5 Ways to Sneak Extra Veggies Into Meals
Anyone with kids knows that sometimes it can be *challenging* to make sure they eat all of the nourishing foods (and we likely know a few adults who struggle with this too). We know that most of our FreshBox families value good quality foods, and are raising their little ones to embrace healthy eating, but sometimes the schoolyard lunch comparisons and birthday party treats can start to wear them down, and the appetite for fresh veggies dwindles.
We know that there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing when it comes to good quality foods, so here are five ways to sneak those extra veggies into your meals. Trust us, you won’t even know that they’re there.
Grate Carrots & Zucchini Into Spag Bol
This one’s my favourite because it’s so easy and everyone gets caught up in the fun of spaghetti so they don’t realise all the goodness hidden in the sauce. I always grate a few carrots and zucchini into the sauce, often when I’m softening the onions so they really blend in with the dish. The flavour is never too overpowering and it’s one of the sneakiest ways to get in an extra serve.
Layering Eggplant & Sweet Potato Through Lasagne
This trick lends itself to a delicious blend of moussaka and vegetarian attempts at a traditional lasagne. By layering eggplant, sweet potatoes, and other seasonal vegetables through the layers of ragu and bechamel sauce (with some fresh pasta sheets of course), it creates a deliciously stacked, flavour packed take on the Italian staple.
Pumpkin Sauce for Macaroni ‘Cheese’
It’s one of those comfort meals that nearly everyone adores, but often it’s made with bulk dairy, bulk gluten and very little nutritional value at all. These are all fine in small doses, but you can level up your dish with this easy trick. Simply steam and blend some pumpkin to mix through your usual cheesy sauce, although it’s even more delicious roasted with sage, and serve it with a simple side salad. That’s three servings of veggies right there!
Start With A Veggie Juice
Try switching out store-bought orange juices for a cold-pressed veggie juice. There are a wide range of affordable cold press juicers on the market these days (seriously, we’re picking these as the next kitchen staple), that help you get more out of each juice. A simple carrot and ginger elixir helps to keep the seasonal bugs at bay, or you can make it more fun for the family with a ‘Hulk Juice’ - a daily dose of greens with an apple, pear or kiwi to keep it nice and sweet.
Veggie Up Your Baking
Next time that you’re whipping up some weekday treats in the kitchen, try something with a few hidden veggies in there. We’ve made chocolate cake out of everything from zucchini and beetroot to sweet potato and avocado (okay we know that’s technically a fruit, but who can resist?!). There are an abundance of recipes out there and ways you can make the most of whatever is in season. It’s time to lose all inhibition in the kitchen and show us your creations!
Hey, speaking of veggies, did you know that you can get your fresh, local, produce delivered straight to your door? It’s part of a weekly subscription, offered exclusively to you by FreshBox. Check out our latest seasonal boxes here.