vegetables are packed with nutrients and an essential part of our daily diet.

Tag : asparagus
Method

1. Cut each eggplant lengthwise into 6 slices. Cook eggplant inbatches in a large frying pan (or grill plate) brushing one side ofeach slice with combined oil, Gourmet Garden Basil, Rosemary andGarlic.

2. Boil, steam or microwave asparagus until just tender. Refresh incold water.

3. Place one spear of asparagus, a little cheese and some choppedtomatoes and olives on each slice of aubergine. Roll up and securewith a toothpick


Making Vegetables Fab with Herbs and Spices We all know that vegetables are packed with nutrients and fibre andare an essential part of our daily diet. However a recent reportfrom NSW Health* shows a staggering 95% of men, 90% of women and80% of children do not eat the five vegetables a day recommendedfor a healthy lifestyle.

Leading Australian dietitian, Karen Inge APD, says the study is farfrom just a NSW problem and is a reflection of the national dietarypicture. To improve the situation, she encourages Australians to beinnovative in their vegetable preparation and has developed an easyto use Veggie Chart.

"We all know vegetables are nutrient rich and contribute to goodhealth, protect against a number of diseases and help maintain ahealthy weight. They supply us with vitamins like A,C and E andfolate, minerals like iron, dietary fibre and other bioactives thathave potent antioxidant activity" said Karen. "So why don't wemunch them down? My guess is that we serve them the same way, everyday, stick to a few staples and boredom quickly sets in."

Karen suggests including lots of unusual vegetables in your dietrather than just the tried and tested few. Mastering a variety ofcooking methods and adding stimulating flavours to your greens arethe keys to increasing consumption.

"Firstly, for maximum nutritional benefit and taste satisfactionyou need variety. The more colours on the plate, the better - Red,green, orange, yellow from corn, even purple from eggplant.Remember the more colours, the more nutrients you are eating," saidKaren.

Karen recommends a raft of cooking methods like a quick stir-fry,lightly steaming or microwaving, saut