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January 05, 2009

Simplify the sides

Submitted by SiteEditor Read more cooking, daily challenge, healthy eating, and home life
Challenge Yourself for: 24 Hours

Why not make your next meal easier by simplifying your side dishes? A healthful and basic way to prepare veggies is to roast them – think winter vegetables like potatoes, yams, carrots, turnips, peppers, and squash. Today, challenge yourself to keep your side dishes simple by adding one to the menu of your next meal. A dash of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a roasting pan or grill – now, that’s the flavor of eating healthfully!

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28 comments

  1. Kashi
    klusk 10 months ago

    Great idea! We steamed sugar snap peas and had raw carrots instead of more elaborate dishes. Thanks for the tip.

  2. User_48
    kimboo7 10 months ago

    This is going to be a real challenge for me because I don’t eat enough veggies, but I’m going for it!

  3. User_48
    msmith46 10 months ago

    I’ll try it, 2009 is the year of new things!

  4. User_48
    dskipraz 10 months ago

    Being a natural food consumer, we do not have a difficult time consuming veggies but the variety for preparation is a great help. Eating seasonally is another way to “go natural”. Thanks

  5. User_48
    gumpky 10 months ago

    Roasted root veggies are my absolute favorite! So easy to prepare. Change up the mix slightly for variety and don’t forget the onions cut into chuncks!

  6. San_diego_020
    amyers 10 months ago

    Blanching vegetables is another great way to cook them. The flavor and crispness stays in the veggie. Plus, it’s very quick and easy.

  7. User_48
    casandreas 10 months ago

    Steamed brocollias a side and some diced lettuce and tomato for topping on our dinner “quiche”. Yum!

  8. User_48
    ewerchris 10 months ago

    We used stir fry vegetables with scrambled eggs for breakfast. Very good!!!

  9. User_48
    bdrl8dnnvr 10 months ago

    I love to buy fresh seasonal veggies, microwave them in a pyrex dish with a little seasoning, and freeze portions sized for quick meals. The natural flavors and vitamins are retained and best of all, they taste GREAT!

  10. User_48
    hotmama42 10 months ago

    Because we have a HUGE garden every year and home can a lot of it, we have awesome homegrown veggies at almost every meal!!

  11. User_48
    amandaf 9 months ago

    We are big veggie people. All kinds …I tend to doll them up but simple is good, And just as nutritious.

  12. User_48
    kellymac03 9 months ago

    Just about everynight we steam mixed fresh veggies with either a little lemon in the water or we put parsley or other fresh herbs ontop of veggies before steaming….......so good!

  13. User_48
    gothgirl 9 months ago

    It’s hard to get my husband to eat veggies but I am sure going to try. We are trying to eat healthier this year and every year from now on.

  14. User_48
    lizbeth001 9 months ago

    I tried a new recipe last night and my husband only likes things like canned grean beans….this new recipe made him even have seconds. :) Parsnips, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes with Italian dried herbs, salt & pepper mixed with olive oil…put on a roasting pan at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Turned out fantastic

  15. User_48
    Starbelly 9 months ago

    My mom sautes baby carrots in a bit of nutmeg and maple syrup. It’s amaaaazing.

  16. Meezheadshot100x100_3_
    lkhammer 9 months ago

    A great way to customize a steamer bag of frozen vegetables! Steaming in the microwave isn’t the only to make a vegetable. Olive oil does wonders.

  17. User_48
    Grace12437 9 months ago

    I bake peeled potatoes that have been sliced almost all the way through, the slices are still connected on the side that touches the pan. Brush with olive oil and add your favorite seasoning. Bake 375 until browned. They are great!!

  18. User_48
    brandes 9 months ago

    Last week I decided to roast my vegetables for dinner instead of steaming them in the microwave. It was fantastic. I took fresh greenbeans, asparagus and red & yellow peppers and tossed them w/herbs and a little olive oil. Put them in hot oven for 30 minutes and voila….it was delicious.

  19. User_48
    stef42678 9 months ago

    This is a great idea. I like to serve simple salads and vegetables with fresh herbs, and not a lot of fat and calories.

  20. User_48
    mjkeith 9 months ago

    Using your favorite variety, slice potatoes length wise into wedges. Put into a large bowl pour desired amount of olive oil over them, add your favorite seasoned salt or a combo of your favorite spices & herbs. Toss until well covered. Also tasty with Lemon Pepper seasoning. Layer in rows on cookie sheet. Bake at 350-375 (depending on size of wedges) till fork tender, about 40 min. We enjoy as is, but can be served with plain or seasoned yogurt, sour cream or your favorite dip on the side. Instead of steaming veggies in microwave,(which kills nutrients & changes the molecular structure of everything including water) put them in a frying pan with a couple tablespoons of water or broth (add more if needed) over “low” heat, season as desired, cover and stir occaionally. Be careful not to scorch. Takes a little longer, but essentially much healthier & worth it. Fresh or frozen veggies are the bomb. We prefer them firm to slightly crunchy. Depending on type of veg. approx. 10-20 minutes.