5 Easy Farm-to-Table Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

 

## 5 Easy Farm-to-Table Recipes for Weeknight Dinners

Eating fresh, locally sourced ingredients is a rewarding way to enhance your meals while supporting local farmers. Here are five easy farm-to-table recipes that you can whip up for weeknight dinners, showcasing seasonal produce and simple preparation methods.

### **1. Cowboy Pasta**

This hearty dish combines ground beef, bacon, and corn for a filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

**Ingredients:**

- 1 pound ground beef

- 4 slices bacon, chopped

- 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

- 1 pound pasta (your choice)

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

- Chili powder and jalapeño (optional for heat)

**Instructions:**

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy, then add ground beef and cook until browned.

3. Stir in corn and buttermilk, cooking until heated through.

4. Combine with pasta and cheese, mixing well. Season with chili powder or jalapeño if desired.

5. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this dish![1]

### **2. One-Pot Vegetable Risotto**

A creamy risotto is a great way to utilize seasonal vegetables and can be made in one pot for easy cleanup.

**Ingredients:**

- 1 cup Arborio rice

- 4 cups vegetable broth

- 1 cup seasonal vegetables (like asparagus or peas)

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- ½ cup Parmesan cheese

- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.

2. Add Arborio rice, stirring for about 2 minutes until slightly toasted.

3. Gradually add vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until absorbed.

4. When rice is nearly cooked, stir in seasonal vegetables and cook until tender.

5. Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper before serving.[4]

### **3. Loaded Caesar Salad**

This quick salad is perfect as a light dinner or side dish, packed with fresh greens and protein.

**Ingredients:**

- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- ½ cup croutons

- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

- Grilled chicken or chickpeas (for protein)

- Caesar dressing

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

2. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein.

3. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss to combine.

4. Serve immediately for a fresh and satisfying meal.[3]

### **4. Corn Chowder with Bacon**

This comforting chowder is perfect for chilly evenings and makes use of sweet summer corn.

**Ingredients:**

- 4 slices bacon, chopped

- 1 onion, diced

- 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)

- 2 medium potatoes, diced

- 4 cups chicken broth

- 1 cup heavy cream

- Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy; remove and set aside.

2. In the same pot, sauté onion until translucent.

3. Add potatoes and chicken broth; bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are tender.

4. Stir in corn and heavy cream; simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Season with salt and pepper before serving topped with crispy bacon.[1][2]

### **5. Farmer’s Casserole**

This make-ahead casserole is perfect for brunch or dinner and combines eggs with hearty ingredients.

**Ingredients:**

- 3 cups hash browns (fresh or frozen)

- 1 cup diced ham or cooked sausage

- 1 cup shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack)

- 6 eggs

- ½ cup milk

- Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a greased baking dish, layer hash browns at the bottom.

3. Sprinkle diced ham or sausage on top of the hash browns followed by cheese.

4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; pour over the casserole layers.

5. Bake for about 45 minutes or until eggs are set and the top is golden brown.[1]

### **Conclusion**

These five easy farm-to-table recipes demonstrate how simple it can be to incorporate fresh ingredients into your weeknight dinners without breaking the bank or spending too much time in the kitchen. By utilizing seasonal produce from local farms or markets, you not only enhance your meals but also support sustainable eating practices that benefit your community. Enjoy cooking!

Citations:

[1] https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/farmer-approved-recipes/

[2] https://squaremeals.org/Portals/8/files/Texas%20Farm%20Fresh/2022%20Refresh/Farm%20Fresh_Cooking%20for%20the%20Seasons%20Cookbook_Web.pdf

[3] https://farmgirlblogs.com/hayfield-meals/

[4] https://www.lacrema.com/weeknight-dinners/

[5] https://growinghome.com.au/dirt-to-dinner-guides/cooking-from-garden/

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW1r8NwUX-8

[7] https://www.feastingathome.com/category/by-meal-type/dinner/

[8] https://www.feastingathome.com/category/featured/30-minutes-or-less/