Char-cutie Board
Have you ever left a farmers market after stocking up on all sorts of vegetables and then did not know what the heck to do with it all? Well, not to worry, as this recipe here will provide you with a great snack or party platter that will utilize all those vibrant veggies. Not to mention its tasty, nutrient-dense and will benefit the gut microbiome (Hello Rainbow!)
As a nutritionist, I am always feeling compelled to share that as Americans, we only eat 20% of whats actually available to us. This means that our gut microbiome is suffering significantly when a diverse diet is what helps our gut thrive. The best thing you can do is “eat the rainbow” which means you should strive to eat a large array of colorful vegetables and herbs and try as many different foods you can access, especially fermented foods!
With Spring around the corner, this crudité with beet hummus and lemon-garlic cannellini dip is a must. Check out the recipe below and all of the awesome local vendors who helped take it to the next level!
Here’s a run down of the lovely vendors I sourced 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!
Vegan AF(ish) is described by creator, Chef Paris Anton, as “Seasonal Opportunistic”, “Plant Based Medicine”, and “Whole Food Seasonal”. She works with local farmers to source the best ingredients showcasing them with minimal interference of seasoning and light cooking techniques in order for folks to experience what the actual ingredients SHOULD taste like, in its peak of freshness.
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.
1836 Olive Oil grows, harvests, mills, and bottles Texas-grown olives into exceptional olive oils. Owner Kerry Thornhill started the orchard in 2012 with a desire to pay homage to her maternal grandparents. She believes in the Texas olive industry, and in supporting local agriculture and women farmers everywhere.
Milo’s Meals is on a mission to help people understand and realize that Chinese food is way more than just General Tso's Chicken. The husband and wife duo bring a unique take on Sichuan cuisine to the table, as well as a variety of baked goods and desserts. They provide a great opportunity for market visitors to get out of their comfort zone and try foods from around the world.
Share the love! If you do make this recipe, 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.
Ingredients
1 bunch carrots - Wood Duck or Plant if Forward (save carrot tops for this pesto recipe)
1 carton of tomatoes - Wood Duck
1 bunch radishes - Animal Farms
Beet root hummus - Vegan AF(ish)
Lemony Garlicky Cannellini Dip - Vegan AF(ish)
Dukkah - Vegan AF(ish)
Extra virgin olive oil - 1836
2- 4 Cucumbers - Verde Greens
Famous Everything Sauce - Milo’s Meals
Any leftover veggies in your fridge ( I had bell peppers laying around)
Method
Chop up the veggies in your preferred dipping style, rounds, sticks, thin slices, wherever the wind takes you!
Bring out a serving platter and Bob Ross it up, there are no mistakes only happy accidents. Arrange the cute vegetables around two small bowls however you’d like.
Scoop each dip into its own bowl
Top the Cannellini Dip with a spoonful of olive oil and a sprinkling of the dukkah. Top the beet root hummus with the Famous Everything Sauce
Munch to your heart’s content!
We hope to see you at the 1st and 3rd Sunday at Rice Village Farmers Market or 2nd and 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