Who said veggies are Boring
If you read many books about cooking, you will probably come across the term “vegetarian” at one point or another. However, if you are a beginner at this, you may not know what it means. Vegetarian food is not boring because you can find dozens of recipes for it, and also because you can experiment with different types of meat, rice, fish, and beans to come up with hundreds of dishes. In fact, the possibilities are endless! There are a few things you should know about the term “vegetarian”, so that you will know what to do when you hear it.
First, there is the question of what exactly are these things. These are simply flourishes that are cooked in special pans called “buddah bowls”. The ingredients included are rice (usually Italian rice), eggs, vegetables, herbs, spices, seasoning, and sometimes salt or lemon juice. There are several different styles of preparing buddah bowls, but one way is to just use a long, thin porcelain pan that has a hole in the center. Fill the hole with water and let the ingredients float around for about five minutes until the water becomes soft. Let the cookware rest for another five minutes, then flip and do the same process again.
Another version of this dish includes eggs, onions, garlic, and salt or fresh squeezed lemon juice. Another type of preparation includes the ingredient of your choice, then quickly draining it onto the prepared noodles. Afterward, add your desired amount of spices, seasonings, vegetables, or whatever else you want. Then take the finished product and form it into small cakes or puddings that are deep fried in oil. If you want a vegetarian version of this dish, just use chickpeas instead of eggs and/or meat, and omit the vegetable toppings. Your guests will be surprised to see a plain bowl of eggplant and rice that they can use to impress their taste buds!
The traditional base for a Spanish villa’s kitchen would be a large and robust stovetop. The good news is that there are plenty of options for stovetop preparation of traditional Spanish meals. For example, potatoes and onions make a great base for a hearty chili recipe, as well as peas, carrots, corn, potatoes, and beans. If you’re into baking, consider making your own baked sweet potatoes and using the delicious sauce as an ingredient. This would be an excellent option for vegetarians.
For an Italian herb-centered meal, try using tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, spices, herbs, and olive oil as your main vegetable base. Then, consider pairing these vegetables with your favorite cheese, Italian style. Another Italian vegetable option would be zucchini, which also pairs nicely with meats and cheese. If you’d rather go the wholesome route, consider adding tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and garlic to a tomato-based soup. Add fresh herbs like oregano and parsley for added flavor and texture, and you’re all set.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using Asian vegetables in your Asian-inspired dinner. Taro, cabbage, and cauliflower are excellent choices when preparing Thai food based on spices and noodles. There are countless recipes out there that would delight even the pickiest of palates. One tip: If you plan to serve raw vegetables, be sure to wash them well before preparing them for cooking. Most people do, but many do not.
Finally, let’s discuss side dishes. You always want to include some sort of meat or fish with your vegetables, but it doesn’t have to be the most popular or easiest. Try serving grilled steaks, chicken, or seafood if your local deli doesn’t offer it. If you’re worried about your child’s opinion, experiment by serving vegetables along with some cooked meat; it can be delicious!
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of vegetables without having to give up their blandness. Vegetables are one of the greatest health foods available. If they’re boring, cook with different vegetables, and don’t give up the flavors they can offer. You’ll find that by creating interesting and creative ways to prepare vegetables, you can transform bland to delightful dishes quickly and easily. Who said veggies are Boring?
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