Sponsored Meatless Monday Recipe: April Bloomfield's Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto and Burrata

Even though temperatures have dropped and the sun sets a lot earlier these days, farmers are still yielding delicious and bountiful produce that are a welcome reprieve from the rich, hearty meat-heavy meals that winter brings. A recent survey by Meatless Monday revealed that diners rank seasonal dishes showcasing produce at their peak of freshness as the top trend when it comes to meatless restaurant menus. Based on the preference of diners, we’re confident that this root-to-tip recipe of roasted carrots with carrot top pesto and burrata from JBF Award winner April Bloomfield will be a hit for those who strive for meat-free meals.

“I’m known for all things porcine, but I really love my vegetables," says Bloomfield. "They are so beautiful and versatile” and also happen to be the subject of the acclaimed chef’s newest cookbook, A Girl and Her Greens: Hearty Meals from the Garden. Even though Bloomfield is known for her love of pork (her first cookbook was aptly entitled, A Girl and Her Pig), the top toque counts taste, quality, and seasonality as major players when it comes to developing a dish. “Always taste your vegetables first,” cautioned Bloomfield. “If they aren’t perfect, use whatever’s in season. This salad would also work really well with lovely roasted beets and beet greens, or sweet fennel with fennel fronds.” Known for her nose-to-tail approach to pork, Bloomfield applies the same principles to vegetables. “I love to use the whole thing, without producing excess waste,” she explained.

JBF is proud to work with chefs who provide delicious recipes that also go hand in hand with the popular Meatless Monday cause. Get more great recipes and other great Meatless Monday inspiration at meatlessmonday.com. If you’d like tips on how to run and promote Meatless Monday in your restaurant, please contact dsmith@mondaycampaigns.org.

Grace Communications, who administer the Meatless Monday campaign, is a proud sponsor of the 2015 JBF Food Conference.