Name: Microwave Fresh Vegetables
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cups

Steam-cooking fresh vegetables in the microwave is a quick and easy way to make a healthy side dish for lunch or dinner. The short cooking time preserves nutrients, color and flavor.

Glass containers with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and green beans.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 cups cut vegetables (cut in similar-sized pieces)
1 to 2 Tablespoons water
as desired seasonings

Directions

Wash hands with soap and water.
Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
Place vegetables in a microwave-safe dish with water. Cover with a microwave-safe cover that allows a little space for steam to escape.
Microwave on HIGH for the time that matches the vegetable (see below). Let sit for 1 or 2 minutes, remove cover, drain and season as desired.

Asparagus, bok choy - 2 to 3 minutes
Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans - 3 to 4 minutes
Potatoes (all types, cut into pieces), Brussels sprouts – 5 minutes

Notes

You can season vegetables before or after cooking.
Experiment to find the cooking time that's right for you.
Try softening vegetables such as broccoli and carrots in the microwave for 1 minute on HIGH before adding to stir-fries.
To cook whole potatoes (white or sweet), first poke the skin all around with a fork to let steam escape. For a medium-sized potato, cook on HIGH for 5 minutes, turn potato over and cook another 5 minutes. Let rest for 2 minutes before checking for doneness. Add periods of cooking 1 minute and resting 1 minute until the potato is done the way you like.