Vibrant Steamed Vegetable Medley: Health and Flavor Combined!
Simple Yet Nutritious! How to Make a Healthy Steamed Vegetable Dish
I wanted to make a healthy meal, so I’m preparing a steamed vegetable dish that’s easy on the stomach, perfect for breakfast. It’s a satisfying meal you can enjoy without worrying about calories, and it’s a win-win for organizing your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer.
Main Vegetables- 1 beet
- 1 carrot
- 1/4 kabocha squash (or butternut squash)
- 2-3 potatoes
- 1/4 head of cabbage
Balsamic Olive Oil Dressing- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Sesame Dressing- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp finely ground sesame seeds
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Lemon Yogurt Dressing- 2 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Sesame Dressing- 2 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp finely ground sesame seeds
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Lemon Yogurt Dressing- 2 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 2 Tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, cut the cabbage into large, bite-sized pieces. Place the cut cabbage in a bowl and soak it in water for about 10 minutes to maintain its crispness.
Step 2
Next, wash and peel the carrot, then cut it into bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the cabbage.
Step 3
Prepare the vibrant beet by cutting it into bite-sized pieces as well. Be mindful that beet juice can stain, so handle with care.
Step 4
Cut the kabocha squash in half, scoop out and discard the seeds, and peel the potatoes. Cut both into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to prepare the steamer. Pour a generous amount of water into a pot and place the steamer basket on top. Ensure it’s ready for steaming.
Step 6
Arrange the firmest vegetable, the beet, at the bottom of the steamer basket. Layering the hardest vegetables first ensures even cooking.
Step 7
Place the carrots on top of the beets. Layering the vegetables beautifully, considering color harmony, will make the dish more appealing.
Step 8
Add the kabocha squash and peeled potatoes on top of the carrots. The sweetness of the squash and the creaminess of the potatoes will be a wonderful addition.
Step 9
Finally, drain the soaked cabbage thoroughly and pile it on top of the other vegetables, filling the steamer basket.
Step 10
Cover the pot tightly and reduce the heat to medium-low. Steam for approximately 1 hour, allowing the vegetables to become tender. (You can check for doneness by piercing with a fork; it should go in easily.)
Step 11
Once steamed, transfer the vegetables to a serving plate. You can sprinkle a little salt or drizzle olive oil for added flavor, according to your preference.
Step 12
Of the three dressing recipes I’ve prepared, the tangy Balsamic Olive Oil Dressing best complements the steamed vegetables. Feel free to generously drizzle it on. (The other dressings are also delicious, so choose according to your taste!)
Step 13
If you have any leftover steamed vegetables, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are also delicious served cold the next day.