To live a healthy lifestyle, eating the right kind of food is a must. Part of this balanced diet is vegetables, which are rich in fiber and nutrients. Although no matter how healthy vegetables are, it is a fact that a lot of people are not fond of eating them. The good news is there are numerous ways to cook vegetables. You can mix them with other foods, make them part of your side dish, or prepare them as one of your main dishes. Below are some suggestions on how to cook vegetables while keeping them crunchy and avoid losing their nutrients. As a tip, different kinds of vegetables get done in different times. Because of this, it is advisable to cook different vegetables separately. Keep in mind that you should never overcook them as they become mushy easily.
Man chopping vegetables
- Prepare the vegetables to be cooked. It is always important to wash them thoroughly before cooking to ensure that they are free from pesticides. After which, you can then peel the vegetables, if needed.
- A way to cook vegetables but still preserve their nutrients is by steaming them. Pour the frozen vegetables in a steaming basket or a pot with a little water and cover it. Once the vegetables are tender, you can then place them in a separate container. The broth left behind can be made into a soup. Keep in mind that when steaming, the water level should not be low. If the water evaporates, simply add more water.
- If you are in a hurry, microwaving vegetables can be an option. Put the chopped vegetables in a microwavable bowl and add a little water. Cover the bowl to lock in the moisture. When the vegetables become tender, set it aside before serving.
- Vegetables for pastas and salads are the easiest to prepare since blanching them will do. Simply cut the vegetables into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Just pour in boiling water and let it stand until the vegetables become a little bit tender.
- Another method of cooking vegetables is to barbeque them. Put the chopped vegetables in skewers and place them on the griller. Constantly check on the vegetables until tender. Be careful not to overcook.
- For those people who find vegetables blunt, stir-fry is a way to make them tasty, at the same time preserve their color. Chop the vegetables and place them in a covered pan with small amount of liquid, like water, margarine, or broth. Mix constantly so as not to overcook the vegetables. The dish is ready to serve once the vegetables are tender.