7 Tips for Cooking Vegetables to Keep Them Fresh and Green, Suitable for Sahur - Iftar

Kapanlagi.com - Green and fresh-looking vegetables not only stimulate the appetite but also maintain their nutritional content. Cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green is very easy to apply.

Most people believe that green vegetables in food contain high nutrition and are more appetizing when they still look fresh and green.

Some types of vegetables are known to be better eaten raw, while others need to be cooked first. However, it is important to know that some nutrients in vegetables cannot withstand high temperatures. That's why cooking vegetables for a short time needs to be done to maintain their nutritional content.

This cooking process for a short time is what makes the color of the vegetables remain green and look fresher. However, there are special tips to follow to maintain the color and nutrients of the vegetables.

So what are the tips for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green as a sahur and buka puasa dish?

The tips for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green require several techniques as explained below. Here are 7 tips for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green for sahur and buka puasa dishes.

1. Proper Vegetable Washing

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Before discussing tips for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green, you also need to know how to properly wash vegetables. This method is done in order to maintain the nutrients in the vegetables.

The way to wash them is by using running water and not soaking the vegetables in water for too long. Soaking the vegetables can cause the nutrients in them to be lost, especially vitamin C which is vulnerable to water, air, and heat.

2. Don't Store Vegetables for Too Long

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Tips for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green for suhoor and iftar dishes is to cook them directly without storing them for too long. It would be better if you immediately prepare the vegetables to keep them looking fresh and the nutrients preserved.

If you have to store them, at least not for more than two days. Because more than two days will cause the color of the vegetables to change and wilt. Also, try to cook the cut vegetables immediately to avoid oxidation that causes the color of the vegetables to change.

3. Pay Attention to Cooking Time for Vegetables

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The cooking time for vegetables to keep them fresh and green also needs to be considered. Because improper cooking of vegetables can damage their color and even the nutrients inside.

As much as possible, you should know the right time to add the vegetables to be cooked. Cook easily soft vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and green beans when the water is boiling and do not boil them for too long.

This tip is done to maintain the color of the vegetables and make them look fresher. So that suhoor and iftar dishes still taste delicious and appetizing.

4. Mix with a Little Baking Soda

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The next tip for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green is to mix a little baking soda in the vegetable broth. This applies to boiling vegetables that will be used in dishes such as gado-gado, pecel, salad, or similar. Avoid adding too much baking soda to avoid affecting the taste of the vegetables.

5. Boil with a Pinch of Salt

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In addition to baking soda, another tip for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green is to add a pinch of salt. Mix the salt in the vegetable broth and add the vegetables when the water is boiling. Drain and see how the color of the vegetables remains preserved and looks fresher. This method has even been used by some famous chefs to maintain the color of vegetables.

6. Using Ice Cubes

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To keep vegetables fresh and green, you can use ice cubes to soak them. However, this applies to vegetables that are cooked by boiling. After boiling the vegetables, prepare ice water and soak them briefly to maintain the color and freshness.

7. Use Vegetable Oil

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Tips for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green for suhoor and iftar meals, you can use vegetable oil when boiling. Mix a little vegetable oil into the boiling water and drain it when cooked.

Those are 7 tips for cooking vegetables to keep them fresh and green for suhoor and iftar meals. In addition, you also need to fulfill other additional nutritional intake such as fruits to keep your body fit during fasting.

Don't forget that exercise and sufficient rest are also important during fasting. This is because the body's immune system can improve and protect against various types of diseases and viruses.

(kpl/nlw)