Stop Vegetable Nudity



Nudity is just not appropriate at the dinner table. It frightens the kids. So let's put an end to this unnecessary evil, and dress our vegetables!

These quick and easy sauces not only add some decorum at the dinner table, but, you might find the kids (and hubby) actually enjoy veggies when they're dressed!

I always feel good about myself when I'm eating veggies - and I feel especially pleased when my family is eating them. But, if you're anything like me, food is just a vehicle to get yummy sauces into my belly! With all of the summer veggies hitting the farm stands and super markets, it's a great time to try some of these easy sauce recipes.

If that isn't reason enough, most of these recipes can be made very low cal and diet friendly. Give them a try!

Sesame Garlic Sauce

This is perfect over steamed pea pods, sauteed red peppers, or any veggie stir-fry. Plus, this takes literally 2 minutes to throw together.

1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Directions:

Stir fry the garlic in the sesame oil for 1 minute. (Don't let it brown or burn)
Whisk in the soy sauce and brown sugar.
Remove from heat and stir in the sesame seeds.
Pour over any sauteed, or steamed veggie you wish.

Thai Peanut Sauce

If allowed, my kids would eat this with a spoon! Serve it over any veggie, especially veggie kebabs done on the grill. Also great with grilled meats.

4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
a pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions:

Combine above ingredients in a small sauce pan and stir over med/low heat until creamy.
You can double or triple to make as much as you need.
Also, very good with fresh garlic and ginger (minced) if you have them. But my kids prefer the ground versions.

Chipotle Cream Sauce (COLD)

This sauce has a little kick! (It uses chipotle chilies in adobo - found in a can in super market). My kids like spicy food, and this goes great with any grilled veggie or meat. I make this up and keep it in the fridge, to serve whenever I need it. (Serve cold).

1 cup sour cream OR plain Greek yogurt

1large fresh minced garlic clove

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon minced chipotle chilies

a pinch or two of sea salt (to taste)

Directions:

Mix all ingredients except chilies in a bowl.

Take one of the chilies with the sauce on it, and mince/mash with a sharp knife.

Add the chilies to the cream mixture.

Taste and adjust for salt.

 

Chipotle Cream Sauce (WARM)

 

Another sauce with some warmth, just so you know! This is really good over sauteed baby spinach, or over fresh corn.

 

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons minced shallots

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chicken broth

3 tablespoons dry cooking sherry

1 cup sour cream

1 chipotle chili in adobo, minced/smashed with a knife

salt, to taste

pepper, to taste

Directions

 

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the shallot and garlic for 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the broth and sherry, and simmer another 3 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the sour cream, then the pureed chipotle.

Simmer for a couple of minutes to heat through and season with salt and pepper.

 

 

 

Creamy Parmesan Cheese Sauce

This is my go to sauce for asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower... you get the idea! Goes great over pork chops and chicken too. If you're into it  - substitute Gorgonzola or blue cheese for the Parmesan.  YUM!

 

8 ounces cream cheese, cubed

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (to taste - add more if you think your sauce needs it)

3/4 cup milk

1 tbsp butter

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 dash Tabasco

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

 

Directions

 

Melt butter in a small non-stick sauce pan.

Saute garlic for a minute, but do not let it brown or burn.

Add the cream cheese, and let it melt.

Add the milk, slowly, stirring to incorporate.

Add your cheese and stir constantly to let it blend.

Add Tabasco and black pepper.

Simmer to keep warm.

 

Note that I have used cream cheese, sour cream and milk for these recipes, but feel free to use lower fat versions. I do on occasion and it doesn't affect the flavor.

So what do you think? Do you have any veggie sauces to share? I'd love to swap!