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Healthy Sautéed Vegetables

Colorful broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion are cooked in the right order so each vegetable becomes tender without turning soggy. Garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh lemon add bright flavor with no heavy sauce.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium carrot, cut into 1/4-inch coins
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2-inch slices
  • 1/2 medium red onion, cut into 1/2-inch wedges
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large colander
  • Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Large bowl or sheet pan
  • Shallow serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Place all the vegetables, seasonings, oil, and lemon within reach. Keep a large bowl or sheet pan nearby to hold the vegetables after they are prepared.
  2. Rinse the broccoli, carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion under cool running water. Rub away any visible dirt, then place the vegetables in a colander to drain for 2 minutes.
  3. Spread the vegetables over a clean kitchen towel or several paper towels. Pat them until no visible water remains, paying close attention to the spaces between the broccoli florets.
    Wet vegetables release steam in the skillet, which can keep their edges from browning.
  4. Prepare each vegetable according to the ingredient list:
    Keep the broccoli and carrots separate from the softer vegetables. Mince the garlic and place it in a small bowl.
    Cut the broccoli into 1-inch florets.Slice the carrot into 1/4-inch coins.Cut the bell pepper into 1-inch pieces.Slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch half-moons.Cut the red onion into 1/2-inch wedges.
  5. Place a dry 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Let it preheat for 2 minutes.
    The skillet should feel hot when you hold your hand about 4 inches above it, but it should not smoke.
  6. Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into the skillet. Tilt the pan to coat the bottom, then heat the oil for 20 to 30 seconds.
    The oil should look thin and glossy. Remove the pan from the burner for a few seconds if the oil begins to smoke.
  7. Add the broccoli and carrots. Spread them into one layer and leave them undisturbed for 2 minutes.
    Stir and continue cooking for 3 minutes. The broccoli should become bright green with a few browned spots, while the carrots should begin to soften.
  8. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring every 45 to 60 seconds.
    Stop cooking when the zucchini is tender around the edges but still holds its shape. The bell pepper should retain a slight bite, and the onion should look glossy.
  9. Sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Add the minced garlic.
    Stir and cook for 30 to 45 seconds, until the garlic smells fragrant but has not turned dark brown.
  10. Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the vegetables and toss for 15 seconds.
    Taste one vegetable and add a small pinch of salt or pepper if needed.
  11. Transfer the vegetables to a shallow serving bowl. Serve within 5 minutes for the best color and texture.

Notes

  • Avoid crowding the pan: A packed skillet traps steam. Cook the vegetables in two batches when using a skillet smaller than 12 inches.
  • Keep the skillet uncovered: A lid traps moisture and can make the vegetables soft.
  • Do not stir constantly: Let the vegetables touch the hot skillet long enough to develop browned edges.
  • Add garlic near the end: Garlic can burn before the vegetables finish cooking when added too early.
  • Cut similar pieces: Even cuts help the vegetables finish cooking at the same time.