8 Ways to Get Your Greens This Spring
In this season, we excitedly await the variety of spring greens arriving at the local farmer’s market. In Chinese medicine, the color associated with spring is green. Eating greens nourishes the Liver/Gall Bladder organ system to gently cleanse and rev up our metabolism. Spring is an opportune time to do a gentle food cleanse. The bitter and astringent qualities of many fresh green vegetables and herbs awaken your body and mind and activate the body’s natural urge to cleanse itself. In Chinese medicine, stalk vegetables are highly prized. They define the yang energy of the season, with their upward and outward moving qualities. Asparagus, celery, fennel, chard, rhubarb, chives, dill, and parsley are a few readily available spring vegetables and herbs. Enjoy tender leafy greens like pea shoots, micro-greens, dandelion greens, chard, fiddlehead ferns, and arugula. The addition of a touch of sour flavor, like lemons, apple cider vinegar, etc., will also help nourish the Liver system and Gall Bladder system.
Here are eight recipes you can incorporate into your daily spring rituals to brighten your plate with fresh and zingy flavors.
Green Recipes for Spring
Parsley Spring Elixir
Ingredients
¼ cup of flat leaf parsley
1-2 cups of hot water
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Raw honey or maple syrup to taste
Directions
Pour hot water over the parsley in a tea pot, steep for 5-10 minutes.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and honey for a simple spring cleansing drink.
Parsley Smoothie
Ingredients
1 celery stalk
½ apple
¼ cup flat leaf parsley with stems
Water
Directions
Blend all the ingredients for a light cleansing pick me up. This is for a person with a robust constitution.
Chimichurri
Ingredients
1 cup chopped Italian (flat leaf) parsley
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro or fresh oregano
¼ cup fresh mint
4 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp salt to taste
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3-4 tbs red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Directions
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Add the finely chopped herbs, garlic, and red pepper flakes.This is an Argentinian staple and delicious on grilled meats. It can also be added to any veggies, great on asparagus and as a dip for fresh artichokes.
Gremolata
Ingredients
1 cup flat leaf parsley
2 cloves finely minced garlic
4 Tbsp grated lemon zest
Directions
Mince the parsley leaves finely. Add the garlic and grated lemon and mix. This refreshing classic Italian garnish is refreshing on soups, braised meat, fish, pasta, and veggies.
Jalashree’s Green Goddess Dressing
Ingredients
1 cup chopped fresh chives
½ cup fresh basil
½ cup fresh Italian parsley
½ cup fresh cilantro
½ avocado
1 clove garlic
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
Salt to taste
Directions
Blend all the ingredients until creamy. Add to salad or grilled veggies. This is a go-to recipe for party crudité. My girls loved this dressing for wraps and veggie bowls.
Chermoula
Ingredients
½ cup finely chopped Italian parsley
½ cup finely chopped cilantro
2 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp ground cumin powder
4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt
Directions
Whisk the lemon juice and oil then mix in parsley, cilantro and spices. I like to add chili pepper.
This is a North African inspired relish. Can be added to fish, meats, veggies and can be used as a marinade. Also, this is wonderful to stir in for a flavorful rice or couscous any season of the year.
Green Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
1 cup watercress/spinach
¼ cup Italian parsley
½ cup fresh chives
1 clove garlic
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp Olive oil
½ cup plain, whole fat Greek yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Blend all the ingredients until creamy. You get a wonderful tang with the yogurt and freshness from the herbs. A must for any dips for veggies or on top of roasted veggies and grilled meats.
A wrap of curried turkey meatballs with a carrot slaw is a favorite in my household.
Thai-Style Herbal Dressing
Ingredients
½ cup fresh chopped cilantro
½ cup fresh basil
½ cup fresh mint
1 small finely diced shallot
2 cloves minced garlic
1-2 minced jalapeno peppers (optional)
1 inch of fresh minced ginger
4 tbsp sesame oil
5 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp fish sauce
Directions
Whisk the oil and vinegar in a bowl then add all the ingredients and mix.
This is a bright and lively Asian inspired dressing that can be served with meats. My favorite way to serve this is with rice noodles and a slaw of red and white cabbage, carrots and thinly sliced watermelon radishes. It is definitely a wonderful way to welcome the spring.