Stir-Fried Vegetables with Garlic

Keyword: Stir-fried vegetables with garlic

Stir-fried vegetables with garlic is a popular dish that can be prepared in minutes and enjoyed as a side or main course. The combination of fresh vegetables, the zesty aroma of garlic, and a quick cooking time make this a healthy yet tasty option for those looking to add more greens to their diet.

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Let's explore how you can easily whip up a delicious batch at home!

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
• 1 cup of snow peas, strings removed
• 1 small red bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced finely
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• (Optional) A dash of soy sauce for extra flavor

Instructions

Begin by washing the vegetables thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.

1. Heat up a wok or large skillet over high heat until it's hot enough to make some smoke appear when you pour in about half a tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for just 10 seconds; be careful not to let it burn, as this could give your dish an unpleasant taste. Garlic has a pungent flavor even at very low levels if overcooked!
3. Now, add in all the prepared vegetables and toss them around briskly with tongs or a spatula until they start getting soft but still maintain their vibrant green color. This process should take roughly 5 minutes.
4. Season your stir-fried vegetables with salt to taste, pepper for some sharpness, and optionally, a touch of soy sauce if you prefer.
5. Serve hot while the flavors are at their peak!

Tips & Variations

You can enhance this dish by incorporating other ingredients such as sliced onions, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes. Experimenting with different types of vegetables will give your stir-fried vegetable mix a unique character each time you cook it.

1. To keep the vegetables crunchy and not too soggy, don't overcook them. They should be crisp-tender rather than mushy.
2. For a burst of flavor, add some fresh basil leaves or cilantro right before serving for that last-minute freshness.
3. If you have some leftover stir-fried veggies from another meal, they can also be used to make this dish even tastier and more nutritious. Just chop them up finely and incorporate into your new batch!

Health Benefits

This simple yet satisfying dish offers numerous health benefits due to its rich array of fresh vegetables. Green beans are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants which promote heart health and aid in digestion. Carrots provide beta-carotene that supports vision and immune function. Snow peas contain folate which is essential for pregnant women, while red peppers are high in vitamin A and C.

Garlic itself boasts impressive health properties including reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and boosting the immune system. When combined with these vegetables, you get a balanced meal that nourishes your body from head to toe without any heavy fats or refined sugars.

Cooking Time and Servings

The entire cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, including preparation of the veggies and cleaning up. It serves four people generously, making it perfect for a small family dinner or as part of a larger meal spread.

Enjoy your healthy stir-fried vegetables with garlic! Whether you're having them on their own as a side dish or alongside rice and protein such as chicken or tofu, they add a delightful crunch and burst of flavors to any plate. Try this recipe today and impress yourself and your guests!