Grilled Chicken and Mixed Veggies

One of the fastest dish I can prepare in a jiffy...

INGREDIENTS:

4 pcs. chicken fillet, thigh
2 cups mixed veggies
2 tbsp, lemon juice (or calamansi)
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Squeeze in lemon juice. Set aside.
2. In a pre-heated griddle, add oil and butter. Grill chicken until cooked, turning it over until each side is a little brown. Only takes about 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Using the same pan, add in mixed veggies on the side. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns bright in color. Do not overcook.
4. Prepare in individual serving dish, with the veggies on the side. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Tomato

"Kamatis", as what it is called in the Philippines, is a herbaceous, usually sprawling plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family. I have read a little history of this round, plump vegetable about how the Spanish distributed the tomato throughout their colonies in the Caribbean, after the Spanish colonization of the Americas. They also took it to the Philippines, whence it moved to southeast Asia and then the entire Asian continent. Reason why we always see tomato plants sprawling just about anywhere - in our backyard, the plant box and even on vacant lots, growing with other plants and grass.

Whether it's eaten raw or cooked, tomatoes are now eaten freely throughout the world, and their consumption is believed to benefit the heart among other things. Taken from Wikipedia, "Lycopene, one of nature's most powerful antioxidants, is present in tomatoes, and, especially when tomatoes are cooked, has been found beneficial in preventing prostate cancer. However, other research contradicts this claim. Tomato extract branded as Lycomato is now also being promoted for treatment of high blood pressure. Though it is botanically a berry, a subset of fruit, the tomato is nutritionally categorized as a vegetable. Since "vegetable" is not a botanical term, there is no contradiction in a plant part being a fruit botanically while still being considered a vegetable."

Cubed fresh tomatoes is ideal as partner for grilled dips and mostly salads. Also goes well with almost anything with soup. The dried variety also is a great ingredient for pasta dishes.

String Beans

"Sitaw" as what we fondly call it, is a long string of beans, that is where it derived its name "string beans". An excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. Plus green beans are very good source of vitamin A (notably through their concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene), dietary fiber, potassium, folate, and iron. Sitaw mixes well with almost any vegetable. It goes well with squash and malunggay leaves, with coconut milk as its base. One famous dish is the Adobo, a soy sauce-vinegar concoction.

To prepare string beans, wash it first with running water. Remove the tips and just using your hand, bend it till it snaps. If you notice a string clinging to its end, just slide it off until it is removed. Others prefer just using the beans alone, so you can just open the slit and remove the beans inside.

Potato

"Patatas" is the world's most widely grown tuber crop, and the fourth largest food crop in terms of fresh produce — after rice, wheat, and corn. Known for its carbohydrate content, potato is a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. We simply love french fries, mashed and baked potatoes. It also mixes well with casseroles, soups and even just a simple side dish on any cuisine.

The easiest way to peel it is with the use of your ever-handy peeler. Or the harder way, peel it manually with the knife, just be careful not to slip it on your hand. Before cooking, you may soak peeled potatoes in a bowl of cold water, to avoid discoloration.

Carrot

Carrots, also known as the same in the Philippines, is a good source of vitamin A, for good eyesight. It can be eaten in a variety of ways, raw or cooked. It can be fried or steamed, cooked with soups and stews, as well as baby and pet food. I remember preparing carrots when my daughter was still on the first stage of eating solid food. I prepare a few slices and toss it in boling water for a few minutes until tender. I then mix it with the porridge, adding a little salt to taste. Carrot juice is also widely advertised, especially as a health drink, either stand-alone or blended with fruits and other vegetables. Steamed strips of carrots can be used as a side-dish or a finger food itself, dipped in mayonnaise.