Are you getting tired of preparing your vegetables the same way each time you cook them? Veggies can be snuck into just about any dish to add a boost of flavor and nutrients that you can't get from other foods. It's important to eat your veggies, but if you cook them the same way every day, it can start to feel like a chore. If there's one thing we know, it's that vegetables are anything but boring. At Bob's Red Mill, we believe that every dish should be exciting! So if you're getting tired of your regular bowl of veggies, then we're here to help switch things up.
There are so many different ways that vegetables can be enjoyed. From steamed veggies to baked veggies, the way you cook your food will inevitably affect the flavor of your dish. Keep reading to figure out how you can rekindle your love with vegetables and prepare them in a new and exciting way.
Steaming
Are you tired of boiling your veggies? Try steaming them instead. Steaming is a great way to cook your vegetables while still retaining most of the flavor and nutrients. A commonly used method when cooking tender veggies such as broccoli and asparagus, steaming helps to soften the vegetable without turning it to mush. To properly steam your veggies, simply bring a pot of water to boil, add a steamer basket on top and place your vegetables in the basket. For a boost of flavor, before placing your veggies into the steamer basket, drop a few of your favorite herbs and spices into the boiling water. This will help your vegetables soak up additional flavors, without it being too overpowering.
Grilling
Grills don't have to be used just to cook meat. In fact, grilled veggies are one of our favorite summertime treats. Grilling veggies is not only easy, but it's also delicious! If you're looking to spice up your vegetable cooking methods, then this is the technique for you. Adding vegetables to a grill creates a flavorsome and tender veggie with a rich, smoky flavor.
For an even more flavorful treat, let your veggies soak in a marinade before cooking, just like you would with meat! This will allow your vegetables to absorb the tasty flavors of your favorite herbs and spices, resulting in a vegetable dish that is anything but boring. Turn your grilled veggies into a kabob or add them to a delicious dinner like this Summer Quinoa Succotash Salad. Either way, this fun cooking method is sure to renew your love for vegetables.
Boiling
Depending on the vegetable, boiling might be the fastest way to cook your veggies. When done the right way, boiled veggies will turn out bright, crisp and flavorful. To perfectly cook your veggies, make sure they spend just the right amount of time in the boiling water. Over-boiling your vegetables may cause them to turn into a colorless mush that tastes just as awful as it looks.
Boiling vegetables is incredibly simple. Just bring a pot of water to boil, add salt (and seasoning if you'd like) and then add your vegetables. Cook your veggies for a few minutes, until they've reached the desired tenderness. Then remove them from the water.
Boiled vegetables make a great side dish and can be blended into a puree, or even added to a delicious soup like this Classic Vegetable Soup.
Stir-Frying
Though often considered the same, there's one main difference between stir-frying and sauteeing veggies and that is heat. Stir-fried vegetables are cooked at a much higher temperature than sauteed veggies. And as a result, they cook much faster, too!
If you want to spice things up in the kitchen, then we recommend trying this Burmese Tofu with Cilantro Lime Stir-Fried Vegetables. A gluten free, soy free and vegan meal this recipe is anything but lacking. Eggplant, garlic, cilantro and ground pepper are blended to create a mouthwatering stir fry that is sure to kick your veggie frying skills up a notch!
Baking
Baking is one of the most preferred methods when it comes to preparing vegetables. Baking requires much less oil than frying and allows the veggies to soak up the herbs and spices that you've dressed them with. If you've tried baking vegetables before and found that you aren't a fan, then maybe it's time to spice up the recipe.
Turning average, everyday veggies like cauliflower into savory snacks might be just the thing you need to fall in love with vegetables again. Recipes like this Buffalo Baked Cauliflower Falafel, are a great way to reignite your passion for veggies. Delicious, spicy and oh-so saucy, this dish will make you forget that you're even eating vegetables!
Now that you've discovered five new ways to prepare your veggies, we hope you never find yourself eating boring flavorless vegetables again. While some of these methods may be a bit out of your comfort zone, we encourage you to get creative and test them out. We can't wait to hear about the dishes you come up with!
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