Southern Veggie Delight: Delicious Saute Recipe

Hey there foodies, are you ready to dive into some delicious southern-style cuisine? Look no further because I’ve got a vegetable sauté recipe that will knock your socks off!

Now, I know what you’re thinking – vegetables can be pretty boring. But trust me when I say that this Southern Vegetable Sauté is anything but ordinary. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is the perfect side for any meal, or even a standalone dish for those who want to stick to a low-carb diet.

The best part? It’s easy to make and customizable based on your preferences. So, get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious recipe that will make them think you spent all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Southern Vegetable Saute
Southern Vegetable Saute

My friends, there are countless reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Southern Vegetable Saute recipe! It’s a true game-changer for anyone who loves a bold, hearty and healthy meal. But don’t take my word for it – let me tell you why this recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition for your body.

Firstly, the vegetable medley is a mix of all your favorite veggies like carrots, celery, onions, green beans, bell peppers and collard greens. These greens garlic is a nutritional powerhouse as they are rich in vitamins B2, C and K. Not to forget about black-eyed peas that provides the needed protein for vegan and vegetarian eaters. Talk about balanced and complete!

Secondly, the dish is sautéed to perfection in unsalted butter or olive oil leaving it full of fresh flavors. The added bacon adds a salty twist complementing with the fresh thyme leaves making it exactly what your taste buds crave!

Lastly, not only will you love how quick and easy it is to make, but also low-carb making sure your body stays fit and healthy as well. You can prepare the vegetables beforehand if you’re trying to whip up something quick during lunch time. Trust me on this: this dish belongs on your list of go-to veggies dishes when you’re looking for something satisfying yet healthy!

In conclusion, take note that this dish is incredibly versatile! Pair it with any protein of your choice like grilled chicken or fish or if you’re feeling fancy try it with soy sauce stir-fry mixed vegetables. We all know that getting those daily recommended servings of veggies in can be challenging sometimes – but with this Southern Vegetable Saute recipe, you’ll crave more of those greens!

Ingredient List

 Get ready to dive into flavor country with this delicious and easy southern vegetable saute.
Get ready to dive into flavor country with this delicious and easy southern vegetable saute.

Let’s start by gathering all the delicious ingredients you will need to make this Southern Vegetable Saute. You will need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 3 slices of bacon, diced, 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, 1 large bell pepper, preferably a mix of red and yellow, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces, 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced, 1 carrot, peeled and thinly sliced, 6 cloves of garlic, minced , 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.

For the vegetables, you will need one can of drained and rinsed black-eyed peas (15 ounces), 2 cups of collard greens, chopped into bite-size pieces, 1 cup of each green beans and broccoli florets, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces.

You will also need some olive oil for sauteing (about 1 cup), and a few sprigs of fresh thyme for garnish. If you are looking for a low-carb or vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon or use a vegan substitute.

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting to cook; this will save you time and stress in the kitchen!

The Recipe How-To

 Whether you're a vegetarian, an omnivore, or just love fresh veggies, this recipe is perfect for you.
Whether you’re a vegetarian, an omnivore, or just love fresh veggies, this recipe is perfect for you.

Let’s dive right into how to make this delectable southern-style vegetable sauté!

Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup of collard greens, stemmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  2. In the same pan with bacon grease, add the onion and sauté for about two minutes or until translucent.
  3. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add the carrots and celery to the pan and sauté for about three minutes or until they start to soften.
  5. Add the bell peppers to the pan along with the green beans and collard greens. Sauté for another five to seven minutes until all vegetables start to soften.
  6. Add salt, black pepper and thyme leaves as per your taste.
  7. Return cooked bacon to pan then gently mix it all up.

Expert Tips:

The secret ingredient that sets this recipe apart is UNSALTED BUTTER which adds amazing flavor with some extra boost

If you want an extra hit of umami flavor, you can add a dash of soy sauce while sautéing veggies.

This recipe can be cooked in a wok or in a cast iron if you don’t have a skillet.

Best served with:

This southern vegetable sauté makes a great side dish and pairs perfectly with grilled meat, roasted fish or on its own with a slice of crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious, healthy and flavorful Medley of Veggies!

Substitutions and Variations

 Serve up this saute as a side dish, or make it a main event by adding rice or quinoa.
Serve up this saute as a side dish, or make it a main event by adding rice or quinoa.

Now let’s talk about some fantastic substitutions and variations you can try out with this Southern Vegetable Saute recipe. One of the most significant things when cooking is experimenting with different ingredients and methods, and that’s what we’re going to do here.

Firstly, you can mix up the vegetables used in the recipe. Instead of using collard greens, try okra, spinach or even kale. If you’re feeling bold, mix and match any three vegetables of your choosing, such as yellow squash, zucchini, or broccoli. You can also switch out the bean variety and use your favourite beans like black-eyed peas or white navy beans.

For those watching their carbs intake, feel free to remove the carrots from the mixture or replace them with mushrooms. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, substituting unsalted butter with olive oil is an excellent method of achieving similar results without animal products.

If you’re looking for a spicier side dish, add some red pepper flakes to the vegetable saute while cooking. If you prefer a more savory flavour profile, consider adding soy sauce in place of salt while cooking.

Finally, when it comes to equipment used when sautéing your vegetables, virtually any frying pan will work wonders. From your trusty cast-iron skillet to a non-stick wok, as long as it’s capable of functioning on medium-high heat – it’ll perform balls-to-the-wall.

Enjoy experimenting with these ideas to make this Southern Vegetable Saute recipe into something completely unique!

Serving and Pairing

 Make this dish even more southern by using fresh produce from your local farmers' market.
Make this dish even more southern by using fresh produce from your local farmers’ market.

Wow, this Southern Vegetable Saute recipe is gonna blow your mind! I mean, just look at it – a colorful mix of fresh and healthy veggies all sautéed to perfection. It’s so versatile that you can pair it with almost anything!

Need a yummy side dish for your BBQ party? Look no further than this vegetable sauté. Pair it with some grilled chicken or fish, and let the flavors do the talking. The crispiness of the green beans and the crunchiness of the carrot and celery will add the perfect balance to any savory main.

But wait, there’s more! This recipe can be a meal on its own too! Just toss in some black-eyed peas or crumble some bacon on top, and voila! You’ve got yourself the best low-carb veggie dish you’ll ever taste.

And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, serve this sautéed vegetable medley in a cast-iron skillet as the star of your next brunch or dinner party. Your guests will be blown away by the rich colors and aroma of this three-vegetable sauté.

Pro-tip: Add a dash of soy sauce to give it a slightly Asian-flair. Trust me; you won’t regret it!

This sautéed vegetable dish is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that are guaranteed to give you that much-needed energy boost without those pesky calories. Whether on its own or as a side dish, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eater. So go ahead; make this Southern Vegetable Saute today and let me know what you think!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Now, let’s talk about how you can make the most of your Southern Vegetable Saute recipe. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption.

If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, it’s best to sautee the vegetables in stages. First, begin with the carrots and celery until they’re slightly tender. Then, add the onions until everything is translucent. Next, add the garlic and bell peppers followed by the collard greens and green beans. Finally, add the black-eyed peas along with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. You can then set everything aside to cool down before storing them.

To store your vegetable saute, keeping them in an airtight container in the refrigerator is ideal. This will keep your veggies fresh for up to 5 days.

If you need to reheat your vegetable saute before serving, simply heat a skillet over medium heat along with a little bit of olive oil or unsalted butter. Add your vegetables and stir occasionally until heated through.

One useful tip is that while reheating it’s important not to cook the vegetables too long as they may become mushy and unappetizing. Instead, just focus on warming them up, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes or so.

With proper preparation techniques and storage, your Southern Vegetable Saute will be a great option for those that have limited time but still desire high-quality meals packed with fresh veggies!

Tips for Perfect Results

Now that you have learned how to prepare a savory Southern Vegetable Saute, allow me to provide some insider tips that will take your dish to the next level. With these pointers, your vegetables will sauté perfectly every time.

First things first, when you are cooking your sautéed veggies on medium-high heat, make sure to use unsalted butter or olive oil. This will give your veggies just the right amount of fat that they need without making them greasy. You can also use bacon grease for an extra layer of flavor, but beware of the high fat content.

When it comes to cutting and chopping the vegetables, try to keep them relatively uniform in size. This way, they will cook evenly and not end up with some pieces undercooked and others overcooked. I recommend cutting everything into bite-sized pieces that are around 1-2 inches in length or width.

Be sure to season your veggies with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper as you cook them. Don’t overdo it on the salt though, as you can always add more later if needed. When adding garlic to your vegetable saute, make sure not to burn it as it can quickly turn bitter. It’s best to add the garlic towards the end of cooking time and let it mingle with the other flavors for a minute or so.

If you are using tougher greens like collards or kale in your vegetable saute recipe, blanch them first to remove any bitterness before adding them to the pan. Also, be mindful of how long each vegetable takes to cook; for example, bell peppers only need a few minutes whereas green beans may take longer.

Finally, remember that this recipe is highly customizable! Feel free to experiment with different veggies like broccoli or soy sauce for a whole new twist on traditional Southern vegetables. Whether you’re using a wok or cast iron skillet for your sautee or simply stir-frying on medium heat, these expert tips will ensure that your vegetable sides turn out perfectly every time.

FAQ

Before we wrap up, I want to address some frequently asked questions about this Southern Vegetable Saute Recipe. I understand that trying out a new recipe can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with certain ingredients or techniques. Therefore, let’s go over some potential concerns and queries you might have regarding this dish.

Is it better to sauté vegetables in oil or butter?

When it comes to sautéing vegetables, nothing beats the butter. It not only imparts a distinct flavor to the dish but also has a low smoke point, which makes it ideal for cooking at moderate temperatures. To begin, heat up the pan, and once it’s heated, add some butter and let it melt, creating a coating on the pan. This would ensure that your vegetables cook uniformly and retain their texture while you cook them over moderate heat.

What is the best way to sauté veggies?

Let’s start by heating up some olive oil in a 12-inch skillet. Set the heat to medium-high and let the oil start to warm up. Once it’s heated, toss in some fresh bell pepper, crunchy carrots, onions and broccoli. Give those veggies a good saute, letting them release their flavors and aromas into the pan.

Next up, let’s add some soft squash to this mix. After about 3 minutes of sauteing, the veggies will start to soften up and meld together nicely. Now it’s time to add some seasoning to really bring out the bold flavors we’re looking for. Toss in some fresh garlic, thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Keep sauteing and stirring until everything is tender and delicious.

What are some Southern vegetables?

In the realm of southern-style cuisine, Krause advocates for the usage of particular vegetables such as peppers, squash, green beans, corn, eggplant, cabbage, and cucumbers.

What vegetables are best suited for sautéing?

Sauteing is a fantastic technique to use on a variety of vegetables. Tender veggies like asparagus, mushrooms, green beans, zucchini, and peppers are perfect for sauteing. However, for harder vegetables, such as root vegetables or potatoes, it may be necessary to cut them into smaller pieces or boil them beforehand to make sure they cook thoroughly.

Bottom Line

So there you have it, folks – my Southern Vegetable Saute recipe. Now, I know you might be thinking that vegetables aren’t the most exciting ingredient to work with. But trust me, with this recipe, you can breathe life into even the most boring veggies.

Whether you’re a die-hard vegetable lover or a skeptic, this dish will blow your mind. Not only is it packed with flavor thanks to the bacon, garlic, and thyme leaves, but it’s also versatile enough to work as a side dish or even as a main course.

So why not give this recipe a try? You won’t regret it. And if you do make it, be sure to share your thoughts with me in the comments section below. After all, cooking is all about experimentation and sharing flavors!

In conclusion, Southern Vegetable Saute is one of the best ways to indulge in delicious and healthy veggie dishes. With this recipe on hand, you can explore endless possibilities of vegetable combinations that result in satisfying home-cooked meals perfect for any day of the week. So go ahead and grab your wok or cast iron skillet – it’s time to start sauteing those veggies!

Southern Vegetable Saute

Southern Vegetable Saute Recipe

This is a great recipe to serve for New Year's Day. I think it's from Country Living.
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Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Southern American
Calories 327.5 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup carrot, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 2 clove(s) garlic, minced
  • 4 cups collard greens, chopped and rinsed
  • 3 1/4 cups cooked black-eyed peas

Instructions
 

  • 1. Cook the bacon in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until browned. Transfer to paper towels to drain and pour off all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and melt . Add the onion, celery, and carrots, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper and cook until vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
  • 2. Place 1 tablespoon butter and the garlic in another large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the garlic is cooked through, add the collard greens and cook them until they are just tender -- about 5 minutes.
  • 3. Stir in the peas, bacon, and vegetables and warm through. Season with remaining salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Add Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 277gCalories: 327.5kcalCarbohydrates: 37.1gProtein: 13.4gFat: 15.4gSaturated Fat: 6.1gCholesterol: 25.6mgSodium: 1210.4mgFiber: 9.6gSugar: 3.6g
Keyword < 30 Mins, Collards, Easy, Greens, Vegetable
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