A vegetable meme

Cindy from Where's the Beef has tagged me for this vegetable meme.

(1) Is there a vegetable you hated as a child, but came to love as you got older?

I hated beetroot and refused to have it anywhere near my plate lest the beetroot juice stain and contaminate everything else there! I never had a "run-in" with beetroot to put me off it but my dislike might have had something to do with the fact that all beetroot seemed to have its flavour completely obliterated in the can.

But now I've discovered the joys of fresh-cooked beetroot, which is particularly delicious in a salad with feta cheese. I've even made a chocolate beetroot cake, which is a slightly weird burgundy colour but has a lovely moist texture.

(2) What is the most underrated vegetable?

A difficult choice. I think beetroot is underrated because most people know it as coming out of a tin, rather than as a fresh vegetable. I also think spinach and silverbeet don't receive the respect and attention they deserve.

(3) Name one favourite summer vegetable dish.

I love a good salad filled with crunchy, fresh vegetables. Does that count as a dish?

(4) Name one favourite winter dish.

It would have to be a fabulous, hearty vegetable and lentil soup or a minestrone. Food for the belly, nourishment for the soul.

(5) What vegetables are in your fridge and freezer right now?

Celery, spring onions, capsicum, carrots, snow peas, broccoli, pumpkin, mushrooms, plus frozen peas, beans and corn.

(6) Is there a vegetable you really like but don't use much yourself?

I love just about all vegetables (it's fruit I'm not so good with!) I really like eggplant but don't use it as much as I should.

I'm not going to tag anyone for this meme but feel free to contribute your ideas!