Recipes That Bring Veggies To The Table With A Smile!

I have my arms up in the air and I am waving the white flag in surrender. I am the culprit. The biggest offender…

Of not balancing my meals.

I don’t think about that splash of color. I hardly give portions a second thought. I care not about the valuable nutrients of fruits and veggies. I go for the easiest way to a full belly and a happy family. Presentation – why bother? Balance – is it necessary? Calories – what?

I am guilty.

In an effort to become more health conscious, today we are focusing on our veggies. I know I need to increase my veggie intake – by a lot. And I need some convincing as to why I should make a subtle change to my diet…because let’s face it, veggies are not exciting unless they are oozing with cheese, dripping with butter, or coated in dipping sauce (ranch to be specific). So here are a few good reasons we all need to crunch on some more carrots – aside from the obvious (veggies are healthy!).

When you munch on more veggies, you can actually reduce your risk of chronic disease. This is a big eye opener for me. Why didn’t I hear this one like twenty years ago? Oh yea – probably because I was young {and invincible} and didn’t have the aches and pains I have today!

Veggies are filling, low in fat, high in fiber, rich with nutrients, deprived of the calories we love, and help with weight loss. When you eat more veggies, you are less likely to give into the temptation to eat higher calorie food – because you are full and don’t need the bag of chips.

Veggies are a quick and easy snack for busy on-the-go people like me. I prepare some baggies of veggies to grab on the way out the door instead of the cookies – and I don’t have to clean up the crumbs {bonus}!

If you are “fun” you can participate in the veggie of the month club. Yes, it really exists. No, I don’t participate.

You can be creative if that is your thing. Add veggies to your eggs, use them as toppings for salads and pizza. Chop them up for use in soups and casseroles. Add them to your favorite sandwich. Oh the possibilities….

I’m by no means an expert on veggies, but this is a pretty good list of reasons to get me excited about peas and carrots. Okay, maybe not excited…but definitely a step in the right direction. In honor of my new found love of veggies {ahem}, I am sharing with you some recipes that include these unsung heroes.

Sticking with my theme of simplicity, check out this Meatball Stew.

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This is quite possibly the easiest stew you will ever make – filled with awesomeness {of course}. All you do is make your favorite meatballs, brown them on all sides. (ADD Side Note: Why do we say to brown a meatball on all sides? Meatballs are round…) Drain and set aside. Chop up your favs – potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, tomatoes, peas…and place it all in a crock pot. Put the meatballs on top (I used 2 pounds of meat, 4 potatoes, 4 carrots, 1 onion, a can of tomatoes and a ½ bag of frozen peas). Mix 1 cup of ketchup, 1 cup of water, 3 teaspoons of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Pour over the top, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

I made these incredible Ranch Pork Chops the other night. I spent so much time dipping them in milk and ranch salad dressing mix that I forgot to make a veggie. So, in a panic, I opened a can of green beans, added some crumbled bacon that I had left over from breakfast (how did we not eat all the bacon?), and sprinkled on a little pepper. It almost looked like I knew what I was doing!

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Some baby carrots were the perfect complement to this Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole.

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I did a presto-steamo with mine and glazed them with a hint of honey. And I must share the effortless casserole recipe. Are you ready? In a crock pot, mix together 2 cans of cream of chicken soup with 1 ½ cups of water, and 1 – 6 ounce package of long grain and wild rice (with the seasoning packet). Add chicken, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Feeling really veggie-ish? A stir-fry might be in order!

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You can go the easy way out and buy a stir-fry meal. I’ve done that and have not regretted it. You can also meet somewhere in the middle. Grab a bag of stir-fry veggies, add some chicken, and…stir-fry! Douse your concoction with some teriyaki sauce, place it on top of rice, and be happy!

One last veggie possibility for your dinner table – and my personal fav – Garden Turkey Burgers. Oo-la-la…it tastes better than it sounds. I know you might be wrinkling your nose right now, but please, trust me on this one. If you want a flavor-packed burger, this is it!

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Take a pound of ground turkey and mix in 1 cup of oatmeal, ¾ cup of chopped onion, ¾ cup of red pepper, ¼ cup of ketchup, some minced garlic, and a little salt. Mix it well, form your patties and grill away. I know it is winter, but yes, you can still grill. If you prefer not to get cold for the sake of a good meal, you can pull out your George Foreman, use a griddle, or, I suppose you could bake them. Slide these babies onto a warmed whole wheat bun and top them with a slice of cheese and savor the moment. And, for some extra fun, serve them up with some sweet potato fries – better than Red Robin…yum!

So…are you inspired? What veggies will you eat this week?

Keepin’ it Real…D

by: D (Deanna) of SpotLight316 Ministries

I am Deanna. All my friends call me D, so you can too! I am a wife, mom, and friend who wears many different hats. My primary role is that of wife and mom. I found the proverbial “beauty from ashes” in my own broken world and it is these very struggles that drive me to provide a space for others to fully express themselves and grow in the grace of God.

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Comments

Jennifer Hedden says:

February 29 at 9:03 pm

I need to incorporate more veggies into our meals. These look yummy. I will definitely have to try the garden turkey burgers.

Lyn says:

March 1 at 5:33 pm

I love pot roast with veggies, but never thought about trying it with meatballs. Will have to give it a try soon. I always brown the carrots, potatoes and onions before putting them in with the pot roast. I think it gives them a sweeter flavor and worth that little extra effort to brown them first.

Diane K. Brimmer says:

March 2 at 1:59 pm

The recipes look so yummy! I have to admit I slack on the veggies at the table. I have tried making more soups with vegetables in them that way we are getting them into our diet.

Marcie W. says:

March 4 at 1:06 pm

ALL of those recipes above look outstanding!! YUM!

Marlena Curley says:

March 4 at 1:15 pm

I’m working on trying to add move veggies as well. Thanks for the great ideas!

Donna B. says:

March 5 at 10:00 pm

Thanks for the tips/recipes!

Shirley says:

March 6 at 12:59 pm

I’m trying to add veggies to my meals too, and it’s definitely easier to accomplish that at home.

Carolyn Ann Colley (Griffith, Smith) says:

March 8 at 12:41 am

I could make a whole meal out of just vegetables, the recipes look great, thanks

Erin R. says:

March 8 at 6:00 pm

These recipes look so yummy, especially the meatball stew Thanks for sharing!!

debbie steele says:

March 9 at 11:04 am

These look fabulous! I am going to try these. We all need more veggies. Great blog.

Leslie Galloway says:

March 11 at 9:33 pm

Your chicken and wild rice casserole looks like something my mom used to make… I might have to pull that out. I bet the kids would love it… and they always love carrots. I bet carrots are the most eaten veggie in the US.

Kathy Smith says:

March 19 at 3:58 am

Great ideas! I am starting on that right away! HEALTHY FAMILY = HAPPY FAMILY

Michael E says:

March 24 at 1:28 pm

Those Meatball Stew and Garden Turkey Burgers look delicious!