Spring into Spring
It’s been a long, hard winter and if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself in a bit of a food rut. The stews, braises and casseroles that were so delicious in January now seem heavy and dull. As the days lengthen, it only feels right to nourish the body and spirit with refreshing dishes that welcome spring.
This transition doesn’t have to be complicated. The main idea is to begin combining cooked foods with raw ingredients and focus on lighter, brighter meals. Here are some ideas:
Incorporate seasonal proteins: Hens start laying additional eggs as the days lengthen, so you’ll see more dozens at the market from Kokinda Farm, Jireh Organic Farm & Livestock, and Hepatica Farm. Try hard boiled eggs on salads or in egg curry and poached eggs on a bed of spinach or in shakshuka.
Eat the rainbow: Greens from Lovin’ Mama Farm and Gomez Veggie Ville will become more abundant as March progresses. Storage vegetables add color and depth. Try warm, roasted root vegetables on kale salad with a lemony vinaigrette, roasted beet salad with blood oranges, lettuce, and pan-fried salmon from Coleman’s Catch, and a carrot ginger soup with microgreens and sourdough bread.
Steam, sauté, stir-fry: Turn off the slow cooker and opt for a quicker cooking style. How about pan-seared pork chops from May-K-Mark or Grazin’ Acres or lamb chops from Thymeless Homestead? This would pair nicely with German potato salad and a carrot-cilantro slaw. Or perhaps try Pad Thai or a stir-fry with steak from Longlesson Farm and shredded cabbage, carrots, radishes and scallions.
Heap on the herbs: Parsley, dill, cilantro, chives, and mint, especially combined with citrus, refresh the palate in spring dishes. Visit Lovin’ Mama Farm for fresh herbs and Muddy Trails Jerky Company for a variety of dried herb blends.
Finesse with ferments: Fermented foods and tonics aid in digestion and help to detox. Try Puckers Gourmet kimchi or sauerkraut and a tahini yogurt dressing in a colorful Buddha bowl. Or sip on a spritzer with an offering from Awakened Tonics.
Share the treats: There is no need to forgo treats at the market, just remember to share. Invite your friends for a dessert charcuterie board with selections from Katie Bakes Gluten Free, Parchment Baking Company, Bakery Suzanne, and Sweet Treats by Jennifer. I like to cut the larger goodies into bite-sized pieces. Or visit home-bound neighbors and enjoy a treat with them.
Happy spring!
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
