Make Every Vegetable Taste Good
We all know that eating a wide variety of vegetables is essential for overall health, benefiting everything from brain and heart health to gut and nervous system function. But let’s be honest: sometimes it can be challenging to make vegetables taste good.
Struggling to make your vegetables taste good? We’ve compiled 8 fantastic methods to transform your veggies into tasty delights. Read on for tips that will elevate your vegetable dishes and make healthy eating more enjoyable.
Sauté with garlic and oil
This is one of the easiest and best ways to add flavour to nearly every vegetable, particularly green beans. Not only does garlic add lots of flavour with minimal effort, but the allium is also rich in antioxidants, which imbue it with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits, plus, using some olive oil keeps you satisfied.
Easy and Delicious Roasted Vegetables: The Maillard Reaction Magic
One of the easiest methods to make vegetables taste amazing is roasting them in the oven. The high heat draws out their natural sweetness, crisps them up, and caramelizes them, thanks to the Maillard Reaction. This chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars transforms the aroma and flavor of your veggies. So, when you get compliments on your roasted vegetable platter, remember to silently thank Louis-Camille Maillard, who first described this reaction in 1912.
Almost any vegetable can be roasted, but broccoli is a great place to start. Schapiro suggests: “To roast broccoli, I first spray it with olive oil, and then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I roast at 425°F for at least 20 minutes, mixing the broccoli after 10 minutes.” Roasting enhances the broccoli’s flavor, and broiling it at the end adds a delightful crispiness.
Quick and Healthy Air Fryer Cauliflower: Roasting Perks in Half the Time
Looking for the benefits of roasting but in half the time? The air fryer is your perfect solution, especially for gut-healthy cauliflower. It’s so easy and not at all messy! Season the cauliflower with salt and pepper, lightly coat it with olive oil, and air fry for 20 minutes. The result is flavorful, crispy cauliflower that tastes “fried” but with much less saturated fat than traditional frying methods.
Enhance Roasted Vegetables with Citrus Zest and Juice
Elevate your roasted vegetables by adding citrus zest and juice before serving. This technique works exceptionally well with asparagus. Preheat your oven to 200°C, drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 8-10 minutes. After roasting, toss the asparagus with pressed garlic, squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delicious and zesty finish.
Boost Nutrition by Adding Veggies to Your Favorite Egg Dishes
Enhance your favorite egg dishes by adding vibrant peppers and green vegetables. This not only makes your meals visually appealing but also provides a great dose of protein for satiety and cognitive benefits. Any vegetable tastes great in an omelet, frittata, or quiche! Plus, the fat in egg yolks boosts the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins—A, D, E, and K—found in the veggies.
Elevate Your Veggies with Classic Crudité Combos and Homemade Dips
Classic crudité combos are popular for a reason. Pair your veggies with delicious dips like hummus, guacamole, Greek yogurt, salsa, or tzatziki. You’ll be so into the dip, you won’t even notice you’re eating all those veggies. For an extra touch, try making your own dip at home!
Enhance Your Veggies with Exciting Seasonings and Spices
Salt and pepper are great, but your veggies—and taste buds—deserve so much more. Elevate your roasted or sautéed vegetables by adding your favorite seasonings or spice blends. Consider flavorful options like harissa powder, red pepper flakes, or herbes de Provence.
Experiment with different flavor profiles, too. If you usually add sweet flavors to root vegetables, try a savory twist instead. Add heat and spice to sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and carrots with paprika, cayenne powder, or chili powder. Your veggies will never be boring again!
Boost Flavor with Feta, Goat Cheese, or Parmesan
Enhance the taste of any dish by adding feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan. These cheeses work wonders on Brussels sprouts and broccoli, for example. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast—it adds a delightful nutty, cheesy flavor and boosts your intake of B vitamins.
