15 Years of Homegrown Flavor: Our Top 15 Farmstand Recipes
This year marks a truly special milestone for us: Raleigh City Farm is officially 15 years old. For over a decade and a half, we have worked to cultivate an urban farm that connects and nourishes our community through regenerative agriculture.
One of our greatest joys is seeing how the harvest from our Pay-What-You-Can Farmstand transforms in your kitchens. We believe in championing accessible and affordable local food, and that mission is brought to life by the incredible people who share their culinary talents with us. Over the years, a wonderful mix of professional chefs, local farmers, and creative home cooks have contributed recipes to our blog, helping us all learn how to turn a seasonal haul into a delicious meal.
To celebrate 15 years of growing together, we took a look back at our reports to find the 15 most-loved recipe blogs from our archives. We want to send a huge "thank you" to every contributor who has shared their kitchen secrets with us—you are the heart of this community.
Here are the top 15 recipes that have inspired your plates (and ours) over the years:
The Top 15 Recipe Collection
1. Muscadine Vinaigrette
This recipe captures the unique, bold flavor of North Carolina’s native grape. This fan-favorite dressing was crafted by Farmers' Chef James Edwards and Charlotte Coman.
2. Trophy Pizza Dough
We can’t believe our friends at Trophy shared this recipe! Longtime Farm Volunteer Carly Demler made it possible (get the story behind the recipe here). It brings the secret to the perfect crust right into your home kitchen.
3. Herby Purple Cabbage Salad
A vibrant, crunchy, and refreshing dish that highlights the beauty of simple, farm-fresh ingredients. It's as beautiful on the table as it is delicious to eat. This recipe was brought to us by Belynda Chambers, and is inspired by Deborah Madison's Vegetable Literacy.
4. Roasted Shishitos, Blistered Tomatoes & Raspberry Goat Cheese Salad
An expert-level pairing of heat, sweetness, and creaminess that showcases the peak of summer harvest. Recipes by Farmers’ Chef Stacy Murphy.
5. Smashed Turnips with Charred Napa Cabbage, Cheddar & Fennel + Sautéed Mushrooms with Chard & Garlic + Salad with Green Beans & Turnips
Another collection of mouthwatering recipes from Farmers' Chef James Edwards and Charlotte Coman.
6. Kohlrabi Bites
Dive into the vibrant world of brassicas with Chef Belynda Chambers as she reveals how to transform the "purple beauty" kohlrabi into a nutritious, mild-flavored alternative to the everyday potato.
7. TOMATO RECIPES! A Classic Tomato Sauce Recipe + Sourdough Grilled Cheese with Tomato Sauce
These recipes celebrate the summer bounty with a vibrant, slow-simmered tomato sauce perfect for dipping crispy sourdough grilled cheese, packed with garden-fresh flavor and probiotic benefits.
8. Arugula or Kale Salad with Beets & Shallot Dressing
Past board chair Miranda Miller showcases the versatility of her signature shallot vinaigrette in this dual-recipe feature, pairing it with a massaged kale and parmesan salad and oven-roasted beets with toasted walnuts and goat cheese.
9. Farm Soup
Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls, and warm your belly. This versatile soup is the best way to clear out the crisper drawer and feed your soul. Another classic recipe brought to us by Farmer James and Charlotte Coman.
10. Super Eggplant Balls
A clever and innovative way to enjoy eggplant, these "meatballs" are a hit with vegetarians and omnivores alike. Another tasty recipe from Belynda Chambers!
11. Elderberry & Elderflower Syrup
Learn to harness the power of the farm with these medicinal and flavorful syrups—perfect for cocktails, sodas, or wellness boosts.
12. Mixed Greens with Fried Green Tomato Croutons and Crispy Jalapeños + How to Pickle Your Tromboncino Squash
A creative take on Southern classics. From zesty "croutons" to preserving the unique Tromboncino squash, this blog is full of homegrown inspiration.
13. Sausage with Roasted Potatoes, Braising Greens, and Oyster Mushrooms + Carrot and Beet Salad
A hearty, balanced meal that connects the savory flavors of local protein with the bright crunch of our favorite root vegetables; all thanks to Chef Stacy Murphy.
14. Arugula Pesto, Potato Salad & Strawberry Beet Basil Martini
From a simple sauce to a garden-inspired cocktail, this post shows the true versatility of what can be grown in our urban soil.
15. Summer’s Bounty Quesadillas
The perfect weeknight meal. This approachable recipe invites you to tuck whatever is currently in season into a warm tortilla for a quick, nutritious dinner.
Dig Where You Live
Whether you’ve been with us since day one or are just discovering us now, thank you for being part of our story. We invite you to stop by our Pay-What-You-Can Farmstand to grab the ingredients for one of these favorites and continue the tradition of nourishing our community, one plate at a time.