10 recipe ideas for microgreens
Microgreens are not just for chefs plating up with tweezers, you know - mere mortals can use them too! Packing a punch in terms of flavour and packed full of bioavailable nutrients, they are a handy ingredient with many different uses. They are particularly valuable in vegan, vegetarian, or reduced-meat diets. Here are 10 tried and tested ideas of how to use them.
Pesto. Blitz microgreens with pine nuts, parmesan, olive oil and garlic, then season to taste. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you wish.
Smoothie. Add microgreens to your smoothie blend. My favourite is using them in a Glorious Green smoothie - recipe here.
Garnish. Use microgreens to garnish soups, frittata, pizza, sandwiches, seafood, humous, dips…well, anything really. They add a fantastic pop of colour and create amazing structure.
Oil. Blitz microgreens with good olive oil and season. You can add lemon, garlic, chilli or soft herbs - experiment until the oil suits your tastes. Use as a dip for crusty bread or drizzle into a risotto or soup.
Tea. If you’ve had enough of eating your greens, try drinking them instead. Lemon balm is particularly tasty steeped in boiled water.
Salad. You can make a salad of microgreens alone, or add them to your regular salad leaves for a burst of flavour, colour and extra nutrients.
Butter. Butter is never far from my mind! Chop your tastiest microgreens and mix through softened butter. Once combined, transfer to cling film, wrap up into a sausage shape and chill in the fridge.
Stir fry. Add microgreens to your stir fry for a fresh flavour once cooking is complete.
Sauce. Stir microgreens into sauces. Hot peppery microgreens are great with steak and the more delicate flavours work well with fish.
Sandwich. Stick microgreens in a sarnie/bap just as you would lettuce. I’d take a BMT (bacon, microgreen, tomato) over a BLT any day.
Read my post about my local growers, Lightfoot’s Farm in Sway, the New Forest.
I hope this has given you some ideas. I’d love to know what you do with your microgreens, so please leave a comment and let me know!
