Seasonal Greens

~ Tandy

The first recipe I made from Simply Jamie was the seasonal greens. We were having friends over for supper and I wanted something simple to go with the lamb dish I was making. This recipe comes together so quickly and you can use this as a base for a salad or as a side dish like I have done.

Delicious Seasonal Greens
Delicious Seasonal Greens
Head straight on to the Recipe For ♥ Seasonal Greens ♥
Spring seasonal greens

Spring brings with it all the seasonal greens I love. My favourite is asparagus and as we usually travel to Europe in their spring time, I get to enjoy these twice a year. Baby artichokes are another European vegetable I love, and something we buy every time we visit Italy. Peas are a staple in our home, and I always have these in my freezer. Whereas I could eat green beans on a weekly basis, Dave is not a fan, and so I seldom buy them. I do however grow lettuce, chard spinach and rocket for his lunch time salads. Broccoli is another favourite, being so versatile as it can be eaten both raw and cooked.

Then comes summer

We can enjoy the last of the asparagus and start making use of baby marrows. These are one of Dave’s favourite vegetables, which he does on the braai to perfection. Cucumbers are added to our evening snacks and my morning smoothies. And I can add basil to my garden which I plant next to tomatoes, as what goes together, grows together.

Autumn delights

Dave’s next favourite green vegetable is Brussels sprouts. When not overcooked, these are so good. And, they too can be used raw. Celery is introduced to our snack plate and my smoothie. To me, cabbage should be a summer vegetable as I enjoy it in a coleslaw. But it is in season now and goes perfectly with pork.

Bring on winter

Green winter vegetables do not offer that much excitement. But, avocados are now in season, and should be affordable. Our evening snack migrates from fresh vegetables to smashed avocado. I like mine with lime juice and dill, and Dave likes his with mayonnaise and lime juice. He also adds a little bit of spice to lift the flavour. I can eat avocados for every meal, and this healthy fat brings back many childhood memories.

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Seasonal Greens

Use any seasonal green vegetables to make this side dish
Recipe Category: Salad, Side Dish, Vegetarian
Makes enough for: 6 people
All Rights Reserved: Adapted from Simply Jamie page 52

Ingredients

for the balsamic dressing:

  • 55 mls olive oil
  • 20 mls balsamic vinegar
  • 2.5 mls Dijon mustard
  • 1 sprig thyme, leaves picked
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to season

for the greens:

  • 320 g green beans, trimmed and cut in half
  • 160 g tenderstem broccoli, trimmed
  • 17 g pine nuts, lightly toasted
  • 250 mls water for steaming, plus extra for blanching
  • ice cubes for blanching

Method

for the balsamic dressing:

  • Place the oil, vinegar, mustard, and thyme into a lidded jar, place the lid on the jar, and shake to combine
  • Season to taste and set aside until needed

for the greens:

  • Place the water into a large pot and bring to the boil
  • When boiling, top with a steamer and steam the beans and broccoli for 3 minutes
  • While you are steaming the vegetables, prepare a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes for blanching
  • As soon as the vegetables have steamed, blanch them in the ice water
  • When cold, drain and leave to dry
  • Once the vegetables are dry, add the salad dressing and allow to steep
  • Place the vegetables onto a serving platter, pour over any remaining dressing, scatter the pine nuts on top and serve
See the links below for blog posts I published on September 4:

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Published by Tandy

I am passionate about using regional, seasonable and sustainable produce when I cook. I live in Gordons Bay with my husband and dogs. We visit new places locally and overseas as often as we can to experience the food of the area. Follow along on our adventures!

21 thoughts on “Seasonal Greens”

  1. Well, we two share the same seasons even if we live continents apart – now I see we also very much share the same vegetables to love > asparagus is quite my favourite and I love artichokes tho’ there are not many baby ones on the horizon here! Do like the appetizing Jamie recipe you have suggested . , , I do not have the book > thanks!

    Reply

  6. Funny how we share the same seasons even from different sides of the world. I really enjoy the variety of vegetables each season brings. Your seasonal greens with Dijon and balsamic sound delicious!

    Reply

  7. I always have baby peas in the freezer – so handy. Happily myself and Mr P. both like green beans so i get them in season too. This dish sounds tasty.

    Reply
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