Carrots & Sesame
Today's recipe is another gem I stumbled upon a few years ago while stuck in an airport for hours on end; I have never been so thankful for crappy weather and a delayed flight. Since this is Miss Martha Stewart's recipe and not mine I feel I can toot it's horn a little bit. I must say this is one of the most simple and easy recipes I have made to date, but not only that, the presentation is outstanding. Something that looks like a lot of thought and effort was taken is actually quite easy to put together. Not only that but the flavors mesh with each other so well. This side dish is yet another great way to utilize the carrots that are currently in season!
Carrot sesame recipe plated in a white dish
Not only do carrots make a tasty addition to meals, but they also offer numerous health benefits that make them a smart choice for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. For example, I came across various studies looking at cognitive decline in relation to beta-carotene (found in carrots among other root vegetables) intake.
Middle-aged people who ate the lowest amount of root vegetables showed more than three times as much cognitive decline as those who ate the most, according to a Netherlands study. Researchers concluded that the beta-carotene in the vegetables - ESPECIALLY IN CARROTS--protected the central nervous system against aging. An 18-year Harvard study determined that when men consumed 50mg supplements of beta-carotene every other day, cognitive decay was delayed for the equivalent of 1 to 1.5 years compared to those who took a placebo.
Vendors at the Heights Mercantile Farmers Market
Here’s a run down of the lovely vendors you can source from to create this recipe!
Wood Duck is an 87 acre farm, located in Cleveland, Texas. They have a thriving CSA program and have been providing healthy produce to the community for years. Wood Duck is actually in the process of fighting a proposed landfill in San Jacinto County, visit this website to learn more about how you can help!
Plant it Forward works with independent, professional farmers with refugee backgrounds to grow and distribute fresh produce throughout the community. At our market locations we work with farmer Materanya “Pierre” Ruchinagiza, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Each market he brings delicious vegetables and good conversation. He’s an amazing asset to the markets and his farming knowledge is invaluable!
Animal Farm is a working, sustainable permaculture center located 65 miles west of Houston. They are dedicated to producing high quality certified organic vegetables and flowers. They sell at our markets, but also have a wonderful CSA program!
Verde Greens located in Houston, Texas, uses a combination of hydroponic and no-till soil cultivation methods to produce healthy, nutritious, pesticide- and herbicide-free leafy greens, herbs, and mixed vegetables for the community.
Sweetwater Farms HTX is a family-owned, urban farm located in Houston, Texas. They are 7 minutes from the loop in the middle of a food desert. It sits on 6 acres of land and is primarily used to teach inner city youth about agriculture through its partnership with TWEF. We grow some of the freshest seasonal veggies! Farm visits are reservation are only!
Synergos is a thriving healthy farm community, synergistically growing food, allowing all things to grow naturally. Located in Santa Fe, Texas, Synergos focuses on regenerative practices that support healthy soil, plants, and animals.
Share the love! Don’t forget to share photos and tag the vendors who provided the ingredients! One of the best ways to support these local, small businesses is by spreading the word and sharing your market finds with friends and family. And of course, if you stop by the Rice Village or Heights Mercantile markets striking up conversations with the vendors will always have you walking away with wonderful recipe ideas.
Bulk carrots with tops attached
Ingredients - * indicates item purchased at the farmers market
*2 large carrots
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1-2 tsp of lemon juice
sesame seeds sprinkled
Method
Using a potato peeler, peel carrots into ribbons. For added support while peeling, I used a knife pinning the top of the carrot in place on the cutting board (literally stab the knife thru the top on the carrot, pinning it in place.)
Place the ribbons of carrot in a bowl and toss with remaining ingredients.
Optional: chill in the fridge before serving.
Enjoy!
We hope to see you at the 1st & 3rd Sunday at Rice Village Farmers Market or 2nd & 4th Sunday at Heights Mercantile Farmers Market. Both markets run from 9-1 pm, with Heights located at 714 Yale St. and Rice located at 2504 Amherst St. These markets operate rain or shine! We will have over 60 vendors, live music, and immaculate vibes.
Thank you for following along and supporting local!
xxCB