Sauteed Veggies

This is a use-what-you-have sort of dish. I cook to a pot based on the number of people eating. I vary the veggies according to what I have and according to the dislikes of those I am serving. Some veggies retain their shape well when sauteed – broccoli, cauliflower, beets – and some shrink considerably – many greens – and some are somewhere in between – beans, pod peas, squash, cabbage, onions, garlic.

I use a cast iron Dutch oven. I put oil in the bottom and let it start to warm. I add my firm veggies and put some oil on top. Then I stir or toss the veggies and the oil. Next I cover it with the lid and let it sit for a minute or two. Then I add the next batch of veggies, again adding some oil on top, stirring and tossing. Once again I cover it and let it sit another minute or two. And finally I repeat with the greens. Once the lidded pot starts steaming, I put the heat to low, letting it sit for 4-5 minutes in between stirrings. When the solids are finally soft, then I serve this. It may be over rice or just a side of meat and potatoes. And the veggies still taste good the next day, though we don’t usually have many that last that long. Here is a printable form of this meal.

Veggie Meal

This is a use-what-you-have sort of meal. I cook to a pot based on the number of people eating. I vary the veggies according to what I have and according to the likes and dislikes of those I am serving.

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil, or whatever your fat of choice is
  • Firm veggies – ones retain their shape well when sauteed Beets, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, celery
  • Mid firm veggies – ones that will soften some Stems of the greens, pod peas, beans, onions, squash, tomatoes, corn
  • Wilting veggies – tend to be the greens Spinach, Swiss chard, beet greens, bok choy, tatsoi, garlic
  • Any already cooked veggies Canned veggies, leftovers

Equipment

  • Pot with a lid

Method
 

  1. Cut the veggies into bite size pieces.
  2. Put oil in the bottom of the pan and let it start to warm over high to medium high heat.
  3. Add the firm veggies and put some oil on top. Stir or toss the veggies and the oil. Cover with a lid and let sit a minute or two.
  4. Add the mid-firm veggies and put some oil on top. Stir or toss the veggies and the oil. Cover with a lid and let sit a minute or two.
  5. Add the wilting veggies and put some oil on top. Stir or toss the veggies and the oil. Cover with a lid and let sit a minute or two.
  6. Stir in or toss any cooked veggies or leftovers. Cover and watch for the pot to steam. Turn the heat to low, stirring every 4-5 minutes until the veggies are all soft. Take off heat and serve.

Notes

We serve this over rice or as a side with meat and potatoes. These veggies tend to taste good the next day as well. OR if you have enough left over, you can freeze them for a meal another day.