The makers of DOLMIO® believe that great food starts with exceptional ingredients. This is why we pick only the finest natural ingredients to ensure superior quality and taste.

Based on our years of experience we have put together some quick tips to help you understand the benefits of key ingredients like vegetables, which ensure the wellbeing and happiness of your family and friends.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are used extensively within Mediterranean cuisine and in many of the DOLMIO Pasta Sauces. This is fantastic because tomatoes naturally contain lycopenes (a powerful antioxidant), which can assist in the prevention of heart disease and prostate cancer.

Onions

Onions add a great boost of flavour to food. However not only are they tasty, they can also help improve the proportion of good to bad cholesterol. A handy tip to avoid tears while cutting onions, is to chill them in the fridge beforehand. Alternatively, holding a piece of bread in your teeth is said to absorb some of the fumes before they irritate your eyes.

Garlic

Another great way to beat the cholesterol is to eat garlic. Essentially, a nutrient called cynarin helps to carry cholesterol out of the digestive system. Fortunately garlic makes a great addition in Mediterranean dishes and is included in a number of DOLMIO recipes.

Basil

Basil is also a traditional Italian ingredient and it can easily recognised by its distinctive aroma. Try adding some fresh basil to your meals for an authentic Italian taste. You can also combine a range of other fresh herbs like oregano, marjoram or parsley.

Tips for Buying & Preparing Vegetables

• Buy fresh vegetables in season. Not only do they taste better they are also more affordable. You might try adding hearty vegetables such as pumpkin in winter to your Pasta Bake or red capsicum for a fresh spring Bolognese meal.
• Save more time for dinner table conversation by using a microwave to steam your vegetables.
• If you feel like experimenting you can add texture to your dish by using crunchy vegetables, either raw or lightly steamed.
• For some added excitement, you can add sweet potatoes, white potatoes, white beans, tomato, beet greens, spinach, lentils, kidney beans, and split peas

Getting Children to Eat More Vegetables

• Make meal times fun. Let your child decide what vegetables will go in your next DOLMIO dish.
• If they’re old enough, get them involved in preparing the vegetables. Not only is it fun but it’s also a life long lesson in preparing healthy meals.