Spiralizing vegetables is a creative and healthy way to incorporate more veggies into your diet and substitute for traditional pasta. A spiralizer is the handy kitchen gadget that turns vegetables into noodles, often referred to as “zoodles” when made with zucchini. Spiralized vegetables can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries to pasta. Follow these simple steps and tips to make perfect vegetable noodles:
Choosing Your Spiralizer
There are several types of spiralizers to choose from:
- Handheld Spiralizer: Compact and inexpensive, these are good for small jobs and smaller vegetables.
- Horizontal Spiralizer: These usually offer more blade options and stability, and are good for spiralizing a variety of vegetables.
- Vertical Spiralizer: They often require less effort as gravity helps with the spiralizing process.
Selecting Your Vegetables
Almost any firm vegetable can be spiralized. Some of the most popular options include:
- Zucchini and summer squash (zoodles)
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Beets
- Cucumbers (for cold dishes, as they contain a lot of water)
- Radishes
- Apples (for salads or dessert applications)
Prepping Your Vegetables
- Wash the produce thoroughly.
- Peel the vegetables if necessary (e.g., sweet potatoes, beets).
- Trim the ends so they’re flat and even.
- For the best results, choose vegetables that are at least 1.5 inches in diameter and have a firm texture.
How to Spiralize
- Assemble Your Spiralizer: Set up your gadget according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure it’s secure on your countertop to prevent slipping.
- Attach the Vegetable: Place your prepared vegetable onto the spiralizer. If using a handheld model, you’ll need to apply some pressure and twist the vegetable. With horizontal or vertical models, secure the vegetable between the blade and the handle.
- Choose Your Blade: Depending on what type of noodles you want (thin spaghetti, thicker fettuccine, ribbon cuts, etc.), select the appropriate blade. Most spiralizers come with at least a few blade options.
- Start Spiralizing: Turn the handle (or twist the vegetable against the blade for handheld models), applying gentle pressure. Long, continuous strands should begin to form.
- Keep Your Fingers Safe: As you get to the end of the vegetable, use a provided safety cap or fork to minimize the risk of cutting your hands.
- Cook or Serve: You can either serve your spiralized vegetables raw, sauté them for a few minutes to make them al dente like pasta, or briefly boil them if you prefer a softer texture.
Tips for Perfect Vegetable Noodles
- Dry Your Noodles: After spiralizing something like zucchini, it’s a good idea to lay the noodles out on paper towels and sprinkle them with salt. The salt draws out excess moisture, which you can then pat away with more paper towels. This step can help prevent your dish from becoming too watery.
- Don’t Waste the Cores: The core of the vegetables that remains can be saved for stocks, stews, or composting.
- Cooking Time: Keep in mind that different vegetables have varying cooking times. Test for the desired texture as you cook.
- Storage: If not using immediately, store the spiralized vegetables in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They can usually hold up for 2-3 days.
- Experiment: Try out different blade attachments and vegetables to keep your dishes interesting. You can create a variety of textures and flavors by mixing and matching.
Using a spiralizer can open up a whole new world of cooking and eating. It’s a straightforward process that adds a fun twist to your vegetables. Whether you’re looking to make a quick veggie stir-fry or a creative and colorful salad, a spiralizer can help you incorporate more veggies into your meals in an appealing and delicious way.
