CSA Box: Week 5

CSA Box #5 | December 7

This week’s CSA Box had quite a few familiar favourites as well as 2 new exciting additions (pea shoots & shiitake mushrooms!). The colder weather means more root vegetables and that was certainly seen in this CSA Box.

Week 5 Haul:

Item Breakdown:

• 1 bunch pea shoots

• 1 bunch kale

• 1 head romanesco

• 4 sweet potatoes

• 22 carrots

• 11 potatoes

• 4 daikon radishes

• 1 head garlic

• 7 apples (I ate one before I took the picture!)

• 12 shiitake mushrooms

Week 4 Recipes & Meals:

The two main memorable meals from the last CSA Box were the Warm Cumin Roasted Carrot, Red Onion & Lentil Salad from Deliciously Ella. I used yellow split peas instead of lentils, but the overall dish was fantastic. Really earthy, but delicious!

The second great meal we had was roasted romanesco. I followed the idea of the recipe for the whole roasted romanesco, but opted to cut the veggie into florets instead of roasting it whole. I also omitted the oil and used apple cider vinegar instead of sherry. WOW, this dish was AMAZING! It was so flavourful and I was definitely sad when it was finished.

Also, lo & behold, I did end up finally making the Creamy Leek & Potato Soup. It was good, but I’m not sure if I’d make it a regular in my soup rotation.

Week 4 Recipes & Plans:

Romanesco: The roasted romanesco from last time was so good that I’ll likely end up making it again! I bought a head of broccoli earlier this week and will add that to the dish so that it lasts longer!

Daikon Radishes: I’m still not the biggest fan of these root vegetables, so I’ll probably end up making the same Soba Noodle Salad from Dishing Up The Dirt that I’ve made each of the previous times I’ve received these!

Pea Shoots: I was excited to see this bunch of vibrant greens in the CSA Box this week. I’ve already made good use of them in salads and am stoked to continue using them to brighten up the dishes that so often become hearty & heavy this time of year as the weather gets colder.

Shiitake Mushrooms: This recipe for Garlicky Farro with Sauteed Mushrooms from Blissful Basil looks delightful & very simple. I don’t currently have farro on hand, so I might do a mix of different grains (I’m thinking buckwheat & rice).

Carrots & Potatoes: Maybe it’s the sudden thrust into winter that we’ve just experienced, or maybe I’m just feeling a bit more lazy this week, but I’m thinking I might just roast or boil these root vegetables plain and enjoy them simply & lightly seasoned.

What are your favourite ways to cook/eat carrots & potatoes? I need some inspiration!