Underrated Veggies That Deserve a Spot on Your Plate
They’re Actually Pretty Tasty!
Growing up, our parents always told us to eat our vegetables so we could grow up big and strong, right? An image of Popeye eating a whole can of spinach should come to mind. But as a kid, did your parents ever prepare a variety of vegetables? Mine didn’t. For the most part, we would have the usual veggies like broccoli, green beans, cabbage, greens, and sometimes salad or squash. It wasn’t until I became an adult that I ventured out and started trying new vegetables. And I must say, it was actually a pretty fun experience.
For one, I get tired of eating the same things at times. Second, it was really cool to see what types of different veggies are out there and the health benefits they can do for your body. Some of these veggies you definitely won’t find in your typical grocery store; some of these veggies can only be found at local farmer’s markets. So for those, you’ll need to plan ahead, but that’s part of the fun of it too.
Below, in my opinion, are some of the most underrated vegetables that don’t get the credit they deserve. Not necessarily because they’re “nasty,” but simply because people just don’t know about them. Look at some of these known AND unknown veggies and see if you’d try them!
Parsnips
Yes, parsnips look like pale, wannabe carrots! I used to ignore them at the grocery store, but once I finally gave them a try, I realized I’d been seriously missing out. They’re naturally sweet, kind of like a mix between a carrot and a potato, and they work in so many dishes—from roasted sides to brunch recipes. If you get smaller, younger parsnips, you don’t even have to peel them. Just give them a good scrub, and you’re good to go! Plus, keeping the skin on means you get even more nutrients.
Leeks
Once I started cooking with leeks, there was no going back. They have this mild, onion-like flavor that makes everything taste better—soups, salads, quiches, you name it! Plus, they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so it’s a win-win. If you’ve never used leeks before, don’t use the dark green tops; they’re extremely tough. Stick to the white and light green parts and peel back a layer or two.
Turnips
If you’re looking to switch it up from potatoes, turnips are your new best friend. They work great in soups, roasted, or even mashed, just like potatoes. But here’s the twist—turnips are also amazing raw! Slice them thin or shred them into salads, coleslaws, or even pickle them for an extra zing. So, if I had to say one thing about turnips, it’s that you shouldn’t count them out or think of them as just a side dish; they’re a secret weapon in the kitchen. Give them a try!
Fennel
Fennel is one of those vegetables that most people know about but don’t eat very often. And honestly, that’s a real shame! I used to pass it by because it looked a little intimidating to prepare; which part do you use to cook? Does it have a core? I, of course, had to look it up to see exactly how it’s prepared and also look up different recipes for it. It has a fresh, almost licorice-like taste to it. Honestly, it’s not my favorite, but I can eat it.
Something interesting I learned about fennel is that it comes in “male” and “female” shapes. The male ones are round and have frayed, wild-looking stalks. If you want to enjoy fennel raw in a salad or as a snack, go for the male bulbs. The female bulbs, on the other hand, are flatter with neat, tight stalks that stand straight up. These are perfect for cooking in pasta sauces or soups.
Trying out these underrated veggies is a fun way to shake up your meals and keep things interesting. I used to stick with the same old broccoli and cabbage, but once I tried parsnips and leeks, I was like, "Whoa, these are awesome!" It made me want to try other “hidden gem” veggies that no one really talks about or serves.
As someone who gets bored with eating the same foods all the time, mixing things up with your vegetable options not only makes your food tastier; it also gives you a boost of healthy nutrients. And if you don’t like it, don’t eat it—it’s as simple as that! But at least you tried something new! So, next time you’re at the store or a local market, grab one of these gems and give it a shot. Let’s make healthy eating exciting again!
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