How to Add Flavor to Vegetables
How to Add Flavor to Vegetables
If you have set a goal to eat more vegetables, consider how that practice can turn into a sustainable health behavior. One way is to experiment with different vegetables, cooking methods and flavor pairings so you can discover what you find delicious. We all experience tastes differently, but here are a few general techniques and ingredients besides salt that add flavor to vegetables.
Spices. Cooking with spices adds flavor to vegetables and other plant foods. For most spices, heat unlocks their most fragrant aroma, so integrate spices into the beginning of the cooking process. Beyond adding flavor to a dish, spices also have their own health benefits.
Heart-Healthy Fats. Heart-healthy fats include plant oils, avocado, nuts and seeds. Fats have many roles in our way of eating, but one of them is to help make food taste good.
Herbs. Both fresh and dried herbs contribute flavor to vegetables. Typically fresh herbs are added just before serving while dried herbs are used during the cooking process. In addition to boosting the flavor of a dish, herbs also have their own health benefits.
Cooking Method. The way vegetables are prepared impacts their flavor. For example, carrots that are raw, steamed or roasted all taste different. You recognize that they’re all carrots, but the sweetness and other elements of flavor are different depending on the cooking method. Prepare vegetables in a variety of ways to keep your palate interested.
Seasonality. Once harvested, the flavor of vegetables may change over time. If it is possible to eat vegetables that are in season, even for part of the year, you may taste more vibrant flavors.
Make healthy eating fun by choosing a variety of spices, fats and herbs for their different flavors, aromas and colors. Prepare vegetables using many different cooking methods and shop what’s in season if possible. Vegetables can be totally transformed with a little creativity!
Pro tip: make a DIY spice blend with your favorite spices.
