In a few weeks, Hoosier farm markets will have their first flush of spring vegetables. Spinach, lettuce and asparagus will soon be making their way to local farmers markets are welcome by both the farmers and by shoppers.
Leaf lettuce mixes, called mesclun, are more likely found at farmers markets than at the grocery store. This is because they need to be harvested just as the leaves are about the size of a mouse and used quickly. Mesclun mixes often contain red and green varieties, many of which are heirloom types. Mesclun is best used in spring salads or for topping sandwiches.
Spinach can be used either raw or cooked. Fresh spinach is a lovely deep green, and nutritionally, high in vitamin A and iron. Yes, Popeye had it right.
Asparagus is the king of spring vegetables, and fresh asparagus spears are a limited-time taste treat. The young spears rarely need to be peeled, can be eaten raw, but are more likely to be steamed or blanched. Avoid boiling fresh asparagus - it becomes mushy and loses much of its flavor. Fresh asparagus can either be colored green, be green with purple tint around the tip of the spear, or be totally purple. White asparagus is asparagus that was prevented from accessing sunlight so the chlorophyll and anthocyanins never developed. It has become very popular but it may not be available as a locally grown product because the process used to blanche the asparagus is very labor intensive.
The following recipe for stir-fried spinach creates a colorful and spicy side dish that makes a great accompaniment to chicken spring rolls, pork pot stickers or broiled pork chops. Whole ginger root is available in the produce section of Meijers and Krogers.
Stir-Fry Spinach with Ginger
2 lbs. fresh spinach
1 small onion
3 tbsp peanut or canola oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and diced
2 slices 1/8" thick ginger root
salt
1 tb rice wine or dry sherry
1 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce<br>1 tsp. sugar
Wash and trim spinach and tear leaves into 2" square pieces. Chop onion. Heat oil in large frying pan, skillet or wok, and add onion, garlic and ginger. Stir-fry on highheat for 1 minute. Add spinach, sprinkle with pinch of salt, then stir for 3 minutes. Add rice wine, soy sauce and Turn heat down to medium cover and cook 3 minutes longer. Remove ginger and serve immediately.
Wednesday: Asparagus recipes
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