Vegetables that are steamed in a minimal amount of water retain more nutrients than vegetables that have been boiled and stripped of essential nutrients. Steaming vegetables also produces delicious tasting side dishes in themselves without any seasonings. But if you want to beat boredom, read on to learn of 4 ways to enhance the taste of steamed vegetables.
4 Healthy Ways to Enhance the Taste of Steamed Vegetables: Honey and Cinnamon
Honey not only tastes good, but it is known for its many health benefits such as helping to soothe a sore throat, guarding the immune system from illness and providing a natural energy boost during a workout. Combined with cinnamon, these two ingredients are great ways to season vegetables such as steamed carrots, which are naturally sweet anyway. Adding a small drizzle of honey and lemon will replicate the taste of sweet potatoes, but without the trouble of cooking up a batch of sweet potatoes.
4 Healthy Ways to Enhance the Taste of Steamed Vegetables: Lemon or Lime
Adding salt to vegetables is a common way of seasoning steamed vegetables. But an excessive amount of salt in the diet can lead to high blood pressure later on in life, which is why it is best to try out alternatives to salt that do not contribute to poor health. Instead of using salt, switch to lemon or lime. Lemon and lime juice will satisfy your craving for a savoury seasoning without depriving you of the flavour of the vegetables. Use lemon or lime for vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, peas and cabbage.
4 Healthy Ways to Enhance the Taste of Steamed Vegetables: Homemade Chicken or Vegetable Stock
Homemade chicken stock is a soothing and delicious way to enhance the taste of steamed vegetables. Reserve a small amount of homemade chicken stock and pour a few tablespoons over the steamed vegetables and cover to allow the flavours and juices to infuse and to be absorbed before serving. Alternatively, use homemade vegetable stock to season steamed vegetables if you are a vegetarian. Stock works well with many vegetables such as peas, sweetcorn and more.
4 Healthy Ways to Enhance the Taste of Steamed Vegetables: Sautéed Garlic and Onion
Nothing quite beats the aroma of sautéed garlic and onion as the ingredients cook together. Garlic and onion will complement any dish, but the ingredients can also be used to season steamed vegetables as a glaze over the top. Add some freshly milled black pepper for extra flavour.
Steamed vegetables need never be boring again. Drizzle honey and cinnamon over steamed carrots to bring out the natural sweetness of carrots, use lemon or lime to replace salt for vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli and pour a small amount of homemade chicken or vegetable stock over peas and sweetcorn. Finally, add sautéed garlic and onion to steamed vegetables for a simple, yet tasty, glaze.
Source:
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