vegetables are good for you–I know we should know this but it is so over looked in todays world.  Most people use them as a steamed or boiled boring side dish or try and choke them down in a salad (OK, disclosure i also love salads–if you are choking on a salad I can NOT relate–but I love you just the same.) Here is a fantastic, delicious  way to prepare some vegetables in such an easy way–and so hardy that is can be the entire meal–if you dare!

Vegetables in a Pot
serves 8
16 ounces low sodium pureed tomatoes
1 large head red cabbage cored and chunked
1 large red onion peeled and chopped
10 baby potatoes left whole
1lb baby carrots
2 slices uncured bacon diced
3 cloves garlic
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 sprig fresh sage
1 handful fresh basil leaves
1 sprig fresh rosemary

Add all ingredients to a crock pot and set on medium heat for the entire day–set this and forget this *snaps fingers*

Serve topped with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of pine nuts.

Nutrients in 1 Serving

I can always tell when the really cold weather has set in here in Wyoming.  Apart from not really wanting to venture outside very often, I find myself cooking stews and soups every week.  The comfort that I know I have a big pot of healthy, heartwarming stew in the fridge for the week makes lunches and the occasional dinner really easy.  Here’s what I cooked up Saturday.

White Bean and Barley Stew
Serves 4 or more

1 large onion chopped

1 ½  c chopped celery

1 t garlic chopped

1 red sweet pepper chopped

1 T olive oil

1 can no salt diced tomatoes

2 cans great northern beans- rinsed

1 carton 32oz  organic chicken or Veg stock

1/3 c uncooked barley

2 bay leaves

1 t oregano

1 t basil

½ t marjoram

1 t sea salt

1 t pepper

½ t or more red pepper flakes

2 T dry parsley or 1/3 c fresh- chopped

In a large soup pot, add the oil and the onion and garlic and sauté for a few minutes.  Add the rest of the chopped vegs and cook 10 mins on medium.  Now add the rest of the ingredients, stir well, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer (low) and cook for an hour.  Serve with hot sauce if you are so inclined.  Yummy.  This could also be done in a slow cooker on low heat all day.

Other good ideas…

Fresh spinach would be great added before serving.

Tomato sauce would work well.

A squirt of lemon before serving would be yummy too.

Enjoy!

–Jamie