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Enjoy Backyard Bounty

Florida Gardens

May 1, 2021

Brenda Marty-Jimenez

Ingredients for simple, nutritious, well-balanced meals may be as close as your garden.

Green Beans and Potatoes

Green beans or snap beans are a popular, tasty, easy-to-grow vegetable.

  • 1 pound red potatoes
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 1½ tablespoons finely chopped rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 pound green beans, trimmed and blanched
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • Salt

Simmer potatoes until tender; drain and cool. Quarter potatoes lengthwise and set aside. In a large sauté pan, heat oil; add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add rosemary, lemon zest and chili flakes; sauté until fragrant. Add potatoes and beans; sauté until vegetables are hot and coated with seasonings. Sprinkle with lemon juice and season lightly with salt. Serve warm. Serves 3.

Vegetable Pasta With Tomatoes

Tomatoes can be grown in a garden or container. They are delicious in a fresh green salad, pasta dishes, or sliced and eaten alone.

  • 1 medium zucchini, washed and ends removed
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried leaf basil, crushed
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
  • ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 2 cups prepared no-fat pasta sauce
  • 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes, divided
  • 8 ounces dried pasta, shape of choice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or basil

Cut zucchini in quarters lengthwise and then into ½-inch pieces. Place zucchini, onion, garlic and olive oil with seasonings in a large, deep skillet and sauté over medium heat until soft. Stir often.

Add prepared sauce. Mix well and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup chopped tomato and allow to heat thoroughly.

In a separate pot, cook pasta as directed on package. Drain well and place in a large serving bowl. Add sauce and mix gently.

Top with the reserved ½ cup chopped tomatoes and chopped herbs. Serve hot. Serves 4.

 

For help with horticultural questions, contact your county extension office. Staff may be working outside offices during COVID-19. For extension information, visit ffl.ifas.ufl.edu.

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