Dinner preparations are often rushed due to the simple fact that quite often there is little time for planning an exciting meal. Most weeknights the designated cook will come home after work feeling tired, and with little inclination to plan an alternative from the ordinary hum-drum meal. The result is often a family dinner with the same old steamed or raw veggies on the side. By using these instructions as a guideline, learning a quick and easy way to bake vegetables will enhance any meal.
Baking can be applied to generally any vegetable, such as carrots, peppers, broccoli, squash, potatoes, tomatoes, etc. This method will give the veggies a full roasted flavor, and the food will taste moist and tender as well. Another added benefit of learning the technique of how to bake vegetables, is the way the seasonings marinate and seep through, adding a delicious taste in every bite.
Vegetable Baking Preparation Made Simple
First the oven will need to be preheated to 400 degrees. This is a basic rule of thumb, as any cook will know. Depending upon oven types, the degrees might need to be adjusted accordingly.
The vegetables will need to be carefully washed, to remove any dirt, germs and chemicals which could be adhered to them. This step is essential and definitely a must. This may be done by placing the veggies in a colander and rinsing them with tap water.
Alternately, a specially prepared vegetable wash can be used. These washes come in spray bottle form and are generally found in the produce section of the supermarket. If they are a little too pricey to buy prepared, a homemade solution for killing bacteria on vegetables can be made with equal parts of water and vinegar. Place the solution in a spray bottle, and wash over the veggies.
After the vegetables are thoroughly cleaned, the next step is chopping them up. They can be made into small or large sized pieces, according to preference. it’s important to note that larger sized vegetable pieces will require longer cooking time. If pressed for time, smaller pieces might be a better option.
Next the vegetables need to be placed in any suitable bowl which will accommodate preparations for seasoning them. Basically, any seasonings that is desired is fine to use, as this is totally a personal choice and preference. Powered herbs and spices work well, as well as packets of salad dressing. The only limitation is imagination, so be creative and have fun!
It’s Time To Bake The Vegetables
After the veggies have been evenly coated, seasoned and tossed to the cook’s specifications, it is time to gather the baking pan and some aluminum foil. A shallow pan will work best, and for an alternative to lining it with aluminum foil, a cooking spray can also be used. Place the pan in the oven for about 15 minutes. At this time the vegetables will need to be stirred thoroughly. If desired, a little bit of extra oil or a dash more of seasonings can be added. The veggies will typically need to be cooked for approximately 15 minutes longer. After this time has elapsed, pierce the vegetables with a fork and test the tenderness. If more tenderness is desired, another 5-10 minutes should suffice.
Reaping The Rewards
Now it is time for the entire family to enjoy a side dish which is a departure from the normal routine. Having the opportunity to awaken their taste buds is a rewarding advantage after all. The fun aspect is in knowing that the fare can be changed up at every meal. Vegetables come in various tastes, textures and colors, so have fun selecting a new item every night.
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