Do you sometimes take a look at what’s in the fridge and have absolutely no idea what to make for supper even though it’s full? To help inspire you, we’ve created this little guide. Take a look. The combos are quick, easy and nutritious – all things that will satisfy your taste buds and your tummy!
A few cooking concepts
As they say, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, so if you’re comfortable in the kitchen, you might not find this section useful, but if you’re just starting out, it’ll help you find your way around the kitchen! Here are definitions and explanations of a few techniques:
Ways to prepare food
Please note that vegetables can be used without thawing beforehand.
- En papillote
In parchment paper or tinfoil, cooking en papillote consists of steaming food in an air-tight package. - Stir-frying
Means searing food in a very hot pan while constantly stirring. - Slow cooking
Is putting ingredients in an oven-proof pot in the oven (or in a slow cooker) and cooking it for a long time at a low temperature. - Roasting
Means adding seasoned food to a roasting pan and cooking it in the oven.
For the preparations in this article, preheat the oven to 450 °F (230 °C) and roast vegetables for at least 20 minutes. Cooking times vary depending on the size of the vegetables, so keep an eye on them.
Lesser known ingredients
- Tapenade: Specialty of Provençal cuisine that traditionally consists of black olive purée, capers, garlic and anchovies. Here’s how to make it!
- Za’atar: Frequently used in Middle Eastern cuisine, za’atar is a spice mix containing thyme, oregano, calamint, savory, sesame seeds, sumac, marjoram, green anise, cilantro and cumin.
- Ponzu sauce: Used especially in Japanese cuisine, ponzu sauce is made from a base of soya sauce and citrus juice. You can buy ready-to-use or make it yourself.
To learn more about techniques and other cooking concepts, read, “Moving into an apartment: kitchen essentials”.
Mixed vegetables
Oven-roasted
This cooking technique gives you delicious veggies with Italian flavour. Served as a side or for a quick meal, add to fish, chicken or chick peas. You can also serve it on pasta.
En papillote
This combo will give you a side with a more Asian flair which isn’t as common for these veggies, but ideal with meat or grilled fish.
Stir-fry
Turn this Mexican stir-fry into a main by adding ground meat or crumbled tofu. Perfect for busy weeknights! You can even serve it in tortillas with salsa and grated cheese.
California-style vegetables
Oven-roasted
Roasting in the oven enhances flavour for veggies with lower water content. This easy recipe works well as a side for roasted chicken.
Stir-fried
This sweet and salty recipe is perfect for this mix that locks in the flavour of broccoli and cauliflower. A fantastic side for pork tenderloin.
Slow cooked
This combo of veggies is ideal for slow cooking in a sauce. Just add chicken or legumes for a quick meal. Cilantro and lime will add freshness to this dish.
Vegetables for Asian stir-fry
Oven-roasted
This veggie mix can be used for more than just stir-fries! The veggies are just as delicious roasted. Add fresh herbs for more flavour and prosciutto for a slightly salty touch. Serve on pasta for a quick meal.
En papillote
Cooking en papillote keeps the veggies’ flavour that’s elevated by pesto and basil. This package is a nice change from traditional en papillote recipes that call for potatoes and carrots. It cooks up quickly and you’ll want more to go with your grilled meats!
Slow cooked
This combination makes really tasty meals. The variety of slow cooked veggies in a sauce enhanced with spices brings lots of flavours and textures to your creation. Add shrimp and serve on rice for a complete meal.
Oven-roasted
Roasting this all-purpose veggie mix intensifies flavours. That’s what makes it a great side for oven-roasted salmon.
Stir-fried
Obviously, you can cook the vegetables for slow cooker differently. You’ll discover it in a stir-fry with ingredients usually reserved for Asian cuisine.
En papillote
This mix is made up of veggies traditionally used for en papillote. Add this seasoning combo to give it a little kick. The lime adds a touch of freshness.
Vegetables for Thai style stir-fry
Oven-roasted
This seasoning elevates the flavours of this veggie mix. Parmesan adds a touch of saltiness countered by the sweetness of the balsamic vinegar. This combination goes perfectly with most meat and fish. For a vegetarian meal, roast cubes of tofu or legumes with the veggies.
En papillote
Mustard and honey coast the veggies well and make them smell great while they’re being steamed. This is a great side for summer grilling.
Slow cooked
Prepare a beef, veal or pork stew with demi-glace, orange juice and steak spice. Once the meat is tender, add the veggies and continue cooking until done. The veggie mix will add a ton of taste. Serve on a mound of mashed potatoes.
Orleans style vegetables
Oven-roasted
The heat of the chorizo will give veggies a lot taste. Stir a few times when cooking to distribute the seasoning and flavour. Add strips of chicken to the pan to create a complete meal and serve with a good, crusty bread.
Stir-fried
Even if these veggies take a little longer to cook than other stir-fry mixes, they’re really delicious prepared this way. The suggested sides marry really well with carrots and beans. Serve with sticky rice and add tempeh for a quick, meatless meal.
En papillote
Use a bruschetta spice mixture to lightly season the veggies en papillote. The flavour captured will elevate the veggies and make them just scrumptious. Pour the accumulated cooking juices over chicken or roasted fish.
Italian style vegetables
Oven-roasted
Za’atar goes nicely with the veggies in this mix and roasting them enhances flavours. Goat cheese adds a little kick to this exquisite combination!
Stir-fried
Transform these Italian-style veggies into an Asian-inspired side. This salty spicy mix is to die for on rice noodles with strips of stir-fried meat.
Slow cooked
This veggie combo is often found in curried vegetable recipes. You can make an express version with these ingredients. The sweet and spicy flavours are reminiscent of Indian cuisine. Add chicken or chick peas to this recipe and serve on rice.
Need a little more inspiration? Check out the Arctic Gardens flavour directory. As we say around here, “It’s by cooking you learn to cook”. So let your imagination go and who knows? Maybe you’ll discover your inner chef! To add a touch of originality to your meals and discover new flavour profiles, take a look at our Herb and spice guide for great flavour combinations. And don’t forget to share your recipes and tricks with us!
