3 Ways to Add Flavor to Your Vegetables
We all know the importance of adding vegetables to our diet, but without the right spices and preparation they can often taste bland. It doesn't take much to add flavor to your vegetables to make them go from a bland side dish to the star of the meal. Here are 3 simple ways to add flavor to your vegetables...
1. Add herbs and spices
Herbs and spices can add great flavor to your vegetables. Try herbs like oregano, chives, dill, parsley, thyme, rosemary, curry, basil, dill, sage, or cilantro. Spices such as cinnamon, garlic, chili powder, nutmeg, cloves, and smoked paprika can also be added to spice up some vegetables. On her blog, It's a Veg World After All, Lizzie shares "The Ultimate Vegetable Seasoning Guide"—a great guide to use when pairing vegetables and seasonings.
2. Add plant-based acids
Acid is often one of the main missing ingredients when lacking bold flavor. Cooking with acid can help red fruits or vegetables from turning purple. Try adding in plant-based acids like fresh lemons, limes, citrus fruits, salsa, vinegar, or wine to spice up your veggies. Plant-based acids like citrus fruits also contain a great source of Vitamin C and fiber. Here are 15 vibrant and fresh healthy vegan meals with citrus (One Green Planet).
3. Grill your fruits and vegetables
Grilling vegetables is a great way to enhance the flavors of plant-based recipes. Portobello mushrooms, asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, and summer squash are some great veggies to throw on the grill. On her blog, Plants Rule, Chef Katie gives some great tips for grilling vegetables, oil-free. She suggests giving your grill time to preheat, marinating your vegetables and fruits after grilling, and even plant-based grilled recipes.
