Too-Easy Ways to Use Microgreens
At Area 2 Farms, we believe that good food shouldn’t be complicated. That’s one reason we love microgreens; they’re tiny, efficient, and packed with nutrients. In fact, microgreens contain up to 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts. And best of all? They’re effortless to use.
When you’re in a rush and don’t have time to cook a complete, balanced meal, you can feel good about the nutrient punch you’ll get from throwing a handful of microgreens into whatever you’re making. And if you’re spending some time cooking in the kitchen, think about adding in microgreens–you don’t need to overthink it, they really integrate seamlessly with so many dishes.
Here are some ways to get more nutrition into everyday meals using these tiny greens.
Blend Them In for a Sneaky Nutrient Boost
Blending microgreens is an easy way to work them into your meals without even noticing. This method is wonderful for picky eaters, or just giving a dish a nutrient boost.
Smoothies: Add a handful of microgreens to any smoothie recipe.
Pesto: Swap half the basil in your pesto recipe for microgreens, then blend as usual.
Meatballs: Try our Microgreen Meatballs recipe below; it’s perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.
Meatballs with Microgreens Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
1 cup diced white bread OR ½ cup panko
1 onion
1 egg
½ cup microgreens, chopped
¼ cup herbs (basil or parsley), chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 tsp garlic powder)
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Grate the onion into a large bowl (or blend it).
Add bread or panko to the bowl and let it soak in the onion juices.
Mix in the egg, microgreens, herbs, garlic, Parmesan, and seasonings.
Add the ground meat last and mix gently until just combined.
Form into balls (about 1 heaping tablespoon each) using wet hands.
Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes.
Finish by simmering meatballs in pasta sauce until cooked through.
Optional: stir in more microgreens while the sauce simmers.
Mix Them In to Balance Your Favorites
Stir microgreens into your favorite recipes, both raw and cooked.
Dips, like salsa, guacamole, or hummus: Chop microgreens and stir them into fresh or jarred salsa, guacamole, or hummus.
Cold Noodle Salads, Potato Salad, Soups, or Pasta: Mix in a generous handful!
Salad Dressings: Just chop microgreens and mix into salad dressings.
Save Time and Toss Them on Top
Microgreens are a natural topper. Just grab a handful and toss them onto whatever you're already making–it’s that easy. Suddenly, even comfort food has a nutritional boost.
Eggs: Once your eggs are cooked, sprinkle microgreens on top before serving.
Pizza: After baking or reheating, toss microgreens over the top of your slice.
Burgers or Sandwiches: Swap out lettuce for microgreens.
Bottom line: Microgreens are small, but they’re nutritionally dense and easy to use. No prep, no waste, and no reason not to use them on…well…everything.
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. At Area 2 Farms, we grow fresh organic produce within 10 miles of you.
