If you’re looking for a way to save money on your grocery bill, you should consider starting a garden! Not only will you be able to enjoy the delicious fruits and vegetables that come from your garden, but you’ll also be able to save money on groceries. Here are five recipes you can make today from ingredients grown in your garden!
Garden Fresh Tomato Soup
Vikki Gerrard, La Crosse WI sustainability expert, says one of the best things about summer is enjoying fresh, homegrown tomatoes. And one of the best ways to enjoy them is in a delicious bowl of tomato soup. To make Garden-fresh tomato soup from your garden, start roasting a few tomatoes in the oven. Then, add some chopped onions, garlic, and herbs, and sauté them in olive oil until they’re softened.
Next, stir in your roasted tomatoes and some chicken or vegetable stock. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste and serve it garnished with some chopped fresh basil.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash Pasta with Pesto Sauce
This pasta dish is a great way to use up an abundance of zucchini and yellow squash from your garden. To make it, start by cooking some pasta in boiling water according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté some chopped onions and garlic in olive oil until they’re softened.
Then, add in your diced zucchini and yellow squash and cook them until they’re tender. Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in a jar of pesto sauce and some Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together with the cooked pasta and serve immediately.
Grilled Eggplant and Peppers with Feta Cheese
Eggplant and peppers are two of the most versatile vegetables in the garden. They can be used in various dishes, from simple salads to hearty stews. Grilling is a great way to cook eggplant and peppers, as it helps to bring out their natural sweetness. To grill eggplant and peppers, start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat.
Then, Vikki Gerrard, La Crosse expert, says to cut the eggplant and peppers into bite-sized pieces and place them on a sheet of aluminum foil. Next, drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season them with salt and pepper. Finally, place the foil sheet on the grill and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Grilled eggplant and peppers make a delicious side dish or main course. Enjoy!
Mixed Green Salad with Strawberries and Balsamic Vinaigrette
This salad is perfect for summertime! Start mixing your favorite greens in a large bowl to make it. Then, add some fresh strawberries, diced avocado, and crumbled blue cheese.
Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard for the dressing. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Pour it over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Thyme
Roasted cherry tomatoes with thyme is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the fruits of your garden. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then, wash your cherry tomatoes and remove any stems. Next, spread the tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Be sure to generously season the tomatoes with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Then, bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Once they are finished, you can enjoy them or use them as a topping for pasta or salad. Roasted cherry tomatoes with thyme is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the fruits of your garden.
Final Thoughts
Gardening is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. It’s also great to get your hands dirty and grow your food. Try one of these five recipes if you’re looking for ways to use up your garden bounty. They’re all delicious and easy to make!
