Dr. Diane's Blog: Brain Injury, Stroke, Parkinson's Disease and MS

Carrots don’t need to take a long time to cook. By cutting them into ¼-inch slices and “Healthy Steaming” them, they will be ready in only 5 minutes. The “Healthy Steaming” method is a gentle, moist way of preparing carrots that enhances their flavor.

1 lb medium Carrots

3 TBS extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp lemon juice

Sea salt and pepper to taste

1. Add 2 inches of water to the bottom of the steamer.

2. While steam is building up in steamer, cut Carrots into 1/4–inch slices. Carrots cut thicker will take longer to cook.

3. For al dent́e Carrots, steam covered for no more than 5-minutes. A fork will pierce them easily when they are done.

4. Transfer to a bowl. For more flavor, toss Carrots with the remaining ingredients while they are still hot.

SERVES 2

Cooking Tips:

• To prevent overcooking Carrots, I highly recommend using a timer.
• Testing Carrots with a fork is an effective way to determine whether they are done.

TRY THIS GREAT SERVING SUGGESTION WITH THE RECIPE ABOVE:

Greek Carrots: For a delicious side dish, toss the 5-Minute “Healthy Steamed” Carrots recipe with dill weed and crumbled feta cheese.

RESEARCH STUDIES HAVE SHOWN that carotenoids found in foods are best absorbed when consumed with oils. Therefore, to maximize the absorption of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and other carotenoids in your Carrots, you may want to consider eating them with some nuts or a little flaxseed oil or olive oil dressing.