Gardening is the perfect hobby for anyone. Your garden can be a small spot in your apartment with a few, small crops growing or a large portion of your backyard with an array of options. After working hard, you are rewarded for your efforts with fresh produce! I may be biased in saying that there is nothing like fresh food, but once you have it it’s life-changing. I grew up eating fresh fruits and vegetables from my family garden and having fresh eggs from our chickens. When I left my childhood home to go to college and started living on my own, I wasn’t very keen on buying eggs and produce from the store because, to me, they just didn’t taste the same. My roommate didn’t understand my obsession with fresh food until she had eggs and produce from my family’s backyard. Now, she’s the one planning our garden and begging to get chickens!

My roommate has convinced me that it is never too early to start planning your garden. After we harvested our fruits, vegetables, and herbs, my family began planning our next batch. Picking can be a difficult process because you have a lot of factors to consider. What will grow well in your area? What are you going to use? When planning my garden, I like to plan recipes along with the things I’m growing. This year, I am sharing my favorite garden veggies and herbs and how I plan on using them.

The first step to having the perfect dishes is having an after-harvest plan ready. After harvest, I like to keep my herbs and vegetables fresh in my Sharp Refrigerator. I love how this refrigerator has Double Humidity-Controlled Crispers for my most delicate fruits and vegetables! The double humidity-controlled crisper drawers provide room to store various fruits and vegetables in their ideal environment, while the humidity adjustments help keep food fresher longer.

Whether you discovered your green thumb years ago or are just getting started, try these recipes featuring my favorite herbs and veggies!

 

Herbs

As a child, I never understood what herbs were. I was confused why there were little green leaves in my food. As I grew up, I began to understand the importance of those “little green leaves” in my food. Herbs are perfect for adding extra flavor and garnish to a dish. As I started cooking more and growing my own herbs, I noticed how often I was using basil, cilantro, and parsley in my recipes. To avoid frequent trips to the grocery store and guarantee freshness, I began growing these herbs within the comfort of my own home. While there are so many delicious dishes I can create using basil, cilantro, and parsley, I’ve narrowed it down to my Top 3 Recipes!

Basil

The right sauce can take an average dish and elevate it to the next level. My favorite sauce is the Basil Marinara Sauce in this Turkey Meatball recipe. I used to worry about burning my sauce until I began cooking with the Sharp Induction Cooktop. This cooktop is equipped with versatile cooking capabilities, including the Simmer Enhancer. The Simmer Enhancer feature provides low, consistent cooking performance for your most delicate soups and sauces. I never have to worry about my Basil Marinara Sauce when it is simmering to perfection. While the sauce is simmering, the Turkey Meatballs are browned in a skillet.

Cilantro

This Butternut Red Curry is perfect for cold days when you are looking for a warm dish. This dish is guaranteed to spice up any meal and is prepared to perfection on the Sharp Induction Cooktop. Not only do I love how this dish tastes, but I also love how easy it is to make. I am always worried that my dishes will splatter and create a mess on my cooktop. The simmer enhancer feature ensures slow pulses of heat are sent through the pan, meaning there’s no splatter. When I am transferring the meal to my plate, my clumsiness kicks in and I seemed to spill a bit. I give my cooktop a quick clean after every use using one of these tips!

 

Parsley

An appetizer a day keeps the hangry feeling away! I love an appetizer that I can snack on while I am preparing the rest of dinner. The Salmon Sweet Potato Croquettes is perfect for holding guests, and yourself, over until the main dish is ready to be served. I find that adding a lot of chopped herbs, especially parsley, makes this dish a crowd favorite! I can’t tell if it’s the herbs or that it is baked using a Superheated Steam appliance that makes my guests go crazy over them. I’m going to guess it’s the combination of both!

 

Vegetables

My mother used to sneak veggies into our meals anyway she could. I didn’t mind because they always tasted so delicious! Now, I find myself taking after my mother and no meal is complete without a vegetable. Looking for new ways to incorporate carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, spinach, or tomatoes into your dishes? Try preparing one of these recipes in your Sharp Appliance!

Carrots

Carrots can be eaten as is or be prepared in a dish. When I am looking for a quick snack, I can always count on carrots with hummus. When I am looking for a simple dinner dish jammed packed with flavor, I run to this Shepard’s Pie Recipe. Shepard’s Pie is a family favorite in my house. It is a simply better and delicious dish that utilizes the features of a Sharp Induction Cooktop and a Sharp European Convection Wall Oven! This powerful duo creates a dish that leaves you wanting more. From the perfectly simmered beef broth and ground beef mixture from the cooktop to the golden-brown crust created in the oven, this dish will leave you wanting more. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is the perfect versatile vegetable. Did you know you can take cauliflower and turn it into cauliflower rice? I didn’t until I watched my grandma place florets into a blender and moments later we had little pieces of cauliflower! Cauliflower rice is the perfect base for Sriracha Peanut Cauliflower Rice Bowls. This mindful recipe requires minimal cleanup with maximum flavors! When this meal is prepared using a Superheated Steam appliance, the veggies retained their gorgeous vibrancy and tasted extra fresh!

Cucumbers

Cucumbers can be used in more than just salad and on your eyes. Have you tried adding cucumbers to your dishes? When I have an excess of cucumbers or am looking to refresh my pallette with something different,  this Thai Baked Pork Tenderloin works wonders! I prepare this dish in my  Sharp Oven and love how perfectly tender and juicy the Pork Tenderloin comes out every time. This roast is a versatile main dish and my favorite way to serve it is alongside a cucumber salad. I run to this quality meal when I am pressed for time and only have 30 minutes to prepare dinner.

 

Spinach

Spinach and Artichoke dip is, without a doubt, my favorite dip at any gathering. The moment I see it, I devour the entire bowl within minutes. Because there is never left for anyone else, my family and friends started making me my own serving and setting it aside. Spinach and Artichoke dip isn’t just a great appetizer, it can be incorporated into your meal as well! This Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken Breast can be prepared in the Sharp SuperSteam+ Smart Superheated Steam and Convection Built-In Wall Oven.  The combination of superheated steam and conventional, radiant heat in cooking modes means that these chicken breasts will be crispy and browned on the outside, moist, and delicious on the inside. The crisp and juicy chicken paired with the creamy and flavorful filling sends chills throughout my body with every bite.

 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes were the first plant that I started growing when I moved into my first apartment. My apartment had a small balcony with ample sunlight, so it was perfect for growing tomatoes! I always have an abundance of tomatoes and am constantly looking for ways to use them. Tomatoes are perfect for salads, sandwiches, and taste even better paired with pork chops! I love how the Baked Boneless Pork Chops are baked in the Sharp European Convection Built-in Wall Oven and ready in under 25 minutes! The pork chops come out juicy every time and I love the added flavor from the fresh tomatoes!

What is a must-have in your garden? We would love to see what you’re growing in your garden and how you are preparing it using your Sharp Appliance! Share your pictures with us on social media using #SharpHome.