This healthy side dish is great for entertaining. The vegetables are quickly blanched in simmering water to create a slightly cooked texture with a lot of crunch. The vegetables are then tossed in a shallot vinaigrette for a light tasty flavor. It’s a perfect side dish to accompany meat and potatoes, or can be served as an appetizer in place of a veggie tray. The portion is large enough to feed a crowd!
Ingredients:
2 pounds cauliflower, cut into florets (about 1 head)
2 pounds broccoli, cut into florets (about 2 heads)
2 pounds carrots, peeled, cut into 3- inch pieces, halved lengthwise
1 pound green beans, ends trimmed
Shallot Vinaigrette:
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt + additional
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Preparation:
Heat large pot of water with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce to a medium simmer. Add cauliflower and cook for 30 seconds, remove from water with a large slotted spoon into a colander and run cold water over to stop from cooking. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Repeat the same process with the broccoli then carrots. Repeat process with green beans cooking 30 seconds longer to equal one minute total cooking time. Let vegetables cool then cover and refrigerate until cold.
Whisk all ingredients for the shallot vinaigrette in a small mixing bowl. Gently toss shallot vinaigrette over vegetables, mix thoroughly and serve.
Serves 8-10
*Vegetables can be prepared one day ahead and stored in a large airtight container. The shallot vinaigrette can be prepared one day ahead as well. Toss together before serving.
Recipe courtesy of Melody Shammam at www.cookingwithmelody.com
