We spent many years growing up hating vegetables. That’s something a lot of kids go through. There are all kinds of explanations for that. But let’s talk about how to fix that. If you have any ideas to contribute, feel free to add them to the comments.
Start with sweet ones
Peas, carrots, cauliflower, sweet bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes are all vegetables high in sugar. These are a little easier to take for those who aren’t big fans of veggies. They can all be eaten raw, but you can do light steam or sauté on them at first. Just make sure you leave lots of crunches. That will make the transition to raw a bit easier.
Dip it
We are not in favor of drowning vegetables in sauces and dips, but a little cream-based dip for raw vegetables might get you to like them a little. These are moves to slowly ease you into eating more raw veggies.
Know Your Veggies Personally
Studies show that if you spend the time and effort to grow your own vegetables, you are more likely to want to eat them. Start with growing things you like and vegetables that will grow well in your climate and situation. Even if you don’t have access to an outside garden, container gardening is very popular and worth looking into.
Try a little butter
I’ve said before that butter, used in moderation, is not bad for you and is better than margarine. Nothing can duplicate that wonderful flavor. And adding a little of that flavor to vegetables can help a lot.
Soup ’em up
The wonderful thing about soup is that you can make it out of almost any food, fresh or leftover. In fact, soup made from leftovers is a great way to use them. You have a bunch of veggies you don’t know what to do with? Make soup. Add a bit of chicken stock, some spices, herbs, and water, let it all simmer for a bit and you can have some great eating, with lots of veggies.
Can You Sneak Up On A Leaf? Make A Salad
Who says a salad has to be made from lettuce and a few of the usual suspects? You can make a vegetable salad with a nice vinaigrette, some toasted nuts, croutons, and Parmesan cheese and you’ve got a tasty lunch. Even if you make a lettuce salad, you can still add some chopped veggies on top.
Roast ’em
We’ve mentioned this before. When you’re grilling those brats or whatever you like, make a little room on the grill for some fresh veggies, Corn in the husk, thickly sliced potatoes, tomato halves, quartered heads of cauliflower, and broccoli all are likely candidates to be made golden brown and crispy. Off the grill, oven roasting makes flavorful vegetables and the oven does all the work.
Cheese it. The Food Cops Are Coming.
Covering everything in cheese sauce (or even shredded cheese that melts), is not something we recommend. But it’s a good way to ease into eating more vegetables. Just don’t overdo it. The object is the TASTE of the vegetables.
Try these with vegetables you’re not familiar with or haven’t tried lately. Summer is a great time to expand your palette of vegetables and see what you’re missing. Luckily, we have most of this produce in your store all year round.
