This traditional dish from the Maritimes is a tasty way to eat more veggies. The colourful array in a light sauce elevates everyday day vegetables to something scrumptious.

12 baby new potatoes, cut in half
1 cup (250 mL) thickly sliced carrots or baby-cut carrots
Salt
2 cups (500 mL) broccoli florets
1 cup (250 mL) sugar snap peas, snow peas, or green beans, trimmed
1/2 cup (125 mL) frozen green peas
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried tarragon, savoury or thyme
Pepper
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups (375 mL) Milk, heated
2 tsp (10 mL) Dijon or dry mustard
2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh basil or dill (optional)

1. In a large saucepan, combine potatoes and carrots; add cold water to cover by 2 inches (5 cm) and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Uncover, reduce heat and boil gently for 10 min or until potatoes are almost tender. Add broccoli, sugar snap peas and green peas; boil for 3 min or until tender-crisp. Drain; set aside.
2. Return pan to medium heat; melt butter. Sauté onion, tarragon, 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper for about 5 min or until softened. Stir in flour; sauté for 30 sec. Gradually whisk in heated Milk and mustard. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly; reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking, for about 2 min or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in vegetables and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper
3. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl and sprinkle with fresh herbs (if using).

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Cooking Tip: You can use different vegetables: start with potatoes and add 4-1/2 cups (1.125 L) other vegetables, adding hard vegetables with the potatoes and more tender ones for the cooking time they require.

Healthy Eating Tip: All these veggies add up to a great fibre boost. Most Canadians don’t get enough fibre, found in whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds and vegetables as well as fruit. Add a dark rye or whole wheat roll and desert starring frozen yogurt topped with frozen raspberries and you’re good to go!