Sauces have more than one function in a recipe. A sauce can add moisture to naturally lean foods, such as fish and chicken breasts, or when using cooking techniques that tend to have a drying affect, such as grilling or broiling. A sauce can enhance a dish’s appearance by adding eye appeal. Pooling a bit of sauce beneath grilled fish or steak gives the dish an element of color. Many sauces include a garnish that adds texture to the finished dish.
It is often difficult to find a really good store-bought sauce to accent your food. In the summer when fruits, vegetables and fragrant herbs are in abundance, homemade sauces are so much better drizzled over just about anything. The homemade sauces below are perfect served with grilled beef, chicken, pork or fish, tossed with beans or pasta or drizzled over vegetables and grains. Just let your imagination run with it. These sauces come together quickly and easily and are great to keep on hand. And just a little bit goes a long way.
Fresh Pickle Relish
This relish is easy to make and is good on hot dogs, burgers and grilled sausage.
Ingredients
8 servings
- 1-2 cucumbers (1 pound), peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 teaspoons grated peeled ginger
- 1 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1/3 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Kosher salt
Directions
Place the chopped cucumber in a fine-mesh sieve set over a medium bowl; toss with 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit 10 minutes, then squeeze well to remove as much moisture as possible (do not rinse).
Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cook, stirring, just until they begin to pop, about 1 minute. Add onion and cook 3 minutes. Mix in ginger and turmeric and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add vinegar and sugar and cook until syrupy, about 5 minutes longer. Mix in cucumber; transfer to a small bowl and season with additional salt, if needed. Let cool. Cover and chill. Relish can be made 1 week ahead.
Tzatziki Sauce
A cooling, garlicky yogurt sauce that’s great with grilled meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
Makes 3 Cups
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, very finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh mint for garnish
Directions
Mix cucumber, garlic, yogurt, dill, lemon juice and oil in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Cover and let sit at room temperature until flavors meld, at least 1 hour.
Garnish with mint. Tzatziki can be made 1 day ahead. Chill.
Grilled Tomato Salsa
This salsa is especially good on grilled meats and fish.
Ingredients
Makes 2 Cups
- Grilled Tomatoes (see recipe below)
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 4 fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped oil-packed anchovies
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped rinsed capers
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Coarsely chop grilled tomatoes and add garlic, basil, oil, anchovies, capers and lemon zest. Break up the tomatoes to release their juices as you mix the ingredients together. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature until serving time.
Grilled Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pints ripe cherry tomatoes on the vine (such as Sun Gold, Black Cherry or teardrop; about 24 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Mix tomatoes with oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat, turning occasionally, until tomatoes are charred and blistered, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
Summer Herb Sauce
This sauce is delicious drizzled over grilled vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh marjoram leaves
- 1 small clove garlic
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons water, or more if necessary
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Puree basil, parsley, marjoram, garlic and oil in a food processor or blender. With the motor running, add water and process until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Transfer the sauce to a bowl, stir in capers and season with salt.
Caponata
Serve this sauce over grilled swordfish. A classic Italian dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 each Italian frying pepper and orange and yellow bell peppers
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 medium eggplant, peeled or unpeeled according to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed
Directions
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and peppers; sauté 2 minutes or until soft. Add garlic; stir 30 seconds until aromatic. Add eggplant and, stirring often, cook 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce, cover; reduce heat and simmer, stirring twice, about 12 minutes, or until the eggplant is very tender.
Add vinegar and capers to caponata. Cover and simmer 5 minutes to develop flavors. Serve at room temperature.
Simple Fruit Sauce
Use this sauce to pour over fresh cut melon, grilled peaches, plain cake or ice cream.
8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh fruit in season
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4-5 tablespoon sugar or honey, to taste
- Pinch of cinnamon
Directions
Puree the fruit in a blender with the lemon juice. Blend in the sugar by the tablespoonful, tasting after each addition, until the desired degree of sweetness is reached. Add cinnamon.
Strain through a fine strainer, pressing with a rubber spatula. Chill sauce until serving time.
Summertime and the living is supposed to be easy. That’s why the secret ingredient for a perfect summer day is simplicity: Sleep in, have breakfast on the porch, go hiking or biking and pack a picnic lunch. In the afternoon the neighborhood pool offers a chance to cool off. Dinner needs to be quick—put the main course on the grill along with vegetables from the local farmer’s market or make the side dishes below that are fast, healthy and easy to prepare.
Sauteed Zucchini, Peppers and Tomatoes 
Serve this with grilled meat or fish.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 2 medium) zucchini
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
Directions:
- Quarter zucchini lengthwise; cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Remove ribs and seeds from peppers; cut into 3/4-inch squares.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
Citrus-Herb Grilled Vegetables 
Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 small zucchini, each cut lengthwise into 4 pieces
- 2 small yellow squash, each cut lengthwise into 4 pieces
- 2 red bell peppers, stemmed, seeded, each cut lengthwise into 4 pieces
- 1/2 large sweet onion, such as Vidalia, cut into quarters, each held together with a skewer
- 1 small eggplant, each cut lengthwise into 4 pieces
- 2 portobello mushrooms, stems removed
Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine oil, salt, garlic, oregano, rosemary, thyme, parsley, pepper, lemon zest and juice. Put zucchini, squash, bell peppers and onion in a large ziplock bag and pour in half of marinade. Seal bag and shake to coat vegetables. Let stand for 3 hours at room temperature. Put eggplant and mushrooms in a separate ziplock bag, add remaining marinade, seal and shake to coat vegetables. Let stand for 1 hour at room temperature.
2.To plan ahead: prepare the marinades and vegetables as described and refrigerate the bags overnight. Follow grilling directions below.
3. Preheat grill to medium. When heated, oil grates. Place onions, bell peppers and eggplant on grill and cook for 10 minutes. Add zucchini, squash and mushrooms to grill and cook all vegetables about 15 minutes longer, turning halfway through.
4. Cut vegetables into smaller sizes for serving, if desired. Arrange on a platter and serve warm, or cover and chill to serve cold.
Salad Greens with Pears, Fennel and Walnuts 
Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 2 medium pears, cored, quartered and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Divide the salad greens onto 6 plates. Scatter the fennel and pear slices over the greens. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Add black pepper, to taste.
Tangy Triple-Bean Salad 
12 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 package (9-10 oz) frozen lima beans
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (19 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 3 medium carrots, coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup snipped fresh basil
- 1 Serrano chili peppers, seeded and finely chopped
Directions:
1. Prepare lima beans according to package directions. Transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside to cool.
2. For dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir in lima beans, cannellini beans, chickpeas, carrots and the chile.. Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Transfer salad to a serving bowl. Stir in basil.
Fast Italian Cucumber Salad
-
3-4 Roma tomatoes (about 1-1/2 cups chopped)
-
1 large red onion, diced
-
2 cucumbers, diced
Italian Dressing:
-
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
-
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
-
1/2 teaspoon paprika
-
2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
-
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
-
1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper
Directions:
Whisk Italian Dressing ingredients together in a large bowl. Add vegetables and stir.
Cover and refrigerate for several hours before serving. Can be kept in the refrigerator for several days.
Tomato and Mozzarella Burger 
Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 6 large ripe tomatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
- 2 sprigs fresh basil, leaves picked
Directions:
1. Heat oven to 450° F. Slice a thin piece from the bottom of each tomato so the tomatoes sit upright. Slice each in half horizontally.
2. Arrange the tomato halves, cut-side up, on a foil-lined shallow roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the tomatoes with the oil. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Scatter the garlic over the tomatoes.
4. Roast until softened and warmed through, about 15 minutes. (Under ripe tomatoes may take 5 to 15 minutes longer.)
5. Meanwhile, cut the mozzarella into six ½-inch-thick slices. Using a spatula, sandwich each slice between 2 hot tomato halves. (The heat will melt the cheese slightly.)
6. Drizzle the tomatoes with any juices that collected in the roasting pan and serve with the basil.
Make it a meal: Serve the “burger” with arugula tossed with sliced fennel and radishes, toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Italian Coleslaw 
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 green pepper, cut into matchstick slivers
- 1 red pepper, cut into matchstick slivers
- 1 medium fennel bulb, cut into matchstick slivers
- 1 tablespoon drained capers
- 1-16 oz. bag coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- salt
Directions:
In a large bowl with a fitted lid, combine onion, peppers, fennel and cabbage. Add oil, vinegar, and remaining ingredients. Put lid on and shake until everything is evenly combined. Salt to taste. Refrigerate and serve chilled.
Related articles
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Grilling is one of the healthiest ways to cook, if you do it right!
By choosing foods that are low in fat, high in nutrients and full of flavor you can get great meals that are also healthy. Use marinades, not only to add extra flavor, but also to reduce the formation of cancer causing substances on foods. A marinade containing olive oil and/or citrus juices can reduce the formation of these chemicals by as much as 99% and, since, marinades tenderize meats, you will have a much better meal.
There has been a lot of talk about grilling and cancer. While the risk is real and you really need to keep this in mind, there are some simple things you can do to greatly reduce the cancer risk. Two primary substances, Heterocyclic Amines (HCA) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) are chemicals that form on food, primarily meats, when they come in contact with intense heat and flame. They are known cancer causing agents, so you need to reduce their formation, as much as you can. HCAs and PAHs are formed mostly from fat. Either by fat being heated to extreme temperatures or by the smoke created by fat burning. For the most part, this applies to meat fats and not just the grease and fat from what you are cooking, but from the build up on the bottom of your grill.
Scientists at the Food Safety Consortium project at Kansas State University have discovered that herbs of the Lamiaceae family (basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage) used in marinades, reduced HCA formation dramatically. These herbal antioxidants reduce the formation of chemicals when meat is grilled and, also happen to be, herbs traditionally used in Italian cooking.
To reduce the risks follow these basic tips:
- Keep your grill clean. A clean grill not only cooks better it is safer in every way.
- Trim excess fats from foods. These fats are the troublemaker, so keep it to a minimum.
- Use marinades based on olive oil and/or citrus juices.
- Avoid flare-ups. Flare-ups burn foods and this increases HCA formation.
- Don’t overcook foods. The charred bits on foods are the largest sources of PAHs and HCAs, so if you have charred sections of meat cut them off.
- Use herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage to add flavor and reduce HCA formation in foods.
- Grill extra vegetables to accompany meats. They do not form HCAs like meats do, plus the antioxidants they contain may help to lessen some of the damage HCAs and other cooking toxins cause in your body.
Appetizers
Clams Oreganato on the Grill
Serves 4 as an appetizer
- 1 cup Progresso Italian bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic chopped very fine
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 12 cherrystone or littleneck clams, scrubbed
- 3-4 tablespoons low sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Heat grill and coat the rack with vegetable oil. Dip each closed clam in water (this will add steam) and place on the grill so that none of the clams are overlapping. Close cover and grill for approximately 4-5 minutes or until clam shells open. Check often for clams that have popped open. Remove clams with tongs to a platter as soon as they open their shells.
In a bowl, combine the bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper and salt. Add the olive oil and stir until well combined. Add enough of the chicken stock to moisten the bread crumbs..
Top the bottom half of the clams with the bread crumb mixture, dividing mixture evenly on top of each clam, and place back on the grill. Close grill cover and for about 1 minute or until just heated through. Serve with lemon wedges.
Origins of Bruschetta
Bruschetta comes to us from Central Italy where it’s chiefly eaten as an appetizer or snack. The most basic bruschetta begins with tomatoes, good quality olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and onions. Depending on the combinations of ingredients you use, you can take this dish, from such a basic foundation, to one that is a uniquely- flavored creation.
Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta
1 small eggplant (1/2 – 3/4 pound)
1 small zucchini summer squash
1 large meaty tomato (about 1/2 pound)
1 red bell pepper
1 Vidalia onion, peeled
Olive oil
2 garlic cloves, cut in half
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
6-1″ thick slices fresh Italian bread
1 cup (about 4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
Balsamic vinegar
Cut the eggplant lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Cut the squash into long diagonal 1/2-inch thick slices. Cut the onion and tomato into crosswise 1/2-inch thick slices. Cut the pepper into quarters. Season vegetables with kosher salt, pepper and brush with olive oil. Brush bread slices with a little oil.
Put all the vegetables on the grill, except the tomato. Grill on medium high heat until cooked through and grill marks are formed, about 10 minutes. Grill the tomato slices about 2 minutes.
Grill one side of bread until lightly toasted, about 1 minute. Remove bread and vegetables from grill. While the bread is hot, rub the toasted side of each piece with garlic .
Chop vegetables into very small dice and add basil. Serve chopped vegetables on bread slices, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Main Dishes
Spinach Pesto
- 2 cups lightly packed baby spinach leaves (about 2 ounces)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Combine the spinach, pine nuts, lemon juice, and lemon peel in a processor. Lightly pulse. With the machine running, gradually add the oil, blending until the mixture is creamy. Stir in the Parmesan. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. This pesto freezes well if you have it leftover.
Grilled Boneless Chicken Breasts
Prepare grill and oil grates.
Brush 4 boneless chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill 5 minutes each side.. Top with a tablespoon or two of Spinach Pesto.
Spinach Pesto is also goes well with grilled scallops.
Grilled Fennel-Garlic Pork Chops
Fennel seed and pork are a fairly typical Italian combination.
- 1 tablespoons whole fennel seeds
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 (¾-inch-thick) loin bone-in pork chops
- Vegetable oil for brushing grill rack
Grind the fennel seeds and crushed red pepper flakes in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle (or, if you don’t have either of those, in a plastic bag with a rolling pin). Combine them in a bowl with the garlic, salt and enough of the olive oil to make a paste.
Pat the chops dry with paper towels, then spread the fennel-garlic paste over both sides of the chops. Let sit for 30 minutes (or up to a few hours, if you put them in the refrigerator; bring back to room temperature before cooking).
Grill the chops for 1-2 minutes per side over a hot fire, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for another 5-10 minutes, turning once or twice, until the internal temperature reaches at least 137 F. Let sit for a few minutes. Serve with a green salad. 4 servings
Grilled Bone-in Chicken Breasts and Legs with Tomato Olive BBQ Sauce
Tomato Olive Barbecue Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped fine
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 tablespoons steak sauce
- 3 tablespoons Sambuca, (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the onions, reduce heat, cover, sweat in the oil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the garlic, stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Pour in the red wine and balsamic vinegar, tomato puree, tomato paste, olives, honey, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, Sambuca, and salt and pepper.
- Raise heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool down to room temperature.
Chicken Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken breasts and 4 chicken legs with thighs attached
Instructions:
- Prepare grill for medium indirect grilling.
- Brush each piece of chicken with barbecue sauce.
- Grill indirectly until juices run clear, about 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill, cover and allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
- Serve with remaining BBQ sauce for dipping.
Swordfish Kabobs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons grated orange rind
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/2 pounds swordfish steaks, cut into 1-inch pieces (try to get 12 evenly cut cubes.)
4 medium red onions, peeled and quartered
12 (1-inch) pieces red bell pepper
12 cherry tomatoes
Vegetable oil
Combine first 10 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic bag; add swordfish fish cubes. Seal and marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes, turning once.
Prepare grill and oil grates. Remove fish from bag; discard marinade. Thread swordfish cubes, onions, and bell pepper alternately onto each of 4 (10-inch) skewers. Thread cherry tomatoes on a fifth skewer and set aside.
Place swordfish kabobs on grill and grill 8 minutes or until desired degree of doneness, turning once. After 4 minutes, place the tomatoes on the grill and rotate after two minutes. Serve tomatoes with fish kabobs and garnish with lemon slices. Serve with rice.
Serves 4.
Florentine Steak
Bistecca alla Fiorentina is traditionally made using T-bone or Porterhouse steaks, but you could make it with rib eyes, strip loins, sirloin, or even fillet steak.
As long as the meat is of a very high quality (organic, grassfed is best), it will taste delicious, even if it’s not entirely authentic! It is healthy only if you keep portions small – about 4 oz. per person.
The marinating time is quite long, so make sure you start this dish at least a day before you want to eat it.
- 2 10 oz. T-bone steaks
- 8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- Sea Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Balsamic vinegar or lemon
- High quality extra virgin olive oil
Put the steak in a shallow dish. Mix together the olive oil, rosemary, and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Pour over the steak, cover and let rest in the refrigerator to marinate for 24 to 48 hours.
Heat a grill until it is very hot. Grill the meat to taste, turning to cook the steak evenly on both sides. Traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina is served rare to medium-rare; test for doneness using an instant-read thermometer. Cook to an internal temperature of 130 to 135°F for medium-rare or an internal temperature of 120 to 125°F for rare.
Remove steaks from grill, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice steak across grain, then place slices on heated dinner plates. Drizzle with a little balsamic vinegar or lemon juice and olive oil and shave some parmesan cheese over the top. Season to taste and serve. Good with an Arugula Salad.
Serves 4 or more
Dessert
Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cheese
- 4 firm, ripe peaches, pitted and halved
- olive oil for brushing the cut sides of the peaches
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, room temperature
- 8 teaspoons fig jam
- Mint leaves
Brush peaches lightly with olive oil. Place the peaches on a greased grill rack, cut side down, and do not move the peaches in order to get grill marks on them. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side to get those grill marks. Continue grilling the peaches until slightly softened and heated through, about 5 to 6 minutes total. Turn the peaches over and warm a minute or two.
Mix together the mascarpone cheese, Amaretto and honey.
To serve peaches, place a teaspoon of fig jam in the hollow where the pit had been and top each with a tablespoon of the mascarpone mixture. Decorate with mint leaves.
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Are veggie haters born or made? The answer seems to be both. Some of us have negative veggie experiences from our childhood that come back to haunt us as adults. Maybe you were forced to eat vegetables, or had to plow through a stack of green beans to get to dessert. Maybe you were served overcooked, mushy vegetables. “If veggies are only served in ways that don’t match your personal flavor preferences, they won’t seem exciting,” explains Karen Collins, MS, RD, nutrition adviser for the American Institute for Cancer Research. So if you love spicy food, you won’t like veggies served plain; or if you love simple, earthy flavors, veggies covered with a rich sauce won’t be appealing.
When my children were young, they struggled with eating some vegetables that were on their dinner plates. I, also, know that many parents struggle to get their kids to eat their vegetables – it’s a never-ending battle in many households in America. Nagging and taking away dessert are often futile remedies. What can help is, if a parent can involve their children in food preparation and find healthy ways to make vegetables taste good.
Deep frying or adding butter and cheese make everything taste so good. The real challenge is how to make vegetables taste good without it, if you are trying to make your meals more healthy. Cooking vegetables with the right herbs can make a difference, such as oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, coriander, dill and garlic. Adding chopped nuts to vegetable dishes is another way to bring more flavor and nutrition into the meal. Using cooking techniques other than boiling in water, such as roasting and grilling, are ways to improve the taste of vegetables without adding a lot of fat.
Prep veggies, like carrots, asparagus and peppers, place in foil, mist with extra virgin olive oil, drizzle with a tablespoon or two of balsamic vinegar or another flavored vinegar or with a low-fat dressing, sprinkle with herbs like thyme, rosemary and cracked black pepper and place the package on the grill. Some take as little as 10 minutes to become tender. Or use the same seasonings on vegetable kabobs, alternating vegetables of your choice with cherry tomatoes and onion slices.
You can roast just about anything, but vegetables especially benefit from the high, dry heat of the oven. Their flavor becomes concentrated and their natural sugars caramelize, transforming them into richly satisfying sides. For every 2 pounds of vegetables, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil prior to roasting. Spread in a single layer, with space in between the pieces or they’ll just steam instead. You can roast different veggies together if their cooking times are similar.
The recipes below are ones I have made, adjusting ingredients, cooking techniques and utilizing Italian flavors to make these dishes just right. These are vegetable side dishes that my family likes and enjoys at our family dinners.
Mashed Potatoes With Kale
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed and peeled
- Salt
- 1 pound (1 large bunch) kale, either curly or cavolo nero, with the ribs removed and the leaves washed
- 1-1/4 cups low-fat milk
- 2 garlic cloves
- Freshly ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Directions
Cover the potatoes with water in a saucepan, add 1/2 tablespoon of salt and the garlic and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover partially and cook until tender about 30 to 40 minutes. Drain off the water, return the potatoes with the garlic to the pan and mash with a potato masher.
While the potatoes are cooking bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and add the kale. Cook the kale for 4 to 6 minutes (after the water returns to the boil) until the leaves are tender but still bright green. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes, drain and squeeze out excess water. Chop into small pieces and add the olive oil.
Stir the chopped kale into the hot mashed potatoes along with the milk. Add salt to taste and freshly ground pepper.
Tip: This is a good dish to make ahead and reheat for dinner.
Yield: Serves 4 to 6
Oven-roasted Vegetables with Rosemary, Bay Leaves and Garlic
The process of roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables and intensifies their natural flavors
Ingredients
- Sea salt
- 1 lb red or Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 2-inch chunks
- 1 lb butternut squash, seeded and cut into chunks
- 2 medium red onions, cut into eighths
- 1 fennel bulb, trimmed, cored and cut into chunks
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
8 garlic cloves, smashed
- 4 sprigs of rosemary
- 4 sprigs of bay leaves
Directions
In a large baking pan sprayed with olive oil cooking spray place potatoes, squash, onions and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Toss to coat, then roast for 20 minutes.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and the remaining ingredients to the baking pan.
Roast for another 20 minutes, turning the vegetables occasionally until tender and edges slightly brown. Salt and pepper to taste.
Remove bay leaves before serving.
Makes 4 servings.
Grilled Vegetables with Basil Dressing
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 small eggplant, sliced into chunks
- 1 zucchini, cut into chunks
- 1 yellow summer squash, cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into squares
- 1 small red onion, sliced and cut into 8 segments
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons reduced-fat olive oil mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
Thread skewers with alternating pieces of eggplant, zucchini, squash, bell pepper and onion. Place skewered vegetables in shallow pan.
Make the marinade for vegetables by blending vinegar, oil and 1/4 cup fresh basil. Pour over vegetables. Let stand 10 minutes, occasionally turning skewers so marinade coats all sides.
Meanwhile, make the dressing. Place yogurt, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh basil and lemon juice in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Transfer to small serving dish.
Grill vegetables, adjusting height of rack to avoid charring, if using an outdoor grill.
Serve vegetables as a side dish, as a sandwich filling in ciabatta rolls or on sliced Italian bread or bruschetta. Pass basil-yogurt dressing to use as a topping.
Baked Spaghetti Squash
What I like about this spaghetti squash dish is that when it comes out of the oven, it’s ready to serve. It does not need any additional cooking to give it flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 small to medium spaghetti squash
- Olive oil cooking spray
Kosher or salt and fresh pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Directions
Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and fibers with a spoon. Place on a baking sheet, cut side up, spray lightly with the cooking spray, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl mix together the paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Sprinkle over squash.
Bake at 350° F for about an hour or until the skin gives easily under pressure and the inside is tender. Remove from the oven and let it cool 10 minutes.
Using a fork, scrape out the squash flesh a little at a time. It will separate into spaghetti-like strands. Place in a serving dish and serve.
Spicy Broccoli Rabe with Garlic and Lemon Zest
Ingredients
- 2 pounds broccoli rabe
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook broccoli rabe in water for 4 to 5 minutes until tender and bright green. Drain well in a colander and set aside.
In a large saute pan heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and pepper flakes then toss in the broccoli rabe.
Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, gently tossing it in the pan. Finish with the lemon zest and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Vinaigrette
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs
Lemon Vinaigrette
Whisk together:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon small capers
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Wash the head of cauliflower and trim off the outer leaves. With a sharp knife, remove a cone-shaped piece from the core, keeping the head intact.
With your fingers, rub a little olive oil into the bottom of a deep oven-safe baking dish, rub the remainder on all over the cauliflower, working the oil into the crevasses as best you can. Place core-side down in the baking dish and sprinkle with salt and breadcrumbs.
Bake for 1 hour or 1-1/4 hours, until the exterior is brown and crusty and the center soft. With a spoon, drizzle the vinaigrette over the top of the cauliflower and let it seep slowly.
Crispy Parmesan Broccoli
2 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb broccoli, rinsed, dried, and cut into flat sided bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup egg substitute
- 1/4 cup Italian seasoned Panko Crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Directions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs and cheese.
Put the broccoli in a large bowl, add the egg substitute, and toss with your hands to coat.
Sprinkle in the bread crumb and cheese mixture and toss to combine.
Transfer to a baking sheet, flat side down, and roast for 12 minutes.
Italian Green Beans Marinara
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh green beans, cleaned and stem ends removed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, no salt added
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Roasted Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb thin asparagus spears, tough ends trimmed
- olive oil spray
- fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 4 slices (2 oz) thin sliced prosciutto
- grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 400° F.
Lightly spray asparagus spears with olive oil cooking spray. Season with fresh cracked pepper and divide into 4 bundles.
Bundle 1/4 of the asparagus together and wrap a slice of prosciutto around it. Place on a baking dish seam side down.
Related articles:
- Herbed Spaghetti Squash – Emerill (bookcasefoodie.wordpress.com)
- Roasted spaghetti squash with Parmesan (culinaryengineering.me)
- Vegetable Lasagne. (gwenacaster.wordpress.com)
- Never Fail Roast Vegetables: A Dish for All Seasons (currentmom.com)
