Adventures with Bok Choy

on January 5, 2010

I was reading Menâ€™s Health (so much more informative than Womenâ€™s Health, for some odd reason) on the airplane, and an article suggested I try swapping broccoli for bok choy.

Bok Choy is rich in Vitamin C. Additionally, Bok Choy packs an anti-cancer punch due to its significant amounts of indoles, a nitrogen compound, and fiber. The wonder veggie is rich in folic acid, beta-carotene, and calcium.

Plus, Bok Choy reminds me of Chinese food! 🙂

Look at that pile of vegetables! What has come over me?!

I stir-fried the Bok Choy with fresh corn, peas, and a bit of low sodium soy sauce. On the side, I had a wonderful serving of bulgur, which just might be my new favorite grain. It was a healthy version of Chinese fried rice!

And on the side, a serving of warm naan bread, which I picked up at the grocery store in the deli section.

It was a delicious lunch that satisfied my desires for a home-cooked meal after 12 days of vacation eating.

My To Do list beckons me!

Out of the following â€˜unusualâ€™ veggies, which is your favorite and why?

Eggplant
Mushrooms
Bok Choy
Parsnips
Yucca

Or is there another unique veggie out there that I simply must be introduced to?

{ 120 comments }

Gelareh @ Orange Truffle January 5, 2010, 1:53 pm
Eggplant and mushroom tie.. I love eggplant because of how it tastes and mushrooms because of its texture. I thinkt hey go together perfectly 🙂
Jessica January 5, 2010, 1:54 pm
I love mushrooms and eggplants…yum.
I recently tried parsnips…they are really good too. I love the ginger taste almost.
I am starting to think soon I might turn into a veggie. 🙂 I think I am swaying toward being a vegaterian. There are SO many options I never knew.

I think beets are odd. I like them though but never know how to incorporate them in my meals…
any suggestions?
- caitlin January 5, 2010, 1:56 pm
  oh man i have no idea what to do with beets! i’m sorry 🙂 i’m still trying to examine my veggie horizons, too!
- Kristen January 5, 2010, 2:06 pm
  Cubed beets are good mixed in with rice (even risotto!) or orzo and topped off with some goat cheese. The whole bowl turns pink!
  - Jessica January 5, 2010, 2:19 pm
    thanks, never tried risotto or orzo…but I have a can of beets and nothing to do with them….:)
    - Lauren January 5, 2010, 5:58 pm
      Beet chips! Cut them really thin- I use a mandolin. Place them on a baking sheet and spray them with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. So yummy! They taste like chips- both beet lovers and non-beet lovers alike will love them!
Jessica @ How Sweet January 5, 2010, 1:55 pm
Men’s Health IS so much better! I hate Women’s Health. Then tend to have wacky diet advice and weird workouts.
Sara January 5, 2010, 1:55 pm
Parsnips! Dense and slightly sweet, great in soups and stews.
Tonyne @ The Unlikely Success Story January 5, 2010, 1:56 pm
I love bok choy! I only started using it a few months ago, but I have grown to love it. Out of all of those veggies my favorite is Eggplant, you can do soooo much with it!
Erin January 5, 2010, 1:58 pm
If you’ve never tried rutabaga, do! It’s delicious mashed like mashed potatoes — yum yum yum.
- Jessica January 5, 2010, 2:20 pm
  love those….they are like potatoes.
Brie (The Fit Bride) January 5, 2010, 1:58 pm
Bok choy is fun to say. Saying “bok” makes me want to cluck like a chicken.
Victoria January 5, 2010, 1:58 pm
I really like bok choy because it’s so versatile. I’ve put it in stir-frys, pasta, and soups.
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) January 5, 2010, 2:02 pm
I love mushrooms! I know some people hate ’em, but I’d take a portobello sandwich over a burger any day 🙂

For the person interested in beets – they are great (sweet!) when peeled, cubed, and roasted until tender. You could also grate raw beets into salads (just like you would with carrots).
Matt January 5, 2010, 2:04 pm
Lol I don’t really like any of those. My favorite “unique” veggie is broccoli rabe (rapini).
AlisonJ January 5, 2010, 2:04 pm
My fave out of that list is eggplant – so tasty!!

I was going to suggest beets. I just had them roasted for the first time, and they were delicious! And even better the next day once the flavors blended. A perfect topper for a salad!
Jasmine (Sweet and Fit) January 5, 2010, 2:04 pm
okra!
Meg C. January 5, 2010, 2:04 pm
I know, why is women’s health full of such junk, and men’s health has actual helpful information that isn’t repeated every single month?
ps right now i’m watching michael pollan’s appearance on the daily show from last night
Casey @Spicy&Sweet January 5, 2010, 2:04 pm
I LOVE eggplant! Something about the texture is just so satisfying. And mushrooms are right up there with the best :).
Shannon (The Daily Balance) January 5, 2010, 2:05 pm
i love mushrooms, although i have them all the time, so they aren’t too unusual 😉

also LOVE bok choy!
Greta January 5, 2010, 2:06 pm
Parsnips! Parsnips!

I love root vegetables in general, really. Although I am also clueless as to how to do anything with beets. Every time I try to make a dish with beets, it just tastes…. dirty.

Caitlin, have you tried jicama? I think it’s my favorite veggie to snack on – sweet, crunchy, full of fiber, great in dips… yum!
- caitlin January 5, 2010, 2:07 pm
  oh man! i need to try jicama now. i’ll keep my eyes peeled!
Evan Thomas January 5, 2010, 2:06 pm
Mushrooms are so fun, especially marinated
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com January 5, 2010, 2:06 pm
Wow that’s so strange – mushrooms, eggplant (aubergine over here) and parsnip are SO common here, I eat them pretty much every day! Bok/Pak choi is ok too..I think it’s a bit watery, maybe I’m cooking it wrong?
Kabocha squash is my fave unusual veg – it’s sooo hard to get hold of here! I also love Jeruselum artichokes – had them for the first time the other day, I’d strongly recommend!!
Btw I love how you did your bulghar wheat, it looks so much better than the splat on my plate when I have it 😛
The Hot and Fit January 5, 2010, 2:08 pm
Eggplants!!

I love love love them! I usually microwave them and top them with Greek Yogurt – SO good!!
Christina January 5, 2010, 2:08 pm
I love Bok Choy! For some reason I always think it’s going to be bitter but it never is. I like using it in stirfrys and homemade wontons.

Mushroom are my fave from the list above, they’re such a great topping for everything from burgers (on them or as the “burger”), pizza and on pasta.
Foy Update - Cook. Garden. Write. Repeat. January 5, 2010, 2:08 pm
You must try fennel bulb! It is super crunch and with a mild anise flavor. Don’t let the anise deture you, it’s good I swear. Make a quick fennel salad:

fennel bulb, sliced thin
real parmesean cheese, sliced as thin as you can
orange, pealed then sliced into pretty circles
olive oil and white wine vinegar to dress
salt and pepper to taste

Layer the fennel, parmesean and orange together then drizzel with a bit of olive oil and a dash of vinegar. A little salt and pepper and you are set. Delicious as a main course or as a side with pork or fish.

This is a very European dish – I say Italy, but Orangette says France. Either way it is rustic and tremendous.
Kristen January 5, 2010, 2:09 pm
Wow, I love all those veggies! But right now in the cold months I must say parsnips. So good to thicken soups, make casseroles etc.

Glad you liked the bok choy! I like to make an easy shrimp & bok choy in coconut broth soup but you could certainly use tofu instead!
Scorpio Woman January 5, 2010, 2:10 pm
My favorite is mushrooms : stuffed mushrooms, stir-fried mushrooms in butter, on crostini… I just don’t like them raw.

Also I love rutabaga. With butter it’s great but these days, I steam it and eat it like that without nothing.
Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen January 5, 2010, 2:12 pm
i adore bok choy, but didn’t know it was so great for you too! what a delightful lunch you got there 🙂
Penny January 5, 2010, 2:13 pm
Your stir-fry looks sooo good.
And I would have to say that my favorite of the listed veggies would be bok choy.
Janessa (epicuriousvegan.blogspot.com) January 5, 2010, 2:16 pm
I love mushrooms, but I really can’t get behind ‘fall’ veggies; like beets, sweet potatoes, turnips… root vegetables are definitely *not* my favorite.
Rosey Rebecca January 5, 2010, 2:16 pm
Your lunch looks so fun! I like reading Men’s Health too!
KatieMoo January 5, 2010, 2:18 pm
For all of the beet adventurers, try just boiling the beets and adding a bit of butter. It’s really easy, too! Just cut off the beet greens (you can saute those and eat them on the side), cover the beets with water and let them boil (make sure to cover the pot or you’ll get pink everywhere!)until they are tender to touch (using a fork). No need to peel beforehand, the peel will slide off once they are cooked. SO YUMMY! (just a warning, beets taste much better when fresh, so don’t try this until you can get good beets)
Anna January 5, 2010, 2:18 pm
I love bok choy – so delicious and easy to prep for stir fry. Another veggie very similar to bok choy is misome. I’m also a fan of Japanese eggplant for just about any dish. The larger eggplant I feel needs to be prepared with more care to get the same yum taste, but Japanese eggplant is always tasty.
Jessica January 5, 2010, 2:21 pm
mmm … i love my veggies! looks delish! i enjoy eggplant.. it is great grilled ! and you have try jicama–it is light and crispy! yum yum!
Lauren @ Reading and Running January 5, 2010, 2:21 pm
I don’t think I’ve tried bok choy outside of greasy chinese food so I guess my only experience is with eggplant! I definitely to broaden my veggie horizons!
Karla January 5, 2010, 2:22 pm
My family eats Yucca all the time!

I fed by parents West African Stew last night, it had okra in it. I think they were a little confused haha!

Bok Choy is delicious! I love it in soups!
rungirlrunn January 5, 2010, 2:24 pm
I think Men’s Health is more informative too! I wish Women’s Health would catch on to that…

I love bok choy, but I’ve been too chicken to try to cook it at home so far. I don’t think I’ve had too many unusual vegetables, but I think I’d like them all!!
zestycook January 5, 2010, 2:26 pm
Love mushrooms! But back to the beets from earlier in the comments. The best way to cook beets if you are not familiar is rub them with a little olive oil and wrap them in foil and bake them in the oven until tender. Once tender – take the skin off and serve with fresh ground pepper and a little butter. They are delicious!

zesty
Hallie January 5, 2010, 2:27 pm
Bok choy is my favorite out of that list, but only because I’ve never tried yucca or parsnips and I don’t like eggplant or mushrooms! Process of elimination 🙂

If anyone wants to start eating a wider variety of vegetables and you’re open to trying and cooking new things, I highly recommend joining a CSA. You usually don’t get to pick what you get so you have to branch out! I eat so many more types vegetables and fruit (chard? radishes? persimmon?) then I did before.

Totally agree re: Men’s Health vs Women’s Health.
Celia January 5, 2010, 2:28 pm
Jerusalem artichokes are by far my favorite veggie! I love them mashed, like potatoes, or made into soup, but the best way to prepare them in my opinion is just to slice them, drizzle them lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with a tiny bit of salt and then roast them in the oven until slightly crispy. Yummy-yum-yum.
Jen @ Green With Greens January 5, 2010, 2:29 pm
I love bok choy. Slice it in half, put some olive oil on it with salt and pepper, then grill cut side down. SO GOOD!

Kohlrabi is another good one. Discovered it thanks to our CSA.
Britt - Runnerbelle January 5, 2010, 2:30 pm
Love bok choy, we were getting some great baby bok choy from our CSA. Actually our CSA has gotten me to try many new veggies!!

Some of my new favorites beets (roasted them and then serve chilledin salads) and beet greens, jerusalem artichokes, tokyo turnips, celery root and swiss chard.
meagan January 5, 2010, 2:33 pm
i love beets! this is how i serve them: grated (raw) with carrots, also grated. dress with lemon or lime juice, minced mint and a little dash of salt and pepper. so refreshing and yummy.

parsnips are good in root vegetable roasts and soups. they’re sweet and almost…i don’t know. oh! they’re also good mashed.
Katelyn January 5, 2010, 2:34 pm
your stir-fry looks so yummy! i love bok choy, and i also really really love mushrooms.
Cynthia (It All Changes) January 5, 2010, 2:36 pm
Hunni used to get men’s health and I loved all the tips…I didn’t love all the gotta get a girl tips but the health parts were awesome. Especially when I was lifting weights. Women’s magazine tend to gloss over it.
Ashley January 5, 2010, 2:38 pm
Yucca is amazing as long as it’s prepared correctly. Eggplant is my second favorite.
caronae January 5, 2010, 2:38 pm
I love all veggies. Especially eggplant. Yucca is really tasty!
Heather January 5, 2010, 2:42 pm
Love your pics! I am trying to incorporate more veggies into my diet, and your pics make them look so enticing! thanks for sharing
Erica January 5, 2010, 2:43 pm
I just found your blog a few weeks ago and I love it! I too am a runner and try to eat healthfully (though I am not a vegetarian, I do have many meat-free meals and days).

I love mushrooms and always have. I love them in anything, prepared anyway. But, I recently started making parsnips, and they are probably my new favorite vegetable! They are like, carrots, but better!

I agree about mens health vs women’s health. My hubby gets mens health and I love it. I don’t want to read about fashion and lipstick in a health magazine.
Leah @ L4L January 5, 2010, 2:47 pm
Eggplant is fabulous when prepared correctly.
I don’t think that Mushrooms are unusual. I eat them almost daily.
Bok Choy is fun but I don’t have a lot of experience preparing it myself.
Parsnips are delicious! I love the bite they have to them!
I’ve never had Yucca!!
Traci January 5, 2010, 2:49 pm
Bok Choy, Yum. Parsnips, YUM! I love parsnips with a little grainy, spicy mustard. So good!
Carolyn January 5, 2010, 2:50 pm
I would say mushrooms are my favorite, though I wouldn’t consider it unusual.
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) January 5, 2010, 2:57 pm
I’ve never tried cooking with Bok Choy. I’ll have to try it out
Ann K January 5, 2010, 2:58 pm
PARSNIPS!!

Roast them up with other root veggies and squash and you have a great meal. In fact, I’m hungry now that I’ve said that. Darn food blogs.
alli January 5, 2010, 2:58 pm
looks delish. have never had bulgur. my favorite from the list is eggplant. it has a soft, creamy texture. yum! you must make eggplant parmesan from Kath’s blog: http://www.katheats.com/?page_id=2654

i dont know if anything is better!
brandi January 5, 2010, 2:58 pm
what a fun lunch! I love bulgur. and mushrooms + parnsips are my favorites of that list 🙂 roasted parsnips are awesome!
Vicki January 5, 2010, 2:59 pm
Mmm, looks great!

I love mushrooms and enjoy yucca fritas.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) January 5, 2010, 3:02 pm
I frickin’ LOVE eggplant!! It’s my favoritest veggie in the whole wide world. I love how gooey it gets. Mmmmm!
Kalli @ Fitandfortysomething January 5, 2010, 3:05 pm
i totally agree about mens health being more interesting than womens health!
mary ann January 5, 2010, 3:07 pm
totally meant to ask while you were away… is chris single???!!! hahaha, would LOVE an english sweetie! Ignore the superficiality of that comment… 😉
MA
- caitlin January 5, 2010, 3:42 pm
  hahah how can i put this delicately? chris… bats for the other team. if you know what i mean.
Kalli @ Fitandfortysomething January 5, 2010, 3:08 pm
I think mens health is better than womens health too!
Danielle (Coffee Run) January 5, 2010, 3:10 pm
Swapping out broccoli? What’s wrong with broccoli?!
I loveee eggplant
Hillary @ Nutrition Nut on the Run January 5, 2010, 3:11 pm
Parsnips are my favorite out of that list. Not a fan of mushrooms or eggplant. I love roasted root veggies (including parsnips).
Morgan @ Healthy Happy Place January 5, 2010, 3:15 pm
I love me some shrooms!!! I’ve always loved them on everything! ( except the psychodelic drug form!! )
Jen January 5, 2010, 3:18 pm
Anybody out there listen to Lady Gaga? I think at the end of one of her songs (either Bad Romance or Telephone) somebody yells “Bok Choy”. Or at least that what it sounds like. Anybody know what I’m talking about?
Emily Eats and Exercises January 5, 2010, 3:22 pm
My best new-to-me vegetable is macomber turnips. They are absolutely the best when roasted. Sort of a starchy potato-texture but a little sweet and really flavorful. Yum!
I also love mushrooms and eggplants (only when it’s cooked well.)
Jenny @ nutmegger January 5, 2010, 3:23 pm
I just made cabbage last night and posted about it – it also has some anti-cancer fighting indoles that it is known for! Oh and it’s really good in soup 🙂
Jenna January 5, 2010, 3:32 pm
Mushrooms for sure!
Bok choy looks great! I love how you make such healthier versions of meals!!
Jenn
LindsayRuns January 5, 2010, 3:36 pm
Mushrooms, bar none! Cause they are so versatile. That bok choy looks good though, I’ll have to remember that when it’s in season this summer…Last year they farmers market had some good looking stuff but I didn’t know how to use it!
Juli @ BlessMyHeart January 5, 2010, 3:38 pm
I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks that way about Men’s Health. I buy it for my husband all the time, but I think I read it more than he does. Def. like it better than Women’s Health, but I still like that better than Shape or Fitness.
Brandi January 5, 2010, 3:40 pm
Hi Caitlin,
I am curious as to how you feel coming back from this trip, as opposed to coming back from your honeymoon. I recall you saying your clothes felt tighter after the honeymoon trip. Also, if you think being a vegetarian on this trip made it easier or harder for you to stick to moderate choices this time around. I think you were not vegetarian during your honeymoon??? (Please correct me if I am wrong) Love your blog (and doggies) btw!
- caitlin January 5, 2010, 3:42 pm
  I just weighed myself at the store and i lost a pound on my vacation! I think being a vegetarian IN ENGLAND (key, as veggie eating is easy there) made it easily to be moderate in my choices.
Paige (Running Around Normal) January 5, 2010, 3:50 pm
That looks delicious! I agree with those who said jicama! It’s sooo good.

And you made me want some naan. mmm, naan.
Julie January 5, 2010, 3:57 pm
I’m going to go with mushrooms. I used to hate mushrooms…the texture freaked me out. But as I’ve gotten older my tastes have changed and I really like them! I love making portobello sandwiches. Bok choy looks good, I’m interested to try it.
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat January 5, 2010, 4:02 pm
Definitely mushrooms. I used to snarl and call them “fungus” but I grew up and now I use them for everything. In stir fries, salads, pizzas, spaghetti sauce, homemade veggie burgers, etc. Mushrooms rule.
Jill Will Run January 5, 2010, 4:04 pm
If there is eggplant on a menu, I will order it! Love it and I had never even tried it until I was about 25 because it sounded “scary” to me! I’ve always loved mushrooms though, as a little kid that was my go to pizza… mushroom pizza please!

I have not yet tried bok choy at home, I need to try that. I’ve made parsnips and they were just so-so. I had some amazing yucca fries at the Smithsonian in June, but haven’t tried it anywhere else!
Heather (The Single Dish) January 5, 2010, 4:04 pm
LOVE mushrooms, I can eat them in anything and everything. I have never made bok choy before, maybe I will have to!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) January 5, 2010, 4:05 pm
Mushrooms, by far, are my favorite of the list! 😀 You can sautee them with a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt. They get all caramelized and amazing. Even better? A portobello cap cooked this way and topped with a bit of cheese. Mmmm… 😀
Dani January 5, 2010, 4:09 pm
I am obsessed with mushrooms. I could easily eat them every day.
Megan January 5, 2010, 4:13 pm
I discovered bok choy at the farmers market this summer and am OBSESSED. It alwasys reminds me of chinese food only wayy healthier!! I also loveeee spaghetti squash, jicima, and broccoli slaw.

But hate mushrooms. Fungus does not float my boat. 😉
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion January 5, 2010, 4:21 pm
Looks good! I would have to say, eggplant and mushrooms are tied. I feel like they both offer a very different taste and they are versatile! Plus I loooove eggplant parm!
Morgan January 5, 2010, 4:31 pm
Hmmmm, I don’t consider your list ‘unusual’ per se, but I like to try different variations of your everyday vegetables.
Like: heirloom tomatoes, and all the variations of cucumbers (hot house, lemon, etc).

Oh, I haven’t tasted Swiss Chard? Anyone?
Molly @vegandorm January 5, 2010, 4:49 pm
I like eggplant because of its thick, versatile, “meaty” texture, especially in Baigan Bhartha!
Ally January 5, 2010, 5:02 pm
I totally agree with Men’s Health being better than Women’s – sometimes I think I’m reading Cosmo when I’m reading WH! Same old weight loss crap.
Mary January 5, 2010, 5:03 pm
Are mushrooms ‘unusual’..? hehe

I am currently recipe testing a new crockpot soup that I’ll be adding red swiss chard to… can’t wait to try it! Out of the veggie you listed, I like them in this order:

â€¢Eggplant #2
â€¢Mushrooms #1
â€¢Bok Choy #3
â€¢Parsnips (don’t care for)
â€¢Yucca(never tried
Harriet January 5, 2010, 5:05 pm
PARSNIPS! i love parsnips so much, they remind me of christmas 🙂
i don’t care for eggplant(AUBERGINE 😛 ) though, but i had it at a restaurant one time and it was good, i can never seem to make it well myself.
Ashley (whole-ier) January 5, 2010, 5:08 pm
Mushrooms can go on anything in my eyes! I like eggplant too- but can’t find many uses for them.
Angela (The Lady Loves to Eat) January 5, 2010, 5:15 pm
Mushrooms and eggplant for sure! I was actually looking at the bok choy at the grocery store today I pondered it for awhile trying to figure out what I could do with it and that I had no idea and left it! Next time I go to the store I’m going to pick some up! I totally agree with you on the Men’s Health being better than the women’s!
Jennifer January 5, 2010, 5:15 pm
When I was living in Cabo last year, I fell in love with Chayote. It’s in the squash family! When the cowboys at the rural ranch I was working at told me what it was I was eating, I freaked out…”coyote”? No thanks!
stina January 5, 2010, 5:23 pm
I almost bought some baby bok choy when I was at Trader Joe’s on Sunday; how I wish I had. Your stir-fry looks fo yummy!

My friend keeps telling me to try jimica, but I’ve yet to take the plunge. Like you I’m not a big veggies girl so I’m trying to slowly work em in.
Allison K January 5, 2010, 5:25 pm
Mushrooms! but I really want to try parsnips in something.
Stephanie January 5, 2010, 5:34 pm
I absolutely love mushrooms! I don’t think I would call them unusual though.
Jessica January 5, 2010, 5:47 pm
I love eggplant so much. Coming from an Italian family, we have eggplant parmigiana all the time. Yummy!
lauren @ Eater not a runner January 5, 2010, 5:49 pm
Bok Choy is awesome! I love parsnips…..any root vegetable is delicious 🙂
Naomi January 5, 2010, 5:51 pm
My fave vegie would have to be zucchini. It’s so versatile but I like it best either char grilled or crumbed (sticks) baked in the oven. YUM!
Mellissa January 5, 2010, 5:56 pm
I love kohlrabi, watermelon radishes, and broccoli rabe
- Nikky January 6, 2010, 8:28 am
  Kohlrabi! I couldn’t remember the name of it. My best friend’s mom used to peel it and slice it and we’d eat it raw all the time. Yum times twenty.
Lauren January 5, 2010, 6:00 pm
I really want to try bok choy now! 🙂
Barbara (Blood, Sweat and Heels) January 5, 2010, 6:06 pm
I LOVE all but Eggplant….Recently Ive been making myself get out of my veggie “comfort zone” by buying and cooking veggies I have never tried. Turnips are Amahzing!

Mmmm Bok Choy…nummy!
Kelly (the Running Phoodie) January 5, 2010, 6:17 pm
Parsnips are sooo good when roasted!
Susan January 5, 2010, 6:21 pm
Yes! Men’s Health IS so much better!!! Women’s Health has more fluff, which replaces some of the more informative content.

I love yucca fries, but that’s the only thing I’ve made with it. After reading the comments, it seems I must try roasted parsnip!
Kristie January 5, 2010, 6:25 pm
I love mushrooms – and it’s fun to know I’m getting some protein in with them 🙂 The husband doesn’t like them much though so if I buy them I end up just eating some stir-fried (not a bad way to eat them but I’d be more creative if we were both eating them).
Kathleen January 5, 2010, 6:27 pm
Your lunch looks so yummy and wholesome! I absolutely love jicama…it’s like a cross between an apple and a potato. That isn’t the best way to describe it, I guess, but I love its crisp refreshing mouth feel!
Lisa January 5, 2010, 6:35 pm
ooooh that is one awesome looking dinner!!!!
Kristin (whimsyville) January 5, 2010, 6:48 pm
Rapini… so good with garlic and sea salt… bitterly delicious.

And beets – cook beets low and slow with garlic, carrots and onions, and a splash of honey and olive oil. Mmmmmmmmm!
Lauren January 5, 2010, 7:08 pm
Adore mushrooms and eggplant! I also really love kale; it tastes amazing in soups. I’m a pretty big fan of mustard greens, too.
Jenny January 5, 2010, 7:39 pm
Love your veggie pile at lunch, yum!

I pick mushrooms, because sadly, I have yet to try any of the other veggies. I really want to try eggplant and kale!
Rachel January 5, 2010, 8:14 pm
I love mushrooms all the time, but baked yucca chips are probably the most amazing vegetable creation EVER!
Jamisen January 5, 2010, 8:22 pm
I love mushrooms, they are my favorite food. We found a restaurant in Paris that specialized in mushrooms, it was one the best meals I have ever had. As far as less popular veggies, I love beets as well. My new way is to roast them, peel them, cube, marinate in 1TBSP greek dressing with feta. I will eat them plain though, as I did on Christmas day when no one else wanted them. I also made the best omelet ever with Swiss Chard and Kale over the summer. Last week, I tried parsley root and it tastes like celery to me, a little sweeter with out the strings. I need to retry eggplant. I had it once about 12 years ago and my tastes have changed.
Danielle January 5, 2010, 8:29 pm
I actually like all of those veggies, although I’m picky about mushrooms – sometimes I like them and sometimes I don’t.
Nicci@NiftyEats January 5, 2010, 9:03 pm
Eggplant would be my fav out of these veggies.
Bridget January 5, 2010, 9:33 pm
I love all of them! I regularly mix eggplant, bok choi, and mushrooms together and put them on spinach pasta.

I miss yucca! We get parsnip soup often at school lunch.

However, my most favorite vegetable is the artichoke. I usually boil them, dip the leaves in olive oil/balsamic vinegar, and then dig out the heart. I miss them a lot.
Katie January 6, 2010, 12:27 am
Go to an Asian grocery store and BUY things. I found green papayas this way, and spicy sweet and crunchy green papaya salad is my go to deal.

Chayote, celariac, gai lan, diakon (pickle it! Pickle onions too!), bitter melon, parval, squashblossoms!

And, harder to find, but so worth it, ramps, my favorite! They’re only around in once a year, but they’re essentially wild leeks, and you can grill em, pickle em, eat em raw! Scallions will work, but they’re nowhere near as good!

I thought i hated veggies, but I’m learning that I just hate watery mushy things! I really can’t advocate pickling enough.
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) January 6, 2010, 1:13 am
I love love love mushrooms!!! They are so versatile and they taste great!

You should try rutabagas … they are sweet like a carrot.
peony January 6, 2010, 2:00 am
im in love with parsnip 🙂 i love to do a roaasted parsnip mash with chives!
Nikky January 6, 2010, 8:31 am
I love veggies, my favorite “leaf” is dandelion greens for sure. My mom told me she used to watch some foreign neighbors go out in the field by our house and pick them and it always confused her, so she bought some the first time she saw them at a store. Pretty tasty salad addition. Kohlrabi is also amazing.

I actually cannot stand mushrooms or eggplant, probably the only veggies I’ve ever tried that I don’t like.
Diana (Mymarblerye) January 6, 2010, 8:41 am
we are ever real life friends i’ll let my mom introduce you to PLENTY of “ethnic” veggies…taro, dozens of dishes made from turnips, bok choy…you name it and we consume it.

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