What are some ways to season and cook vegetables without butter or oils?

1. 89

   cocopremeposted 12 years ago

   What are some ways to season and cook vegetables without butter or oils?
   
   I need to cut back on the unhealthy stuff.  What are some tips for cooking and seasoning veggies without the greasy, cholesterol-filled oils?

   replyreport
2. 88

   Kathryn Vercilloposted 12 years ago

   Fresh vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Unfortunately, many people ruin their nutritional value by slathering them with butter or dousing them in oils to fry them up. Here are eight different ways to season and cook your vegetables without using butter and oil, so that they stay healthy and also taste interesting. read more

   replyreport
3. 61

   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   Fat Free Italian dressing is delicious on vegetable, hot or cold.  We steam the vegetables then add dressing at the table.  Butter in moderation isn't bad for a person, so just a tiny amount on your serving can be very tasty and it doesn't take much.

   replyreport
4. 64

   mackyiposted 12 years ago

   Put veggies in a small amount of water with some herbs like parsley flakes, garlic and dills and a dash of seasoning salts(MSG free). Keep flame low and let them steam. I like my veggies crunchy!

   replyreport
5. 62

   gerrywalkerposted 12 years ago

   If you like flavored veggies, use bouillon cube in a cup of water. I use homemade chicken or beef stock instead of cubes most of the time as a lot of the store bought bouillon cubes have msg in them, to which I'm allergic.
   
   For homemade bouillon cubes, when you make a roast beef or chicken, put about half a cup of water in the pan and mix it with the juice, make sure you scratch up the good sticky stuff in the bottom of the pan.  Put that in a jar in the fridge and let the fat rise to the top. It'll get hard, you can just pop it off, then put the remaining juice in ice cube trays in your freezer.  VIOLA! as one of my old sailing buddies used to say, instant bouillon cube!
   
   Add a slice of sweet onion, chopped of course, some celery, parsley flakes, chives, whatever spice you like to flavor your veggies.  If you're using chicken stock, try adding a dash of poultry seasoning or sage.
   
   Veggies are great this way. I'm on that HCG diet and losing about a pound a day. Never hungry! Drink lots and lots of water!  Walmart has the non-hormone HCG drops in their pharmacy now for $20.

   replyreport
6. 90

   DzyMsLizzyposted 12 years ago

   Guide to cooking vegetables with healthy seasonings and very little fat. read more

   replyreport
7. 63

   Handicapped Chefposted 12 years ago

   Steaming is one of the best ways to cook your vegies you can also saute them in a little broth of your choice or you can pair them with spises and herbs to take the flavor up another notch or two, I really like green beans with chicken broth and tarragon its really great.

   replyreport
8. 68

   chefsrefposted 12 years ago

   1,I like veggies grilled or broiled at a very high temp so the caramelize a little on the edges but remain  crisp, add some chopped fresh herbs for flavor. Season with a spritz of spray-able salad dressing for another flavor boost
   2,Some, like corn on the cob or whole onions you can wrap in foil, maybe with a teaspoon of broth and roast, this will save all the juices better than boiling or steaming.
   3,Cut them small and stir fry, Americans frequently use too much oil for stir frying, a quick spray of Pam etc will suffice if the veggies are cut small and tossed often, add a tiny amount of broth and cover to steam in their own juices.
   4, Microwaving will also preserve the nutrients in small amounts of veggies, some veg, like peas or beans may need a little water in the pan to microwave, others, like zucchini have lots of water to start with. Microwaving large amounts of veggies can be a bit difficult so it may take practice.
   5, Plain old boiling shouldn't be overlooked, the trick then is to use a LOT of salted water, the theory being that the more water you use the faster it will come back to a boil so the veg has less time to lose nutrients

   replyreport
9. 74

   jennshealthstoreposted 12 years ago

   I actually boil my vegetables in sesame oil. You do not have to put a lot, just pour a bit in the pot while you boil and the veggie come out with a delicious flavor. And sesame oil is good for you.

   replyreport