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Mixed Veggie Sauté

Who said veggies had to be boring? I take a mixture of carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli and kick it up a notch in flavor by adding some caramelized onions. It's a simple side dish that the whole family will enjoy.
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Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 3561.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Very Large Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for even heat distribution and caramelization
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef's knife For prepping vegetables
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring and scraping
  • 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion halved and sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 carrots peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 small head broccoli cut into florets
  • 1 small head cauliflower cut into florets
  • 1/3 cup vegetable broth

Instructions
 

  • Heat the butter and oil in a very large cast-iron skillet until the butter melts. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to caramelize, about 12 minutes. Stir in the garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  • Add the carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and vegetable broth. Cover and cook until the vegetables are bright in color, 5 minutes.
  • Uncover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates, and the vegetables are lightly caramelized and tender, 20 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.

Notes

Achieving true caramelization on the onions takes patience; resist the urge to rush it, as this deep flavor is the backbone of the dish. A low to medium-low heat is crucial to prevent burning while sugars develop. For enhanced flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar during the last few minutes of onion caramelization to deepen their sweetness. Ensure your vegetables are cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. The initial covered cooking steams the vegetables to a vibrant color, while the uncovered phase allows for a beautiful browning and tender-crisp texture. Taste and adjust seasoning generously at the end for optimal flavor.