3 ways to make canned vegetables taste fresh

Canned vegetables have a negative reputation for having an unappealing taste. Due to their being soaked in a brine for preservation purposes, canned foods are often described as “metallic-tasting”. If cooked right, however, canned foods can taste just as good as farm-fresh options!

3 Ways to Cook Canned Veggies

Use the blanching method

After draining your vegetable of choice, allow them to sit in a pot of boiling water for about two minutes. Then, drain the vegetables again and transfer them immediately to a bowl of ice-cold water.

Use seasonings

Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, oregano, and chili powder can be used in different combinations to give your vegetables an extra kick of flavor without adding extra calories.

Italian Seasoning

• • • • • • 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
          • 1 tsp dried thyme
          • ½ tsp dried basil
          • ½ tsp dried rosemary
          • ½ tsp dried sage

Creole Blend

• • • • • • 2 tsp paprika
          • 2 tsp garlic powder
          • 1 tsp onion powder
          • 1 tsp dried oregano
          • 1 tsp dried thyme
          • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Curry Powder

• • • • • • 2 tsp ground coriander
          • 2 tsp cumin
          • 1 tsp ground turmeric
          • ½ tsp chili powder
          • ½ tsp pepper
          • 1/8 tsp fennel seed

For the best-tasting results, drain and rinse vegetables, cook as desired (in a pan, grilled, etc.), then toss with seasoning before serving.

Cook with citrus juice

Instead of cooking your vegetables with oil, use the juice of a lime, lemon, or orange to give your vegetables a bit of extra flavor!

            Lemon-Herb Grilled Zucchini

Ingredients:

• • • • • • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
          • Juice of 1 lemon
          • 1 clove garlic, minced
          • 1 tsp chopped basil
          • 1 tsp chopped parsley
          • Salt & pepper (to taste)

Directions:

In a bowl, combine chopped zucchini with lemon juice, spices, and 1-2 Tbsp water. When ready, cook on a heated grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove zucchini from heat & serve, squeezing with additional lemon juice if desired.

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