First Broccoli

We were able to harvest our first broccoli early this week. We had about three plants that had grown large enough to harvest. Apparently once you harvest the first crown on the top of the plant, more will grow below, and those florets are supposed to be even better.

The kale and Swiss Chard are also now big enough to harvest, just a little at a time, so I’ve been using them in soups, stir frys, and various other dishes.

With the first broccoli, I made a teriyaki stir fry along with Swiss Chard, kale, and yellow pepper also from the garden (that’s likely the last of the pepper – this particular one had been in the fridge for a couple of weeks). Also added haricot vert (French green beans), and cashews over buckwheat noodles.

Vegan Tortilla Soup

This variation of the Mexican favorite was inspired by a recipe in the 30 Minute Vegan (p.163). I added a few more veggies, including a poblano, spinach & Swiss chard from the garden, and used a can of tomatoes with chiles already in it; and let it simmer much longer to get really flavorful.

1 tbs olive oil
1 cup chopped red onion
1 poblano, seeded and chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 can diced tomatoes with chiles
1 can pinto beans, drained
1/2 can corn
2 tsp chile powder
2 tsp cumin
2 1/2 cups vegetable stock (used Better than Bouillon – this stuff is great, Gwen!)
2 tbs soy sauce
1 big leaf Swiss chard, torn into pieces
A handful of spinach leaves, torn into pieces
1/2 avocado, sliced or chopped
Tortilla strips (used Fresh Gourmet’s Santa Fe style)

I sauteed the onion in olive oil for a few minutes, then added the poblano and garlic for a couple minutes more. Then added tomatoes with chiles, beans, corn, chile powder, cumin, vegetable broth, and soy sauce. Covered and simmered really low for 30-45 minutes. Added spinach and Swiss chard for the last 5 minutes or so, until wilted. Ladled into a bowl and topped with tortilla strips and avocado. I didn’t have cilantro on hand but that would have been a nice touch.

Very comforting and hearty soup with some nice heat.

Growth of Broccoli and Cauliflower

The broccoli plants in the community garden are getting nice and tall, and have their first fruit! We just need to wait a bit longer until the first ones will be ready to harvest.

Broccoli plants

First broccoli fruit

The broccoli plants in our own planter haven’t been growing as quickly, and we think it’s due to lack of direct sun. So yesterday, we removed the shade cloth over our patio. In just a day, they are already looking better.

Porch shade cloth removed to let in more sun

Broccoli plants

The cauliflower in the community garden is also doing well, and has its first fruit. It’s a beautiful purple!

First fruit on purple cauliflower plant

Tomatoes, Chives, Radishes, and Lettuce

Amazingly, we still have some cherry tomatoes, even though the plant itself looks almost completely dead.

Cherry tomato plant, first week in January, 2013

We’ve had a few frosts in the past few weeks, and most everything else from the summer garden is done for – all the mild peppers, Thai & regular basil, and beans. What is still hanging on is the chives, peppermint (although barely), and the pequin peppers.

The radishes and lettuce from the new winter garden are thriving.

Radish plants

Lettuce patch

Yesterday I made a salad that included tomatoes & chives from what’s left of the summer garden, and lettuce and radishes from the winter garden.

Green salad with radishes, chives and tomatoes