Tired of letting those random vegetables languish in your refrigerator? Get ready to transform your veggie drawer into a culinary masterpiece with this incredibly simple and delicious "Refrigerator Clean Out Veggie Dish"! Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone looking to reduce food waste, this recipe is your ultimate kitchen lifesaver. In just 30 minutes, you'll turn those forgotten produce items into a mouthwatering side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, oregano)
Instructions
- Gather all your mixed vegetables and wash them thoroughly under cool running water. Peel carrots if needed and chop all vegetables into roughly uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer and become hot but not smoking.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add chopped mixed vegetables to the pan, spreading them in a single layer to maximize surface contact and promote even browning.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried herbs evenly over the vegetables. Stir gently to distribute seasonings and coat vegetables.
- Cook vegetables for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure all sides are lightly caramelized.
- Check vegetables for desired tenderness - they should be crisp-tender with slight browning on edges. Remove from heat when vegetables reach your preferred texture.
- Transfer vegetables to a serving dish and taste, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or light meal, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- • For the best caramelization, ensure your vegetables are cut into uniform bite-sized pieces to promote even cooking. • Don't overcrowd the pan - give your vegetables space to brown instead of steaming. • Use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan for optimal browning and easier cleanup. • Experiment with different herb combinations to keep the dish exciting each time you make it. • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end. • If you have leftover roasted meats, you can easily turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding protein. • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a bright, fresh finish to the cooked vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
