Steamed Vegetables with Lemon-Garlic Dressing

Lightly steaming vegetables is a great way to lock in nutrients while increasing digestibility.  Here is a recipe of how I like to steam my vegetables.  The slightly "lemony" dressing is perfect with steamed veggies and the hint of garlic completes this easy side dish!  We like to vary the vegetables to what is in season...or what we have on hand.  (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

©      2 Carrots -cut into circles/half circles

©      1 medium Zucchini -cut into half circles

©      1 cup Cauliflower -cut into bite size florets

©      1 cup Broccoli -cut into bite site florets

Dressing:

©      Lemon Zest of 1/2 lemon

©      Lemon Juice of 1/2 lemon

©      2 tablespoons Olive Oil

©      1 clove Garlic -minced

©      1/4 teaspoon Herbamare, or any other herb seasoning salt

©      1/4 cup fresh Parsley - finely chopped

Directions:

1.  Place cut vegetables in a steamer basket over about 2 inches of water in a stock pot.  Place a lid on the pot and cook over medium heat.  Steam the veggies for 7-13 minutes-or until your toughest vegetable is crisp tender.

2.  While vegetables are steaming, prepare your dressing by combining all the ingredients together and mixing well. Remove vegetables from the steamer basket and place into a bowl.

3.  Pour dressing over steamed vegetables and toss carefully-not to mash your delicate vegetables.  Add additional Herbamare or other herb seasoning/salt if desired.  Serve immediately.

We enjoyed this easy side dish with a baked potato!  My son had fun telling us what colors he saw on his plate...and was very proud that he got to pull the carrots from our winter-raised-bed garden for the dish!  I hope you will treat yourself to this delicious side dish...it can easily be turned into a light lunch-just add some cooked rise.  Happy Saturday!!   

Adopted from The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook