The Art of Cooking Vegetables
Does anyone dislike the cooked carrots of our childhood as much as I do? Something about the mushy texture and somber flavor sends a message to my brain that something is not right. I feel the same way about cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and asparagus. Please, don’t serve them to me soft and lifeless - these vegetables shine so much more when they are served closet to there natural crunchy states. For me, it all comes down to the art of the cooking method.
Cooking methods truly make or break a vegetable dish. The right approach can help you create a dish that entices the tastebuds and appeals to everyone sitting at your table. Below, I’ve described the most common cooking methods and the pros and cons of each.
#3 Boiling - Boiling consists of submerging vegetables in water and cooking for ~10mins or until the vegetable is tender.
Cons: Water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C are lost in the water. Boiling produces more of the mushy texture and blander taste. It often requires the addition of butter, salt or sugar.
Pros: It produces more of the mushy texture and blander taste that are perfect for infants learning to chew.
#2 Steaming - uses less water than boiling. Vegetables are placed in a steamer on the stove or in the microwave in a covered dish with a few tablespoons of water. Cooking time in the microwave is ~ 5 minutes
Cons: less developed flavor than other cooking methods. Can get mushy if overcooked
Pros: Quick! Perfect cooking technique for busy week nights. Can be used for both fresh and frozen vegetables. Maintains more nutrients than boiling.
#1 Roasting! - My absolute favorite for some vegetables! It entails cooking vegetables in the oven with high dry heat. Plant based oils are often used to help with the browning process.
Cons: More time consuming than boiling or steaming
Pros: this cooking method develops the natural sugars of the vegetable giving them a delicious flavor. Allows for the use of plant based oils for cooking and can often be flavored without excessive salt and sugar. Produces the crispest texture of all the cooking methods.
Now you’ve read it, it’s time to give it a try! Keep reading to find some of my favorite roasted vegetable recipes!