Vegetables. That’s probably not the first thought that popped into your head when looking at a steaming tower of pancakes waiting to be drizzled with maple syrup. But that’s exactly what you see. Pumpkin, to be exact, stirred into pancake batter along with cinnamon, ginger, and other warming spices. As a country, we are failing (quite miserably) to eat adequate amounts of vegetables each day, as revealed in the just-published Dietary Guidelines for America. I say it’s high time we consider the morning as an opportunity to pump up the produce on your plate. Here are five ways to eat vegetables at breakfast.
COOKED WITH EGGS
It’s not as if pairing eggs with vegetables is a new concept (hello, Denver omelet), but it’s one we often forget about during busy weekday mornings. Pull out vegetables leftover from dinner or grab a generous handful of dark leafies to toss into your scramble. Add fresh herbs or grated cheese. Delicious and Done.
For another take on the egg and veggie equation, check out this recipe for Green Eggs, No Ham from the Spicy RD.
STIRRED INTO PANCAKE BATTER
Pureed pumpkin (as well as sweet potato) stirs seamlessly into pancake batter. Not only does it deliver a monster dose of vitamin A, it makes pancakes tender and tasty. Start by adding 1/2 cup of puree along with a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to your favorite batter. Scale up from there if you think your batter can handle more pumpkin.
For more inspiration, check out this recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes from Meal Makeover Moms
ON TOP OF TOAST AND BAGELS
Swap out that cream cheese for smashed avocado (or take it one step further and use guacamole). Add tomato, cucumbers, and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
For another toast topper, have a look at this Avocado Mushroom number from What Gaby’s Cooking.
IN YOUR OATMEAL
Do up your oatmeal savory instead of sweet with a drizzle of olive oil, sauteed greens and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, do up a bowl of “carrot cake” oatmeal topped with finely grated carrot over warm oatmeal, finished with raisins, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Hop on over to Shutterbean to see how she works vegetables into hot cereal in a tasty Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats recipe. Or have a look at the Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal on Oh She Glows.
WHIRLED INTO A SMOOTHIE
Boosting your smoothies with something from the vegetable drawer is one of the easiest ways to get in your veggies. Spinach and kale are my standard go-tos, but everything from avocado to beets are fair game. If you have my cookbook, the Raspberry Sneak is a good place to start.
How do you boost your breakfast veggies? Do tell!
This post is part of the #LoveHealthy campaign, an effort to encourage families to eat more vegetables. You’ll find more veg-centric tips, ideas, and inspiration on the following blogs:
