Recipes/Sauces/Seasoning for Vegetables

blitzwing85 · 8 Jul 2013 at 10:51

I've just recently changed my diet to elliminate all of the unhealthy meals each week. (except my weekly Curry...).
I don't need to lose weight (in fact, I'm putting it on) but I just wanted a healthy diet to go with my tough work out regime for obvious reasons.

So, I've now got 3/4 plate of vegetables 6 meals a week.
These are to go with various fresh meats (steak, turkey, chicken and/or Cod, Salmon)

I've got quite a few different methods of cooking the meat/fish in ways I like with various herbs/spices but I haven't got any ideas for the Vegetables.

I usually just pour a little of the juice from the meat onto them but I'd really like some nice tasty ways to make vegetables (but keeping it healthy).

So...anyone got any good healthy recipes for cooking just the vegetables?

Note: I really love tomato based things so that's always a good option. :cool:

King4aDay · 8 Jul 2013 at 11:15

I love purple sprouting broccoli. Very lightly par boiled, then char grilled in a dry frying pan or skillet and served with a tahini, honey and lemon juice dressing. Quick, easy and delicious and goes with pretty much anything.

wesimmo · 8 Jul 2013 at 11:16

I had a phase of doing sweet potatoes in the microwave, prep them and put them with half a lemon in a microwave dish double covered with clingfilm, blast them for 10 minutes or so depending on how big they are.

Once done roughly crush with feta and coriander and a little bit more lemon juice to taste.

blitzwing85 · 8 Jul 2013 at 11:38

Cheers for those ideas. I'll be sure to try them. As I'm going to be eating a much larger QTY of Veg now it'll make it much more interesting having a bunch of different options to change it up often.

Just going to note down all ideas I get and try them all

randal · 8 Jul 2013 at 11:47

Quite like roasting carrots these days, par boil for about 5 minutes then drain and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 30-40 minutes at 180, resulting in beautifully soft and sweet carrots.

hood1971 · 8 Jul 2013 at 11:57

Chargrilling asparagus, courgette or sprouting broccoli and adding a little lemon juice after is great with nearly all dishes.

Roasting tomato, onion, courgette and peppers (or any veg you like) for 30min with small about of olive oil, salt, pepper and mixed herbs goes really well with grilled meat.

Roasted sweet potato with a little oil and paprika is fantastic alternative to potatoes.

If you like curries then try making some vegetarian curries as side dishes.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/mar/03/cauliflower-chickpea-curry-recipe is lovely

Chilli quorn Carne is quite nice. I use chipotle instead of chilli powder to give a smokey flavour.
http://www.quorn.co.uk/recipes/chilli-con-carne/

bsoltan · 8 Jul 2013 at 13:00

Garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, herb of choice. Goes well with a lot of things. Good if grilling/bbqing/roasting. Chili flakes for some heat.

White sauce for carrots & leeks is nice/

Ratatouille is a great way to have a good selection of veg but can be used as a main/side if you want. Just need a tin of tomatoes to add.

Consider salad as well, the variety of fresh produce is pretty good and changing up salad dressings keeps things interesting.

blitzwing85 · 8 Jul 2013 at 13:24

Thanks for the extra suggestions. Added them to my list so I can get the ingredients in next time i'm shopping.

Luckily I'm not in need of a complete detox health diet as i'm already at my ideal weight (after finally putting on 10Kg) and fairly fit and healthy.

I just want to eat healthy foods every day to feel better, but sacrifice the most healthy way to cook them in favor of something with more taste 2-3 times a week.