Simple Sides - Vegetables

I made the following list of instructions for simple vegetable sides for my husband because he's been cooking a little lately.  I absolutely love eating home-made food that I didn't cook myself so I wanted to make it easy for him to do it often!

The list is of my staple vegetable side dishes that I use if I'm making a simple chicken, fish, or all veggie meal.  Most of them just require great produce, some olive oil and salt, and and a little practice to know exactly when the vegetables are cooked just right.  They are all very quick and easy to make.  In my opinion, there's no reason to potchky with things that are already so good on their own.


Asparagus in the Toaster Oven (10 minutes)

PICTURED ABOVE

Wash asparagus

Remove the woody ends of each stalk by bending it near the bottom of the spear until it snaps.

Coat toaster baking sheet with olive oil

Put asparagus in one layer on baking sheet and toss to coat with oil. 

Sprinkle with salt

Bake in toaster oven at 350 for 6-9 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears.

Stalks will be just tender and not all shriveled up when done.

Sauted Broccoli (10 minutes)

Cut broccoli into small florets.  You may also use the stem by cutting off the outer skin and then chopping it up.

Rinse the broccoli well under water.

Heat 3-4 tablespoons olive oil in a large sauté pan.

Add the broccoli, letting some of the water from washing it cling to the broccoli.

Sprinkle with salt.

Toss the broccoli to coat in the oil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover.

Cook, stirring often, for about 7 minutes.  If broccoli begins to get too brown, you can turn down the heat slightly, add a drizzle of oil, or add a teaspoon of water.  You can do this repeatedly if necessary.  Broccoli will be tender when done and will probably take about 7 minutes.

Cauliflower in the Toaster Oven (15 minutes)

Cut the cauliflower into small florets.

Rinse well under water.

Coat a toaster oven baking sheet with olive oil.

Arrange the cauliflower in one layer on sheet and toss to coat in oil.

Sprinkle with salt.

Bake in toaster oven at 350 degrees until very soft and brown, maybe about 10-15 minutes

Haricots Verts  - French Beans (Less than 10 minutes)

Rinse the haricots well under water

Line them up so that they are all facing the same direction and then cut off the end with a stem attached.

Put the haricots in a small pot and fill with just enough water to cover.

Cover the pot and put over high heat until it reaches a boil.

Add about 1 tbs. salt to the boiling water.

Cook partially covered for 5-6 minutes or until crisp tender.

Strain the haricots from the water and serve immediately.

Sweet Potato in the toaster oven (10-12 minutes)

Peel the sweet potato and cut it into ½ inch cubes (more or less)

Coat the toaster oven baking sheet with olive oil

Arrange the sweet potato in a single layer on baking sheet and toss to coat in oil.

Sprinkle with salt

Bake at 350 until soft and slightly browned, about 10 minutes

Sauteed Snow or Sugar Snap Peas (5 minutes)

Rinse peas well under water and remove string from peas if you like.

Heat 1-2 tablespoons sesame oil in a pan

Add a few drops of soy sauce (optional)

Cook peas over medium heat for just a few minutes, until they turn bright green.

Sprinkle with salt.

Squeeze juice of 1 lemon over peas(optional).  Remove from heat and serve.