carrots
Parmesan
celery
Simple vegetable dishes with some strong flavour added – in this case Parmesan cheese make interesting teas or light suppers that children can enjoy, while taking the benefits of fresh veg. This dish is very simple and is delicious – two important criteria for most dads when staring at the fridge ans wondering what to do.
Adjust the quantities according to the appetites and numbers of hungry mouths due to be filled. Dice equal amounts of carrots and celery and stew until soft in vegetable (marigold stock powder is good) or chicken stock just to cover.
Drain and keep warm in a shallow ovenproof dish, retaining the stock. Melt a little butter in a pan, and add a little flour. Stir and whisk together until united.
Pour over the reserved stock and whisk until you have a glossy little sauce. Then stir in a tblpsn of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Pour over the vegetables, top with more Parmesan and flash under a hot grill rapidly to brown.
Serve immediately. Or you can prepare it in advance, and bake for 20 minutes.
The fresh veg, rich stock and piquant Parmesan all help to introduce even unwilling palates to the grown up world of proper food flavours. The light browning at the end should add an attractive final colour as well.
