Vegetables are often maligned, but they can be delicious and make a great meal. Learn how to properly prepare your vegetables, from selecting them at the store to cooking or combining them in the kitchen. It's usually as easy as making a few small changes to what you're doing.
Buying in-season vegetables is most important. In-season vegetables are more nutritious and flavorful. They're usually bigger, so you save money. In-season produce is cheaper. Google what's in season to find out when to buy sweet corn, peppers, and okra.
1) Buy seasonally
There are better methods than steaming and boiling vegetables. Roasting vegetables is easy (just put them on a sheet pan, add seasonings, and cook) and makes them browned, flavorful, and crispy. The air fryer quickly "fries" healthy, crispy vegetables.
2) Roast, air fry, grill, sauté
Fresh herbs add flavour to any food, even vegetables. Cilantro, basil, dill, and mint make raw or cooked vegetables taste fresh and bright. Parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, basil, and oregano complement produce.
3) Top with fresh herbs
Spices and seasonings enhance even the freshest produce. Salt and pepper are always needed, but spices add extra flavour. For a smokier flavour, add cumin, ginger, allspice, and coriander to dried herbs. Add crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper, and season with Cajun, Italian, or herbs de Provence.
4) Use spices and seasonings liberally
Overcooked produce is mushy, stringy, and soggy. No thanks. Check vegetables often while cooking. Soft but not mushy is ideal. You want crispy burnt edges without drying out your vegetables when roasting or air frying.
5) Blanch your veggies
Overcooked produce is mushy, stringy, and soggy. No thanks. Check vegetables often while cooking. Soft but not mushy is ideal. You want crispy burnt edges without drying out your vegetables when roasting or air frying.
6) Don't overcook them
Dietary greens? Raw kale, cabbage, or Swiss chard can be bitter. Salt, oil, or dressing can prevent this. Massaging kale softens, lessens bitterness, and eases digestion. Massage it with oil, dressing, and salt. As you go, you'll feel them softening.
7) Massage vegetables like kale
Instead of serving ranch dressing, try something new. Raw or blanched veggies go well with hummus, guacamole, tahini, or tzatziki. Any of these (and more) can be drizzled over roasted or grilled veggies.
8) Serve them with a dip