Some vegetables can be eaten raw without problems. Other vegetables are too hard in texture, have a specific taste, and some even contain toxins. They must be subjected to heat treatment. Improving the taste of vegetables, their texture and at the same time preserving all the vitamins is the goal of cooking vegetables.
Vegetable cuisine is a whole world, traveling through which you will learn how to give each vegetable a unique taste, depending on the method of preparation.
- The traditional way to cook vegetables is to stew. It is used when cooking, for example, "ratatouille" or "stew with meat". This is the perfect way to preserve flavor and vitamins. Do not forget that you can stew not only in water, but also in milk and broth. You can use a pressure cooker to cook faster.
- Steamed vegetables have a special flavor. They will reveal their full flavor and aroma if prepared correctly. It is advisable to use a double boiler to set the exact cooking time. Steaming vegetables impeccably so that they have a slightly dense texture is a real art.
- Boiling vegetables in water is a common method used to puree potatoes, carrots, or parsnips. A little oil and sugar can be added to the water.
- If you are ready to stay in the cooking area, you can try grilling vegetables. In a barbecue, electric grill or in a special wavy skillet, you will fry vegetables, making sure that they do not dry out or burn out.
- There is also a very quick way to cook some vegetables to preserve their texture and flavor, and in some cases even brighten them up. This is blanching. Vegetables must first be kept in boiling water for 5-30 seconds, and then dipped in ice water. This method is used, for example, to make beans that turn bright green and crispy.
- Vegetables can be fried in a pan using butter, vegetable oil, animal fat. A thin crust forms on the vegetables, giving them a special taste.
- Baking vegetables in the oven is my favorite way to cook them. For some vegetables I use foil, for some I use a baking sleeve. You can just bake them on a baking sheet, as I do with pumpkin.
