A simple way to prepare some basic veggies and offer a great side-dish to any meal, is to prepare them steamed or lightly boiled. It can be as basic as potatoes and zucchini, or you can add carrots, cauliflower, or broccoli - just about anything works. Simply steam or boil the veggies to your desired texture. If using potatoes, I usually boil them first for 10 minutes, then add the other veggies to cook for another 10-15 minutes. When ready, place the cooked veggies in a dish, sprinkle with salt, squeeze some fresh lemon, and pour on the olive oil! It may not sound all that exciting, but if you're using a fresh, flavorful olive oil, it will bring the vegetables to a whole new level.
Have some leafy greens you're not sure what to do with? Just lightly steam them, then pour-on those three simple ingredients! If you are lucky enough to live in Crete, you have a plethora of amazing wild greens to choose from this time of year. One of my favorites is stamnagathi (pictured), a nutritiously bitter local green, also known as spiny chicory. Not in Crete? No problem - any greens will do. Try spinach, dandelion, kale, collards, mustard, or chard. All fiber-packed veggies are rich in vitamins A, C, K and folate. Throw some omega-3, antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil on them and you're all set for your next clean bill of health!
