You may have heard the recommendation to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Do you ever wonder why? Veggies and fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber that help keep your body strong and healthy. They can even help lower your risk of certain diseases.
Still, it's not always easy to find veggie recipes that are quick to prepare and that you and your entire family will enjoy. Luckily, many Food Hero recipes use vegetables in simple, tasty ways. Our goal is to help you feel inspired to try vegetables every way, every day!
Start Off Strong with Breakfast
Veggies are a great way to add flavor and a boost of nutrition to your breakfast. Start the day off right with these recipes.
- Eggplant Omelet (Tortang Talong): This Filipino-inspired recipe includes broiled eggplant dipped in an egg mixture and cooked in a skillet. It’s a satisfying way to start your day!
- Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread: Trying to find ways to enjoy zucchini? Look no further than this Whole-Wheat Zucchini Bread! Prepare on the weekend and refrigerate for a delicious breakfast throughout the week. Pair with yogurt or eggs, and fruit for a complete meal.
- Veggie Omelet in a Mug: Not only is this recipe filled with vegetables of your choosing, but it can be cooked in the microwave in 3 minutes! It’s the perfect recipe for hectic mornings. Serve with whole-grain toast.
- Tofu Scramble: No eggs? Try a tofu scramble! Spinach and bell pepper come together to make a protein-filled meal.
- Savory Oatmeal: Add green onions and tomatoes to oatmeal for a delicious, savory breakfast. Nutritious and filling, this might become your new favorite way to enjoy oatmeal!
Add Veggies to Your Soups
Soups can be a simple way to get a meal on the table for yourself or your family. Vegetables make a great addition to soups, and so many different types can be created! Almost all Food Hero recipes contain vegetables, so here are some of our favorites:
- Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew: Slow cookers are great for when you want a hot meal a few hours later. Combine the ingredients in the pot, then get on with your day. Dinner will be ready when you want it!
- Chicken and Greens Soup: Developed by the African Heritage Workgroup, this flavor-packed soup combines onion, carrots and greens.
- Veggie Stew: This recipe combines six vegetables for a delicious, hearty side, meal or topping! Try adding more vegetables or a lean protein.
- Minestrone Soup: Did you know that Minestrone Soup is easy to make at home? Simply chop up the vegetables and add some whole-grain pasta for a delicious soup.
- Southern Okra Bean Stew: Okra is an earthy and slightly sweet vegetable that is native to Africa. Combined with kidney beans, other vegetables and rice, it makes a filling and balanced meal!
Roasting for Flavor
Roasted vegetables have a delicious flavor that adds dimension to your dishes. Plus, most roasting recipes are easy to make!
- Roasted Asparagus: Roast asparagus to enjoy as a side or add to pasta or grain bowls.
- Roasted Parsnips: Parsnips are great for dipping! Roast them and serve them as a side or pack them as a snack.
- Roasted Sugar Snap Peas: Looking for a snack? Try roasting sugar snap peas to add some vegetables to your day!
- Roasted Zucchini: Zucchini can be served as a side or added to a variety of meals!
Delicious Dipping
Double up! Dip raw veggies into one of our Food Hero dips made with veggies!
- Smashed Garbanzo Bean Salad: While originally created as a salad or sandwich filling, this recipe can also serve as a chunky dip!
- Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip): Roasted sunflower seeds combined with tomatoes and seasonings make a nutty dip to enjoy with veggies!
- Eggplant Dip: One of our most popular recipes, this eggplant dip is creamy and delicious.
- Peach Salsa: Onions, tomatoes and bell peppers are mixed with peaches for a slightly sweet salsa you won’t want to put down.
- Vegetarian Ceviche: This vegetarian version of ceviche can be eaten with other vegetables or with our Baked Tortilla Chips.
More Ways to Enjoy Veggies
This is just the beginning! Visit the Vegetables recipe category for more recipes containing vegetables. Additionally, the Ingredients page can help you find recipes if you have a specific vegetable on hand. Finding small ways to add more vegetables to your day can help you build new habits. Whether you enjoy them raw, roasted, blended or baked, vegetables are a delicious part of everyday meals. Happy cooking!
