April Fuels!
Today at Seven Valleys Health Coalition, we are celebrating April Fuels day! Fuel your body and mind with this recipe for a Mixed Vegetable Bake, which can be made with delicious and nutritious locally sourced ingredients! Read on for more info on this great dish.
Potatoes are available locally all year long. They are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants, which are fantastic for digestive health, blood sugar control, and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Carrots are well-known for their nutritional value and are a great source of fiber, vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants. Carrots may reduce the risk of cancer, lower cholesterol, and are good for eye health.
Onions contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancer, obesity, and heart disease. The high amounts of vitamin C found in onions also promote healthy skin and hair.
Garlic is rich vitamins and minerals that can boost immune system function, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help to prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Bell peppers are full of vitamins, minerals, and other plant compounds that make them good food for eye health and alleviating the symptoms of anemia.
Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants which may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and lower the risk of heart disease. The anti-inflammatory properties lessen the risk of dementia, arthritis and obesity. Olive oil might also lower the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, olive oil has antibacterial properties that can kill harmful bacteria that lead to stomach ulcers and cancer.
Food produced locally is more nutritious. This is because food contains the most nutrients around the time it is harvested. The longer food spends traveling, the less nutrition it contains. Less time traveling also means less exposure to harmful chemicals and less production of greenhouse gasses. What a tasteful way to decrease our carbon footprint!
Find ingredients for this Mixed Vegetable Bake and more at Anderson’s Farm Market, The Local Food Market, or through a CSA share at Main Street Farms. Check out the healthy and delicious recipe for Mixed Vegetable Bake below.
Mixed Vegetable Bake
Ingredients
1 lb medium red potatoes, (about 4), cut into 1/8-inch slices
1 large onion, cut in half and into 1/4-inch slices
2 medium carrots, peeled, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 medium zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch slices
directions
Step 1 Heat oven to 400°F. Spray bottom of 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2 Place potatoes, onion and carrots in baking dish; toss with half each of the oil, garlic, thyme, tarragon, salt and pepper. Bake 10 minutes.
Step 3 Meanwhile, in medium bowl, toss bell pepper and zucchini with remaining oil and seasonings. Stir into mixture in baking dish. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender; stirring halfway through bake time.
