Big Family Veggie Box Description

Our Big Family Veggie Box, priced at $35, is perfect for larger households in Christchurch, New Zealand, offering a bountiful selection of fresh, seasonal vegetables sourced from local Canterbury growers. Designed to feed 5–6 people, this box inspires wholesome family meals, from hearty soups to vibrant stir-fries, while keeping affordability and quality in mind. Contents include:

• 1 Whole Cabbage: Crisp and versatile, ideal for slaws, stir-fries, or hearty soups.
• 1 Iceberg Lettuce: Crunchy and refreshing, great for salads, wraps, or tacos.
• 2 Broccoli: Nutrient-rich, perfect for roasting, steaming, or casseroles.
• 1 Celery: Crisp stalks for snacking, soups, or salads.
• 1 Bunch Silver Beet (Swiss Chard): Vibrant greens for sautéing, quiches, or smoothies.
• 3 Onions: Kitchen staples for adding depth to any dish.
• 6 Potatoes: Fluffy and hearty, ideal for mashing, roasting, or fries.
• 1kg Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, perfect for roasting, juicing, or snacking.
• 4 Kumara (Sweet Potatoes): Naturally sweet, great for baking, mashing, or curries.
• 1 Whole Cauliflower: Mild and versatile for roasting, mashing, or cauliflower rice.
• 1 Buttercup Squash: Creamy and sweet, excellent for soups, roasts, or pies.
• 2 Garlic Bulbs: Aromatic and bold, essential for seasoning any savory dish.
• 2 Capsicums (Bell Peppers): Colorful and sweet, ideal for stir-fries, salads, or stuffing.

This box aligns with Harvest Fresh Hub’s commitment to fresh, local produce, delivered in returnable crates for sustainability, and includes storage tips to keep veggies fresh longer.

Recipe Ideas

1. Buttercup Squash and Garlic Soup (Serves 6)

A creamy, comforting soup showcasing the box’s buttercup squash and garlic, perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 buttercup squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic bulb, cloves peeled
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1L vegetable stock
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup cream or coconut milk

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 5 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add squash and potatoes, stirring for 2 minutes. Pour in vegetable stock and add thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are soft.
4. Blend until smooth with a hand blender. Stir in cream or coconut milk if desired.
5. Serve with crusty bread or a sprinkle of parsley.

Tip: Roast garlic cloves beforehand for a deeper flavor.

2. Capsicum and Broccoli Stir-Fry with Kumara (Serves 5–6)

A vibrant, quick stir-fry using capsicums, broccoli, and kumara, packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 capsicums, sliced
• 2 broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 kumara, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Optional: cooked rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. Parboil kumara cubes for 5 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and onion; sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add broccoli, capsicums, and kumara; stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Pour in soy sauce and toss for 1–2 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Tip: Add tofu or chicken for extra protein.

3. Cabbage and Silver Beet Colcannon (Serves 6)

A hearty, Irish-inspired dish using cabbage, silver beet, and potatoes, perfect as a side or main.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cabbage, shredded
• 1 bunch silver beet, stems chopped, leaves torn
• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté onion and cabbage for 5 minutes.
3. Add silver beet stems and leaves; cook for 3–4 minutes until wilted.
4. Fold the greens into the mashed potatoes. Adjust seasoning and serve warm.
5. Pair with grilled sausages or a fried egg for a complete meal.

Tip: Use the remaining cabbage for a side slaw with carrots and a lemon vinaigrette.

These recipes make the most of your Big Family Veggie Box, offering a mix of comforting, quick, and versatile dishes to suit busy family schedules. Enjoy!