Let’s try to make vegetables a little more fun!
Did you know that there is a vegetable whose name is spelled with only 3 letters?
If you try, you’ll probably be able to quickly think of some of them, because you’ve tried them before, or you may even use them regularly in your diet.
Despite their tiny, short name, these vegetables are packed with nutrients and help in keeping your body strong and healthy.
Here is a list of our favorite 3 letter vegetables:
- Cep
Cep is also known as Porcini mushroom or bolete. It is a type of wild mushroom that has a distinctive appearance, rich, earthy flavor and meaty texture.
This type of mushroom is considered one of the tastiest wild mushrooms and you can prepare it in so many ways.
Cep mushrooms have a round, fleshy cap that is tan to brown in color, which can grow to several inches in diameter, and a thick, white stem that is often bulbous at the base.
They are usually harvested in late summer and early autumn, and you can find them fresh, dried or canned.
Fresh cep mushrooms have a dense, meaty texture and a deep, nutty flavor that is often described as earthy, umami, or savory.
You can use them in a variety of dishes, including pasta dishes and risottos.
When dried, they have an intense, concentrated aroma that you can use to add depth and richness to sauces, soups, and stews.
Cep mushrooms can also be preserved. In fact, canning is a popular way to preserve the flavor and texture of these mushrooms for later use.
Canned mushrooms are a useful ingredient to have on hand, as you can easily add them to a variety of dishes to add flavor.
These types of mushrooms are often used in Italian, French and Mediterranean cuisine.
If you want to prepare them quickly and easily, you can try sautéing, grilling or roasting them, whatever works for you!
- Cos
Cos, also known as Romaine lettuce, is a type of lettuce native to the Mediterranean region that is widely grown and consumed all over the world.
Cos lettuce has long, crisp leaves that are usually green in color and arranged in a tall, cone-shaped head.
The leaves have a slightly bitter taste with a touch of sweet, nutty notes.
You can use it in a variety of dishes, and here are some ideas for you to try!
For starters, you can make a delicious salad by chopping lettuce and tossing it with tomatoes, cucumber, croutons, cheese and dressing.
You can also use its leaves as a wrap for your favorite toppings, like grilled chicken, tofu or vegetables. The lettuce will definitely add crunch and freshness to your favorite wrap.
Simply grill it for a crispy smoky flavor, and then top it with your favorite dressings. This kind of side dish will surely be a treat for your taste buds!
You can make a healthy smoothie by blending cos lettuce with other greens and fruits!
These are just a few ideas, so we invite you to be creative and see how you can incorporate cos lettuce into your favorite dishes. The options are endless!
- Pea
Peas are small, round, and plump green vegetables that belong to the legume family.
Peas are a very good source of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Peas are also low in calories and fat, making them a popular food choice for many people.
There are several types of peas, including garden peas, snow peas, and snap peas.
Garden peas are the most common type of pea and are probably what you think of when you hear the word “pea.”
They have a sweet and starchy taste and a thick, juicy texture and you can use them in soups, stews, casseroles and curries, or as a side dish on their own.
Snow peas, on the other hand, have a flat, edible pod and a tender, crunchy texture. They are often used in stir-fries, salads and spring rolls.
Snap peas are similar to snow peas, but have a sweeter and milder taste.
They have a thicker pod and higher sugar content than snow peas. You can eat it whole or you can slice it and use it in various dishes.
As we said before, you can use peas in soups, stews, casseroles, and salads.
You can fry it and season it with flavorings like garlic, ginger or onion for a simple and tasty side dish. You can also use peas to make dips and spreads, such as pea hummus.
You can pair the creamy risotto with peas for a hint of sweetness and extra nutrition.
Peas can also make a great base for vegetarian curries, but you can also add them to meat-based curries for added flavor and texture.
- Yam
Yam is a starchy root vegetable that is widely grown and consumed in many parts of the world.
It has a rough, bark-like exterior and dense, starchy flesh that ranges in color from white to pink to purple.
Many people think that yams and sweet potatoes are the same, but they are actually different types of vegetables.
They have different textures and are used in different ways in cooking. Yams are larger than sweet potatoes and have a slightly nutty flavor.
You can boil, bake or fry yams. It will also be great in stews, soups, and curries, or you can simply serve it as a side dish.
If you need a burst of energy, yam is the perfect vegetable for you!
In addition to being rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, yam is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which makes it an excellent source of energy for athletes and all those who lead an active lifestyle.
Its unique taste and texture will definitely add variety to your diet.
- Udo
Udo is a type of vegetable that is native to East Asia. It is grown for its edible root, which has a crunchy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty taste.
Udo is commonly used in Japanese cuisine as a substitute for bamboo shoots or asparagus. It is very tasty when pickled and you can eat it as a snack or use it as a condiment.
You can slice udo and stir-fry it with other vegetables, meat or tofu for a healthy and tasty meal, or add it to soups and stews for extra texture.
You can combine udo with garlic for a simple and delicious side dish, or you can roast or grill it, whichever you prefer.
Udo is a delicious and healthy vegetable that can spice up your meals and you can find it in specialty Asian grocery stores or online.
- Gim
Gim is a type of edible seaweed commonly used in Asian cuisine, especially in Korea.
It has a unique flavor and texture and is often used as a wrap for rice or meat dishes. You can make delicious sushi rolls or use it as an ingredient in the filling.
If you tear or cut seaweed leaves, you will surely enrich the texture of your favorite broth or soup. You can also toast them and enjoy them as a crunchy snack.
Gim is usually served as a side dish with rice and is often used in various traditional Korean dishes, such as gimbap and miyeok guk (seaweed soup).
You can also find dried gim that you need to rehydrate before use, and you can season it with salt, sesame oil, and other spices.
Gim is rich in iodine, iron and calcium. It is also a good source of antioxidants and can help regulate blood sugar levels, heart health and maintain a healthy weight.
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