Are you getting enough vegetables in your diet? If you’re like most people, you’re more likely to fill your plate with meats and starches than nature’s greens, yellows, reds, and purples. This is unfortunate since vegetables are an incomparable source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants which help to protect against disease. Why are vegetables given such low priority in the American diet? When asked, many people are quick to point out that they don’t like the taste. It seems that vegetables don’t top the list of most people’s favorite foods. Are there ways to make vegetables taste better?

Roast or Grill

The thing brings out the flavor of vegetables more than taking them to a high temperature. When vegetables are roasted in the oven for ten minutes, their natural sweetness is intensified giving them a taste even a vegetable hater can appreciate. Some vegetables that taste delicious roasted are sweet potatoes, cauliflower, squash, broccoli, and bell peppers. Next time you’re grilling outdoors, throw some vegetables on the grill and enjoy them with your steak instead of French fries.

Puree

Some people don’t enjoy vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower because of the firmness of their texture. Instead of eating cauliflower florets, steam them until they’re soft and mash them with a little light butter and sour cream. Sprinkle on some chives and you have the perfect mashed potato substitute with fewer calories and more nutrition. Vegetables can also be pureed and served as soups.

Sprinkle with Cheese

You can flavor vegetables without adding too much fat by sprinkling steamed veggies lightly with parmesan cheese. For a different taste, try feta or goat cheese.

Add Flavored Oils, Vinegars, or Spices

Visit your gourmet cooking store and pick up some flavored oils and vinegars. Lightly drizzle them over freshly steamed vegetables to add additional character and flavor. You can also experiment with combinations of dried spices such as basil, oregano, tarragon, and dill. Onion or garlic powder is another quick way to flavor vegetables.

Mix Them With Other Foods

Another way to appreciate the taste of vegetables is to mix them in with foods you enjoy. When you prepare chicken for dinner instead of serving it as a separate entrée, cut a chicken breast into pieces and mix it with vegetables and an interesting sauce. The melding of flavors will make the vegetables more appealing and add additional texture and interest to your chicken.

Eat Them With Dip

Raw vegetables take on a whole new appeal when eaten with your favorite dip. This is also a sure-fire way to get kids to eat their vegetables.

The key to making vegetables taste great is to experiment with different cooking methods, seasonings, spices, and enhancements. You’ll never have to settle for boring vegetables again.