I have an idea…how about we all skip the green food dye and go for some real green on St. Patty’s Day?
It could be kind of fun to pull together a meal with a “green” theme. How about making Pesto? Toss it with pasta, fresh tomatoes, and parmesan; add some chicken or spicy sausage if you like. Pesto is also nice stirred into brown rice. Don’t worry if it’s not basil season, arugula makes a delicious substitute. Go ahead and make a full batch. Freeze the extra in an ice-cube tray for future use.
You could make Green Chile Pork Posole, Split Pea Soup, or Brown Rice and Chicken Stir-Fry with Edamame and Walnuts. Asparagus, Peas, and Basil makes a nice green side dish, or try Broccoli Apple Salad. For another “green” side, you could also saute some red onion in olive oil, add some cooked shelled edamame, and then toss in some fresh chopped mint at the end. Mmmm.
While we’re on the subject, be on the lookout for green garlic. I spotted some at the farmer’s market yesterday. You can use it like you would scallions, however, it resembles scallions in looks only. The taste is lovely, soft and subtlety garlic. Delicious – and green!
