BOILING
Vegetables should be cooked in boiling water. Strong smelling vegetables, such as cabbage, onions, etc., will not give off strong odors if cooked in plenty of water and uncovered. Other vegetables should be cooked in just enough water to cover and the kettle should be covered. Salt, however, toughens the fiber and, for this reason, is only used in the cooking of young, tender shoots. For the older vegetables the salt may be added just before serving.
STEAMING
Steaming is a very satisfactory method of cooking vegetables. The vegetables are placed on racks in the steamer and cooked until tender. None of the juices are lost, and the fiber is not toughened, and the appearance and shape of the vegetables are preserved.
BAKING
Vegetables may be washed, and baked in a moderate oven until the skin bursts. This method of cooking is satisfactory in that no nutriment is lost. The vegetables classed as roots, such as turnips, parsnips, etc., may be baked, but are less suited to this method of cooking.
WAYS OF SERVING VEGETABLES
- Fresh with dressing (salads)
- Creamed
- Cooked, with dressing
- Sautéed
- Steamed
- Boiled with butter sauce
- Pickled
- Baked
- Braised as in soups, stews
- Croquettes
- Scalloped
- Au gratin
GARNISHES
Garnishes of vegetables are often used to give a colorful touch to meat dishes. A little sprig of parsley is often sufficient decoration. Clever garnishes are made by means of vegetable cutters. These are attractive additions when used as a border around a meat dish.