Friday, April 13, 2012

Favorite Friday! Veggie Side Dishes

Missy, here. One of my recent favorite side dishes is sauteed broccoli! And I've discovered a really easy, quick way to make it from fresh instead of frozen (my normal method). I thought I'd share!

This is the empty bag I had to dig out of the trash because I forgot to photo it!

The trick is to start with fresh broccoli in microwave-in-the-bag packaging! I buy the small bag. I stick it in the microwave for 2 minutes (to fully cook, it says to cook on high for 3-4 minutes). So I'm just partially cooking.


Meanwhile, heat a little olive oil in a skillet and add some chopped garlic. When the broccoli finishes the 2 minutes in the microwave, open the package and dump it in the skillet.


Sprinkle with kosher salt. Cook until done to your taste. But don't cook it to death! It's great to leave crisp-tender. (is that a real word??) :)

This makes broccoli the most gorgeous bright green color! And very tasty.

So, what's your favorite veggie side dish? (And don't tell me potatoes! Give me one that's not so starchy.) :)

8 comments:

  1. Okay, someone needs to tell me what's the deal with kosher salt?

    This looks nummy -- like the mix of garlic and broccoli. I've never seen fresh broccoli in microwave-in-a-bag packaging though. Guess I'll have to do it the old-fashioned way. You know what the funniest thing about broccoli is? The way it's spelled! :-)

    I haven't met a vegetable I don't love except maybe artichoke...and brussel sprouts...and...oh well, never mind. My favourite veggie side dish? Love mashed parsnips and carrots (don't y'all say yuck at the same time now.) I'm a simple girl with simple tastes. And I love grilling fresh veggies like mushrooms, onions, peppers and serving them up with basimati brown rice.

    Happy Friday the thirteenth!

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  2. Kav, you could probably just microwave fresh broccoli for a couple of minutes in a covered dish with a tablespoon of water to give it a quick steam. Then saute it.

    I, too, love grilled veggies! I bought a rack that I use that has small holes so I can stir them around and not worry about losing any.

    Mashed carrots and parsnips?? I'm not saying yuck. But I'm curious! I'll have to try it. :)

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  3. Kav, I LOVE mashed parsnips. I did a whole blog on parsnips recently over at the Healthy Writer site. I wish you'd drop by there. You probably have some great recipes to share.

    Here's a link to the parsnips blog - http://www.healthywriter.com/index.php/pass-the-parsnips/


    Missy, I'll have to check our produce section for that. I know I should eat more broccoli and I do love the broccoli/garlic combo. Do you use fresh garlic or the powdered stuff?

    World's Healthiest Foods suggests leaving garlic and onions to sit for ten minutes after chopping to gain the most health benefits from them.

    Happy Friday!

    Though I'm actually a bit sad today since my vacation week is drawing to a close. I love my job but it's been really relaxing to be home all week with the dog and cat for company.

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    1. Well, Mary -- how cool is that? There are healthy writers out there! I thought we were all chocoholics! Who knew? Great parsnip recipes. I'm going to try them!

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  4. Do you know, I didn't even realize it was Friday the 13th until I saw Kav's commment.

    Missy, mashed parsnips really taste like mashed potatoes with a bit of a bite. I've become a big fan!

    I should make some tonight to counter the dessert baking. I'm helping my daughter make a triple level chocolate mousse cake today. Yum! Alas, it's not for us.

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  5. Mary, I had no idea about letting garlic and onions sit!! I do use fresh garlic either in a jar already chopped, or I chop my own. I rarely use the powdered.

    So sorry your vacay is almost over! I always hate that. But maybe you can drown your sorrows by doubling that mousse cake recipe!! :)

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  6. Sorry I'm late today - allergies have hit hard. Sinus headaches are not my friends.

    But oooh, this looks yummy, Missy! I like to do the same thing with green beans, but the broccoli would be a nice change!

    I love to do grilled veggies, too. I have a pan with holes on the bottom to use on the grill - probably very similar to yours.

    Another veggie side dish I like is a plate of raw, fresh veggies. Okay, maybe that's a salad.... But I usually do it when I have a garden and can pick the veggies in the afternoon. Radishes, green beans, peas, asparagus, lettuce, spinach, baby anything else - just cleaned and put on a plate.

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  7. Jan, I've been craving radishes!! I love them just dipped in ranch dressing. :)

    Your garden sounds wonderful. I really should plant one. All I've ever done is tomatoes. But I grew up with a big garden. Should go back to my roots!

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