Vegetables à la Grecque

Vegetables à la Grecque Recipe with Olive Oil, Fennel, and Coriander Seeds

Region / culture: Angola, Greece | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Vegetables à la Grecque is a delicious and healthy dish that features a medley of vegetables cooked in a flavorful tomato and herb sauce. This dish is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

Vegetables à la Grecque originated in Greece and is a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine. The name "à la Grecque" means "in the Greek style," and this dish is typically made with a variety of fresh vegetables cooked in olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or as a main course.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
2 large fennel bulbs, thinly sliced with feathery leaves reserved
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbsp coriander seeds, lightly crushed
4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
0.5 medium cauliflower, divided into florets
0.75 cup green beans, trimmed
1.5 cups button mushrooms, halved or quartered
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 to 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to prepare

Warm the oil in a large saucepan over moderate heat. Add the fennel and onion.
Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, coriander seeds, and tomatoes. Cook, uncovered, until the vegetables are tender and any liquid has disappeared.
In a separate pan, steam the cauliflowers and green beans until just tender.
Once the fennel and tomato mixture is ready, add the mushrooms and cook gently for 3 to 4 minutes.
Stir in the cauliflowers and green beans, and season with salt and black pepper.
Remove from the heat and set aside.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm or cool.

Variations

Add olives or capers for a briny flavor.
Top with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy finish.
Stir in some cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the vegetables thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Parsley is a classic choice, but you can also use dill or oregano.

- Don't overcook the vegetables - they should be tender but still have a bit of crunch.

- Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite vegetables - zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers all work well in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Vegetables à la Grecque as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and satisfying meal. Pair it with crusty bread or rice for a more filling option.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are just tender - overcooking can result in mushy vegetables.

- Use a large saucepan or skillet to ensure that the vegetables cook evenly.

- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites - just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor.

- Substitute dried herbs for fresh if needed, but use less as dried herbs are more potent.

Make Ahead Tips

Vegetables à la Grecque can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful presentation. Serve in a colorful bowl or on a platter for an eye-catching display.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Vegetables à la Grecque with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Vegetables à la Grecque contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for a meal.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a great source of carbohydrates, thanks to the vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, and tomatoes. Carbohydrates provide energy for your body and are an essential part of a balanced diet.

Fats

The olive oil used in this recipe provides healthy fats that are good for your heart and overall health. Fats are important for absorbing certain vitamins and minerals and should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Proteins

While this dish is primarily vegetable-based, it does contain some protein from the mushrooms. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is an important part of a balanced diet.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens like dairy, nuts, and gluten, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. However, if you have specific allergies, be sure to check the ingredients carefully.

Summary

Vegetables à la Grecque is a nutrient-dense dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is a healthy and delicious option for a meal or side dish.

Summary

Vegetables à la Grecque is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple and satisfying dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Vegetables à la Grecque. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Maria was an incredible cook, and I always loved spending time in her kitchen, watching her work her magic with simple ingredients.

On this particular day, Maria was preparing a feast for a gathering of friends and family. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic, herbs, and olive oil as she chopped and stirred with skilled hands. I asked her what she was making, and she smiled and told me she was making Vegetables à la Grecque, a traditional Greek dish that she had learned from her grandmother.

As I watched Maria work, I was struck by the simplicity of the dish. It was just a medley of fresh vegetables cooked slowly in a flavorful broth until they were tender and infused with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Maria explained that the key to the dish was to use the freshest vegetables you could find and to let them simmer gently until they were just right.

I was mesmerized by the way Maria moved around the kitchen, her hands moving with precision and grace as she added a pinch of this and a splash of that to the pot. She told me stories about how her grandmother used to make this dish for special occasions, and how it always brought people together around the table.

As the vegetables simmered away, Maria poured us each a glass of crisp white wine and we sat at her kitchen table, chatting and laughing as the sun dipped below the horizon. When the vegetables were finally done, Maria served us each a steaming bowl of the fragrant dish, topping it with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a sunny terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea, the flavors of garlic, lemon, and oregano dancing on my tongue. It was a simple dish, but it spoke volumes about the love and care that went into its preparation.

After that day, I knew I had to learn how to make Vegetables à la Grecque for myself. I asked Maria for her recipe, and she graciously shared it with me, along with a few tips and tricks she had picked up over the years.

I started making the dish regularly, experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings to make it my own. I would serve it at family gatherings and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews from my guests.

Over the years, the recipe for Vegetables à la Grecque became one of my signature dishes, a staple in my repertoire that I could always rely on to impress and delight. And every time I make it, I think of that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, and the love and tradition that she passed down to me through her cooking.

So here it is, my version of Maria's Vegetables à la Grecque. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, and that it brings you as much joy and warmth as it has brought me over the years. Bon appétit!