Grilled or baked vegetables are easy to prepare and provide a good healthy meal. Roasting vegetables is a quick and easy way to add variety to a meal, whether it’s roasting in the oven, on the stove, or on the grill.
Many of the vegetables are delicious on their own, without any seasoning. That’s especially true for those of us who enjoy the taste of raw or steamed vegetables. Slow roasted vegetables add a different texture and enhance flavor, especially softer foods like cauliflower or some squash.
Salt and pepper can be added to any vegetable to enhance the flavor. However, with many low sodium diets, we need to find other ways to improve taste. A great way to add flavor without compromising nutritional value is to add herbs while the vegetables are cooking.
Here are some herbs and seasonings that I have found to be good additions to roasted vegetables.
1. Garlic – a widely used herb and will complement many vegetables if used in moderation. A light pinch of garlic is especially good on grilled zucchini or other squashes.
2. Basil: An aromatic green leaf, a member of the mint family. Basil is a great addition to any tomato dish and works well with roasted tomatoes.
3. Celery Seed: Ground or whole, it has a strong celery flavor. Too much can create a “spicy” effect. Celery seed is good on its own or in combination with other herbs.
4. Marjoram: a grayish-green herb from the mint family, flavor similar to oregano but milder. While we enjoy oregano in foods like spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna, it can be too strong for vegetables. The marjoram will give it a similar flavor without being too strong.
5. Parsley – Delicate sweet flavor. Chopped fresh parsley brings a plate of roasted vegetables to life. Adding parsley to vegetables while they are cooking brings out the flavor of this herb. Reserve a few sprigs of fresh parsley to decorate the plate.
6. Rosemary – very aromatic leaf resembling pine needles, strong flavor. Rosemary has a very strong and distinctive flavor; you’ll want to use it sparingly at first.
7. Chili Powder: Chili powder is a mixture of cumin, chili, oregano, and allspice. You might be surprised to see this on a list of seasonings for vegetables. If your family likes their foods spicier, consider sprinkling some chili powder on the vegetables just before serving.
A word of caution: use herbs and seasonings sparingly so that the true flavor of the vegetables comes through. As you cook more with herbs, you’ll determine which flavors your family enjoys and learn to use more or less accordingly.
Grilled and roasted vegetables are easy to prepare, nutritious, and offer fantastic variety for an otherwise boring meal. I hope you’ll join me in trying new ways to prepare your favorite foods and use herbs and spices.