiscent of tangy green beans, these cactus paddles shine in tacos, quesadillas, and alongside eggs. Introducing nopales to little ones? Try rebranding them as “Dragon Scale Veggies,” “Dinosaur Food,” or “Magic Paddles” to spark curiosity, or create safe cactus art projects together. Don’t let their exotic appearance intimidate you—many grocery stores now offer nopales cleaned and ready to cook, making this nutritional powerhouse more accessible than ever!
ROASTED CACTUS SALSA
AN ORIGINAL RECIPE BY RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Discover the secret ingredient that elevates homemade salsa to new heights! This roasted cactus salsa combines the tangy brightness of nopales with charred tomatillos, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic shallots. The jalapeño adds just enough heat, while fresh lime juice and cilantro bring a zesty finish to this authentic Mexican condiment. Quick to prepare and bursting with complex flavors, this versatile salsa transforms simple chips into a gourmet experience, elevates tacos and burritos, or serves as the perfect topping for grilled meats and fish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this unique salsa will become your new go-to for impressing guests at your next gathering! Click here for this mouthwatering recipe and add a vibrant desert gem to your VegOut! Challenge achievements. Your taste buds—and your challenge scorecard—will thank you!
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19
ARTICHOKE: The Elegant Thistle that Changed History!
DID YOU KNOW?
This regal vegetable—actually a giant flower bud—was once considered food of the gods by ancient Greeks and Romans, while Dutch aristocrats hoarded them like precious gold. Catherine de Medici scandalized French society by openly enjoying artichokes, which were so prestigious in 16th century Europe that only nobility could grow them. The Romans preserved them in honey, and Renaissance artists immortalized them in paintings. These unique perennials produce for over five years and develop sweeter flavors after frost. Beyond basic steaming, try grilling with lemon, pairing with garlic butter, stuffing with fresh herbs, or turning the eating process into an interactive dipping game. Children delight in the “Flower Power” eating experience, discovering “Dinosaur Egg” hearts, enjoying the layer-by-layer adventure, and treating each artichoke as a treasure hunt to reach the prized heart. New to artichokes? Start with baby varieties—they’re completely edible and require minimal prep!
ARTICHOKES & ORZO
An Original Recipe from the award-winning cookbook, Eat It! Food Adventures with Marco Polo
Transform weeknight dinner with this Mediterranean-inspired dish that celebrates the elegant artichoke. Al dente orzo creates the perfect canvas for tender artichoke hearts, while toasted pine nuts add satisfying crunch and nutty depth. Bright notes of lemon zest, red wine vinegar, and fresh parsley cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced bowl that works as both a hearty side or light main. Ready in just 35 minutes with minimal prep, this versatile recipe lets frozen or canned artichokes shine, making sophisticated flavor accessible any night of the week. Top with freshly grated Parmesan for the perfect finish to this effortlessly elegant meal. Click here for the full recipe and unlock the delicious secret of artichokes that Mediterranean chefs have treasured for centuries!
THURSDAY, MARCH 20
BEETS: THE ORIGINAL ENERGY DRINK!
DID YOU KNOW?
Long before sports drinks lined store shelves, ancient Olympic athletes fueled up on beets for a competitive edge. These vibrant roots—available in classic sweet red, mellow golden, and whimsical candy-cane striped varieties—powered Roman athletes, doubled as natural lipstick in the 1800s, and made history as Australia’s first canned vegetable. Beyond their impressive nutritional profile (don’t forget those bonus superfood tops!), beets offer culinary versatility that transcends traditional preparations—spiral them into colorful noodles, blend into ruby-hued smoothies, roast for sweet chips, or juice with apple and ginger for a refreshing pick-me-up. Kids love beets for their magical properties: creating natural paint, transforming pasta into vibrant pink masterpieces, dyeing water in fascinating color experiments. Our winter beets from Hope Farms are exceptionally sweet right now! Stop by for tips on avoiding “beet fingers” and our favorite kid-approved recipes. Remember: don’t toss those nutrient-packed greens—they’re delicious sautéed with a bit of garlic and olive oil!
ROASTED CARROT & BEET LABNEH TOPPED WITH GREMOLATA
AN ORIGINAL RECIPE BY RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as nutritious as it is beautiful? This Roasted Carrot and Beet Labneh topped with zesty Gremolata transforms humble root vegetables into an elegant dish that will impress at any gathering. Sweet, earthy roasted carrots are arranged atop a vibrant magenta beet-infused labneh, creating a stunning visual contrast. The crowning glory is a bright, herbaceous gremolata made from the often-discarded carrot and beet tops, proving that no part of these nutritional powerhouses needs to go to waste. Perfect spread on crusty bread or as part of a mezze platter, this dish celebrates the farm-to-table ethos while delivering complex, balanced flavors that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Click here for the recipe and discover a new favorite way to enjoy this nutritional powerhouse!
FRIDAY, MARCH 21
SWISS CHARD: THE RAINBOW-STEMMED CANCER-FIGHTING CHAMPION!
DID YOU KNOW?
Swiss chard isn’t just a pretty face in your produce drawer—it’s a nutritional powerhouse with serious health benefits. Those vibrant rainbow stems aren’t just Instagram-worthy; they’re packed with vitamins E and C, powerful antioxidants that work tirelessly to neutralize harmful substances before they can damage your cells. This leafy legend serves as both a delicious vegetable and a potential ally in cancer prevention, protecting your bloodstream while adding a pop of color to your plate. Don’t waste those gorgeous stems! After separating them from the leaves with a quick two-hand pull, chop the colorful stalks and add them to your pan a few minutes before the leaves for a textural treat that’s as protective as it is delicious. From stem to leaf, Swiss chard delivers both culinary versatility and nutritional excellence—truly a rainbow revolution for your health and your taste buds!
Sōté-Rubbed Salmon with Hatch Pepper Sauce & Jicama-Mango Slaw
A RECIPE ADAPTED FROM MELISSA CLARK, NEW YORK TIMES
This Whole Wheat Pasta with Swiss Chard brings Mediterranean flavors to your weeknight dinner table! The dish cleverly combines the nutty heartiness of whole wheat fusilli with the earthy sweetness of Swiss chard—a nutritional powerhouse that deserves more love in your kitchen. Anchovies melt into a savory butter-olive oil base, creating a rich foundation that’s perfectly balanced by crispy breadcrumbs and the subtle bite of garlic. The colorful Swiss chard stems add both visual appeal and textural contrast, while the leaves wilt into silky perfection. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and Parmesan, this pasta dish is both sophisticated and comforting. Click here for recipe and try this mouthwatering dish to check another delicious veggie off your list for the VegOut! Challenge!
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
DAIKON RADISH: THE UNSUNG HERO OF LIVER & GALLBLADER HEALTH!
DID YOU KNOW?
Beyond its crisp texture and mild flavor, the humble daikon radish works behind the scenes as your body’s natural detoxifier. This pristine white wonder actively supports liver function while protecting your gallbladder by regulating bile production and filtering harmful substances from your bloodstream. Regular consumption of this root vegetable powerhouse not only helps prevent ulcers and fight infections but also optimizes enzyme production throughout your digestive system. Transform your daikon into Vietnamese Do Chua by combining equal parts shredded daikon and carrot with rice vinegar for a perfect sweet-salty balance—a 10-minute preservation technique that creates a liver-loving condiment. This traditional pickling method not only extends shelf life but produces a bright, crunchy addition to sandwiches that keeps in your refrigerator for weeks. Who knew such powerful health benefits could come in such a deliciously crisp package?
PICKLED DAIKON: A VIBRANT TURMERIC-INFUSED CONDIMENT
AN ORIGINAL RECIPE BY RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Transform the humble daikon radish into a bright, crunchy condiment that adds a punchy flavor boost to virtually any dish! This simple pickled daikon recipe balances the mild peppery taste of the radish with a sweet-tangy brine infused with golden turmeric. The salt-treatment technique ensures each slice maintains its satisfying crispness, while the quick pickling process develops complex flavors in just a few hours. The brilliant yellow hue makes it as visually stunning as it is delicious—perfect for adding color and zest to rice bowls, sandwiches, tacos, or charcuterie boards. Best of all, these pickles keep for up to three weeks in the refrigerator, meaning you’ll always have this versatile condiment ready to elevate your everyday meals. Click here for the full recipe and discover why pickled daikon deserves a permanent spot in your refrigerator!
SUNDAY, MARCH 23
KOHLRABI: THE VITAMIN C POWERHOUSE THAT OUTSHINES ORANGES!
DID YOU KNOW?
Move over oranges—there’s a new vitamin C champion in town! The quirky, alien-looking kohlrabi bulb packs more of this essential nutrient than its citrus competitors, making it nature’s secret weapon for iron absorption. This “turnip cabbage” marvel works behind the scenes, unlocking non-protein iron and maximizing nutrient absorption throughout your body. Transform this hidden nutritional treasure into crispy, golden-brown fritters by using a simple shred-and-bind technique that pairs perfectly with carrots and a kick of cayenne. The low-carb culinary hack creates textural perfection that shines even brighter when topped with a creamy avocado-yogurt sauce and finished with a lemony zing. Beyond their incredible flavor, these fritters strategically pair vitamin C-rich kohlrabi with iron-containing ingredients, optimizing absorption for a serious energy boost. Discover why this underappreciated vegetable deserves a permanent place in your kitchen rotation!
KOHLRABI & SWEET POTATO FRITES: A COLORFUL TWIST ON CLASSIC FRIES!
AN ORIGINAL RECIPE BY RECIPE FOR SUCCESS DEVELOPED FOR THE SEED-TO-PLATE NUTRITION EDUCATION PROGRAM
Elevate your snack game with these Kohlrabi & Sweet Potato Frites—a vibrant, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional french fries! This creative pairing marries the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes with the crisp, mild flavor of vitamin C-rich kohlrabi, transforming both into perfectly roasted matchsticks with minimal effort. Tossed with coconut oil and roasted until golden and caramelized, these colorful frites develop irresistible crispy edges while maintaining tender centers. What truly sets this dish apart is the smoky-spicy roasted red pepper mayo that adds creamy heat and complexity to each bite. Finished with a bright squeeze of lime and a scattering of fresh cilantro and scallions, this appetizer brings restaurant-worthy presentation to your home kitchen. Click here for the full recipe and discover how these nutritious frites can revolutionize your appetizer spread or complement any main course!
Fresh from the Farm to Your Doorstep: The Easiest Way to Conquer the VegOut! Challenge!
Make the VegOut! Challenge effortless by becoming a Seasonal Farm Share Subscriber with Hope Farms HTX! Each Thursday, we’ll deliver a curated selection of organic, just-harvested produce straight to your home or office doorstep. No planning, no grocery store trips—just farm-fresh vegetables at their peak flavor and nutrition arriving weekly. Our CSA membership takes the guesswork out of seasonal eating while supporting local agriculture and ensuring you’ll discover exciting new produce throughout the challenge.