Robert L. Gorman — Personal Chef · Fairfield County, CT

Vegetable Prep Ideas

Weekly meal prep reference — upscale client service

Roasted & Caramelized
Honey-roasted carrots Roasted beets w/ thyme Charred broccolini Roasted delicata squash Caramelized fennel Roasted cherry tomatoes Brown butter parsnips Crispy roasted cauliflower
Sautéed & Pan-Finished
Wilted spinach w/ garlic Haricots verts almondine Swiss chard w/ golden raisins Zucchini ribbons w/ mint Mushrooms w/ sherry Leeks braised in white wine Sautéed kale w/ lemon Pan-wilted radicchio
Cold & Marinated
Pickled cucumbers w/ dill Shaved fennel salad Celery root rémoulade Marinated roasted peppers Cucumber ribbons w/ rice vinegar Lemon-dressed asparagus White bean & herb salad Grain-based tabbouleh
Puréed & Textural
Celeriac purée Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower Parsnip-apple purée White bean hummus Roasted beet hummus Lentil & herb mash Butternut squash purée Corn pudding
Grains & Legumes as Veg
Farro w/ roasted mushrooms Freekeh pilaf Lentils du Puy Crispy chickpeas Warm farro w/ herbs Black rice w/ scallion Barley & root veg Gigante beans w/ sage
Show-Stoppers
Whole roasted cauliflower Confit cherry tomatoes Stuffed Medjool peppers Beet carpaccio w/ goat cheese Roasted trumpet mushrooms Brûléed grapefruit halves Corn elotes style Crispy smashed potatoes

Prep & Planning Notes

Holding & Shelf Life

Puréed and grain-based sides hold well 4–5 days. Roasted and marinated items carry through day 3–4. Sautéed greens are best day-of or made to order.

Seasonal Sourcing

Lean on Jones Family Farms, Westport Farmers Market, and Gilbertie's Herb Farm for what's fresh. Root vegetables, squash, and hearty greens are ideal for prep — they roast and hold beautifully.

Weekly Mix Logic

Aim for one roasted (earthy, caramelized), one cold or marinated (brightness and contrast), and one textural component (purée or grain). Keeps the palette interesting through the week.