Vegetables are an essential part of a balanced, healthy diet. They’re highly recommended by nutritionists, doctors, weight loss experts, and several other fitness professionals. However, what if you don’t like veggies too much?
Many people, especially those with health issues, report that they’re not fond of vegetables. According to recent findings, almost 90% of Americans don’t consume enough vegetables. There can be several potential reasons for this, such as:
- They don’t like the texture
- They find vegetables difficult to prepare for daily meals
- They’re not aware of how to utilize vegetables for each meal
- Most vegetables taste bland or bitter to them
If these reasons seem all too familiar, you’re not alone. However, eating vegetables is important if you want to achieve their health benefits. Here’s a little secret – the way you prepare veggies can alter their taste and texture. That’s right; if you don’t like most vegetables, the solution may lie in a different cooking style.
Not sure how to make your daily veggie intake delicious and satisfying? Follow these tips:
1. Try Roasted Veggies as Side Dishes
Side dishes are a great way to add veggies to regular meals. If you’ve gotten used to carb-heavy sides such as cornbread, mashed potatoes, or breadsticks, it’s time to try something different. If you don’t prefer boiled veggies, why not consume roasted vegetables as side dishes, such as roasted asparagus?
You can follow the roasted asparagus recipe from Butter Your Biscuit to make them perfectly. All you have to do is wash the asparagus, dry it, and snap off the ends. Lay the spears on a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil, salt, and some freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added kick. Roast them in an oven, and once they’re done, top with grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of lemon juice.
You can use these spears as a side dish or mix them in a salad, some pasta, or serve with a steak. Try roasting other vegetables for a side dish as well. Roasting brings out the sweetness in veggies, making them more palatable for everyone.
2. Check Out Professional Recipes
Are you just steaming and boiling veggies? If so, it’s time to level up those cooking skills. Watch a few videos of professional chefs preparing vegetables. They might sauté some zucchini pieces as a side or make a whole vegetable casserole as a main dish.
When you watch the right content, you get several tips on preparing veggies, storing them, and making them delicious. Some chefs might even give tips on selecting certain vegetables to get the perfect flavor and texture.
Once you overcome your fear of cooking vegetables, consider taking a class from a professional chef. You can view the cooking process in person, ask questions, and develop your cooking skills.
3. Shop Fresh from Farmer’s Markets
The main issue with not liking vegetables might vary from person to person. However, one of the most common problems is being unaware of the buying process. When you get fresh, locally produced vegetables, they give you more health benefits and flavor.
Visit the nearest farmer’s market and purchase fresh vegetables for a week at least. Don’t forget to check which vegetables might spoil early and which can last longer. For instance, ripe avocados should not be kept in the fridge for long, or they’ll spoil.
What if there’s no farmer’s market?
Not every region has a well-stocked, regular farmer’s market. But fret not since you can purchase fruits and vegetables online. Explore online grocery stores in your city that provide fast delivery. This way, you won’t have to visit the farmer’s market and can even get vegetables that are not locally produced.
4. Invest in an Air Fryer
Air fryers are an excellent investment for anyone who wants to reduce cooking time. They’re also great for locking in the food’s nutrients while it’s cooking, so you can enjoy nutritious yet crunchy snacks. Look up some recipes that use air fryers, as this cooking style differs slightly from stoves and ovens. One major upside is that you have to use little or no oil, which is great for weight loss and overall health.
Not sure which air fryer to buy or what to cook in it? With these cooking appliances being so popular now, there are several reviews and guides for selecting the best air fryer. It’s also easy to find recipes, preparation instructions, and new ideas for air frying.
Conclusion
Once you understand how to make different vegetables, you’ll begin eating them almost daily. Keep trying different methods, use various flavorings, and don’t be afraid to experiment. For almost all vegetables, various cooking methods and techniques can be utilized to enhance their flavors. Alongside making your meals vibrant, vegetables are incredibly beneficial to your health. So, try these secrets to make your vegetables taste delicious and sharpen your culinary skills.