Vegetable Recipes

The Best Vegetable Recipes From LoveToKnow

Here are 113 great time-tested recipes you can cook today!

The Truth About Vegetables

“Eat your vegetables!” is a common and dreaded refrain around many dinner tables. Contrary to childhood myths, however, vegetables do not need to be boring or tasteless. In fact, they can be vibrant and delicious accompaniments to many different meals, if they are chosen and prepared carefully.

When most people think about vegetables, they think of the big three: corn, beans, and peas. While these are the most popular types of side dish vegetables (particularly when canned), other varieties include squash, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, parsnips, carrots, leeks, okra, cabbage, beets, and more. In fact, many recipes combine complimentary flavors for a medley of nutritious and delicious tastes, whether they’re in a soup, a salad, or just as a mixed dish suitable for any occasion.

Side Dishes

The trick to making vegetable side dishes palatable and appealing to every member of the family is diversity. Anyone will rapidly become bored having the same dish every week, but with a bit of ingenuity you can continue to surprise everyone with memorable meals. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new and unique vegetables, though it would be best to try some established recipes first if you are unfamiliar with how to cook them.

When creating vegetable dishes, remember these tips for the best results:

• Use fresh food items whenever possible: they have more vitamins and minerals than either canned or frozen varieties.
• Choose firm textures and bright colors, avoiding soft spots or limp specimens that are older and will be less flavorful.
• Consider saving any cooking water to use as a soup stock or gravy base to take advantage of the nutrients without losing them.
• Revitalize a common dish with additional sauces, garnishes, or spices for a new taste sensation.

With a bit of creativity and ingenuity, vegetable side dishes will quickly become a much-anticipated part of every family meal.