Vegetable Platter
A vibrant vegetable platter featuring tender carrots, green beans, and leeks, drizzled with melted butter and fresh parsley—perfect for healthy gatherings or as a colorful side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel carrots and cut in half crosswise and quarter lengthwise.
- Snap green beans and cut in half.
- Cut off the roots of the leeks and remove coarse outer leaves.
- Cut off all but 2 inches of the green tops of the leeks.
- Cut leeks in half lengthwise.
- Place chicken broth in a large saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add green beans and return to boiling, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add carrots and leeks, return to simmer, cover, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender.
- Drain vegetables and arrange on a platter.
- Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with snipped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the leeks in the melted butter before adding them to the broth. You can substitute fresh green beans with frozen if you're short on time. If you want to enhance the dish further, try adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving for brightness. For a heartier option, serve with Dutchess Potatoes on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vegetable platter warm, drizzled with the melted butter and sprinkled with parsley for a vibrant presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken And Cheese Strata for a wholesome meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, creating a colorful and nutritious plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the vegetables in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to help retain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Platter contains roughly 261 calories, with 7g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (235% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and potassium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this platter?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as some vegetables may cook faster than others. Experimenting with seasonal produce can also enhance the dish's flavor and presentation.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this vegetable platter is great for meal prep! You can prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them when ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weekdays or when entertaining guests.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substituting the melted butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. This will keep the dish light while still providing delicious flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).