5 Vegetables to Spiralize when Courgettes are scarce

Having listened to the experts I've really got into spiralizing my vegetables over the past couple of years. I don't have a gadget or a machine, just a simple peeler style spiralizer that costs just a few pounds. However now that I'm used to 'courgetti', and have persuaded the family to eat it, we are struggling to find fresh courgettes in the midst of the courgette crisis.

Rain, frost and snow in Spain have reportedly resulted in a shortage of courgettes and broccoli and now iceberg lettuce too, with other foods under threat including baby spinach, rocket, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, and cucumbers.

So I decided to have a think about what alternative vegetables can be spiralized instead, and what vegetables we could use to still create vegetable alternatives to spaghetti, pasta or noodles...

Now I could say broccoli (the stalks after using the florets) but that is also currently scarce and peppers are rumoured to also be soon. However, both vegetables do make great alternatives so if you find them then great.

So what about the vegetables that are currently plentiful?

Seasonal produce such as root vegetables is available in abundance at the moment. Have you tried spiralizing carrots? parsnips or sweet potato? Or why not slice leeks lengthways to make leek spaghetti or shredded cabbage - it has been used that was in slaw for many years!

Carrots

Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A which helps to maintain healthy skin, and they also aid digestion. Raw carrot ribbons can add texture and crunch to a salad or slaw. Or, you can stir-fry the carrot ribbons - all they need is a couple of minutes. I already use spiralized carrots with courgette and add to noodles or half the usual amount of spaghetti or noodles to make a lighter meal.

Parsnip

The sweet, juicy root of a parsnip is rich in several health-benefiting nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Peel and slice off ends flatly and evenly before spiralizing large, flat parsnips to make röstis or parsnip fries. Also, make a sweeter than usual noodle - just stir-fry for 5-7 mins.

Leeks

Leeks are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and Manganese. Slice leeks lengthways to make spaghetti or noodles. They just need boiling or stir-frying for a couple of mins. Lovely in a cheese or garlic sauce too.

Cabbage

Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin C and vitamin B6, as well as manganese, dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin B1, folate and copper. Remove any loose outer leaves and shred. We all know it makes a great slaw but can be used in stir- fries too. Can be red, white or green variety.

Sweet potato

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A and also vitamin C, manganese, copper and vitamin B6. They also contain potassium, dietary fibre, niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and phosphorus. Use to create sweet potato curly fries by tossing in a little oil and baking until crisp. Or again use in place of noodles or spaghetti for an alternative tasty dish.

So until courgettes some into season, we'll be having much more vegetable noodles and spaghetti made from carrots, leeks, sweet potato, parsnip and cabbage.

What vegetables have you tried spiralizing?

Deb x