How do I Cook Vegetables?
Existing Recipes:
Vegetables are parts of different plants that we all consume daily. They contain important vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to survive and to be healthy. They come in a range of different types and colours from broccoli to sweetcorn.
How do I cook vegetables?
There are many ways to cook vegetables from pan-frying to grilling. One of the healthiest ways to ensure your body absorbs all of those important nutrients is boiling. Boiling vegetables simply means, letting them cook in boiling water. The easiest way is to use a saucepan, however, making use of your microwave can give the same results in a much quicker time period, and here's how:
1. Boil the kettle.
2. Cut your vegetables into pieces.
3. Place the vegetables into a glass/microwaveable bowl.
4. Add the boiling water to the bowl stopping at the halfway mark of the bowl.
5. Place this in the microwave for several minutes.
Why is this a quicker way, when compared to using a saucepan?
Whilst using a saucepan and the stove will give the same results, it will take longer to cook as the stove gradually warms the water up.
How do we know when the vegetables are cooked?
This all depends on your own taste, some people like their vegetables with a hard texture, others like theirs with a slightly softer texture. The longer you boil your vegetables the softer they will get, by constantly checking the texture you will be able to tell when they are done. The ideal time for broccoli or carrots would be roughly 2-4 minutes, whereas potatoes could roughly be 5-6 minutes.
What is the healthiest way to cook vegetables?
The healthiest way to cook vegetables is to steam or boil them, this is because you don't need to add any extra oil like you would when frying. Additionally, the longer you cook your vegetables for the more nutrients are lost. However, panfrying or grilling can give slightly different textures which may be more appropriate for your meal.
Remember, that a colourful meal, is a well-balanced meal!