Many people have reasons for not liking vegetables, but you're not alone. Don't lose hope just yet! Exploring new vegetables can actually be enjoyable and tasty!

 

Use these tips to discover delicious ways to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, even if you're not their biggest fan. Get creative and experiment with different ways to enjoy vegetables—you might be pleasantly surprised!

​

Do I need to say it? Integrating plenty of vegetables into your meals not only elevates your overall well-being, but also supports digestion and enhances energy levels.

Experiment with different cooking methods: Explore different cooking methods such as grilling, steaming, stir-frying and baking to find the preparation technique that best suits your taste and texture preferences.

Roast vegetables for enhanced flavour: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and caramelises their sugars, making them more palatable. Try roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, carrots, cauliflower, pumpkin and sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic and your favourite herbs.

Start with small portions: Begin by incorporating small amounts of vegetables into your meals and gradually increase the portion sizes as your taste buds adjust. Over time, you may find yourself craving more vegetables.

Blend vegetables into smoothies: Incorporate leafy greens like spinach or kale, along with sweet fruits like bananas, berries and mangoes, into smoothies. The sweetness of the fruits helps mask the taste of the vegetables.

Sneak vegetables into soups and stews: Puree vegetables like carrots, zucchini, bell peppers and onions into sauces, soups and stews. This adds nutritional value and flavour without significantly altering the taste or texture of the dish.

Hide vegetables in your favourite dishes: Sneak vegetables into dishes you already enjoy. For example, add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers to sauces, casseroles and omelettes for an extra nutrient boost.

Drizzle vegetables with honey or balsamic glaze: Sweeten roasted or grilled vegetables by drizzling them with honey or balsamic glaze after cooking. The hint of sweetness can balance out the natural bitterness of certain vegetables and make them more appealing.

Add herbs and spices for flavour: Experiment with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavour of vegetables. You can season vegetables with garlic, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar or you can sprinkle vegetables with herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil and oregano, or spices such as cumin, paprika and turmeric.

Incorporate garlic and onions for depth of flavour: Sauté vegetables with minced garlic and onions to add depth and complexity to their taste. Garlic and onions complement a wide range of vegetables and can help mask any bitter or unpleasant flavours.

Incorporate vegetables into stir-fries and curries: Stir-fries and curries are great ways to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meals. Cook vegetables with aromatic spices and flavourful sauces for a tasty and nutritious dish.

​

Mix vegetables with foods you like: Combine vegetables with foods you like. For instance, add vegetables to pasta dishes, stir-fries and sandwiches to enhance both flavour and nutrition.

Create flavourful vegetable salads: Combine a variety of fresh vegetables with flavourful dressings, nuts, seeds and cheeses to create delicious salads. Experiment with different combinations of textures and flavours to keep salads interesting and satisfying.

Incorporate vegetables into snacks: Enjoy raw vegetables with hummus, guacamole, or Greek yoghurt dip as a nutritious and satisfying snack option. Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes and bell pepper strips are all great choices.

Explore new and exotic vegetables: Expand your palate by trying new and exotic vegetables you may not have tasted before. Visit local farmers' markets or specialty grocery stores to discover a variety of fresh and seasonal produce options.

Make vegetables visually appealing: Create visually appealing vegetable dishes by incorporating a variety of colours, textures and shapes. Experiment with different presentations to make vegetables more enticing and appetizing.

Involve yourself in meal preparation: Get involved in meal preparation by shopping for vegetables, washing, chopping and cooking them yourself. Engaging in the cooking process can increase your appreciation for vegetables and make them more enjoyable to eat.

Be patient and persistent: Be patient with yourself as you explore new vegetable options and flavours. It may take time for your taste buds to adapt to the taste and texture of vegetables, so keep experimenting and don't give up!

 

Feel free to personalise these tips to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Happy veggie eating!