Vegetables are a nutritious part of your daily diet and you should aim to eat between 2 and 2 1/2 cups each day. However, if you do not enjoy the taste of vegetables, you may find it difficult to reach this goal. Using a variety of herbs and spices can help you cook vegetables that are yummy as well as give you what you need for good health. Francesca Newby and Ashley Mackevicius report in their book, "Cooking Vegetables," that with the right methods you can create savory vegetable dishes that will leave you wanting more.
Step 1
Fill a large pot with water.
Step 2
Place your steamer basket inside the pot, making sure that the water does not touch any part of the steamer. Drain some water if necessary.
Step 3
Place your chopped vegetables inside the steamer basket and turn the burner's heat to medium-high.
Step 4
Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to maintain an even and slow simmer. Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
Step 5
Steam the vegetables for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are brightly colored and just beginning to get soft.
Step 6
Remove the pot from the heat and allow the vegetables to cool slightly.
Step 7
Transfer the vegetables to a large serving bowl.
Step 8
Drizzle the vegetables with extra-virgin olive oil and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle on some freshly grated lemon zest, as well as your salt, pepper and dried herbs.
Step 9
Toss to coat and serve the vegetables immediately.
Tips and Warnings
- Substitute any of these vegetables for your favorites. Softer vegetables, such as zucchini or yellow squash, will take less time to fully steam. Use any variety and combination of herbs and spices you enjoy. Seasonings, such as red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper, will help you create a side dish to complement a spicy burrito or enchilada meal. Rosemary, basil and sage will help you flavor your vegetables to complement a savory roasted meat meal. Try roasting your vegetables by placing them on a baking sheet and seasoning them with olive oil and herbs before cooking. Roast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until soft, about 30 minutes.
- Do not allow the water to come into contact with the vegetables. Do not overcook the vegetables because they will begin to lose their nutrients and will get mushy.
Things You'll Need
- 1/2 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
- 1/2 cup chopped cauliflower
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup chopped green beans
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh lemons
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp. dried dill
- 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- Large saucepan
- Large steamer basket
- Serving bowl
References
- KitchenDaily; How to Steam Vegetables; Culinary Institute of America
- "Cooking Vegetables"; Francesca Newby and Ashley Mackevicius; 2005
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