Spring Vegetable Bundles Recipes

VEGETABLE BUNDLES

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thyme and oregano sprigs, along with the garlic, wine, chicken stock, and lemon juice and zest. Allow to boil down, about 5 minutes.
• While the broth is cooking, layer 2 zucchini ribbons vertically. Add 2 string beans, 1 squash quarter and 1 asparagus horizontally. Roll the zucchini ribbon up to create a bundle. Do this for the remaining ingredients. Add each bundle gently to the pan with the broth. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, spooning the broth over each bundle.

SPRING VEGETABLE BUNDLES

Steps:

• Trim both ends of onions - making sure the green tops are as long as possible - at least 7 to 8 inches long.
• In a saucepan, bring some water to a boil, add the green onion tops; boil for 1 minute or until softened. Drain and immediately place onion tops in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Chop white portion of onions and set aside. (I always do a few extra onion tops -- just in case any tear as I'm tieing it around the bundles).
• Divide asparagus, peppers and carrots into 12 bundles. Top each with a thyme sprig. Tie each bundle with a blanched onion top (into a knot).*.
• In a large skillet, place wine or broth, chopped onion and vegetable bundles. Bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender and liquid is reduced by two-thirds. Carefully remove bundles with a slotted spoon to a serving platter (or individual plates). Add butter to skillet; cook and stir until melted. Spoon over bundles.
• Note: Use asparagus spears that are ¼ inch in diameter. Larger spears should be cut lengthwise.
• Note #2: I have also used fresh green beans -- they work great, but the if you substitute them for either of the peppers, the color isn't quite as attractive. But for someone who doesn't like asparagus, that would be a good alternate.
• *I secure the bundles with a thin rubber band and then tie the onion top around it (then cut away the rubber band). I also don't place the thyme in the bundle until after I have them tied.

STEAMED VEGGIE BUNDLES

Steps:

• Divide vegetables between two pieces of double thickness heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Fold foil around vegetables and seal tightly. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 10-13 minutes on each side or until vegetables are tender. , Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape. With a slotted spoon, remove vegetables to a serving dish. Combine the salad dressings; drizzle over vegetables and toss to coat.