Creamy Vegetable Medley

Name: Creamy Vegetable Medley
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh); 2 cups cauliflower florets (fresh); 1 cup carrots (sliced); 1 cup green beans (trimmed and halved); 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk (2%); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground); 1 teaspoon garlic powder

50 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

A delightful blend of fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main.

Prep

20 min

Cook

30 min

Total

50 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Immerse yourself in the comforting flavours of a creamy vegetable medley, a dish that perfectly balances the freshness of seasonal vegetables with the richness of a velvety cream sauce. This versatile dish can be served as a side or a main, making it ideal for family dinners or special occasions. With the right balance of creaminess and crunch, this version stands out by using a variety of colourful vegetables and a simple yet elegant sauce. It’s a recipe that brings a touch of elegance to your table, while remaining approachable for cooks of all levels.

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and green beans. Blanch for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Blanching helps preserve the vibrant colour of the vegetables.

Make the roux

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour to form a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Pro tip: Cooking the flour helps eliminate any raw taste.

Add milk and cream

Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Pro tip: For a smoother sauce, ensure there are no lumps in the roux before adding milk.

Season the sauce

Stir in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Pro tip: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth of flavour.

Combine vegetables and sauce

Add blanched vegetables to the saucepan. Stir to coat evenly with the sauce.

Pro tip: Ensure all vegetables are well coated for maximum flavour.

Final cooking and serve

Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Pro tip: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh vegetables for the best flavour and texture.
Adjust seasoning to taste as you cook.
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a creamy vegetable medley?

A creamy vegetable medley is a dish consisting of various vegetables cooked in a rich and creamy sauce. It's typically served as a side dish or light main.

How many calories are in a serving of creamy vegetable medley?

A serving of creamy vegetable medley contains approximately 210 calories.

How do you make a creamy vegetable medley?

To make a creamy vegetable medley, blanch vegetables, prepare a creamy sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cream, then combine and cook together.

Can you make creamy vegetable medley ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and sauce separately and combine them just before serving. Store the components in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What can I serve with creamy vegetable medley?

Serve creamy vegetable medley with roasted meats or crusty bread. It pairs well with grilled chicken or beef.

Serving Suggestions

The creamy vegetable medley pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own with some crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or beef for a balanced meal. For make-ahead convenience, prepare the vegetables and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.