2 simple vegetable sides

These two vegetable side dishes -- tasty creations with zucchini and broccoli --  are a great way to encourage kids to eat their vegetables. They may even ask for more!

If you've only had broccoli steamed or sautéed, roasting will be a revelation. Make sure the broccoli florets are thoroughly dried to help them roast and brown instead of steam in the oven. If you rinse the broccoli, give the florets a spin in a salad spinner then pat dry.

Preparation time: 5 minutes 

Cooking time: 12 minutes 

Serves 6

• 450 g (1 lb) broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 22 ml (1 1/2 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ml (1/2 tsp) salt
•  0.5 ml (1/4 tsp) ground black pepper
• Grated zest of 1/2 lemon
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) grated Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F.)
2. Toss the broccoli, garlic, oil, salt and pepper in a rimmed baking sheet until well coated.Roast until the broccoli stems are tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove from the oven and scatter on the lemon zest and Parmesan.

Nutritional information per serving: 65 calories, 4 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 5 g carbs, 3 g protein, 2 g fibre, 1 mg cholesterol, 143 mg sodium, 62 mg calcium.

Simple side dishes don't come much prettier than this. When you slice zucchini lengthwise but leave the slices attached at the square stem end, the zucchini can be spread out like a fan. A quick stop in the microwave oven softens the fans, then a brief broiling crisps the Parmesan cheese topping.

Preparation time: 5 minutes 

Cooking time 5 minutes 

Serves 6

• 450 g (1 lb) medium or small zucchini
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) dried oregano
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) salt
•  0.5 ml (1/8 tsp) ground black pepper
•  75 g (1/3 c) grated Parmesan cheese.

1.  Cut four to five lengthwise slits through each zucchini to within one centimetre (1/2 inch) of the stem end.
2. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer in a microwaveable shallow dish. Cover and microwave on high power until the zucchini are tender-soft enough to bend, three to four minutes.
3. Preheat the broiler. Using a spatula, transfer the zucchini to a baking sheet.
4. Spread out each zucchini like a fan, pressing down near the stem end to help them stay spread out. Scatter on the oregano, salt and pepper. Top with the Parmesan.
5. Broil until the cheese is lightly browned, about two minutes.

Nutritional information per serving: 31 calories, 1 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 3 g carbs, 3 g protein, 1 g fibre, 4 mg cholesterol, 172 mg sodium, 60 mg calcium.