By Elesha Ergle, RDN
Rocking chairs, shucking corn, the sound of snapping beans and purple-dyed thumbs…anyone else starting to feel like you’re on your grandma’s porch?
We spent a lot of time during the summers growing and storing our own fresh vegetables straight out of the garden. I do miss those days, and look forward to summer when fresh vegetables are more readily available. While canned and frozen vegetables are fine choices, summer is a perfect time to grab some fresh vegetables and pair them with lean beef for a nutritious meal. Lean beef is a protein power-house that provides 25 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving with only 173 calories!
Egging You On
Fresh eggplant…I remember getting some from neighbors and trying countless recipes with my mom to decide if we really liked it or not. If only we had internet then…now we can find countless recipes to fit any taste! This recipe for Ground Beef Eggplant Parmesan will be one that you will want to make all year long. Simple, delicious and even the kids will love it!
Burgers+ Fruits & Veggies
Yes, we can have vegetables with a real beef burger! Grab your veggies and try this Grilled Burger with Fresh Garden Vegetables. If you want to stick to your own favorite burger recipe, add garden-fresh tomato, lettuce and onion slices for a hit of freshness with each savory bite. If you have fresh peaches and are looking for something new and different, give this Old South Burger with Peach Compote a try!
Beef on a Stick…With Fruits and Veggies, Of Course
Kabobs are a delicious and exciting way to pair lean beef and fresh garden goodies. Dice up your favorite lean cut of beef and pair it with whatever veggies you have on hand…onions, sweet peppers, squashes, mushrooms, tomatoes…even fruits like pineapple, mango, oranges or peaches are delicious when grilled! Don’t believe me? Try this recipe for Citrus-Marinated Beef Top Sirloin & Fruit Kabobs.
Summertime Pizza
Any time is pizza time at our house, and I love this recipe for Beef and Garden Vegetable Pizza. Mix it up different veggies, and let the kids chose their own toppings for a pizza any parent can be proud of. This is a great recipe to use those leftover vegetables in the fridge and try something new to keep things interesting this summer!
Try your local farmer’s markets for fresh veggies and local beef, or grocery store shelves will be filling up with in-season produce at lower prices. If you aren’t used to buying fresh vegetables, use this guide to help you make the best choices and know what’s in season. Let’s get started with some of these great beef recipes, or you can check out Beef It’s What’s For Dinner for even more recipes and learn all about beef from pasture to plate. If you have an Amazon or Google Home device, Ask Chuck to help you with all your beef preparation needs.
Stay cool and have fun this summer, and EAT MORE BEEF!
This article was funded by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Progam. Paid for by Alabama beef farmers and ranchers.