In today's Food Porn we play, Hide the Veggies. Oh please guys, get your minds out of the gutter. We're talking about getting those dreaded but necessary veggies into your diet without ruining the meal. And if you try it you may find as many have, that most times it can actually improve the dish.
At the market last week I saw an incredible spinach sale that I just couldn't pass up. The only problem was that two impromptu dinners popped up so I wasn't afforded the opportunity to make all the Spinach Chips on those days and now I have an avalanche of spinach and a shortage of ideas, that is until I decided to play Hide the Veggies. And what better way than to stick it into something that's already boring--Gruel, or better known to the rest of the world--Goulash. Yes that's right, that simple and boring meal consisting of fried ground beef, Elbow Macaroni, nothing else will do, diced tomatoes and a jar of pasta sauce. Of course you need to season along the way, salt, garlic, onion, Italian Seasoning, fresh garden Basil. In the pot holding the meat sauce, add a bucketful of spinach which will disappear the second you pour the boiled and drained macaroni over it. Mix over heat for a minute or two, and serve with sides of hot pepper and grated parmesan to add as desired. While I was skeptical during its creation, I was amazed at the texture of the spinach which added a tiny crunch but really no flavor. And it actually looks more appealing than gruel. Not only did the spinach add texture, it added balance and appeal to an otherwise pretty bland plate, yet the increase in calories was negligible. I also like to play hide the veggies by adding peas or broccoli to Cheesy Tuna Casseroles. It brightens the plate, adds vitamins and fiber, and I've never had a complaint from either kids or grownups. This is a healthy easy meal to cook and it makes for a healthy, delicious and juicy reheated work lunch. #lunch #spinach #gruel #goulash #hidetheveggies #veggies
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