CHEAP AND EASY WAYS TO COOK VEGGIES
CHEAP AND EASY WAYS TO COOK VEGGIES
In this post, you’re going to find some super simple and easy cooking methods to try when preparing veggies for your little ones and whole family. Whether you’re trying to encourage your kids to eat vegetables or you’re looking for new ways to include veggies in your family meals, sometimes the easiest solution is the right one. At least that’s been my experience with cooking tips, and especially when it comes to cooking vegetables and trying to make them appeal to children.
So today, I’m sharing different ways to meal prep and prepare vegetables for the most flavorful side dish or yummy veggie recipe. Try as I might, I can’t guarantee that the kids will love these, but maaaybe the cheesy ones make the cut! They all have short cooking times, and all the flavor, which is everything you need for a nice meal with kiddo!
SAUTEED
SAUTEED GREEN BEANS
1 tbsp butter
1 cup of green beans
Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat your pan on high and add in the butter.
Add green beans and stir until coated in butter.
Sauté until they start to brown.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEAMED
STEAMED CAULIFLOWER
1 cup cauliflower
1 tbsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add about a cup of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Once boiled, add the salt.
Place the steamer basket inside and add the raw vegetables on top.
Cover and let steam above the boiling water for about 5 minutes. You want to be able to stick your fork in easily but not be able to slice it.
STEAMED BROCCOLI AND CARROTS
Broccoli, stalks trimmed, florets cut into bite-sized pieces
Fresh carrots, washed, peeled, and sliced
1 tbsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add about a cup of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
Once boiled, add the salt.
Place the steamer basket inside and add raw vegetables on top.
Reduce to medium-high heat, cover, and let steam above the boiling water for about 5 minutes or until fork tender.
ROASTED
ROASTED FROZEN CORN (OR BRUSSELS SPROUTS)
Parchment paper
1 16-oz package of frozen corn (or Brussels sprouts)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 450 F.
Pat the frozen corn with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and add corn on top. .
Spread the veggies out in a single layer, then sprinkle with salt (for the Brussels sprouts, make sure they’re not touching each other).
Place in the oven for 15 minutes (20 minutes for Brussels sprouts) or until the veggies are slightly browned.
ROASTED SWEET POTATO
Parchment paper
2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed (leave the skin on for the most nutrients and crispiest potatoes)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 425 F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread into a single layer on top of the parchment paper (the more you can spread them out, the crispier they will be).
Place in the oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are browned.
Tip: You can also make delicious Sweet Potato Chips if you have some spare sweet potatoes. I promise they’re delicious, my kids devour them every single time.
CHEESY
CHEESY BROCCOLI
1 cup veggies
pinch of salt
Mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
Steam veggies (Instructions above) and place in an oven safe container.
Add as much cheese as you want, the more the merrier.
Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until it starts to brown.
If cheesy is the way to go, this nutritious Mac & Cheese recipe can be mixed and matched to add some veggies! My kids love Mac & Cheese with a little broccoli and spinach added.
Vegetable Wrap Recipes
Roasted Veggie Wrap
This roasted veggie wrap recipe is smokey, delicious, and yummy for the whole family. It’s fully packed with tender yet crispy oven-roasted vegetables, plus crumbly feta, leafy spinach, zesty pesto mayo, oil, and seasonings. It’s low-carb, flavorful, and totally good for you! You can completely take free rein on the roasted veggies to add, so you can add and remove anything you and your kids might like or dislike. Personally, I like a nice mix of zucchini, onions, garlic, mushrooms, winter squash/summer squash, and red peppers.
Easy FRESH VEGGIE WRAP
This delicious and healthy wrap features a thin and flavorful layer of hummus, piled high with your favorite veggies, including spinach, edamame, avocado, carrot, and cucumbers. It’s a great solution for meal prep lunch or an easy dinner. It’s also very low-key with the veggies, so your kids will barely know they’re eating sooo much goodness.
Vegetable Salad Recipes
Rainbow Veggie Salad
This gorgeous and delicious rainbow veggie salad is packed with healthy fruits and veggies. It works as a complete main meal or a side, and kids love it thanks to the rainbow appearance and yummy range of flavors. From blueberries and cucumber to tomato and carrot, the whole family can enjoy this recipe.
Greek Pasta Salad
If you’re sick of boring salads and your kids love pasta, this recipe is a total winner. Packed with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, this pasta salad has all the flavor of your favorite Greek salad! I find that the pasta makes the kids much more interested and compliant, and the flavor keeps them eating. It’s a win for everyone, really.
Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad
Love cucumber and bell peppers? Well, my family does, which means they absolutely LOVE this easy salad. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor! It’s perfect for warmer days or busy days as it’s crisp and totally refreshing and comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect warm day side dish. It’s just SO easy!
Make veggies delicious and nutritious!
I get it, veggies aren’t always super appealing with children, but there are some easy ways to make them appeal a little more. With these tips and tricks, you can, hopefully, get your little ones to eat a few more veggies, giving them everything they need to grow big and strong! From wrap and salads to delicious cheesy broccoli, not only do my kids love these meals, but they’re not too bad for Mom and Dad either!
For more delicious and nutritious family meals, recipes, sensory ideas, and more, head to the Mothercould website!