40 Questions
Why is simmering a more appropriate term than boiling in many cases?
Because it breaks up delicate vegetables
Steaming is a cooking method that involves submerging vegetables in water.
False
What is pan-steaming, and what is its advantage?
Pan-steaming is a cooking method that combines boiling and steaming. Its advantage is that it quickly cooks vegetables while preserving their texture and flavor.
When boiling vegetables, it's essential to add _______________ to the water.
salt
What is the purpose of adding a large quantity of water to cook green vegetables?
To preserve color and nutrients
Sous vide cooking is a method that involves boiling vegetables in a pot.
False
Match the cooking methods with their descriptions:
Boiling = Cooking in a large quantity of water Steaming = Cooking in steam Pan-steaming = Combines boiling and steaming Sous vide = Sealing in a bag and cooking in a water bath
What is the purpose of reducing the cooking liquid to a glaze or sauce in pan-steaming?
To add flavor and texture to the cooked vegetables.
Why might a dish be browned under the broiler or salamander?
Because it didn't brown sufficiently in the oven
Grilling is only suitable for meaty mains.
False
What is the result of grilling vegetables?
It caramelizes their natural sugars, highlighting and deepening the taste of even the most delicately-flavored produce.
To prepare vegetables for grilling, you may need to _______ them into required shapes.
cut
Match the following steps with the correct action in the procedure for broiling or grilling vegetables:
1 = Collect equipment and food supplies 2 = Preheat the broiler or grill 3 = Place the vegetables directly on the grill or broiler grate 4 = Prepare the vegetables as necessary
Why might you need to brush the grill with a wire brush?
To clean the grill of charred food particles
Vegetables should be cooked to the desired doneness and color before being removed from the broiler or grill.
True
What is the benefit of marinating vegetables before grilling?
It adds flavor to the vegetables.
How many charcoal briquets are needed to set the temperature on a charcoal grill?
75
Vegetables are more expensive than meat.
False
What is the term for when vegetables continue to cook slightly after being removed from direct heat?
carry over cooking
Larger vegetables such as eggplant, portabello mushrooms, and even artichoke ______________ can cook directly on the grill grate.
halves
Match the following grilling methods with their descriptions:
Grill Basket = A great tool to keep smaller vegetables from rolling around, or disappearing into the coals. Foil Packet = A way to cook and serve vegetables, and are also helpful for turning them as they cook. Skewer = A way to steam vegetables or potatoes atop the grill. Direct and Indirect Heat = A method to cook vegetables at different temperatures and cook times.
You can use disposable bamboo skewers for grilling without soaking them in water.
False
What is the recommended temperature for grilling certain vegetables?
350 F
What is the purpose of a grill basket?
to keep smaller vegetables from rolling around, or disappearing into the coals
What determines when to add a vegetable to the stir-fry?
The density and moisture level of the vegetable
All vegetables require the same cooking time in a stir-fry.
False
Why should you dry the vegetables before stir-frying?
So the vegetables can become crispy and not soggy
Briefly boiling the vegetables in a liquid, such as chicken broth, is an alternative to _______________ them before stir-frying.
blanching
Match the vegetables with their characteristics:
Zucchini = High moisture, not too hard Broccoli = Dense, low moisture Snow peas = Medium moisture, medium thickness Asparagus = High moisture, relatively hard and thick
Why should you cut the vegetables into uniform sizes before stir-frying?
So they cook at the same time
It's okay to add wet vegetables to the stir-fry.
False
Why is it a good idea to wash the vegetables earlier in the day?
So they have time to drain and dry before cooking in the evening
What is the advantage of baking vegetable combinations instead of cooking them on the range top?
It allows for slower, all-around heat and desirable effects like browning
Any vegetable can be roasted regardless of its moisture content.
False
What is the purpose of parcooking vegetables in casseroles?
To cook them partially before baking
The exact temperature of the oven doesn't matter too much when _______ vegetables.
roasting
What is the result of baking candied sweet potatoes in a steamer?
No glaze forms on the sweet potatoes
Baking is a quick and fast cooking method.
False
Match the following cooking methods with their characteristics:
Baking = Allows for slower, all-around heat and desirable effects like browning Steaming = Moist heat that prevents glaze formation Roasting = Requires high moisture content in vegetables Simmering = Used for parcooking vegetables in casseroles
What is the final step in the procedure for baking and roasting vegetables?
Bake to desired doneness
Study Notes
Cooking Methods for Vegetables
- Boiling, simmering, steaming, pan-steaming, and sous vide are cooking methods for vegetables, each with its own advantages and suitable for specific types of vegetables.
Boiling
- Boiling is a common cooking method, but simmering is often a more appropriate term.
- Green vegetables are typically boiled to preserve color and nutrients.
- Delicate vegetables may break or turn watery when boiled, making simmering a better option.
Steaming
- Steaming is a popular method, especially with advanced equipment.
- It's ideal for cooking certain vegetables, like broccoli, that easily break or become mushy when simmered.
Pan-Steaming
- Pan-steaming combines boiling and steaming, cooking vegetables in a covered pan with a small amount of water.
- This method is quick and useful for cooking small quantities to order.
Grilling Vegetables
- Grilling is a great way to cook vegetables, caramelizing their natural sugars and enhancing their flavor.
- Preparing vegetables for grilling involves cleaning, cutting, seasoning, and sometimes marinating.
- Use direct and indirect heat to cook vegetables, and employ grilling hacks like grill baskets and foil packets.
Baking and Roasting Vegetables
- Baking and roasting are similar, but baking often refers to cooking in a covered dish, while roasting implies open cooking.
- Vegetables can be baked or roasted whole, halved, or in slices, depending on the type and desired texture.
- Finishing certain vegetable combinations, like casseroles, involves baking to cook undisturbed and produce desirable effects like browning and caramelization.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
- Stir-frying is a quick cooking method for vegetables, requiring technique and consideration of vegetable density and moisture levels.
- Choose the right vegetables, and prepare them by cutting to uniform sizes, washing, and draining excess moisture.
- Add vegetables to the wok or pan in the right order, and consider blanching or briefly boiling before stir-frying.
Learn about the best cooking methods for vegetables, including boiling, simmering, and steaming, to preserve nutrients and color.
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